Canon 50D Digital SLR Announced: 15.1 megapixels, 6.3 FPS, $1399

Resolution:15.10 Megapixels
Kit Lens: n/a
Viewfinder:Optical / LCD
LCD Size:3.0 inch
ISO:100-12800
Shutter:30-1/8000
Max Aperture:n/a
Mem Type:CF1 / CF2
Battery:Custom LiIon
Dimensions:5.7×4.2×2.9in (146×108x74mm)
Weight:25.7 oz (730 g)
MSRP:$1,399
Availability:10/2008

Canon is claiming a noticeable improvement in ISO noise management due to the DIGIC IV processing, despite the big increase in megapixels. In fact, judging by the press release they seem to be touting noise management:

The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been improved thanks to the use of newly designed gapless microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The faster processing speed of the camera’s DIGIC 4 image processor contributes to the fast 6.3 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 90 Large/Fine JPEGs or 16 RAW images on a UDMA CF card), to give shooters the tools they need to capture that perfect moment in perfect clarity.

The Canon EOS 50D camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings – H1 and H2 – of ISO 6400 and ISO 12800, respectively. Along with a wide ISO range, Canon gives shooters more tools to help maximize clarity and color. The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera offers multiple levels of noise reduction during high-speed shooting. Users can choose from one of four settings– Standard/Weak/Strong/None – to help reduce digital noise that can result from poor lighting conditions.

In addition Canon has improved the LCD from the 40D:

A significant upgrade to the Canon EOS 50D camera is its large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen which features 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 40D camera’s screen, for better clarity and color. To help show off those fantastic shots, the EOS 50D camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV.

Also of note, face detection in live view (compact features creeping up) and 9 cross type AF points.

We’ll have to wait and see, but I’d think Canon fans would be pleased, but curious how many make a switch (so soon) from the 40D, and I’m also curious how it fares against the Nikon D300?

What the usual suspects are saying…

DPR

Imaging Resource

Rob Galbraith

The press release, additional photos, and full specs after the jump.

Press Release

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 – With the demand for digital SLR cameras reaching unprecedented levels, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is answering the call with the announcement of the next evolution in advanced amateur digital SLR photography, the EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera with 15.1 megapixel resolution and Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. Designed to offer extraordinary quality and image control for the advanced photographer with a passion for the art, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera includes an expanded ISO range, improved noise reduction, and in-camera photo editing features. Canon has loaded the EOS 50D camera with a number of enhancements and some trickle-down technology from Canon’s professional Digital SLR cameras, as well as a new Creative Auto Mode (CA) that gives users more creative flexibility to make image setting adjustments conveniently without the need to be a photo expert.

Canon has built upon the success of the popular EOS 40D model – which will remain in Canon’s line – with the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera. Expected to be the camera body of choice for advanced amateur photographers this holiday season, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera carries over the EOS 40D’s 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion process for smooth tones, and also includes enhanced noise reduction, especially at higher ISO ranges which will help bring those romantic nighttime shots into greater focus and clarity. Capable of shooting 6.3 frames per second (fps), the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is ideal for shooting everything from beautiful night landscapes to fast-action sports.

“Advanced amateur photographers blur the line between the hobbyist and the professional, looking for professional features and capabilities in their equipment that will allow them to capture that awe-inspiring image. Canon is constantly striving to provide these shooters with the most advanced imaging technology, like the new EOS 50D Digital SLR camera, to fuel their passion for photography, and help them achieve their creative potential,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

Improved Image Quality
The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been improved thanks to the use of newly designed gapless microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The faster processing speed of the camera’s DIGIC 4 image processor contributes to the fast 6.3 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 90 Large/Fine JPEGs or 16 RAW images on a UDMA CF card), to give shooters the tools they need to capture that perfect moment in perfect clarity.

The Canon EOS 50D camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings – H1 and H2 – of ISO 6400 and ISO 12800, respectively. Along with a wide ISO range, Canon gives shooters more tools to help maximize clarity and color. The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera offers multiple levels of noise reduction during high-speed shooting. Users can choose from one of four settings– Standard/Weak/Strong/None – to help reduce digital noise that can result from poor lighting conditions.

