Marcel VanEerd
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 p.3 #2 · Canon EOS 50D Master thread | |
digitalbug30d wrote:
We're guests today at the introduction of the 50D from Canon, a new SLR designed (built..) for the demanding amateur but also for the professional user who wants a back-up body with a high speed. Here in front of me is Hans Smittenaar, with Canon.
Q:Can you tell me what kind of camera has been introduced today?
A:Well, it is a special day today b/c we have introduced the 50D, an expansion of our line-up, not meant as a replacement of another model, which maybe is surprising. The 50D is an important camera that covers the middle segment. It is meant to bridge the gap between the 40D and the 5D. There are a few important changes in this model; a new sensor, a new Digic IV processor, the same seals as the 40D. We aim at the semi-professional or the advanced amateur or can be a back-up camera for a professional, especially nature photography, sports photography because of the speed, 15MP at 6.3fps do we expect that in those segments this camera will be embraced with open arms. Because of this, this is a good day for us. This segment is becoming very important. If you look at the total DSLR, there is the entry segment, where earlier this year we introduced the 1000D and the 450D and the middle segment at the moment is about 22% of the total (DSLR market, ed.) and we notice lots of growth, and the expectation is that within two years, that middle segment will increase to 30% market share.
Q: What does this mean for sales of the 50D? Is that a camera of which you have a sales prognosis?
A: Of course. It is not easy to predict the success, b/c competition has increased dramatically, there are far more special offers, far more models. Because of that, this is a strategic model for us so we are armed to face the competition. Now, this looks like a weapon, with which we look to increase our market share. We are still the leader with 41%, but it is obvious that Sony and Nikon are very active. Which is good for us; it enables us to set our targets higher and keep coming up with new products.
(Turns to next Canon dude)
Q: ?.. Bart, technical specialist with Canon Netherlands, the 50D, what is, technically speaking, so special about this camera?
A: It is our newest development, it contains the newest version of the Digic processor, the Digic IV which is undoubtedly faster than its predecessor and because it is faster, and has 1.5 times the resolution of the 40D and uses a different algorithm which results in better noise control at higher ISO values. At the max ISO of 12800 and 3200 ISO as standard (ed: that's what he said...) I have seen the internal comparisons and they are very promising. I won't jump ahead to what conclusions testers might offer but I have full confidence in the results. In addition, there is the live view screen which we know from previous models, now with face detection for 35 faces. We show one face, but with controls you can switch to other faces in the finder. And those are things that are possible with a faster processor.
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. Cameras in this class have a limited viewfinder, meaning not 100% as you would expect in a professional camera, but for a camera with this size sensor the size of the VF is optimized. We have long surpassed the point at which you can focus manually. The resolution of cameras is so high that even with a 100% FF the accuracy is not optimal. We noticed that professionals with 5D-like cameras who work with a DOF of a few milimeters the focus missed, and that current AF systems are so good that this works better.
(My note, not part of the translation: his comments absolutely made no sense to me. I think he put his foot in his mouth here...)
Q: A very high resolution in the camera, that demands quite a bit from lenses. Is this camera compatible with all lenses Canon offers?
A: Yes, this camera is designed for EF-S lenses, which is a special series which is smaller and lighter but other AF lenses can also be fitted. 15 Megapixel, current state of technology demands quality lenses.
Q: So better an "L" series lens than a normal lens?
A" An "L" lens has no doubt a higher quality, however for example a 17-55 f2.8 has optically the same qualities. It is built differently, it is an EF-S lens, but optically I can recommend that kind of lens.
Q: The camera has a HD connection. Does that mean the camera is fully compatible with the HD standard?
A: Yes, it is. As you may know, most flat screen TV's sold in the Netherlands is at least HD ready and cameras have a resolution that far surpasses the HD resolution so it makes sense that one will be made to fit the other and so you can enjoy the fantastic images you created with your camera on your HD tv set. This connection allows anything you see on the LCD, the menu, the Live View, a review of the images, or a slide show you can start from the camera to be seen in the resolution of the HD TV. If you have a full-size HD TV, the camera automatically switches to the full-size HD resolution. (Interviewer interjects "it is auto-sensing"). (Nods..) Auto-sensing. There is a brief communication, which you can see, and it is the TV that determines in which resolution the viewing will be done.
A: That means on a normal HD TV the resolution is 1280 and on a full HD it will be 1920..
Q: 1920. Certainly. And if you see the difference between the standard connection which has been present on cameras for years, well, the difference is astounding. A regular TV simply will not show the clarity or the colours. HD is the solution and it fits the camera and the experience that belongs with such a camera.
A: Thank you.
Edited on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:08 PM
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