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8.7 out of 10

Canon EOS 50D

10.0 megapixels

Information found in: from 189 sources in 29 countries

Great Deal: $1,217.00

  • User Score (1791)
    9.4 9.4 from 1791 reviewers
  • Expert Score (35)
    8.8 8.8 from 35 reviewers
  • Design (11)
    8.0 8.0 from 11 reviewers
  • Value for money (95)
    8.3 8.3 from 95 reviewers
  • Features (57)
    8.7 8.7 from 57 reviewers
  • Ease of use (53)
    8.2 8.2 from 53 reviewers
  • Performance (52)
    8.4 8.4 from 52 reviewers
  • Picture quality (79)
    8.4 8.4 from 79 reviewers
  • Durability (9)
    7.8 7.8 from 9 reviewers
  • Reliability (5)
    9.1 9.1 from 5 reviewers
  • Overall quality (28)
    8.1 8.1 from 28 reviewers
  • Battery performance (6)
    8.8 8.8 from 6 reviewers
  • Display (57)
    8.9 8.9 from 57 reviewers
  • Construction (6)
    8.7 8.7 from 6 reviewers
  • Video quality (5)
    6.8 6.8 from 5 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (40)
    8.5 8.5 from 40 reviewers
  • Equipment (6)
    8.2 8.2 from 6 reviewers
  • Portability (17)
    8.9 8.9 from 17 reviewers
More grades Less grades
  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(24)
7-8
(11)
5-6
(0)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(1249)
7-8
(313)
5-6
(39)
3-4
(17)
1-2
(11)
  • Expert Reviews

  1. DP Review

    DP Review
    9 August 2011

    Model Announced Effective pixels Auto focus Continuous (JPEG) LCD monitor EOS D30 Apr 2000 3.1 mp 3 point 3.0 fps, 3 frames 1.8" EOS D60 Feb 2002 6.3 mp 3 point 3.3 fps, 8 frames 1.8" EOS 10D Feb 2003 6.3 mp 7 point 3.3 fps, Read more

    • Detailed and clean image output (but not as detailed as we would have expected from a 15 megapixels sensor), Chroma and luminance noise well controlled at higher sensitivities, Wide range of image parameter adjustment (-4 ...
  2. What Digital Camera

    What Digital Camera
    8.8/10
    3 February 2009

    What to make of the Canon EOS 50D. On the one hand, there are several 'upgrades' to the 40D that will appeal to a range of photographers. Read more

    • LCD upgrade, extra resolution, prompt AF
    • No real groundbreaking change, unintuitive menus, metering issues in difficult light
  3. Digitaltrends

    Digitaltrends
    8.0/10
    11 November 2008

    The 15MP Canon EOS 50D which we review, is a huge improvement over the 10MP Canon EOS 40D. While point-and-shoot digicams muddle along without any super breakthroughs—14 megapixels? Read more

    • High-quality images; very little digital noise; solid construction; excellent screen
    • Expensive; steep learning curve for newbies; no protective cover for LCD
  4. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    14 February 2009

    Canon's EOS 50D sticks with the conservative pattern that the company has established for their semi-pro digital SLR in terms of physical design, but now it also includes most of Canon's cutting-edge digital SLR technology. Read more

    • Excellent 15.1 megapixel sensor with very low noise and superb detail, ISO 100 to 1,600 usable at 13x19 inches, Dust removal technology reduces sensor cleaning chores, High-resolution 3.0-inch LCD makes checking focus and ...
    • AF assist only works when flash is up, though flash can be forced off, Auto-rotation doesn't play well with all computer programs, Soft images with the 28-135mm kit lens; demands very good optics, Kit lens doesn't really r...
  5. consumersearch.com

    16 November 2011

    Reviews recommend the Canon EOS 50D for advanced Canon photographers who already have a collection of Canon lenses and who don't need a full-frame professional digital SLR or care about using an SLR to take video. Read more

    • Excellent image quality, Fast (6.3 fps) action shots, 3-inch extra sharp LCD with live view
    • No video, Fixed LCD screen, Single memory-card slot, Body does not have image stabilization
  6. HotHardware

    HotHardware
    20 December 2008

    Canon offers the 50D in a body only configuration with an MSRP of $1,399 and as a kit version with Canon's EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an MSRP of $1,599. Read more

