Canon EOS 50D - Evolution or Revolution?

By Robert • August 27, 2008

Canon EOS 50D The news is all over the web, Canon has announced a new dSLR just ahead of Photokina 2008. The improvements are not just incremental over the EOS 40D; there are quantum jumps. Resolution goes to a whopping 15.1MP with ISO topping out an unbelievable 12,800*!

The EOS 50D is the first dSLR is the first to feature the new DIGIC 4 image processor which is fast enough to allow a 6.3fps burst rate for large/fine JPEGs (just 0.2fps slower than the EOS 40D). Other features worth mentioning: 3-inch LCD display with face detection, mini HDMI connector, small RAW file, dedicated Live View button, auto-focus with microadjustment, improved menu system with 7 new languages, and a self-cleaning sensor unit that incorporates a fluoride coating on the low-pass filter for improved dust resistance.

Storage is to a UDMA CompactFlash (CF) card. The size is the same as the EOS 40D while the weight is 10g less. How did Canon do that?

The MSRP is set at US$1,399.99 for the body-only and US$2,099.99 for the kit which includes the new EF 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. Availability is October 2008.

DP Review has an in-depth preview posted already. No images yet… we’ll have to wait a while for those.

Update (Sept. 2): DP Review has posted images from a pre-production EOS 50D. The high ISO images are quite impressive!