EOS 50D Info and news/reviews

Latest News

2011 June

• 30th New Firmware to V1.0.8
• Changes Firmware Version 1.0.8 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
• 1. Improves the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
• 2. Fixes incorrect indications in the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese,

2010 April

• 5th A series of 50D 'instant' rebates (in the US) running until June 5th
• • 50D Body Only: $100
    50D + 28-135 IS: $100
    50D + 70-300 IS: $250
    50D + 28-135 IS & 70-300 IS: $250

2009 July

• 30th New firmware 1.0.7
• Firmware Version 1.0.7 incorporates the following changes.
• Corrects a phenomenon where captured images may tend to appear somewhat magenta depending on the shooting scene.
• Fixes incorrect indications on the Arabic, Romanian, Spanish, and Ukrainian menu screens.

June

• 19th There have been numerous comments about aspects of 50D AF performance, and it appears (from an article in a Japanese magazine) that althought the AF sensor is different, it uses developments in the 1D3 AF algorithms, developed after the 1D3 launch.

May

• 22nd A cashback scheme for the 50D in Japan. Most likely to move inventory, rather than suggest that a replacement is close.

April

• 24th Some suggestions [DPR] that the firmware does indeed help with general image quality.
• 23rd Firmware update to V 1.0.6
• Firmware Version 1.0.6 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
• Supports the AF assist beam feature of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.
  Changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera.
  Addresses the vertical banding noise phenomenon.
  Firmware Version 1.0.6 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.5. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.6, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
• In addition, Firmware Version 1.0.5 has already been incorporated with improvements to support the AF assist beam feature of Speedlite 270 EX and change the error indications that are displayed on the camera.
• Notes:
  
  

  
  When updating to Firmware Version 1.0.6, please also update the Digital Photo Professional, Picture Style Editor, ZoomBrowser EX, and ImageBrowser software to the following versions or later. For details, please refer to the Firmware Q&A section.
• Digital Photo Professional : Version 3.5.2 (Windows/Macintosh)
  Picture Style Editor : Version 1.4.2 (Windows/Macintosh)
  ZoomBrowser EX : Version 6.2.1c (Windows)
  ImageBrowser : Version 6.2.1c (Macintosh)
• 15th A firmware update could be on its way. A recently repaired 50D was returned with V1.0.6 installed [DPR]. See also 2nd mention at DPR.
• 3rd New review [DPI] added above
• 1st An interesting article with suggested Bird photography settings from Arthur Morris, also some of his shots of an Osprey showing good AF.
> Article link added above.

February

• 12th An interesting comment from Arthur Morris on 50D AF performance for bird photography - see discussion thread at [DPR]
• Buy a lens and flash with your 50D and get a $200 rebate (US - until 1st March) - details on main Canon info page

2009 January

• 13th Despite rising prices for a number of camera products, the 50D price in the UK is still slipping (~£790 body)

2008 December

• 31st HM article added above - I've always been interested to hear Harold's thoughts on digital technologies. His articles on the view camera (tilt and shift) and depth of field are well worth reading.
• 22nd DPS review added above
• 20th Some interesting AF comments [BPN] and I notice that the UK price is still falling (£790 b/o) despite the state of the UK Pound...
• 18th There are more reports of third party flashes not working with the 50D and 5D2 - Sigma and SunPak are saying there will be firmware updates available to fix this for some models.
• 17th White paper link added above.
• 9th I was reminded that the new DPP update includes Auto Lighting Optimizer and Lens Aberration Correction.
• I've added some updates to the reviews above.

November

• 17th Canon has released a version of DPP (V3.5.1) that supports the 5D Mk2 and amongst other things, supports luminance noise reduction for sRAW images taken with the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 50D.
At the moment it only appears if you select a windows OS [Canon] - we'll look for better download links...

October

• 30th DPR have a full review
• 28th New firmware (V1.0.3) amongst other things, fixes a 50D "Err 99" problem.
• 18th More updates to our info list above
• 6th We've added a link to a PDF of the user manual above
• 2nd The 'Face Detect' Video mentioned above has gone - if anyone sees it anywhere else, please do let us know?

