Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera (incl. EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Kit)
- EOS 50D + EF-S 17-85mm
The perfect combination of speed and quality, the EOS 50DTs 15.1 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processor deliver superb high-ISO performance, shooting flexibility and image quality without compromise.15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensorCanonTs APS-C sized CMOS sensor delivers ultra-detailed, low-noise images ideal for large-scale reproduction and creative cropping. Redesigned pixels with gapless micro lenses extend light gathering capability for exceptional performance throughout the ISO range. 6.3 fps continuous shootingPerfect for sports, wildlife and action sequences, the EOS 50D captures 6.3 frames per second for continuous bursts of up to 90 JPEGs with a UDMA card.DIGIC 4DIGIC 4 is the EOS 50DTs powerful processing engine, working with the CMOS sensor to deliver 14-bit image processing for smooth gradations and natural looking colours. Fast enough to power 6.3 fps continuous shooting, DIGIC 4 is also responsible for the EOS 50DTs near-instant startup time and quick image review following shoo… more >>
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(out of 6 reviews)
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Review by markh5682 for Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera (incl. EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Kit)
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I bought this camera almost as soon as it was released, at a very competitive price from amazon itself (not a third party seller), so I have had plenty of time to get used to it, and test it fully before writing this review.
The first thing you notice is that this is not a small lightweight camera, but is a solid well built camera designed for serious use, yet despite it’s size and weight it is still easy to hold and is comfortable to use, for those of you that have used the EOS 40D it has the same body shell as that, and has the advantage of using the same accessories as the EOS 40D as well.
The menu’s are well laid out and easy to use making this camera easy to set up and use, the large LCD screen is bright and clear, and much higher resolution than previous EOS cameras, excellent for manual focusing in live view and checking the focus of pictures already taken.
Auto focus is lightning quick and accurate under normal conditions, and even in low light conditions it is still quick.
Cramming 15 megapixels resolution onto a small sensor causes problems with digital noise on many cameras, but not here, digital noise (graininess) is not apparent at all until you get into the highest ISO settings (ISO-100 to 3200 is available) and even then it is well controlled, there is also the option of setting a very high ISO-6400 or ISO-12800 setting but noise is apparent at such high settings and is best used in emergency only, and with it’s 15mp resolution, even severely cropped or greatly enlarged pictures are crystal clear, colours are rendered accurately, even in difficult lighting conditions, when set to auto white balance, snow comes out as white snow, not bluish as on some other cameras that I have used, picture quality really is excellent, and has to be seen to be believed.
The built in flash is adequate for most situations but if you take a lot of flash photos and need a higher output flash, then one of canon’s speedlight flashes can be used instead.
It is compatible with all canon EF and EFS lenses, and with canon’s image stabilised lenses you get pin sharp pictures even in low light or with longer telephoto lenses.
PRO’s
Good all round performance.
Excellent picture quality.
High resolution with low noise.
Good low light performance.
Quick and accurate focusing and a very effective image stabilisation (with Canon’s IS lenses)
Live view function.
Well built and strong with its metal body shell.
Takes the same accessories as the EOS 40D
Compatible with the latest high capacity CF cards.
Raw or Jpeg files are recorded, Raw+Jpeg simultaneous recording is also possible.
CON’s
large and heavy.
Expensive.
No movie function.
No CF card supplied, so if you don’t already have one, you will need to buy one before you can use it (with 15mp resolution the higher the capacity of the card the better).
In conclusion….
This is an excellent camera for the serious photographer and is a worthwhile upgrade from an older camera.
If you already own an EOS 40D then the difference in performance would not warrant the expense of an upgrade, but if you want a second body with higher resolution then this would be an ideal companion to your existing EOS 40D, as most of the functions are the same and you can use all your current accessories with it.
It would also be a good back up camera for a professional photographer, who does not want to go to the expense of a second full frame pro camera.
It is more expensive than some other “prosumer” cameras, but with the features and performance that you get, it is worth every penny.
Highly recommended.
This review (updated) can also be seen on Ciao! under the name of Markh5682
Review by M. Haley for Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera (incl. EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Kit)
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I upgraded from the Canon 40D in December………not exactly by choice but because some low life liberated the 40D from a hotel room in Barcelona!
The camera is fantastic and produces pin sharp results and the noise performance is much better than the 40D. Part of the reason things look so good though is partly down to the screen which is stunning. The extra megapixels helps the image size when printing (pixel count is 4752×3168 as opposed to 3888×2592 on the 40D). I am lucky to have a plotter at work which can print to A0 on canvas and even prints of A1 and above look great.
If you are used to the 40D, the layout and buttons are exactly the same bar the remote print button which now doubles as a live view switch.
Although the lens is not that fast, for the money the quality is spot on, especially compared to the cheaper kit lens like the 18-55.
The camera and lens combination is fairly heavy but i like this and having large hands i find this very comfortable.
I would certainly recommend this kit and it is a definate improvement over the 40D. If mine hadnt been stolen though i would not have upgraded at this point as the difference is good but not enough to warrant the change unless you can get decent money selling your 40D.
The f1.8 50mm Canon lens works a treat with this camera and for less than £70 is a great option for low light scenarios and for portraits.
Review by Rich for Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera (incl. EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Kit)
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I purchased this camera in Dec 2008. It was my first DSLR. I could have purchased the 40d, but did lots of research and figured that it was better to pay the additional premium, for a more up to date camera. The camera was supplied with the 17-85mm lens. I have used this camera on a daily basis. The instructions supplied are superb, but the only way to really get to know the camera is to use it. To say that I am impressed would be a complete understatement! It is lovely to use. This a heavy, large camera, so if you plan to use it for world travels, it might not suit. Personally, I like the weight as it just feels right and the quality is just the best. this is based on looking at the Sony alpha and Nikon range! I would highly rate the Eos 50d. The pictures are brilliant, it is easy to use and completely ticks every one of my boxes! Richard
Review by chuckles for Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera (incl. EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Kit)
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Decided to upgrade my wonderful eod400d and lenses. After reading quite a lot about it, I had decided against the 450d and would go for the 40d instead. However, after reading about this camera, I could not resist….. it was quite a lot more, but decided that I could buy this one and not need another camera for many years. This lens is about the best affordable standard lens for the canon eos range, and is a lovely bit of kit. Only disadvantages compared to a lesser lens and the 400d is the size and weight, however feels much more stable and well built. Now down the the picture quality…… all I can say is AMAZING! Even in low light (a common eos flaw) this camera took great shots without the flash, crystal clear….. only had it a day or so, but convinced this was well worth every penny
Review by S. D. Pearce for Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera (incl. EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Kit)
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The Canon Eos 50D is a superb camera. I use the camera for taking pictures for marketing purposes for my company. The quality of pictures is clear, high quality and the different modes allow for different types of shot. The camera has a lot of automatic functions, but also can be used with manual settings. I have found the camera extremely easy to use and the photographs outstanding. The 17-85 lens is very good and I have also purchased a 250mm zoom lens from Amazon. Amazon was very prompt with their delivery, next day! If you want professional photos from an excellent camera, but cannot afford the mark5 Cannon, then you will be very pleased with this camera. I prefer it to Nikon and the range of lenses from Canon are excellent.