Canon EOS 1000D + EF-S

Canon EOS 1000D Digital SLR Camera is one of the smallest as well as lightest EOS Digital model that have hit the digital SLR market of the UK. This model weighs just 450 grams and to add to it, the built is quiet ergonomic as well. Further, this camera is effectively protected by Canons unique dust prevention system known as EOS integrated system for cleaning. If you look forward to ponder over the quick starting up times as well as the accuracy in colour realisation exhibited by this digital camera, you could just end up with its exceptional DIGIC III processor that are generally used in advanced EOS models. This processor of Canon has the ability to lower the power consumption of a digital camera as well.

This digital camera is effectively qualified by a 10megapixel sensor of the CMOS type. The size of this optical sensor is 14.8 x 22.2 mm. This part of the camera is promptly complimented by a remarkable image stabiliser. The lens of this device explains a focal length of 1.6 x with EF lens. An autofocus system of up to 7 AF points stands tall in this sector followed by a number of AF modes. The shutter of this model is very much a focal plane shutter that is electronically controlled, yielding speed ranging from 30 to 1/4000 sec. Bulb mode is also facilitated here. A number of shooting modes like portrait, landscape, close-up, etc combine with a handful of effects like monochrome or sepia to enhance the picture editting capabilities of this model.

Canon EOS 1000D Black Digital SLR Camera features a remarkable eye-level SLR viewfinder with fixed pentamirror in addition to its 2.5” diagonal sized TFT furnished by 230,000 pixels approximately. In the absence of any considerable internal memory, this camera holds the expansion slot for SD as well as SDHC memory cards. This digital SLR further features a pop up flash of convenience that offers auto, fill-in, rear curtain sync, red-eye reduction and off modes in its turn. A AF illuminator also shows its presence here.

Other Significant Aspects of this Camera

Aperture priority, Shutter Priority and Manual Exposure Setting
Colour Video Support
Hot Shoe Flash Terminal
ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600 and ISO auto
RAW, JPEG and JPEG + RAW still image formats
Automatic, Presets and Custom modes of White Balance
Canon LP-E5 Battery
Dimensions: 6.2 x 9.8 x 12.6 cm

Canon EOS - 1D Mk III Digital SLR

1D Mark III from Canon EOS series is another milestone for canon to create an art in photography.

This piece of cake is entirely designed with ultimate technology keeping professional photographers in mind. Canon has discovered many models under EOS series with astonishing features and enhanced technical aspects to fulfill the photographers demand and being a great choice for professionals in the field of wildlife, sports and reportage. In this case Canon EOS - 1D Mark III is exceptionally created with perfect mix of processing speed, high performance, picture rendering quality. Canon had a series business listening to photographers to craft such a remarkable D-SLR. The package comes with bundles of software CDs, cables, lens and accessories.

With the rapid light exposure of 10 frames/second at hefty 10.1 megapixel to reach a maximum JPEG image of 110 is a mark from Canon EOS - 1D Mark III. Canon has given a big face-lift in EOS - 1D Mark III compared to the earlier version of EOS - 1D Mark II by means of bigger screen, enhanced auto focus, arrangement of operating buttons around view screen and off course the important factor the frame speed. Dual DIGIC III processor is another ground breaking feature from EOS Mark III. This processor has also been revamped and equipped with Dual DIGIC III technology to give high resolution performance & high speed and to churn out 14 bit image processing to canon for the first time.

Canon has followed the tradition in the long run from the flagship brand EOS-1 series to EOS Mark III to host a collection of features in the latest launch of EOS Mark III. The big screen and the menu system in Canon EOS - 1D Mark III plays a major role in dressing up the whole pack. With 3.0” LCD live view screen, new auto focus system with 19 cross-type sensors, EOS Integrated Cleaning System and 63-zone exposure metering are the primary key factors to improve your photographic experience.

Canon EOS 1D Mark III can render excellent image quality with the help of Dual DIGIC III processor that can deliver image quality, speed and responsiveness. This digital SLR can capture and process 100 megapixel quality of image in a second and give way for 110 frame shot at one stretch by rapidly clearing the image buffer. Canon EOS Mark III can start shooting the image within 0.2 second when the power is on. The 14 bit image processing can provide 16,384 tones per pixel of total colour depth for perfect image quality.

