Pros: Major improvements over the previous Canons 20,30, and 40D cameras.
Cons: Wish Canon wouldn't change their cameras so much!
The Bottom Line: Given the quality is close with the 40d but finer resolution. For a primary camera, no contest. Better LCD, micro lens adj, noise adjustment levels, etc.
ericrk's Full Review: Canon EOS 50D Digital Camera with 28-135mm lens
I Purchased as back up to my 1d MkIII and is a very good camera as a primary. Some 'pro' commented about how horrid the camera and support are. I'm guessing his was just a bad copy. Shooting for 20 years of my life, Canon has been a fantastic camera and I've never had anything bad from the factory.
Any how, the camera - good controls, excellent speed. Don't expect gallery quality images from the kit lens. It's a kit lens for a reason. But it is a good walk-around lens. Image quality is surprisingly good considering the pixel count on a cropped sensor. The improved LCD screen was long over due. The Stupid print button on the camera is a waste of a button. Don't really care for the silver-topped function selector. HDMI output = good. Works well in tethered shooting, no problem there. Good battery life (even w/out grip)--usually lasts my entire day, while shooting a wedding, because I use an external flash. Micro focus adjustments per lens
Although, I love many of the features of this camera and there are lots of them. Most settings were easy to find in the menus. For me it was easy to learn. Sensor noise is low and dynamic range seems good. The camera seems to react quickly to auto-focusing, capturing the photo and storing it on the Compact Flash drive. Lots of items can be customized on the control dial and the menus.
I've had other lines of cameras, previously in my life, so it is nice to have the beautiful ISO performance, beautiful captures, excellent highlight control, extremely fast processing, excellent noise performance ultra bright 3 inch LCD, and most of all, the 14bit RAW/JPEG to get even closer to that film-like quality (competing SLR's in this price range don't even off this).
It's a major improvement over the 20, 30, and even 40D Canon cameras. A major jump from 8 to 10-to 15 megapixels, it does make a huge difference. I have even noticed from my old rebel camera to my 20D what a difference it is. Way to go Canon!
It is frustrating that Canon does come out with a different semi-pro camera every 18 months or so..and then we have to "shell" out another $1500 or so to "upgrade" our cameras, if so needed. One thing that Canon also did a great job, is after the 20D, is that they give the camera a 100,000 shot life. Which for most people, would take probably like 10 years to achieve, but then, the camera would really have given your money's worth. At that time, with the newest technology out, wouldn't you want the newest and the greatest after a decade??
For those who are professionals, it's just another write off, so, so what, right?! But for those who are freelancers, hobbyists, and everyday shooters, they may be frustrated when we have to keep up with the Jone'ses! LOL
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1300 This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Solid Enough for a Professional
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