2008 September

• 30th Roland Lim just sent us his comprehensive review of the 50D. As ever Roland concentrates more on what the camera is like to use rather than the more technical DPR format.
• 20th Some UK dealers are suggesting that they already have stock of the 50D, and early deliveries are expected this weekend.
• It looks though as if the first deliveries are largely kits, with body only packs being somewhat delayed.
• US delivery seems somewhat later with at least one report saying 6th October (seems a long Delay?)
• 15th That new lens looks more like a 24mm (see lens page)
• Meanwhile, the UK 50D body only price has dropped to £949
• 3rd - Want a good 'standard' lens for those 15MP? Looks like a new 35L lens before long.
• 2nd Price dropping already? I hear from Norway (thanks) that the 50D price advertised, has dropped since introduction [NOK ~12,600 to ~10,000] - given D90 pricing we may yet see some movement on this before the usual two month drop?
• 1st Samples added above.

2008 August

• 30th Video links added above
• 28th There has been quite a bit of discussion about the AF functionality of the 50D - so far mostly speculation since no-one has had a production camera to test ;-)
• Whilst the basic AF system is similar to the 40D, the additional processing power of the Digic IV processor makes it quicker to respond. The addition of AF Microadjustment is well received.
• The AF functionality in liveview mode makes use of this power in the face recognition AF option. If I see any detailed tests of AF functionality, I'll add them to the links and info section at the top of the page.
• If you're curious, you might like to look at our info on Canon future developments published before the 40D last August - it's at the bottom of this page
• 27th We've just posted a collection of Canon technical info we received, on the 5D2 page.
• Concerning the 'early' release of the 50D, have a look too at yesterday's 5D2 info update
• As widely expected, Nikon have announced the D90. The biggest update is probably video (720p) - there is a hands on review at DPR

26th 50D Official announcement

No real surprises there. Widely leaked, so that everyone was expecting it.

I've seen it priced at 1300 euro (Germany), NOK 12599 (Norway) or in 'rip-off' Britain £1200, or according to the US price below $1400 - guess we'll be seeing a lot of people picking up one in the US when visiting ;-) Thanks everyone for sending in price info!

PDN has a good interview with Chuck Westfield including:

There is a test of the camera (in Swedish I'm afraid Google version) by Brutus Ostling who says, amongst many other things:
"Fastest auto-focus I've ever used."

With much discussion over Canon's AF performance, expect this to be hotly debated as the camera (and anything else with Digic IV) appears.

What's more, the universally derided 'Print Button' finally has another use!

AF Microadjustment is now available (we have an article on an easy way to carry it out)

