Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens
by Canon
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens
Customer Review: Powerful camera for the consumer...
Summary: 5 Stars
This was my first SLR. Learning to use an SLR in general can be a little trying, but I found the 50d a pleasure to work with as got into the details of exposure settings.
The 50d has prefab standard modes like what you find in point-in-shoots, but to really enjoy it, I found getting into its details critical.
I found the following 50d books essential:
Canon EOS 50D Digital Field Guide
Magic Lantern Guides: Canon EOS 50D Multimedia Workshop
I consider the first book a must have, but I'd really not do without the second either. The second comes with two DVDs which contains classes, one specific to the 50D, and one generic about taking great digital photos.
Things I really like:
* Battery life lasts for a very long time. I have never been forced to recharge due to unexpected fast drainage, even after lots of usage.
* A configurable menu: There's a menu which you can configure with your favorite menu options from other menus in the system. This makes one's fav options easy to access ASAP. I did not use this right away, but after learning more, and getting deeper into exposure settings, I found my own custom menu indispensible.
* Two configurable modes: When going beyond automatic modes (the modes where you just point and shoot), you then get into what Canon refers to as the "creative zone" modes. These are modes which require more work on the part of the photographer because he/she must make choices where the camera will not be automatically handling things. The two configurable modes are like slots, where you can store particular settings you like. So if you're out one day, shooting, and you have one setting you like for photos in the sunlight, and another for those in the shade, you can store those settings so they can each be accessed quickly on the mode dial (a phyiscal dial on the camera).
* Configurable buttons: Some of the buttons on the 50D can be reconfigured to control settings other than what they control by default. This can allow a user to reconfigure certain buttons/switches to one's liking. See the manual on the Canon 50D page for details.
* This camera is FFFFFast, even when taking multiple photos. This just goes to say w/an SLR, but I was coming from a point-and-shoot and found the speed of this 50d amazing. I used to do long exposures with a point-and-shoot, and had to wait equal time for the cam to offload photos from fast memory to the slower memory stick. Assuming you have a decent flash card in the 50d, there's little wait, if any.
I was perplexed by the SLRs out there, and I knew Canon was an excellent choice, so I liked what I'd seen with the 50d and just went for it. As a first time SLR user, I felt I could not go wrong with any of the major brands. I was right. So for a new SLR user, I'm not sure scrutinizing each detail of speed and capability is critical unless you can already foresee certain professional requirements. Any SLR will cause one to have to deal with typical SLR details (it can't be avoided if someone is learning), and that's what I wanted with my first SLR. The 50D gave me that and much more.
I'm not an expert, but I like this camera, and I know it's definitely a great buy for someone who at least wants to enter into the world of SLRs.
Customer Review: This camera is absolutely the best for my family!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have 3 young children and have recently departed the realm of point-and-shoot through the Rebel XsI (great camera). I was afraid of the size issue, of carrying a Dslr around and missing some good shots of the kids. However I was also disapointed at candid pics at their b-parties and indoor events (Christmas especially) for lighting (poor) and shutter speed. The XsI was a great camera, but once I decided that sometimes it is definetely worth to carry a bigger camera, I also decided to have a really excellent one, since the extra weight and size when you go the SLR route is basically the same. I still keep a Canon G10 in my personal bag at all times, but I have to say I LOVE my 50D!!!!
I played with buying better lens for the Xsi (including the L series, HUGE 24-70 for $1,100, which I returned) but first, the camera felt absolutely unbalanced, with its body being very plastic and light and the lens being super well built as a tank and heavy. Then, I am a pixel lover and if there is a 15 megapixel that I can easily afford by selling the Xsi, than I had to do it. But I struggled with the decision for weeks and long story short, got the 50D and also bought the L lens 24-105 ($1,059) and I feel like I ARRIVED!!!! :o)
I am not a professional photographer by any means, and due to the constant activity of my kids, and wanting a "natural" pic, I always end up taking pics on full automatic mode. The pics out of this camera are absolutely gorgeous, sharp, and make me very happy of the purchase.
Amazon has the best price around and I researched everywhere. I bought the kit with the 28-135 lens, and am selling these lens on an auction sit - it gives me a profit! But the pics from the kit lenses are also just wonderful, so don't feel you need to take the plunge on L lenses. I know a lot of professional photographers out there say that megapixels don't matter, well I discord since when you don't want your kids to pose and be un-natural, you want the ability to crop it a lot! Plus the shutter speed is so awesome, that catches that little expression the moment it happens.
Hope this helps in your decision!
