4.2
Canon's new EOS 50D is the incremental upgrade from their 40D which debuted last year. Renowned for being solid, dependable cameras with a wide variety of controls and access to a considerable back catalog of lenses, we put the Canon through a considerable variety of tests. On average, it scored well but not amazingly. Full details follow.
The 50D is currently available for $1399 (body only).
Conclusion The Canon EOS-50D is a solid incremental upgrade from the 40D. It doesn't have any dramatic new features, delivers a gorgeous LCD, 15-megapixel resolution, an improved live view mode, and burst mode at a speedy 6.3 frames per second. However, we were unimpressed by the merely average results in our lab testing, where the 50D consistently scored on par or worse than both its predecessor and the much less expensive Canon XSi. The Nikon D300, at roughly the same price as the 50D, posted superior scores in color, dynamic range, manual noise, automatic noise, and lowlight tests. The 50D is a solid performer, but didn't outshine the alternatives. If you're already a Canon user, possibly moving from entry- to mid-level SLRs, and with a lens or two already in your hands, then it could be a good choice for you. However, if you have a 40D, moving up to the 50D probably isn't justified. And for a newcomer to SLRs, who's looking to pay about $1500 for a camera, the Nikon D300 is probably a better choice, as they are very close in features, and the Nikon performed better in our tests.
Likes
- Solid construction
- Large, high resolution LCD - Good live view functionality
- Overall competent scoring in our tests
- Clear, well organized menu system
Dislikes
- Body essentially unchanged from 40D - Uninspired test scores - No major new innovations
- Heavy, over three pounds with kit lens and battery
The Canon EOS-50D is a solid incremental upgrade from the 40D. It doesn't have any dramatic new features, delivers a gorgeous LCD, 15-megapixel resolution, an improved live view mode, and burst mode at a speedy 6.3 frames per second. However, we were unimpressed by the merely average results in our lab testing, where the 50D consistently scored on par or worse than both its predecessor and the much less expensive Canon XSi. The Nikon D300, at roughly the same price as the 50D, posted superior scores in color, dynamic range, manual noise, automatic noise, and lowlight tests. The 50D is a solid performer, but didn't outshine the alternatives. If you're already a Canon user, possibly moving from entry- to mid-level SLRs, and with a lens or two already in your hands, then it could be a good choice for you. However, if you have a 40D, moving up to the 50D probably isn't justified. And for a newcomer to SLRs, who's looking to pay about $1500 for a camera, the Nikon D300 is probably a better choice, as they are very close in features, and the Nikon performed better in our tests.