European 50D Press Release

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 26 August 2008: Canon today strengthens its EOS range with the addition of a powerful new digital SLR: the EOS 50D. With a 15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 6.3 frames per second shooting and Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processor, the EOS 50D delivers unparalleled speed and resolution at a price point that is unique in today’s market. Outstanding, clean images A newly designed 15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor delivers ultra-detailed, low-noise images – ideal for large-scale reproduction or creative cropping. New manufacturing processes, plus redesigned photo diodes and microlenses, extend the light gathering capabilities of the sensor – allowing more pixels to be fitted on the CMOS sensor without compromising image quality. These changes ensure improved high ISO performance and low noise. High-speed, low light shooting is enabled by ISO levels of 3200, expandable to an ultra-sensitive 12800. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System – including the improved Self Cleaning Sensor Unit with a new fluorine coating – increases protection of image quality by helping to reduce, repel and remove unwanted dust from the sensor. Stubborn particles can be removed automatically in post-production with Dust Delete Data and Canon’s included Digital Photo Professional software. Rapid-fire performance Canon’s new DIGIC 4 processor is fast enough to allow up to 6.3fps continuous shooting, in bursts of up to 90 JPEGs with a UDMA card. Used with Canon’s wide area AF system, which locks onto subjects with 9 individual cross type sensors, stunning action sequences can be captured – even in low-light conditions. This makes the EOS 50D particularly suited to sports and wildlife shooting. DIGIC 4 works with the CMOS sensor to deliver 14-bit image processing, for smooth gradation and natural-looking colours – as well as ensuring ultra-fast startup times and near-instant image review after shooting. See everything A new 3.0” Clear View VGA LCD provides extra-large and wide angle-of-view image review, with plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks in playback. By switching to Live View mode – which displays a real-time image on the LCD – photographers can enjoy simplified shooting from awkward angles, or connect to a PC for remote shooting. Live Mode now offers three ways to auto focus: Quick AF, Live AF, and new Face Detection Live AF, which optimizes focus based on faces detected in the frame – for fast, spontaneous portraiture. Control and ease The famously intuitive EOS menu system includes a new Quick Control screen, for instant access to the most commonly-changed settings. A new Creative Auto mode offers automatic focus and exposure – while still allowing creative ‘tweaks’ to settings such as background sharpness. “For advanced amateurs and semi-professionals – or professionals looking for a powerful backup model – the EOS 50D stands alone,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “No other camera in this price bracket offers a comparable combination of speed and image quality.” Technologies Explained CMOS Canon’s CMOS technology is one of the company’s key competitive advantages, with noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery life. Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the process of getting signal to the image processor. Noise generation is reduced, power consumption is limited and faster frame rate potential is increased. DIGIC Image data captured by the CMOS sensor is processed by Canon’s purpose-built DIGIC image processors before being written to the camera's memory card. DIGIC technology uses advanced image processing algorithms to ensure precise, natural colours, accurate white balance, and advanced noise reduction. Ultra-fast processing speeds result in highly responsive camera operation and near-instant start-up times. DIGIC chips work with a high speed DDR-SDRAM image buffer – reading, processing, compressing and writing image data fast enough to keep the buffer clear during long continuous shooting bursts. And because DIGIC integrates all key processing functions, power consumption is kept to a minimum. EOS Integrated Cleaning System The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust in three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove. Reduce - Internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust generation. The redesigned body cap prevents dust generation through wear on the cap itself. Repel - Anti-static technologies, including a special fluorine coating, are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust. Remove - A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to shake dust from the infrared filter for a period of approximately one second after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature is disabled immediately the shutter release is depressed. Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system, which can map the position of visible dust on the sensor. This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with the latest Digital Photo Professional software. Picture Style Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image qualities. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different film types – each one offering a different colour response. Within each selectable pre-set, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s factory default configuration is set to deliver immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional menu settings. Picture Style presets applied to a RAW image can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software. The six pre-sets are: Standard – for crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing Portrait – optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones Landscape – for punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines Neutral – ideal for post-processing Faithful – adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K Monochrome – for black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green). Software Digital Photo Professional Software Digital Photo Professional software provides high speed, high quality processing of lossless RAW images. Processing with Digital Photo Professional allows real-time display and immediate application of image adjustments, giving control over RAW image variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation, noise reduction and colour tone – plus the ability to view Auto Focus points on an image. The Lens Aberration correction tool allows precise correction of different types of distortion caused by certain cameras. Images can be recorded in camera with sRGB or Adobe RGB colour space. Digital Photo Professional supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, colourMatch RGB, Apple RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces. ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles can be attached to TIFF or JPEG images when converted from RAW. This allows faithful reproduction of colours in software applications that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For improved efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved as a recipe and applied. EOS Utility The latest version of EOS Utility provides essential support for Live View remote shooting, camera configuration and image transfers. Tightly integrated with Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility can be configured to monitor ‘hot’ folders, automatically renaming and moving incoming images to a structured file system. Users can also tag their images with EXIF data, including copyright information. Picture Style Editor Picture Style Editor allows users to create individual Picture Styles that fit with their personal requirements. Each Picture Style contains detailed information on how specific colours should be represented within an image. Once new Picture Styles have been created, they can be uploaded directly into the camera and applied to JPEG or RAW images. When working with RAW files in DPP, both personal Picture Styles and the 6 predetermined Picture Styles can all be adjusted.