The new Auto focus gives greater stability in handling camera at uncomfortable situation for photographers. A separate button is provided for Auto Focus on the back of this digital camera and it comes with 19 cross-type sensors that provide room for better capturing of off-centre subjects.
The 3 inch LCD monitor is big and wide in Mark III and provides 230K pixel resolution for framing the shots and reviewing. You can also take precise frames without looking at view finder by using Live View Mode.
New and redesigned menu offers many options for customizing the camera setting by using 57 custom functions and also allows you to store the settings for frequent use.

The Canon EOS - 1D Mark III body is made up of magnesium alloy casing that prevents dust & moisture and the integrated cleaning system will automatically does all cleaning jobs and reduces sensor dust.

Acer CR-5130

Acer CR-5130 Digital Camera is a boon to the field of digital camera from the manufacturer Acer. The compact dimensions of this smart digital camera and the sleek looks along with the most contemporary features makes it a very popular one amongst its rivals. It comes with a width of 9.4cm, a depth of 3.5 cm and a height of 6.3cm. It weighs just 0.2 kilograms and shines silver in colour. The body material is made up of pure Aluminium and this makes the device more durable.

Characteristics
• The proposed resolution is 5.3 mega pixels with 2560 x 1920 pixel rate.
• This device supports colour and has been designed with 1/1.8inch CCD optical sensor lens.
• The 4x digital zoom feature of the device will allow you to enlarge your images according to the needs.

Flexibilities
• Shooting modes –
• Frame movie mode
• Portrait mode
• Night mode
• Sports mode

• Exposure modes –
• Automatic
• Manual
• Aperture-priority
• Shutter-priority

• Special effects –
• Black and White
• Sepia
• Vivid

• White Balance – Custom, Automatic and Presets. Some of the presets are
• Incandescent
• Cloudy
• Daylight
• Fluorescent light (Both Cool and Warm white)

Camera capabilities
• Built-in flash is included for users’ advantage.
• The powerful flash range is 0.6 to 3 m.
• Flash modes
• Fill-in mode
• Auto mode
• Flash OFF mode and
• Built-in Red eye reduction mode

Lens Qualities
• You can use the focal length from 7.2 mm to 21.6 mm.
• The automatic focus adjustment has 10 cm of macro focus range.
• Its lens aperture is calculated as F/2.8-4.7.
• The 3x optical zoom is the rate of the focal length of the lens. For effective zooming, the motorized drive is used.

Display technology
• To view the captured image and status 1.5 inch TFT active matrix LCD display is added to the digital camera.

Memory and Expansion
• Acer CR-5130 Digital Camera supports an SD Flash Memory card for storing images.
• You can use 64 MB SD memory card and it delivers up to 140 pictures.

Connectivity
• USB – 1
• DC power input - 1
• Composite Audio/Video output – 1
• SD memory card – 1

Extra features
• Movie mode with recording facility
• To view the images and movies you can connect it directly to your PC and TV.
• It has a built-in Speaker and a built-in Microphone.

Acer CR-6530

Digital cameras have been outfitted with the ability to support digital photography. Acer manufacturing company has proudly launched Acer CR-6530 Digital Camera in the UK market with impressive features. It is made with durable material which will last longer. Users can enjoy their hobby of photography with digital technology with the support of this camera.

The outlook of the device is extravagant. It has been launched with colourful exterior which will surely attract the eyes of users. Manufacturer has measured its dimensions as 9.4 cm width, 3.5 cm depth and 6.3 cm height. This device weighs just 0.2 kilograms which can offer spectacular output. It can offer sensor resolution up to 6.3 MP and if you wish, users can choose frame movie mode.

Acer CR-6530 Digital Camera has the potential to offer digital zoom up to 4.4x and optical zoom up to 3x. It has a provision to offer audio compatibility with the help of embedded speakers. Users can choose their most desired flash mode from distinct choices like:
• Fill-in mode
• Auto mode
• Flash OFF mode
• Red-eye reduction

You can make use of the SD memory card slot for connecting memory cards. It has been featured with numerous types of connectors namely:
• USB
• Composite Video
• Audio Output
• DC power input

The smart unit has come with an embedded LCD display which can support TFT active matrix technology. The size of the display is measured as 2.5 inches which has come with colour compatibility. The optimum focal length of the device is measured as 7.2 to 21.6 mm. Automatic focus adjustment will be helpful for capturing high quality images. It comes with F/2.8-4.8 lens aperture and macro focus range up to 9 cm.

