Canon EOS 50D Master thread

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Archive 2008 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

CKrueger
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p.4 #1 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

eosfun wrote:
No, but they make coolpix

Aug 27, 2008 at 02:32 PM

dcmiller
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p.4 #2 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

Xavier Rival wrote:
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

A 50D + a 300/2.8 + a 1.4x or a 2x could be a wonderful wildlife kit!

Exactly what I was thinking. The 50D has the pixel density to make the 300/2.8 a true long lens. This kit is much lighter and inexpensive than the big alternative.

Aug 27, 2008 at 02:49 PM

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p.4 #3 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

Andy Wilson wrote:
Well time will tell if there is a significant improvement in IQ of in focus images with this camera.

My disappointment (as much from what it likely means for the 5D successor as for this camera) is that Canon still hasn't got it about the AF. Nikon can put its top of the line AF module in a sub US$2000 camera and a US$3000 full frame camera. But so far canon hasn't caught on...

Let me spell it out for any Canon marketers who are reading. Serious hobbiests and I would expect all pros want consistent, accurate, Auto focus (unless their are MF only guys). Listen carefully guys and gals...

There is ZERO Image Quality in a misfocused image

I'm not saying that all my images (with a 20D) are misfocused, far from it (and some misfocus is user error, I readily admit) but I would say that consistently accurate AF is top of the list for me (and I suspect a number of others) to upgrade. (Followed by 1.5 to 2 stop improvement over my 20D's high ISO noise performance in lighting conditions way south of 5000K and a more distant third a few more MP's for group photos and landscapes)

Now maybe I will be pleasantly suprised at Photokina or whenever Canon tries to catch up with Nikon in this area but I am not holding my breath.

BTW that's four 1.6X crop models in a year. So I don't think Canon is giving up on this segment yet for those who have disdained EF-s lenses.

My guess is that the rate OOF images between the D50 and the D700 will be about the same.

Aug 27, 2008 at 02:54 PM

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p.4 #4 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

elader wrote:
I have owned like 20 lenses and only had one that significantly front focused. Can you imagine the measurbating this will cause??

Yes, but now with the 50D microadjustments they can do it in private and we don't have to watch.

Edited on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:56 PM

Aug 27, 2008 at 02:56 PM

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p.4 #5 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

Q: At the back of the camera, we see that the LCD is new? Still 3" but with a far higher resolution. A: Yes, far higher with 920,000 px. This was challenging as with a higher resolution, brightness and contrast is hard to maintain in bright sunlight. This new Clear View LCD contains several coatings which uses reflected light to the advantage of the viewer. A higher resolution also meant that we could use different fonts for the menus which increases viewing pleasure. FOr the first time, this is a screen from which you can establish focus accuracy, good colour reproduction in direct sunlight. ..........................

And why are we not more excited about this? Most people here had a fit (including me) when Nikon had a better screen than Canon. Now it seems the tables are turned.

Aug 27, 2008 at 03:02 PM

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p.4 #6 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

dcmiller wrote:

Q: At the back of the camera, we see that the LCD is new? Still 3" but with a far higher resolution. A: Yes, far higher with 920,000 px. This was challenging as with a higher resolution, brightness and contrast is hard to maintain in bright sunlight. This new Clear View LCD contains several coatings which uses reflected light to the advantage of the viewer. A higher resolution also meant that we could use different fonts for the menus which increases viewing pleasure. FOr the first time, this is a screen from which you can establish focus accuracy, good colour reproduction in direct sunlight. ..........................

And why are we not more excited about this? Most people here had a fit (including me) when Nikon had a better screen than Canon. Now it seems the tables are turned.

Yes but that was new then. Now it's expected to be put in every camera. Now that the D90 has video everyone will have a fit. The next camera that has it, people will say "about time". And so on with every other new feature.

Aug 27, 2008 at 03:30 PM

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p.4 #7 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

My thoughts on this:

1. Still the same body shape / style / design? Let's see a locking knob for that mode selection dial! And better, more integrated accessory grips.

2. 15MP? Seems a little much. I've yet to run into a client for whom my 8MP files are too small. If you really need that much, there's the high-res FF bodies. I'd like my mid-range prosumer to be a manageable 8 - 12MP.

3. Still the same cross-pattern 9-point AF? I don't need more points, but I need them to be positioned around the frame, not clustered in the centre. Let's see a nice, wide spread like the 11-cross types in 1D bodies.

