The Canon EOS 50D
SLR Digital Camera features an APS-C sized
15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for superb quality
images and the latest DIGIC 4 Image Processor to
provide superior color reproduction, and
improved ISO capabilities for uncompromised
shooting even in the dimmest situations. It also
features a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor,
supercharged Live View Function with Face
Detection Live mode, plus a number of automatic
Image Correction settings and HDMI output.
The
15.1-megapixel image sensor delivers
ultra-detailed images and the redesigned photo
diodes and microlenses of the sensor extend its
light gathering capabilities to ensure improved
high ISO performance and low noise. Furthermore,
the camera's ISO sensitivity is an astounding
3200 with expanded sensitivity to an
ultra-sensitive 12800. The Integrated Cleaning
System includes a Self Cleaning Sensor Unit with
a fluorine coating to improve the camera's image
quality by helping to reduce, repel and remove
unwanted dust from the sensor. Plus, stubborn
particles can be removed automatically in
post-production with Dust Delete Data and
Canon's included Digital Photo Professional
software.
The 50D is
incredibly fast thanks to the DIGIC 4 processor
- it allows for up to 6.3 fps continuous
shooting, in bursts of up to 90 JPEG images
(with a UDMA CF card). Furthermore, Canon's wide
area AF system uses 9 individual cross type
sensors, so stunning action sequences can be
captured - even in low-light conditions - making
the EOS 50D particularly suited to sports and
wildlife shooting. The DIGIC 4 processor also
delivers 14-bit image processing, for smooth
gradation and natural-looking colors - as well
as ensuring ultra-fast startup times and
near-instant image review after shooting.
The 3.0" Clear
View VGA LCD (920,000 pixels) provides an
extra-large and wide angle-of-view image review,
with plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks
in playback. By switching to Live View mode -
which displays a real-time image on the LCD -
photographers can enjoy simplified shooting from
awkward angles, or connect to a PC for remote
shooting. In addition, the Live Mode offers
three ways to auto focus: Quick AF, Live AF, and
Face Detection Live AF, which optimizes focus
based on faces detected in the frame - for fast,
spontaneous portraiture. The camera even offers
HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV -
directly from the camera.
Even with all of
these high powered features, the EOS 50D
features Canon's renowned intuitive EOS menu
system, along with a Quick Control screen, for
instant access to the most commonly-changed
settings. There is also a Creative Auto mode
that offers automatic focus and exposure - while
still allowing the user to add creative 'tweaks'
to settings such as background sharpness.
Altogether the Canon EOS 50D is an excellent
product for advanced amateur photographers and
entry-level professionals.