Motorized drive has been embedded for zoom adjustments. There are numerous options are offered to choose optimum exposure mode like:
• Automatic
• Manual
• Aperture-priority
• Shutter-priority

CCD optical sensor has been featured with Acer CR-6530 Digital Camera and users can support various shooting modes like:
• Portrait mode
• Night mode
• Sports mode

Three options in special effects setting are:
• Black and White
• Sepia
• Vivid

List of available white balance presets are:
• Incandescent
• Cloudy
• Daylight
• Fluorescent light (cool white)
• Fluorescent light

Users can get extra memory storage with the support of flash cards up to 64 MB. A microphone is integrated with Acer CR-6530 Digital Camera to play as an audio input. It has been equipped with a view finder to view images.

Pentax K200D

Review based on a production Pentax K200D The K200D was announced in January 2008 as a straight replacement for the K100D (actually the K100D Super which itself was a minor upgrade of the K100D launched in June 2007). The new model is aimed at the entry level segment of the market where it will have to compete with the likes of the Nikon D60, Olympus E-520 and the Canon EOS 450D. Despite of a fairly tempting price point the K200D certainly does not compromise on features. It comes with a CCD-shift type 'Shake Reduction' system, Dust Removal and Pentax' 11-point Safox VIII AF system. Very unusually for this class of camera it also sports a weather-sealed body and a relatively large viewfinder with 96% coverage and a magnification of 0.85. What you won't get though is a live view system. Did Pentax get the feature mix right? What about image quality? Click through to the following pages and read our in-depth review which will give you an answer to all these questions. Compared to K100D - key differences The Pentax K200D replaces the K100D which was introduced back in May 2006. From a specifications point of view the most notable difference is, as usual, the increase in megapixels from 6.1 to 10.2 MP. But the new model also features a CCD cleaning system, Dynamic Range Optimization and a larger screen along with some more, rather minor, changes. Pentax K200D Pentax K100D Body material Plastic, stainless steel chassis, weather-sealed Plastic, stainless steel chassis Sensor • 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor • 10.7 million total pixels • 10.2 million effective pixels • 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor • 6.31 million total pixels • 6.1 million effective pixels Image sizes • 3872 x 2592 pixels • 3008 x 2000 pixels • 1824 x 1216 pixels • 3008 x 2000 pixels • 2400 x 1600 pixels • 1536 x 1024 pixels Dust reduction CCD-shake No Flash • Built-in P-TTL electronic pop-up flash • Guide number: approx. 13 (ISO100/m) • Angle of view coverage: 28mm wide-angle (35mm equivalent) • Flash sync 1/180 sec • Wireless flash capability • Built-in P-TTL electronic pop-up flash • Guide number approx 11 (ISO 100/m) • Angle of coverage 18 mm (27 mm as 35 mm equiv.) • Flash sync 1/180 sec Shooting modes • Auto Picture mode • Picture mode • Scene mode • Program AE • Sensitivity-Priority AE • Shutter-Priority AE • Aperture-Priority AE • Metered Manual • Bulb • Auto picture mode • Programmed AE Mode • Shutter-Priority AE • Aperture-Priority AE • Metered Manual • Bulb • Picture modes • Scene modes Drive modes • 2.8fps for 4 frames (JPEG and Continuous (Hi), RAW • 1.1fps until the memory card is full (JPEG and Continuous (Lo))or for 4 frames (RAW) • Single shot • Continuous (2.8 fps, up to 5 JPEG frames) LCD monitor • 2.7 " TF LCD • Approx. 230,000 pixels • 2.5" TFT LCD • 210,000 pixels Custom functions 23 functions 18 functions Dimensions 133.5mm x 95mm x 74mm (5.2 x 3.7 x 2.9 in) 129 x 93 x 70 mm (5.1 x 3.7 x 2.8 in) Weight With lithium batteries and SD card: 690g (24.3oz.) 660 g (1.5 lb) (reduced by approx. 20 g if using CR-V3 batteries)

Kershaw 630 - Folding 120 Beast

Not knowing what to expect I picked up this awesome folding camera from eBay!

