- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 10 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
-
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
5.0 stars
"Excellent performer with fast motor"
Pros: Smooth 15 MP image quality, improved high ISO performance, fast motor, excellent screen, 'My Menu' quick access to commonly used settings, improved menus, handling, same battery as previous xxD cameras, AF performance, size, weight, controls
Cons: Almost none, Main control dial could still use a 'lock' so that it can't be turned inadvertedtly
Summary: The 50D is an excellent upgrade to the 40D. The rear LCD display alone makes it worthwhile. The image quality when using Canon's DPP software (and NOT Adobe Camera Raw 4.6) is class leading. The fast motor makes this camera an excellent choice in the mid range camera class and one of the few that is suitable for sports action. It makes an excellent back up camera to a pro level Canon. Anyone familiar with any of the xxD Canons can switch to the new body almost instantly, due the consistency in Canon's designs. 'My Menu' negates any issues with access to the myriad of menu options modern digital camera possess and gives Canon users near instant access to mirror lock up. Some people (ie. CNET reviewers in particular) dwell on Canon's 3.8% spot meter stating that it's too large an area. (check out the editor's image of the birds and wanting to spot meter the eye of a small bird) For my needs, the 3.8% spot works fine. Using the in camera over exposure warning and the histogram allows for excellent fine tuning of the exposure. I find I rarely need the spot meter as the multi segment meter does an excellent job of giving me an exposure that is very close to begin with. Canon's unique rear rotary control dial is the best camera control I've used or seen used by any camera manufacturer. The 'joystick' control is excellent for fast selection of focus points and for reviewing the magnified image on the LCD. Together, I feel they are the best available system. I have shot with ISO 1600 in really poor light and have found the results (when processed in DPP) to be outstanding. While CNET criticizes the AF system, I have used it to shoot fast action sports in extremely low light and been amazed by the ability of the camera to focus in very poor conditions. It forces me to wonder if the reviewers tested the AF system in similar real world conditions. In summary, the 50D is an excellent camera and an outstanding value by any measure.
Where to buy
Canon EOS 50D (body only):
$46.95 - $1,299.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$979.95 | Yes |
|
|
$1,099.99 | Yes |
|
|
$989.00 | Yes |
|
|
$975.00 | Yes |
|
|
$1,099.00 | Yes |
|
%20user%20review%20and%20rating%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-eos-50d-body/4864-6501_7-33232667-1.html){kind=small}