As part of the camera’s internal image processing, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera conducts peripheral illumination correction, which automatically evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout, a function previously accomplished through post-processing software on a personal computer. Thanks largely to the DIGIC 4 processor, this automatic adjustment can be made in-camera during shooting with JPEG images or corrected in post-photoshoot processing with RAW images through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied at no extra charge.

Helping to ensure each picture’s subject is clearly visible, Canon’s enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer analyzes the brightness of subjects and automatically adjusts dark images so that they appear brighter, perfect for subjects in shade or in backlit situations. The Auto Lighting Optimizer on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera has been updated not only to optimize images while they are being taken, but can also optimize images post-capture, during playback, to help ensure the subject of each image does not appear too dark. This is especially helpful when an amateur photographer uses the camera, because post-capture enhancement can help maximize image quality without the need of a computer.

A significant upgrade to the Canon EOS 50D camera is its large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen which features 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 40D camera’s screen, for better clarity and color. To help show off those fantastic shots, the EOS 50D camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV. The EOS 50D recognizes the needs of today’s photographers, and the faster processing speed of the DIGIC 4 processor helps support UDMA cards for faster writing of image files.

The camera is also equipped with a high-performance viewfinder featuring 0.95x magnification and the same high-performance Autofocus (AF) system as the EOS 40D camera with nine cross-type sensors for accurate target subject acquisition with lenses possessing maximum apertures of f/5.6 or faster and a high-precision diagonal center cross-type AF point that’s effective with f/2.8 and faster lenses, helping photographers ensure better focus of their targets. The AF Microadjustment feature, originally introduced last year with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III professional digital SLR camera, has also been added to the EOS 50D for maximum control over focusing precision.

Canon Gets Creative For Advancing Amateurs
Canon is taking steps to give advanced amateurs more flexibility with a new “CA” Creative Full Auto setting on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s mode dial. This new setting goes a step beyond Full Auto, by allowing users to make adjustments before shooting while still in an Automatic mode, without needing to know the meaning of technical terms such as aperture, shutter speed, etc. In this mode, the camera menu on the back screen spells out options in common language for average photo enthusiasts, allowing them to “blur the background” or “lighten or darken the image.” These easy-to-comprehend image options will help amateur photographers improve the shots they are capable of taking, while helping them learn new techniques. When in the new CA mode, users will be able to adjust flash settings, brighten or darken images, blur the background, set the camera’s drive mode, and select a picture style directly on the camera’s LCD screen.

Better Live View
For photographers who prefer to frame their shots using the camera’s 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen, Canon has improved the Live View function of the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera to include “Quick Mode AF,” “Live Mode AF,” and “Face Detection Live Mode AF” that detects up to 35 individual forward-looking faces for better focus and clarity when taking group or portrait shots. The camera’s Quick Mode AF setting flips the mirror down and carries out regular phase-detection autofocus, while the Live Mode AF and Face Detection Live Mode AF use the camera’s CMOS image sensor for contrast detection autofocus. Two detailed grid displays have also been added to Live View shooting as optional settings for easier composition.

Two Small RAW Formats
In addition to the RAW and JPEG image capture modes that photographers are accustomed to, the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera now offers more manageable resolution settings and file sizes with two sRAW recording formats, sRAW1 and sRAW2. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 7.1 megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 15.1 megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 3.8 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. The EOS 50D is the first Canon Digital SLR that allows the use of RAW and sRAW settings in Basic Zone as well as Creative Zone shooting modes, even further improving the camera’s flexibility.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS 50D has also been upgraded and now includes a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. The second part of the system includes a software component where sensor spots are mapped and saved as Dust Delete Data that is attached to the image file for removal during post processing using Canon’s DPP software.

Pricing and Availability
The EOS 50D is compatible with the full lineup of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company’s ever-growing line of affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors. The Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is scheduled for October delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,399.00*. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,599.00*.

New EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Canon has answered the call from advanced amateur photographers looking for a solid all-around lens with the introduction of the new EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. With an incredible focal length range equivalent to 29-320mm in the 35mm format, the new EF-S 18-200mm lens will make an excellent addition to any camera bag, and it gives shooters a great lens to capture both standard as well as telephoto images. The new lens features Canon’s built in Optical Image Stabilization system which gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed roughly 4 steps faster, for better image clarity, even in shaky shooting conditions. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m/1.5 ft. at all zoom settings, this new lens should prove to be ideal for those situations where swapping lenses isn’t an option. An ideal complement to the EOS 50D SLR camera and all other EF-S compatible EOS SLR cameras, the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores this October at an estimated selling price of $699.00*.