The Kershaw 630 was built from around 1955 by Kershaw-Soho in

Leeds, UK.

This medium format camera is solid as a rock and this one is in mint

condition! amazing considering the camera is over 50 years old..

It comes with original leather case:

I have shot a few rolls of film and achieved some really interesting results,
especially cross processed long exposures, will upload photos to flikr
when I get around to scanning them in..

The Kershaw can only be used with a shutter release cable, the lens is
80mm/f6.3 stopping to f.22, shutter has speeds 1/25, 1/75, 1/200 and
Bulb. 120 film / 6×6 negatives. The Lens Pops/Folds out at the push of
a button, what a party trick!

Im really astounded by the quality of photos this antique camera can
produce, they are softer than your average SLR but clearer than a holga,
dianna or other plastic lens 120 cameras. The clarity of the images is
beautiful..

Here are some images from the Kershaw, these are from the first roll
in black and white KodakCN 400ISO B&W

This is from the second roll shot with the Kershaw, Fuji Pro 400 C41,
daytime long exposure:

The latest roll from the beast is slide film E-6 cross processed as C-41.
I love the results:

Fujifilm FinePix S100FS

Review based on a production Fujifilm FinePix S100FS For many years, consumers wanting more control and range than a compact but lower weight and cost than a DSLR have been able to buy 'bridge' cameras, which look a lot like DSLRs but do away with the bulky, expensive mirror assembly that defines an SLR. They have traditionally had smaller sensors which allow long zoom lenses to be created in a relatively smaller space. However, in recent years, more manufacturers have started to compete at the bottom end of the DSLR market with slimmed-down offerings at ever-more aggressive prices. This has left the bridge camera in a tight spot - why buy a DSLR-like camera if you can nab the real thing for around the same money? Until recently, it appeared to be a question with no answer: most bridge cameras shrank from the challenge and began to look and feel more like compacts with an absurd zoom on the front. Fujifilm's fully-featured S9100, launched back in August 2006 disappeared from the market without any sign of a replacement. Until the announcement of the Fujifilm S100FS, that is. And it's an interesting package: one of the largest sensors we've seen in a non-DSLR for many years, a lens covering a 14.3x zoom range (that, importantly, starts at a usefully wide-angle 28mm equivalent), and the eighth generation of Fujifilm's Super CCD sensor technology. There's some photography-related features that have been added too, such as presets designed to mimic the behavior of specific Fuji films and a dynamic range expansion mode. Headline features 14.3X optical zoom (28-400mm equivalent) 2/3" sensor with 11.1 million effective pixels Eighth generation Super CCD HR sensor 2.5" tiltable LCD screen Film simulation modes (imitate the behavior of Fuji films) Dynamic range expansion mode Exposure, dynamic range and film simulation bracketing S100FS Key specifications Street price • US: $750 • UK: £400 Body Material Plastic Sensor • 2/3" Super Type CCD • 11.1 million effective pixels Image sizes • 3840 x 2880 • 4032 x 2688 (3:2) • 2816 x 2112 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480 Movie clips • 640 x 480 @ 30 fps • 320 x 240 @ 30 fps • AVI Motion JPEG with WAVE monaural audio Lens • 28 - 400 mm (35 mm equiv) • F2.8 - F5.3 • 14.3x optical zoom Focus • TTL contrast-type autofocus • Single / Continuous AF • Manual focus • Center / Moveable area / Multi Focus distance • Normal: 50 cm (wide) / 2.5 m (tele) - Infinity • Macro: 10 cm (wide) / 90 cm (tele) - 3.0m • Super macro (28mm equiv. only) 1 cm - 1.0 m Metering • TTL 256-zone metering • Multi-area • Average • Spot Shutter speed • 30-1/4000 sec (extremes depending on exposure mode) Aperture • F2.8-F11 (wide), F2.8-F8 in automated modes • F5.3-F11 (tele), F5.3-F8 in automated modes Shooting mode • Auto • Program • Aperture Priority • Shutter Priority • Manual • Film simulation bracketing • Movie • 2 custom modes • Scene modes Scene modes • Nature • Nature soft • Nature vivid • Flowers • Portrait • Portrait soft • Baby mode • Portrait enhancer • Night • Sunset • Snow • Beach • Sport • Fireworks Sensitivity • Auto • Auto (Max ISO 400) • Auto (Max ISO 800) • Auto (Max ISO 1600) • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600 • ISO 3200 • ISO 6400 (up to 6MP) • ISO 10000 (up to 3MP) White Balance • Auto • Fine • Shade • Fluorescent (daylight) • Fluorescent (warm white) • Fluorescent (cool white) • Incandescent • Custom Image parameters • Film simulation modes: Provia, Velvia, Soft, Portrait • Color, Tone and Sharpness controls • Dynamic range expansion Continuous • 3 fps, max 7 JPEG, 3 RAW (Top-3 or Final-3) • 7 fps, 50 shots at 3MP • 1 fps until card is full Flash • Built-in pop-up • Range (Auto ISO): 7.2 m (w), 3.8 m (t) • Modes: Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync, all with Red-eye reduction option. Storage • 25 MB internal memory • SD/SDHC memory card (not included) • xD-Picture Card (not included) Viewfinder • 0.2" electronic viewfinder (EVF) • 200,000 pixels (each pixel shows R,G and B consecutively) • Approx.100% coverage LCD monitor • 2.5" TFT LCD • 230,000 dots • Approx. 100% coverage Connectivity • USB 2.0 High speed • A/V out (NTSC/PAL switchable) Power • NP-140 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery • Charger included Other features • DPOF • PictBridge • Index view • Histogram • 2 and 10 sec self-timer • Hardware-based Face Detection AF/AE Optional accessories • Leather case • Compact AC Power Adapter AC-84V • RR-80 Remote Release cable Weight (no batt) 968 g (34 oz) inc memory card and batteries, 918g without. Dimensions 133 x 94 x 150 mm (5.3 x 3.7 x 5.9 in) * Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