4. A redesigned viewfinder and higher eyepoint would be nice, a la 1D. I've had enough of smudging my nose on the LCD.

5. HDMI? Really? Who uses this? It's like the DP button... always there, never used. Why not have support for writing to a USB or FW drive? Or have an ethernet jack for tethered shooting?

6. Still just a CF slot? I can't imagine dual CF-s would take up that much more space. Or, maybe we should have the option of a (very well integrated) grip that could hold another battery and a 4-card CF array? Simultaneous writing to two cards, and automatic overflow to another two would be pretty sweet.

Ok, my little rant is over. Thanks for reading.

Aug 27, 2008 at 03:48 PM

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p.4 #8 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

mrd08 wrote:
I would like to know why people say features are still missing over the D300

like what ?

OK, I'll bite. Off the top of my head, in no particular order:

1) 51-point, non-hobbled AF system

2) Fantastic LCD-based AF display system in the viewfinder. It allows you to actually see which AF points are active, instead of having to 'know' what you set. The inactive points are not shown in the viewfinder, as in Canon's implementation. It's such an intelligent approach to simplifying viewfinder info to include only what the photographer needs.

3) Increased FPS with grip installed.

4) Built-in CA correction that apparently works well (I have no experience with it).

5) 1005-pixel meter that actually uses all the data (kind of like a summary histogram), rather than 'binning' subsets of the data into a much smaller dataset. Canon is recently 'seeing the light' (pun intended) with this, and increasing the number of zones that the CMOS sensors pixels are 'averaged' to. Any light meter has (way) more than several dozen points of data, so why not use it? It's certainly more applicable to the way digital photography works, and Canon's implementation is still based on analog (film) cameras.

6) Comprehensive environmental sealing (yes, including the b/in flash).

7) On-demand gridlines in the viewfinder (LCD based). I'd love this feature on my camera; no messing with hardware, and it instantly disappears when I don't need it!

8) White-LED flash assist light (minor, but nevertheless worthy of mention).

Note also that the D300 had features only now being released on the 50D. Also, the D700 takes a compelling feature from the D3, the Virtual Horizon. If you haven't seen it in practice, it's hard to appreciate both how cool and potentially useful it is. Additionally, Nikon's conscious choice to allow their users to use DX lenses on FX cameras is commendable.

That's just off the top of my head, with my rather limited knowledge of Nikon's current offerings.

Hope that helps, even though I'm certain your mileage may vary.

-Jeff

Aug 27, 2008 at 03:48 PM

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p.4 #9 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

Yup, and you forgot what is now in all DSLR except Canon's : custom auto-ISO.

Aug 27, 2008 at 04:09 PM

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p.4 #10 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

RafalA wrote:
My thoughts on this:

1. Still the same body shape / style / design? Let's see a locking knob for that mode selection dial! And better, more integrated accessory grips.

2. 15MP? Seems a little much. I've yet to run into a client for whom my 8MP files are too small. If you really need that much, there's the high-res FF bodies. I'd like my mid-range prosumer to be a manageable 8 - 12MP.

3. Still the same cross-pattern 9-point AF? I don't need more points, but I need them to be positioned around the frame, not clustered in the centre. Let's see a nice, wide spread like the 11-cross types in 1D bodies.

4. A redesigned viewfinder and higher eyepoint would be nice, a la 1D. I've had enough of smudging my nose on the LCD.

5. HDMI? Really? Who uses this? It's like the DP button... always there, never used. Why not have support for writing to a USB or FW drive? Or have an ethernet jack for tethered shooting?

6. Still just a CF slot? I can't imagine dual CF-s would take up that much more space. Or, maybe we should have the option of a (very well integrated) grip that could hold another battery and a 4-card CF array? Simultaneous writing to two cards, and automatic overflow to another two would be pretty sweet.

Ok, my little rant is over. Thanks for reading.

I for one would use the HDMI slot for family snap shots on the telly.
It's the way to go. Most consumer electronics have HDMI ports. The 50D is just going with the flow. It ias aimed at consumers not pros.

As for higher MP, good for crops methinks.

Aug 27, 2008 at 04:24 PM

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p.4 #11 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

RafalA wrote:
3. Still the same cross-pattern 9-point AF? I don't need more points, but I need them to be positioned around the frame, not clustered in the centre. Let's see a nice, wide spread like the 11-cross types in 1D bodies.

Hallelujah! I am going to start a thread to urge Canonites to complain about this issue. This is 2008. Contax N got this right a decade ago.