    • Fast power on, feels zippy and responsive, Fast continuous shooting (6.3 fps), DIGIC 4 Image Processor, Large, clear, high-resolution LCD, 10x magnification in Live View, HDMI output
  7. PC World

    PC World
    9.0/10
    22 December 2008

    Though this is not a Read more

    • Solid design, Offers face detection mode
    • Live View shooting remains convoluted
  8. Steve's Digicams

    Steve's Digicams
    10 December 2008

    Physical Views The EOS 50D and the Olympus E-520 for size comparison. Continue on to Features & Controls Canon EOS 50D Specifications Type Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera with built-in flash Recording Media CF Card... Read more

  9. DigitalCameraInfo.com

    DigitalCameraInfo.com
    28 October 2008

    - 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 Read more

  10. Warehouse Express

    Warehouse Express
    4 December 2008

    "...The clarity of the result surprised me; a combination of the quality optics in the 18-200mm lens and the sensor in the 50D. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. get one if you still can

    Amazon
    10/10
    Reviewer: RickR, Amazon
    4 weeks ago See Product at Amazon ($998.88)

    It's a great camera for the price in my opinion much better then its replacement the 60D but no video. The 50D still uses a titanium inner frame while the 60D has gone to all plastic like the Rebel line. Read more or see product

  2. Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera

    10/10
    Reviewer: growlsburg, pcworld.com
    3 weeks ago

    I have been a Canon fan from the late seventies. Am not a pro, but advanced user. The one draw back that I have now that I did not deal with is being disabled with MS. Read more

    • Very easy to use, even for a disabled person
    • Nothing really
  3. Crisp shots - love it!

    Abes of Maine
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: PR Lady, Abes of Maine
    27 July 2010

    Took some great shots at the circus of a performer being shot out of a cannon (ha). Just held the shutter down in the sports mode, and got some great shots. Love the shutter speed. Read more

    • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus, Fast Shutter Speed, Great in low light
    • Short Battery Life
  4. Great dSLR, under rated, makes great shots for demanding users !

    8.8/10
    Reviewer: Andrew bignall, dpreview.com
    22 August 2011

    Yes I have taken over one hundred thousand shots with my two. 50D s and like them a great deal. I never feel inadequate when I see much more expensive cameras in use. My 50d's get the job done well. Read more

    • Yes I have taken over one hundred thousand shots with my two. 50D s and like them a great deal. I never feel inadequate when I see much more expensive cameras in use. My 50d's get the job done well. My 40 D was an enjoyabl...
    • They went out of production.
  5. First DSLR - nothing short of amazing!

    J&R
    10/10
    Reviewer: peenutbun, J&R
    8 March 2010

    This our first DSLR and the user experience so far has exceeded my expectations. Once the battery is loaded and the lens fitted to the body, you can easily snap some decent pictures in Full Auto. Read more

    • Easy To Use, Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus, Fast Shutter Speed, Good Image Quality, Good Image Stabilization, High ISO Performance, Large Clear LCD, Rock solid build quality
    • Heavy
  6. Excellent Semi-Pro Digital SLR - Big Step Up From 40D

    10/10
    Reviewer: mistercarguy, epinions.com
    2 weeks ago

    As a journalist, I own and use several Digital SLR's. However, I find myself more and more reaching Read more

    • Uses faster UDMA CC cards. Superior, brighter, sharper screen.
    • Slightly higher noise than the 40D at elevated ISO settings
  7. Reasonable camera

    Newegg
    6.0/10
    Reviewer: SD70MACMAN, Newegg
    21 September 2010

    Don't shoot too fast in RAW mode. After about 9 pictures, the camera has to clear the buffer and write to the card. This isn't too unexpected as each RAW file is 20MB! Read more

    • I've owned this camera for over a year now, and like all those that came before it, the 50D is an impressive machine. It finally gives the photographer a good reason to make the jump from the 20/30/40D line. Canon took the...
    • The CMOS sensor has a serious pixel density issue. Canon made a mistake trying to pack 15.1MP into such a small sensor, therefore many of the pictures come out very noisy. Moving from an XTi to a 50D (with the same lenses)...
  8. "Great camera for portraits and action photography"

    CNET
    10/10
    Reviewer: NJphotoguy, CNET
    4 November 2010

    I purchased the 50D as an upgrade to my 20D and I am very happy with the camera. The 3" clear view screen is ideal for previewing photos. Read more

    • fast shutter (6 fps) great image quality fast focus
    • none although there is no video capture
  9. Best mid-level Pro DSLR there is!

