Overshadowed by the protracted launch of the long-awaited full-frame 5D Mark II, the new semi-pro Canon EOS 50D DSLR camera was quietly announced at the end of August. Successor to the one year old 40D, this new model looks virtually identical on the outside, but offers a number of important improvements inside to either tempt you to upgrade from the 40D, or invest in the Canon system. Most notable are the 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, up from 10 megapixels on the 40D and the highest-ever for an APS-C sensor camera, an expanded ISO range of 100-12800, which matches the Nikon D700 / D3, the debut of the latest DIGIC 4 image processor, a new Live View mode with Face Detection, HDMI connectivity and a high-resolution 3.0” LCD screen with 920K dots.
A new Quick Control screen lets you adjust various camera settings via the LCD monitor, the Auto Lighting Optimizer analyzes the brightness of subjects and automatically adjusts dark images so that they appear brighter, and the AF Microadjustment feature promises to banish back- and front-focusing issues for good. With a price-tag of £1200 / $1399 body only, Canon 50D is both a serious investment for advanced amateurs and affordable backup for professionals