Aug 27, 2008 at 04:26 PM

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p.4 #12 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

My thoughts on the Canon 50D and generally Canon -

1/ Superb camera. If it lives up to Canon's predictions re. noise (and given Canon's history, I see no reason it will not), it will be the best APS-C camera in the market for image quality, and at $400 less than the Nikon. What exactly is there to complain about?

2/ I am very happy with thee features and this price point, than a few more features which dont impact IQ but do impact price.

3/ I dont mind 9 AF points. I wish they were arranged in a square or rectangle, but hey, it aint the end of the world. With most action, you stick to the center AF point anyway - and for non-moving objects, lock/recompose or use what used to be CF4-1. I lose maybe 1% of shots due to having a 9point AF instead of a 51pt AF. If someone cannot take good action photos with this, overwhelming odds are that they need to improve their technique, not get better AF. There will be a few people who shoot extreme action who will benefit from a denser/greater distribution of AFs, but those people are FAR fewer than the number complaining about the AF system.

4/ Metering points? GMAFB. Use any camera for a while and you learn its meter. I get my exposure spot-on with Canon's existing meter and I would hate it if they change it as I would have to re-learn the meter. I like it the way it is - it gives consistent results which is all you need from a meter.

5/ Weathersealing? It is good enough for most use. In rain, I wager most people would be using a raincover of some sort, even with 1D bodies. Yes, they are sealed but what about water/spray on the front element and the eyepiece side of the VF?

6/ Generally, this is indeed a statement body by Canon. The 40D was a good body but not class-leading. They have quickly fixed it with a really well-specced camera with some really promising tech developments (sensor noise and the microlens array, primarily). This bodes very well for the soon-to-come 5D2 as well, as I think we will get something that matches up to the D700 the same way the 50D matches the D300 - most likely better res, better noise and also possibly a new AF (I think Canon is ready to bury the current dog of a 1D series AF, and historically, the old EOS 3 had an AF system that was almost as good as the 1V's... I am thinking something similar here).

I just sold my 40D today. I have an old 20D lying around which, along with my 1D2, will serve my shooting needs till Oct, when I get the 50D. I cannot remember ever being "excited" about a camera body (it's a tool that gets the job done), but this is as close as I've ever gotten.

Vandit

Aug 27, 2008 at 04:46 PM

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p.4 #13 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

4) Some of us would love spot metering at each af-point, believe it or not

5) Weathersealing should be a "given" at this price range, easy as that.

Aug 27, 2008 at 05:17 PM

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p.4 #14 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

brainiac wrote:
RafalA wrote:
3. Still the same cross-pattern 9-point AF? I don't need more points, but I need them to be positioned around the frame, not clustered in the centre. Let's see a nice, wide spread like the 11-cross types in 1D bodies.

Hallelujah! I am going to start a thread to urge Canonites to complain about this issue. This is 2008. Contax N got this right a decade ago.

Where do I sign up?

Aug 27, 2008 at 05:24 PM

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p.4 #15 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

Tear - offs for nose prints.

We are a tough ungreatful bunch.

Aug 27, 2008 at 05:34 PM

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p.4 #16 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

dcmiller wrote:
elader wrote:
I have owned like 20 lenses and only had one that significantly front focused. Can you imagine the measurbating this will cause??

Yes, but now with the 50D microadjustments they can do it in private and we don't have to watch.

This has to be the funniest post in this thread. LMAO.

Now, as regarding the 50D...for my uses...

zz...no compelling reason to remove the 40D bodies from my inventory. However, it would behoove Canon to announce and release their 5D replacement this year (1-series specs in a 5D-sized body) as that is something I do have a need for right now. In the scheme of things, Nikon makes a strong case with their D300, D700 and D3 offerings although IMHO Canon still has a slight (very slight) edge overall.

Aug 27, 2008 at 05:51 PM

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p.4 #17 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

The 50D specs seem to add most of the wish list features that xxD buyers have been waiting for.

As for pro-level AF and weather-sealing, that seems like asking too much from an "advance amateur digital SLR" as the Canon website calls it. Sure the Nikon D300 has pro AF and better weather-sealing, but Nikon calls that camera a "pro-level DSLR" - besides it costs more.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this camera actually looks like a Canon 1DSmkII without those features. And I can recall a time, long ago, when that camera produced some pretty good photos.

Aug 27, 2008 at 06:35 PM

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p.4 #18 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

Alistair Watson wrote:
eosfun wrote:
Harry,

I have said it before: features or image quality that's the question? What's giving you more EOSfun?

Well, I doubt a Nikon D90 would give you EOSfun now would it!!

Naw but it would let them (make) fun (of) EOS...