Store		Rating	Price
	Jessops		£399.99

Top Of The Range Cameras - If Only We Had The Money !!

Press Release:

Leaf launches all new medium format camera line‐up
in response to photographers’ wish list of must‐have features

New range totals six products, including Leaf AFi‐II digital camera systems, Leaf
Aptus‐II camera backs and a new version of Leaf Capture workflow software

La Hulpe, Belgium, 9 September, 2008 – Leaf, developer of the world's most advancedmedium format digital camera solutions, today announced an entirely new family of medium format cameras and camera backs that enhance flexibility and usability for professional photographers. In addition to offering unequalled image quality with up to 56 megapixel resolution, the new line‐up delivers many new features. These include a 56 millimeter wide ‘True Wide Frame’ sensor, Leaf Verto internal sensor rotation for easily changing orientation and Leaf SensorFlex technology which lets photographers pre‐select image size and capture speed. The new line‐up totals six new products: the Leaf AFi‐II 6, 7 and 10 digital camera systems and the Leaf Aptus‐II 6, 7 and 10 digital camera backs. The new products will be showcased at Photokina 2008 in Cologne between 23 and 28 September.

Image quality, flexibility and ease of use

The new product line from Leaf is characterized by new features and advances in image quality, flexibility, ease of use and workflow efficiency that are a direct result of Leaf’s longterm relationships with professional photographers around the world. “By working closely with professional photographers and digital technician in their studios and on location, Leaf has been able to deliver solutions that make their work easier, faster and more efficient,” said Dov Kalinski, general manager of Leaf. “We’ve put a lot of thought and a lot of new technology into the Leaf AFi‐II and Leaf Aptus‐II lines and Leaf photographers are very enthusiastic about the new features that they’ve requested.”

True Wide Frame sensor

Leaf has developed the exclusive new 56x36 millimeter, 56 megapixel True Wide Frame sensor in cooperation with DALSA Corporation, who specialize in digital imaging components. As the world’s widest medium format sensor and the first to provide a 56mm wide capture area, it is designed to fit perfectly into the 6x6 frame of the Leaf AFi‐II 10 camera. The same 56mm wide True Wide Frame sensor is also available in the Leaf Aptus‐II 10 camera back.

