Why You Should Buy Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera - A Review of Its Important Features

Quite often the cameras for pros are not only costly but are too advanced for newbies though they wish they could use all their features. The cameras for the newbies generally have slow speed and low quality. Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens is ideal both for the pros as well as the newbies. It combines high speed with superior quality.

The ESO D50 is the latest edition in Cannon's DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) series of digital cameras that started with Canon D30. Some of its highlights are:

1. Body

The magnesium body of the camera is environmentally sealed to weather all seasons. The user friendly ergonomics of the ESO (Electro-Optical System) system in the 50D camera make it easy even for the novices to use them. It contains all the controls at the right place. Just press the Direct Print button to enter the live view mode. Similarly, you can press SET button to enter the Quick Control screen menu, which contains the most commonly used settings.

2. DIGIC 4 Image Processor

What is DIGIC Image Processor?

DIGIC stands for Digital Imaging Core. It is basically an "application-specific integrated circuit" designed for processing the signals at high speed and controlling operations incorporated in digital imaging products. (Wikipedia) This mechanism was devised by Canon exclusively for their digital cameras and camcorders. DIGIC 4 is the latest avatar in Canon's image processors. It is obviously an improvement over its earlier editions, DIGIC, DIGIC 2 and DIGIC 3.

DIGIC 4 Image Processor enables the photographer to shoot the subjects in their finer details and nature colours. Its Face Detection Live Mode feature can capture the best possible shot by detecting and focusing up to 35 faces. The improved Auto Lighting Optimizer in 50D can automatically correct brightness and contrast.

3.3.0-inch Clear View LCD

Its 3.0 inch Clear View LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor with 920,000 pixels and a viewing angle of 160 degrees can shoot high resolution photos. You can review, edit and delete photos through its advanced Live View Function, which also includes Face Detection Live mode.

4. Improved self cleaning mechanism

The EOS 50D features an integrated self cleaning sensor unit that removes all the stray dust that is likely to make its way into the camera when its lens are changed especially in the open areas. Its cut and low-pass filter cleans the dust automatically with ultrasonic vibrations whenever the camera is switched on or off. Any dust left out by the camera's cleaning unit is captured by its Dust Delete Data Detection software that completely eliminates it from the image file.

5. Creative Auto mode for newbies

50D features a new Creative Auto mode and a Quick Control Screen both of which are useful for newbies in narrowing the gap between manual control and fully automatic functioning. The camera itself remains in fully automatic mode by default.

6. HDMI feature

The camera includes HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) output device that can display the photographs in high resolution on HDTV by using HDMI ports. It is automatically set to match the TV to which you connect your camera. This feature enables you to see the finer details in the photos in full frame 3:2 ratio.

7. EF & EF-S Lenses

EF stands for electro-focus lens. An EF lens can be identified by a red dot on it, which needs to be aligned with a similar red dot on the camera body. There is another type of lens, EF-S. It is so called because it is used for short back focus in cameras where the space between the lens and the sensor is small.

The EF-S lens has both a red dot and a white square to align it with the body when it is mounted on the camera. EF-S is considered more suitable for the beginners.

The EOS 50D can work with all the EF and EF-S lenses ranging from extra-wide angle to telephoto lenses.

Flip side

1. The performance of its dynamic range in shadowy areas is poorer than its predecessor EOS 40D.

2. You need high-end lens to get the best results from 50D.

3. Its performance becomes rather poor in artificial light.

4. Its per pixel detail is not as much commendable as on 10-12 megapixel cameras.

Please visit my blog on Canon EOS 50D Camera for a detailed, free and frank text and video review of its features supported by the comments of its actual users. I have also provided a comprehensive resource on digital cameras including tips on buying a digital camera, choosing a Digital SLR Camera, video tutorials and much more.