Type	Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera with built-in flash
Recording media	Type I or II CF card, UDMA-compatible
Image sensor size	22.3 x 14.9 mm
Compatible lenses	Canon EF lenses (including EF-S lenses) (35mm-equivalent focal length is approx.1.6 times the lens focal length)
Lens mount	Canon EF mount

Image Sensor
Type	CMOS sensor
Effective pixels	Approx. 15.10 megapixels
Aspect ratio	3:2
Dust deletion feature	Auto, Manual, Dust Delete Data appending

Recording System
Recording format	Design rule for Camera File System 2.0
Image type	JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original) RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording possible
Recorded pixels	Large : Approx. 15.10 megapixels (4752 x 3168) Medium : Approx. 8.00 megapixels (3456 x 2304) Small : Approx. 3.70 megapixels (2352 x 1568) RAW : Approx. 15.10 megapixels (4752 x 3168) sRAW1 : Approx. 7.10 megapixels (3267 x 2178) sRAW2 : Approx. 3.80 megapixels (2376 x 1584)
Create/select a folder	Possible

Image Processing
Picture Styles	Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Def. 1 – 3
White balance	Auto, Preset (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, White fluorescent light, Flash), Custom, Color temperature setting (2500-10000K) White balance correction and white balance bracketing features provided * Color temperature information transmission enabled
Noise reduction	Applicable to long exposures and high ISO speed shots
Automatic image brightness correction	Auto Lighting Optimizer
Highlight tone priority	Provided
Lens peripheral illumination correction	Provided

Viewfinder
Type	Eye-level pentaprism
Coverage	Vertical/Horizontal approx. 95%
Magnification	Approx. 0.95x (-1 m-1 with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eyepoint	Approx. 22 mm (From eyepiece lens center at -1m-1)
Built-in dioptric adjustment	-3.0 – +1.0 m-1 (dpt)
Focusing screen	Interchangeable (2 types sold separately), Ef-A standard focusing screen provided
Mirror	Quick-return type
Depth-of-field preview	Provided

Autofocus
Type	TTL secondary image-registration, phase detection
AF points	9 (All cross-type)
Metering range	EV -0.5 – 18 (at 23°C/73°F, ISO 100)
Focus modes	One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF)
AF-assist beam	Small series of flashes fired by built-in flash
AF Microadjustment	AF Microadjustment possible

Exposure Control
Metering modes	35-zone TTL full-aperture metering • Evaluative metering (linkable to any AF point) • Partial metering (approx. 9% of viewfinder at center) • Spot metering (approx. 3.8% of viewfinder at center) • Center-weighted average metering
Metering range	EV 1 – 20 (at 23°C/73°F with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure control	Program AE (Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Creative Auto, Program), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, manual exposure
ISO speed (Recommended Exposure Index)	Basic Zone modes: ISO 100 – 1600 set automatically Creative Zone modes: ISO 100 – 3200 (in 1/3-stop increments), Auto, or ISO speed can be expanded to ISO 6400 or ISO 12800
Exposure compensation	Manual and AEB (Settable in combination with manual exposure compensation) Settable amount: ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
AE lock	Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved Manual: By AE lock button

Shutter
Type	Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter
Shutter speeds	1/8000 sec. to 1/60 sec. (Full Auto mode), X-sync at 1/250 sec. 1/8000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.)

Flash
Built-in flash	Retractable, auto pop-up flash Guide No.: 13/43 (ISO 100, in meters/feet) Flash coverage: 17mm lens angle of view Recycling time approx. 3 sec.
External flash	EX-series Speedlite (Functions settable with the camera)
Flash metering	E-TTL II autoflash
Flash exposure compensation	±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
FE lock	Provided
PC terminal	Provided

Drive System
Drive mode	Single, High-speed continuous, Low-speed continuous, and Self-timer (10 sec. or 2 sec. delay)
Continuous shooting speed	High-speed: Max. approx. 6.3 shots/sec., Low-speed: Max. approx. 3 shots/sec.
Maximum burst (High-speed continuous shooting)	JPEG Large/Fine: Approx. 60 shots (Approx. 90 shots), RAW: Approx. 16 shots (Approx. 16 shots) RAW+JPEG Large/Fine: Approx. 10 shots (Approx. 10 shots) * Figures are based on Canon’s testing standards (ISO 100 and Standard Picture Style) using a 2GB card. * Figures in parentheses apply to an Ultra DMA (UDMA) 2GB card based on Canon’s testing standards