Leaf Verto

Leaf Verto is another feature that was inspired by feedback from professional photographers. With the Leaf Verto internal sensor rotation dial on the side and bottom of the AFi‐II 7 and 10, photographers can easily switch orientation without removing the back, adjusting the tripod mount or twisting their wrists. When the sensor turns, the orientation indicator in the viewfinder also adjusts to indicate the current orientation.

Leaf SensorFlex

Leaf SensorFlex in the Leaf AFi‐II 10 and Leaf Aptus‐II 10 gives photographers a choice: either use the entire high‐resolution sensor, or select from pre‐defined formats that use only part of the sensor while maintaining full image quality. With SensorFlex, the Leaf AFi‐II 10 and Aptus‐II 10 offer even faster capture and processing speeds with file sizes appropriate for different types of jobs.

Leaf’s new bright LCD touch screen

In addition to offering the largest LCD display at 6x7cm (3.5 inch diameter) and the only touch screen in the medium format market, Leaf has also made the easy‐to‐use display on all Leaf AFi‐II and Leaf Aptus‐II touch screens much easier to see. With a dramatic increase in brightness, the photographer can easily see the display even under challenging lighting conditions.

90° Tilting LCD display

The Leaf AFi‐II 7 and 10 are the first medium format cameras to sport a 90° tilting touch screen LCD display. No matter which of the three interchangeable viewfinders photographers use with the Leaf AFi‐II (45°, 90° or waist level), the tilting touch screen lets them glance at the preview image and histogram and easily adjust settings while staying position for the next shot.

Remote image preview on wireless devices

The new Leaf Capture Remote for iPhone app turns wireless devices, such as the iPhone or iPod Touch, into remote image viewers. While you are shooting tethered using Leaf Capture software, a client or creative director can quickly and conveniently view selected medium resolution files of your images from any Wi‐Fi network.

Image quality leader

The new Leaf AFi‐II camera systems and Leaf Aptus‐II camera backs boast a 12 f‐stop dynamic range, 50‐800 ISO range and 16‐bit color images. These and other technologies designed into the new line of products from Leaf ensure professional photographers the highest image quality ever.

Compatibility and expandability

The Leaf AFi‐II imaging module, with its 56mm wide sensor and Leaf Verto internal sensor rotation technology, is a valuable enhancement for any 4x5 or 8 x10 field or studio camera. Using a Graflok adaptor, the Leaf AFi‐II imaging module brings the best of digital image capture and capabilities to large format camera. Also available is a new RZ adaptor for the Leaf AFi‐II imaging module to help breathe new life into ‘old favorite’ cameras and lenses.

Leaf Capture version 11.2

Leaf has also introduced a new version of its capture software, Leaf Capture version 11.2, which is the fastest tethered workflow application for commercial shooting today. On top of dramatically improved performance, Leaf Capture version 11.2 boasts new features including Live View for a color live video preview while shooting tethered; adjustable histogram; a Moiré Removing Tool to remove Moiré directly from the RAW file; and side‐byside comparison of shots with synchronized pan and zoom functionality. Through Leaf Capture, photographers and digital technicians can also fully control camera functions from a Mac or PC, including aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, dynamic exposure metering, mirror control and flash synchronization when tethered using a FireWire 800 interface.

Pricing and availability

Pricing for the new Leaf product line will range from £10,500 to £20,000. The new Leaf AFi‐II 6 and 7 and the Leaf Aptus‐II 6 and 7 are slated to start delivery by Photokina 2008. The new Leaf AFi‐II 10 will be available for demonstration at Photokina and is expected to start shipping by the end of 2008. Leaf plans to start shipping the Aptus‐II 10 by Q1 2009. Leaf Capture 11.2 will be available by the end of September, 2008.

Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR - Preview

Canon EOS 50D first look preview - taking a close look at the specification of the recently announced Canon EOS 50D.

This is a preview of the Canon EOS 50D, not a full review. Bookmark this page to see the full test as it happens.

The replacement to the popular Canon EOS 40D has a higher resolution, a better rear monitor and is the first out of the stable sporting a new processor.