Aug 27, 2008 at 07:06 PM

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p.4 #19 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

My crow surprisingly tastes like Coca-Cola Classic.

Aug 27, 2008 at 07:38 PM

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p.4 #20 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

surf monkey wrote:
The 50D specs seem to add most of the wish list features that xxD buyers have been waiting for.

As for pro-level AF and weather-sealing, that seems like asking too much from an "advance amateur digital SLR" as the Canon website calls it. Sure the Nikon D300 has pro AF and better weather-sealing, but Nikon calls that camera a "pro-level DSLR" - besides it costs more.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this camera actually looks like a Canon 1DSmkII without those features. And I can recall a time, long ago, when that camera produced some pretty good photos.

I tend to agree - for the money this will be an outstanding camera with pixel density surpassing the 1DsMkIII and better noise handling to boot. For wildlife photographers, this body is a big step forward if coupled with good glass. Check out WCastleman's review comapring the 40D sensor to the 20D. I expect a greater improvement with the 50D.

Aug 27, 2008 at 08:05 PM

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p.4 #21 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

RobertLynn wrote:
My crow surprisingly tastes like Coca-Cola Classic.

"mine tastes like burning." i was dead sure that the 50D was going to be simply a 40D with a 450D sensor in it.

glad i was wrong.

Aug 27, 2008 at 08:47 PM

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p.4 #22 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

How good is the legendary EOS3 AF system? Easy to use, sure, lots of points, sure but.....

Who is willing to run 10 films (20 ISO, fine grain, we want resolution don't we) through an EOS3 while taking shots of a runner.

And scan them on a drumscanner.

And post the results at 100%.

Then we'll see how far Canon/Nikon has gotten with the AF performance.

So stop whining or start cheering once the jury is out!

Aug 27, 2008 at 09:25 PM

eosfun
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p.4 #23 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

>> "AF Microadjustment C.Fn III-7 ...it's a welcome feature that yet again, Canon are playing catchup with... Perhaps I am misremembering, but I thought Canon brought this feature to market first in the 1D3.

That's because it was the first camera that needed it

It's just; I won't say it ...

Edited on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:41 PM

Aug 27, 2008 at 09:40 PM

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p.4 #24 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

My 2-cents on why the 50D was introduced when it was and with the features.

1. They had to answer Nikon. This was more than a shot across the bow.
The D300 clearly outclassed the 40D in a number of areas.
2. The timing was what they could safely do and on a major trade show milestone.
3. The tooling changes were minimal. The body is virtually the 40D body, knobs & swithces. Hey, it even takes the same grips!
4. The Digic IV is an evolutionary thing. This probably wasn't hurried if at all. More CPU speed is always good. Allows them the bolster the claim of better AF and support the higher data pipeline requirements of the sensor while maintaining the fps
5. Most of the feature changes were firmware with new functions, display modes. The live view AF stuff was probably firmware modules from the Xsi.
6. The sensor development probably was also evolutionary, although maybe sped up a bit and perhaps a higher MP value chosen. Who knows, maybe they could have launched the 40D with a 12Mp variant, but the work wasn't done and it ended up in the Xsi.
7. The AF system wasn't changed for this model/family as it probably wasn't in the design queue. That would have required a different mirror assembly & sensor topology. You couldn't just back fit from the MkIII series. Besides, with MkIII debacle, there was no way they were going to risk screwing that up.

In summary, you have the ability to take off the shelf items, maybe some modest tooling changes, roll the PCB with new Digic IV and associated sensor interface and new LCD driver chip. Combine that with an agressive firmware development plan and turning up the heat a bit on the sensor guys and you have a decent competitor.

I have a 40D and am quite happy with it. Now that I have eaten a bit of crow from not believing the rumor mill, I am considering either adding a 50D to my stable (40D & 1DMkII) or upgrading the 40D. With the 40D I was an early adopter (bought in Sept/07 and don't regret it. I have been eying a 5D with the expectation that 5DII would drive the prices down, but other than the FF attraction, the 15Mp 50D might placate me for a while.

I think this time I will wait for a couple of series reviews and legit owner assessments.

Dan

Edited on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:57 PM

Aug 27, 2008 at 09:55 PM

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p.4 #25 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread

Well heck I said I wasn't going to do it but I have pre ordered the 50D so in a few weeks I will sell my new 40D with warranty

here I go again. I would like to sell it now but I have a vacation to Yellowstone early next month. I am excited about the 50D even though it has a 40D body I like that body

Aug 27, 2008 at 10:33 PM


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