US press release

CANON U.S.A. STIMULATES THE CREATIVITY OF EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW EOS 50D DIGITAL SLR CAMERA Canon’s New DIGIC 4 Image Processor Fuels the 15.1 Megapixel Resolution, Expanded ISO Range and Enhanced Noise Reduction of the New EOS 50D Digital SLR LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 – With the demand for digital SLR cameras reaching unprecedented levels, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is answering the call with the announcement of the next evolution in advanced amateur digital SLR photography, the EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera with 15.1 megapixel resolution and Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. Designed to offer extraordinary quality and image control for the advanced photographer with a passion for the art, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera includes an expanded ISO range, improved noise reduction, and in-camera photo editing features. Canon has loaded the EOS 50D camera with a number of enhancements and some trickle-down technology from Canon’s professional Digital SLR cameras, as well as a new Creative Auto Mode (CA) that gives users more creative flexibility to make image setting adjustments conveniently without the need to be a photo expert. Canon has built upon the success of the popular EOS 40D model – which will remain in Canon’s line – with the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera. Expected to be the camera body of choice for advanced amateur photographers this holiday season, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera carries over the EOS 40D’s 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion process for smooth tones, and also includes enhanced noise reduction, especially at higher ISO ranges which will help bring those romantic nighttime shots into greater focus and clarity. Capable of shooting 6.3 frames per second (fps), the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is ideal for shooting everything from beautiful night landscapes to fast-action sports. “Advanced amateur photographers blur the line between the hobbyist and the professional, looking for professional features and capabilities in their equipment that will allow them to capture that awe-inspiring image. Canon is constantly striving to provide these shooters with the most advanced imaging technology, like the new EOS 50D Digital SLR camera, to fuel their passion for photography, and help them achieve their creative potential,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. Improved Image Quality The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been improved thanks to the use of newly designed gapless microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The faster processing speed of the camera’s DIGIC 4 image processor contributes to the fast 6.3 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 90 Large/Fine JPEGs or 16 RAW images on a UDMA CF card), to give shooters the tools they need to capture that perfect moment in perfect clarity. The Canon EOS 50D camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings – H1 and H2 – of ISO 6400 and ISO 12800, respectively. Along with a wide ISO range, Canon gives shooters more tools to help maximize clarity and colour. The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera offers multiple levels of noise reduction during high-speed shooting. Users can choose from one of four settings– Standard/Weak/Strong/None – to help reduce digital noise that can result from poor lighting conditions. As part of the camera’s internal image processing, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera conducts peripheral illumination correction, which automatically evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout, a function previously accomplished through post-processing software on a personal computer. Thanks largely to the DIGIC 4 processor, this automatic adjustment can be made in-camera during shooting with JPEG images or corrected in post-photoshoot processing with RAW images through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied at no extra charge. Helping to ensure each picture’s subject is clearly visible, Canon’s enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer analyzes the brightness of subjects and automatically adjusts dark images so that they appear brighter, perfect for subjects in shade or in backlit situations. The Auto Lighting Optimizer on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera has been updated not only to optimize images while they are being taken, but can also optimize images post-capture, during playback, to help ensure the subject of each image does not appear too dark. This is especially helpful when an amateur photographer uses the camera, because post-capture enhancement can help maximize image quality without the need of a computer. A significant upgrade to the Canon EOS 50D camera is its large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen which features 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 40D camera’s screen, for better clarity and colour. To help show off those fantastic shots, the EOS 50D camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV. The EOS 50D recognizes the needs of today’s photographers, and the faster processing speed of the DIGIC 4 processor helps support UDMA cards for faster writing of image files. The camera is also equipped with a high-performance viewfinder featuring 0.95x magnification and the same high-performance Autofocus (AF) system as the EOS 40D camera with nine cross-type sensors for accurate target subject acquisition with lenses possessing maximum apertures of f/5.6 or faster and a high-precision diagonal center cross-type AF point that’s effective with f/2.8 and faster lenses, helping photographers ensure better focus of their targets. The AF Microadjustment feature, originally introduced last year with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III professional digital SLR camera, has also been added to the EOS 50D for maximum control over focusing precision. Canon Gets Creative For Advancing Amateurs Canon is taking steps to give advanced amateurs more flexibility with a new “CA” Creative Full Auto setting on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s mode dial. This new setting goes a step beyond Full Auto, by allowing users to make adjustments before shooting while still in an Automatic mode, without needing to know the meaning of technical terms such as aperture, shutter speed, etc. In this mode, the camera menu on the back screen spells out options in common language for average photo enthusiasts, allowing them to “blur the background” or “lighten or darken the image.” These easy-to-comprehend image options will help amateur photographers improve the shots they are capable of taking, while helping them learn new techniques. When in the new CA mode, users will be able to adjust flash settings, brighten or darken images, blur the background, set the camera’s drive mode, and select a picture style directly on the camera’s LCD screen. Better Live View For photographers who prefer to frame their shots using the camera’s 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen, Canon has improved the Live View function of the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera to include “Quick Mode AF,” “Live Mode AF,” and “Face Detection Live Mode AF” that detects up to 35 individual forward-looking faces for better focus and clarity when taking group or portrait shots. The camera’s Quick Mode AF setting flips the mirror down and carries out regular phase-detection autofocus, while the Live Mode AF and Face Detection Live Mode AF use the camera’s CMOS image sensor for contrast detection autofocus. Two detailed grid displays have also been added to Live View shooting as optional settings for easier composition. Two Small RAW Formats In addition to the RAW and JPEG image capture modes that photographers are accustomed to, the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera now offers more manageable resolution settings and file sizes with two sRAW recording formats, sRAW1 and sRAW2. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 7.1 megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 15.1 megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 3.8 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. The EOS 50D is the first Canon Digital SLR that allows the use of RAW and sRAW settings in Basic Zone as well as Creative Zone shooting modes, even further improving the camera’s flexibility. EOS Integrated Cleaning System The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS 50D has also been upgraded and now includes a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. The second part of the system includes a software component where sensor spots are mapped and saved as Dust Delete Data that is attached to the image file for removal during post processing using Canon’s DPP software. Pricing and Availability The EOS 50D is compatible with the full lineup of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company’s ever-growing line of affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors. The Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is scheduled for October delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,399.00*. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,599.00*. New EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Canon has answered the call from advanced amateur photographers looking for a solid all-around lens with the introduction of the new EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. With an incredible focal length range equivalent to 29-320mm in the 35mm format, the new EF-S 18-200mm lens will make an excellent addition to any camera bag, and it gives shooters a great lens to capture both standard as well as telephoto images. The new lens features Canon’s built in Optical Image Stabilization system which gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed roughly 4 steps faster, for better image clarity, even in shaky shooting conditions. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m/1.5 ft. at all zoom settings, this new lens should prove to be ideal for those situations where swapping lenses isn’t an option. An ideal complement to the EOS 50D SLR camera and all other EF-S compatible EOS SLR cameras, the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores this October at an estimated selling price of $699.00*.

