Excellent Semi-Pro Digital SLR - Big Step Up From 40D

Author's Rating:

Pros: Uses faster UDMA CC cards. Superior, brighter, sharper screen.

Cons: Slightly higher noise than the 40D at elevated ISO settings

The Bottom Line: 

Excellent purchase - a pro-level DSLA at excellentprice point.

Author's Review
As a journalist, I own and use several Digital SLR's. However, I find myself more and more reaching for the 50D when I head out on assignment. I grew up in the EOS system with the film-only EOS 1 and discovered quickly that the Canon name stood for quality, reliability and professional performance. A couple of years ago, when my magazines announced that they required digital images (no more film!) and since I had a closet full of Canon "L" glass, I grabbed the 40D to keep working. This is a very good camera that deliveres pro-quality images - I still have it and use it as a backup because I now rely on the 50D as my workhorse. As stated in another review here, the image quality between the two cameras, despite the big difference in megapixel capture, is very close. In fact, at higher ISO setting, some magazines say the 40D does a better job handling "noise". However, the 50D is still a superior camera (for me) and the reasons go beyond just pure file size and image quality. 

First, the camea uses write accelerated Compact Flash UDMA cards. Since I shoot motorsports and will fire off bursts of 10 or 12 shots of cars at speed, fast writing cards help. Second, the screen is much sharper and clearer for reviewing images than the one on the 40D. When I shoot "salon" images of cars, it's much easier to confirm details on the screen of the 50D.

AF speed is excellent with either camera. Exposure is always dead on and controls and menus are similar so it's easy for me to switch one to the other. I have made 24X30" posters from the 50D and the quality, color and sharpness rivals medium format.

Finally, my stock agency loves "large" files and with the 50D, I can send them the big files they need to get more sales.