Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera
Canon’s new EOS 50D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro with high-speed and quality. It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for shooting even in the dimmest situations. It features a refined 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots) monitor, supercharged Live View Function with Face Detection Live mode, plus a number of new automatic Image Correction settings and HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV.
The new screen is perhaps the most obvious upgrade to anyone used to a 30 or 20D, the screen is stunningly clear and the higher resolution is obvious from the moment you turn it on.
The Digic 4 menu system is far easier to get along with compared to previous models, and the user custom menu allows you to configure your favorite options all on one place.
The 15 megapixel sensor is honestly overkill in my opinion, there is way too much attention pushed to the ‘make it higher everytime’ by camera companies. 8 megapixels is more than enough for most people out there and big enough for most normal size prints, I’ve printed up to 13 inches without any problem. The one thing the extra mega pixels does give you is the option to crop closer in post processing.
Live view is nice, but I’ll probably never use it. One of the reasons I like my DSLR over my point and shoot is the way the view finder allows me to see nothing but the shot and compose exactly the way I want without any distractions. Personally I still think Live view is an odd feature to put in a mid to high range DSLR but I can see where Canon would want to target those people used to point and shoot cameras. And most likely is something designed to get slowly move us towards the video/still camera style of which the 5D mkII is the future I’m sure.
I have to say at first I was some what concerned how sharp the images were at the full resolution, I shoot with the 24-105 F4/L and 70-200 F/4L and both of those lenses are incredibly sharp on my 30D. However I believe now that it is the software that is to blame, I have never been impressed with Canon’s software and am delighted that Adobe has released Camera RAW 4.6 to allow me to get back into Bridge and Photoshop CS3. I hope that Lightroom 2.1 gets released soon as that is my normal workflow and image management application. (I do also use Aperture 2 but I am sure that will be a while before it becomes compatible with 50D RAW files).
The in camera JPEG files are OK…until you see what the RAW files can do, but at times it’s nice to use in camera JPEG’s when I am just doing point and shot stuff.
The camera feels very solid, and the build quality is excellent, the main scroll wheel feels much better than my 30D which always felt a little soft on the clicks.
Filed under Lenses, Professional, SLR, camcorders, zoom lens by Product Reviews
Here’s a quick, first impressions (from hands on shooting) of the Rebel T1i. Although we’ll need more scientific examinations to determine ultimate image quality and usability, I’ll try to give a hint into the camera’s potential. Let’s just agree that $100 for a good quality IS (image stabalized) lens is a very reasonable value it you don’t have another option. There are no obvious reasons this kit lens should make or break your choice of this camera over a competitor’s.
Styling and build wise, the T1i is an XSi made over, which is not a bad thing. Some found that camera to be a bit on the small size for their hands, or a bit lacking in weight, but most like the size and weight (include me). It uses the same, proven battery and accessories of the XSi.
In using the camera, the first thing you’ll notice over the previous Rebels in the marvelous LCD screen. Don’t get confused if you compare this camera side-by-side and think it’s images are all that much better.
First looks at IQ (Image Quality) were very impressive. I thought the Auto White Balance is a very good job compared to previous results I’d had with Canons in general.
Live View never has been one of my biggest thrills, but the sharp LCD makes it a bit more enjoyable. Sound was OK, and I was a bit disappointed that Canon doesn’t have an option audio input (ala the 5D mkII or camcorders with intellegent shoe). Also, 20fps is a bit odd for 1080p, but their software does support frame grapping, which should give nice 4×6 prints (there’s a bit more than 2meg per frame). You can also shoot a full 15meg image while recording your videos. You videos are interrupted for about a second (you’ll see a still image for that length in the video playback), but the high quality image will be recorded in its own file (no need to frame grab). Well, compared to the XSi, it’s better, but maybe not worth the money. The LCD is grand (that alone would get my money), and it’s a no brainer if you need video or shoot lots of macros. But with resent price drops and combo deals from Canon, the XSi should still be strong based on value. Although initial pricing is about $50 higher on the T1i, I thought the Canon was clearly more interesting.
The 14mp Sony Alpha 350 might be a good value oriented competitor (when Sony offers bundles), but the IQ of the Canon’s CMOS sensor is probably better in most moderate to low light conditions.
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Filed under SLR by Product Reviews