Customer Review: Boosted my photo ability
Summary: 5 Stars
I sold one of my boats to buy this camera. I spent 5 months reading every review I could find and visiting camera stores in each state I visited. I tested every model and brand out there and asked the opinions of various owners. I finally decided I liked the features of the Canon line. I waited for the 7D to hit the shelves and tried it out. I found that the added features were great but more than I needed at this point with my DSLR experience. I decided to spend the money I saved on good glass.
When the 50D arrived at my door I shot 300 photos the next day. The quality is superb. I love the sharpness and detail. With 15mp I can crop in close and still have sharp images. I opted to add the 70-300mm IS USM zoom to the 28-135mm kit lens and mounted on this camera I get the most beautiful nature photos. The kit lens has a bit of a cheap feel for an item carrying the canon nameplate but it takes nice photos.
I still have a lot to learn. If you are fairly new to this level of camera the manual, while very detailed, will leave you needing more. I chose to buy the Canon 50D book by David Busch and it's like having an instructor walking you through the cameras abilities.
I would recommend this camera to anyone. I am very pleased.
A few useful points:
1) While a very large camera the 50d fits very well in my hand. It is well designed and
I carry it all day in the woods without a strap.
2) THe eyecup positions your face right on the LCD and the skins oils will end up on the
screen. I fixed that with the hoodman eyecup.
3) Speaking of the LCD, what a beauty. The quality and detail is fantastic. Just be sure to
a good screen cover to protect it.
4) Oh hell, I could go on and on but I won't. This was the right camera for me and I am pleased with the purchase. Amazon was great. Saved a bundle of money that I will be using on accessories and lenses.
Customer Review: Canon EOS 50D + EF 28-135mm IS
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought a refurbished 50D with 28-135mm IS lens kit at great price ($900) comparing to buying a new a couple of years ago. When I first got it, I didn't think of much of it. Rather I felt a little big and bulky for xxD 1.6x cropped sensor camera. Heavy too but I accepted it because I feel more safe having a magnesium alloy body than a plastic of the new 60D. 15 megapixel sensor is enough to crop and enlarge the photo. It's a bit noisy over ISO 1600 but I'm talking about RAW. I believe AF performance (especially accuracy) is better than 5D Mark II's. It's fast and accurate. Continuous burst buffer is awesome, 6.3 pfs. With UDMA card I could shoot 19 frames straight before it slowed down. (RAW only not with JEPG. Canon's spec. says 16 frames) But buttery life is not impressed in my opinion. I charged battery and went to zoo, shot about 300 photos mostly with continuous mode. When I came back, battery was almost drained. Since I hate battery grip because it makes heavier and bulkier, I need to get extra batteries. LCD is 3 inch and that's standard nowadays.
EF 28-135mm IS is a normal standard zoom lens. I don't have neither love nor hate. Actually amazed how Canon IS works well. I've shot pretty steady shot at 1/30s shutter speed. Some people made the comment that it's soft. I agree, but you can fix it mostly in Photoshop as far as it's not a blurry photo. Most negative comments that I read about this lens, they are fixable. Soft, color, contrast... etc. There's nothing spectacular about this lens. For the price (almost free bee in my case) it's really good lens. But I always keep mine on my old backup 20D now. I prefer either L or prime on 50D to get max quality.
I use 50D mainly for wildlife and portrait because of AF performance and continuously shooting capability. Plus 1.6x crop advantages telephoto zoom. I use 5D Mark II for landscape and wide angle photography.
Customer Review: Love the 50D
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this camera. It would be a bit much for a true beginner to handle, the menu's are confusing and if you don't even know what aperture and shutter speed are for, then you may be better suited for a model from the Rebel series. The beauty of this camera lies in the ability to make it work with you, not for you.
If you do get it, then it's so.easy to use. I picked it up the first day and don't think I've stopped yet. I'm not a professional by any means. I may not even be any good (I only shoot for myself) but I love it. I got this because I wanted something that would last a very long time and give me the opportunity to learn more about photography without feeling overwhelmed. This did it.
I switched from Nikon to Canon because the ease of the menus. The top screen on this is fantastic, I love that I can see the settings I'm shooting at without turning the LCD screen on or going out of my way to find a settings menu. It's just as easy to switch my settings too.
I do think that it took a bit to realize that a few of the menus are redundant but I guess that's how this caters to everyone. I have not used the live view, I haven't felt the need to yet. I do recommend a tripod if you don't have one. It will only enhance what you do.
The speeds are fast, the pictures are crystal clear and need almost no touch ups except for a few contrast or black balances here and there. I shoot both people and objects and only for fun. This is only a hobby for me but if I ever get to the point that I want to take it up a notch..I'm covered.
Overall, great purchase and I'm more than happy with it.