Live View Shooting
Focusing	Quick mode (Phase-difference detection) Live mode, Face detection live mode (Contrast detection) Manual focusing (5x/10x magnification possible)
Metering modes	Evaluative metering with the image sensor
Metering range	EV 0 – 20 (at 23°C/73°F with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Silent shooting	Provided

LCD Monitor
Type	TFT color liquid-crystal monitor (Brightness adjustable to 7 levels)
Monitor size and dots	3-in. with approx. 920,000 dots (VGA)
Coverage	Approx. 100%
Interface languages	25

Image Playback
Image display formats	Single, Single + Info (Image-recording quality, shooting information, histogram), 4-image index, 9-image index, image rotate possible
Zoom magnification	Approx. 1.5x – 10x
Image browsing methods	Single image, jump by 10 or 100 images, jump by screen, by shooting date, by folder
Highlight alert	Overexposed highlights blink

Direct Printing
Compatible printers	PictBridge-compatible printers
Printable images	JPEG and RAW images
Print ordering	DPOF Version 1.1 compatible

Customization
Custom Functions	25
Camera user settings	Register under Mode Dial’s C1 and C2 positions
My Menu registration	Provided

Interface
Digital terminal	For personal computer communication and direct printing (Hi-Speed USB)
Video output terminal	φ3.5mm mini-jack (NTSC/PAL selectable)
HDMI mini OUT terminal	Type C
Remote control terminal	Compatible with remote control via N3 Type
Extension system terminal	For connection to Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3/E3A

Power Source
Battery	Battery Pack BP-511A (Qty. 1) * AC power can be supplied via AC Adapter Kit ACK-E2 * With Battery Grip BG-E2N or BG-E2 attached, size-AA/LR6 batteries can be used
Battery life (Based on CIPA testing standards)	With 50% flash use and normal shooting At 23°C/73°F, approx. 640 shots. At 0°C/32°F, approx. 540 shots With 50% flash use and Live View shooting At 23°C/73°F, approx. 170 shots. At 0°C/32°F, approx. 130 shots

Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (W x H x D)	145.5 x 107.8 x 73.5 mm / 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in.
Weight	Approx. 730 g / 25.7 oz. (body only)

Operation Environment
Working temperature range	0°C – 40°C / 32°F – 104°F
Working humidity	85% or less

Battery Pack BP-511A
Type	Rechargeable lithium ion battery
Rated voltage	7.4 V DC
Battery capacity	1390 mAh
Dimensions (W x H x D)	38 x 21 x 55 mm / 1.5 x 0.8 x 2.2 in.
Weight	Approx. 82 g / 2.9 oz

Battery Charger CG-580
Compatible battery	Battery Pack BP-511A, BP-514, BP-511, or BP-512
Recharging time	Approx. 100 min.
Rated input	100 – 240 V AC (50/60 Hz)
Rated output	8.4 V DC
Working temperature range	0°C – 40°C / 32°F – 104°F
Working humidity	85% or less
Dimensions (W x H x D)	91 x 67 x 31 mm / 3.6 x 2.6 x 1.2 in.
Weight	Approx. 115 g / 4.1 oz.

Battery Charger CB-5L
Compatible battery	Battery Pack BP-511A, BP-514, BP-511, or BP-512
Power cord length	Approx. 1.8 m / 5.9 ft.
Recharging time	Approx. 100 min.
Rated input	100 – 240 V AC
Rated output	8.4 V DC
Working temperature range	0°C – 40°C / 32°F – 104°F
Working humidity	85% or lower
Dimensions (W x H x D)	91 x 67 x 32.3 mm / 3.6 x 2.6 x 1.3 in.
Weight	Approx. 105 g / 3.7 oz. (excluding power cord)

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1. 

   Eddy says:

   September 24, 2008 at 8:04 am

   Canon 40D was introduced just a year ago, now it is being canibalised by 50D for sure, the features this camera has makes it a better choice.

   You can start to pre-order it already in US.

   http://www.canon50d.us

   reply