Canon EOS 50D: Specification

• Resolution: 15.1Mp
• Sensor type: CMOS
• Image size: 4752x3168
• Aspect ratio: 3:2
• Sensor size: 22.3x14.9mm
• Processor: DIGIC IV
• Autofocus points: 9 Autofocus system: TTL-CT-SIR
• Crop factor: 1.6x
• Lens mount: Canon EF/EF-S
• Metering system: 35-zone TTL
• Drive: 6.3fps (with UDMA enabled card)
• Sensitivity: True ISO100-3200 (expandable up to ISO12,800 equivalent)
• Screen size: 3.0in (920,000 dots)
• Card format: CF I/II, UDMA compatible
• Battery model: BP-511a
• Weight: 450g
• Size: 145.5x107.8x73.5mm
• File formats: JPEG, RAW
• Connectivity: USB 2.0
• Flash type: In-built, Hotshoe
• Flash metering: E-TTL II
• Flash sync speed: 1/250
• Image stabilisation: No (lens based)
• Integrated cleaning: Yes
• Live view: Yes
• Shutter speed: 30sec - 1/8000sec
• Viewfinder coverage: 95%

Canon EOS 50D: Modes and features

As a replacement to the 40D, it's good to see a camera with some upgrades worth talking about. Most noticeable on this new model is the higher resolution CMOS sensor but you have to look deeper to see the real improvements.

The sensor is larger by 0.1mm which only serves to aid in the quest to abolish noise. While it's going to be minimal improvements, it's improvements nonetheless. The larger resolution can run through onto the card at 6.3fps (frames per second) as long as you're using a UDMA enabled Compactflash card. To get to the card, the camera has to go through the processor so to have a drive of a similar performance from larger file sizes needs a faster processor and that's where the brand new DIGIC IV steps in. It runs at 14-bit which Canon say improves gradation and improves colours to look more natural. It also helps the start-up time and reviewing images on the new screen.

I'm surprised that the new EOS 50D doesn't have a higher burst rate but then it's not a higher specification camera and the market it's aimed at probably don't need it any faster. Not to mention that raising the performance in that way will only lead to adding new technology which would inevitably raise the price.

In a forum debate on the number of pixels and dots on a screen, I contacted Canon to get a clear understanding of how they measure their screen resolution. The reply was that they measure it in pixels and the current models had a resolution of 76,000. Canon felt it was unnecessary to include a higher resolution monitor as it made no difference to the human eye which came as a welcome opinion to some. However, the EOS 50D now has a 920,000 dot screen which is a similar specification found on the backs of Sony and Nikon DSLRs of the same classification.

As well as a higher resolution screen which is a carbon copy of the D300 and higher, the EOS 50D also has equivalent ISO settings available. The true setting ranges from ISO100-3200 with additional sensitivity of up to ISO12,800

Canon EOS 50D: Build quality

The Canon EOS 50D can bask in its own glory being being built from magnesium alloy. This gives it a lighter and sturdier feel which is great for the enthusiast on the move. Coupled with the dust and water resistance on the battery and memory card door means that the 50D is pretty tolerant to the elements.

The camera comes with live view and three focusing modes are available which are quick AF, live AF and face detection AF. This works in the same way as you'd find on a compact camera by triangulating faces in the frame and prioritising the focus on them.

It'll be interesting to see if this feature is needed or used by the market the camera is aimed at. If it is, then Canon will have scored a winner and you'll see the feature pushed onto all other future models.

Canon EOS 50D: Verdict

It looks to be a bit of an awkward release to me. The features are good, but not as good as the D90 which was released on the same day. The EOS 50D also has a couple of things that are already found on Nikon cameras such as the higher screen resolution and equivalent higher sensitivity.

If Canon want to get back some of the ground they've lost in the DSLR battle, I can only hope that the rumours of the EOS 5D MkII are true and that it has a truly remarkable feature set.

What the EOS 50D does have fitted is pretty good. A decent resolution, new processor and better screen will all help photographers in their day to day photography. It's just a shame that it's all been done before with other manufacturers. I'm not seeing any new enticing features on this camera and that's a shame.

The EOS 50D (body only) is available from end of September 2008 priced at £1199.99 RRP