    Ebay
    10/10
    Reviewer: trwphotography, Ebay
    7 September 2011 See Product at eBay ($1,217.00)

    I purchased the Canon EOS 50D as a back up for my Nikon D80 -- well turns out the D80 is now the back up. I personally love my Canon more than the Nikon. The picture quality is fantastic and the shutter speed is very fast. Read more or see product

  10. Canon EOS 50D review by Sanjeed

    slrgear.com
    Reviewer: Sanjeed, slrgear.com
    26 January 2011

    It's a wonderful camera that serves the purposes of advanced hobbyist nature photographers. However, it's a fact that the law of physics cannot be reversed. The gapless microlens is more of a gimmick than reality. Read more

    • a. Good IQ b. Fast burst rate c. High ISO performance d. Good focusing e. Wide and clear view finder
    • a. Noisy
  • WikiFreak Description

Canon EOS 50D

The Canon EOS 50D features 15.1 megapixels CMOS sensor with noise reduction, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 3.0-inch Clear View LCD, Peripheral Illumination Correction Lens, Integrated EOS Cleaning System and HDMI output.

Features

The Canon EOS 50D features 15.1 megapixels digital camera with CMOS sensor which reduces noise and capable of recording up 4752 x 3168 pixels with full 14-bit A/D conversion for high and fine tonal gradation. It features DIGIC 4 Image Processor that proc…

See more

Canon EOS 50D

The Canon EOS 50D features 15.1 megapixels CMOS sensor with noise reduction, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 3.0-inch Clear View LCD, Peripheral Illumination Correction Lens, Integrated EOS Cleaning System and HDMI output.

Features

The Canon EOS 50D features 15.1 megapixels digital camera with CMOS sensor which reduces noise and capable of recording up 4752 x 3168 pixels with full 14-bit A/D conversion for high and fine tonal gradation. It features DIGIC 4 Image Processor that process fast photos. This camera comes with 3.0-inch clear view LCD screen together with multiple coatings that protects the screen from smudges. The Peripheral Illumination Correction setting takes into account light falloff in the corners of the frame and corrects it. Correction data are detected on a number of Canon EF lenses and can be entered manually through the included Canon EOS Utility software. In addition to this, The EOS 50D Self Cleaning Sensor Unit eliminates stray dusts that enter into the camera when changing a lens or when out in the field. The remaining dust will be captured by Canon’s Dust Delete Data Detection software and erased from the image file. The Canon EOS 50D features a Creative Auto mode and a quick control screen that narrows the gap between fully automatic and manual control. This camera offers a HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) output device that allows high definition display of photographs on any HDTV with HDMI ports. This camera is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S lineup, ranging from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses.

Additional Features

The Canon EOS 50D features CF Card Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CF cards, via external media (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A) as its recording media devices. This camera is measured at (WxHxD) 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

Explore Photography. Canon’s new EOS 50D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro with a perfect combination of high-speed and quality. It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. It features a refined 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots) monit…

Specifications

  • Alternative names
    EOS-50D
  • Format
    SLR
  • Max resolution
    4752 x 3168
  • Low resolution
    3456 x 2304, 2353 x 1568
  • Image ratio w:h
    3:2
  • Effective pixels
    15.1 million
  • Sensor photo detectors
    15.5 million
  • Sensor size
    22.3 x 14.9 mm (3.32 cm²)
  • Pixel density
    4.5 MP/cm²
  • Sensor type
    CMOS
  • Sensor manufacturer
    Canon

Release Date

  • First seen
    10 March 2008

Ask the community

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Questions asked: 1 Answers: 0

Previous questions about this product

  • Canon EOS 50D v 40D noise

    Am I alone in thinking that the 40D noise at 1600 and 3200 is noticeably less than in the 50D? If so, the 50D seems a step backward for lowlight photographers. What experience do you have?

    (No answers yet. Write an answer!) 2010-03-19

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