Canon EOS 50D user reviews (with 28-135mm lens)

Pros - 15 MP and very good high ISO performance and fast AF
- Amazing image quality and best LCD screen of any SLR
- One of the best "live view" implementations on an SLR to date
- 6 fps is still faster than the other competitors in the class

Cons - Face detection / AF is a bit sluggish in live mode
- Lower battery life than the 40D but if you buy extra batteries or a battery grip you don't need to worry

Summary Significant resolution improvement over the 40D without compromising noise. I can get a much better idea for the image quality of my pics on the LCD given the improvement in screen resolution. I don't need a movie mode, I use the 50D to capture photos. I don't see an SLR competing with the quality of a good digital camcorder any time soon. The sensor technology is very different. The only competitor in this class for the 50D is the D300 and that camera is more expensive. I suggest using the best lenses (step up from the kit lenses) you can to maximize this cameras performance.

Pros Solid build, excellent photo quality

Cons battery life mediocre

Summary I have read a lot of reviews on this camera and they all have been kind of mixed. I was apprehensive to purchase this unit because of the feedback. No, I am not a professional but was looking for something with more speed and quality as I was updating from a Rebel. The more I use it the more I find that given all the information and research I did, it all comes down to what you need. This camera meets all of my needs and I would recommend it to anyone.

Pros Very fast focus. Exposure is accurate. Fine grain even at high ISO 3200/6400. Super sharp images. The menu system is easy to understand and once you try it you will figure out all the new menu's available.

Cons I find that there are no dislikes about this camera. A great camera at a very fair price.

Summary I have used this camera at two weddings and it is comparable to my 5D. With my 5D I use my 24-70 as my main lens while for the 50D I use the 17-40 to get the same result. With good glass, you will get superb images. I could have bought another 5D for around the same price as a new 50D but I some times want the 1.6 crop factor for certain shots. I like both camera's and the 50D is my backup to the 5D. The 50D has the Digic 4 and the the live View. The large sharp screen makes viewing images so much nicer. If you own the 40D the camera's are pretty similar. If you own a 30D or earlier then the 50D is a very good upgrade! I really am happy with the Canon 50D!

Pros Superb feel in the hands. Excellent results possible from good feature set. Fast hardware and software.

Cons Not much not to like. It is very good value and compares favourably with similar dSLRs.

Summary I was dead set on buying a Nikon until I actually held the 50D in my hands, and saw the bright, sharp LCD. A camera must work well in your hands (assuming specs of reasonable parity between brands), so try your prospective buy for feel first, the rest next.