Specifications for 50D

Sensor	22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor RGB colour Filter Array Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit) 15.5 million total pixels 15.1 million effective pixels 3:2 aspect ratio
Image processor	DIGIC 4
A/D conversion	14 bit
Image sizes	4752 x 3168 3456 x 2304 2353 x 1568
File formats	RAW (.CR2; 14-bit) JPEG (EXIF 2.21) - Fine / Normal RAW + JPEG (separate files) sRAW1 (7.1 MP) sRAW2 (3.8 MP)
Lenses	Canon EF / EF-S lens mount 1.6x field of view crop
Dust reduction	"EOS Integrated Cleaning System" Self-cleaning sensor unit (filter in front of sensor vibrates at high frequency at start-up and shutdown - can be disabled) Dust Delete Data - Data from a test shot is used to 'map' dust spots and can be later removed using Canon DPP Software
Auto focus	9-point TTL CMOS sensor All points cross-type for lenses of F5.6 or faster Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster AF working range: -0.5 - 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)
Focus modes	One shot AF AI Servo AF AI Focus AF Manual focus
AF point selection	Auto Manual
Predictive AF	Up to 8 m
AF assist	Stroboscopic flash
AF microadjust	+/- 20 steps Adjust all lenses by same amount/individually adjust up to 20 lenses
Metering	TTL 35 zone SPC Metering range: EV 0.0 - 20 EV
Metering modes	Evaluative 35 zone, Partial (9% at center), Spot metering (approx. 3.8% at center), Center-weighted average
AE lock	Auto: One Shot AF with evaluative metering Manual: AE lock button
Exposure compensation	+/-2.0 EV 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Exposure bracketing	+/- 2.0 EV 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Sensitivity	Auto ISO (100-1600) ISO 100 - 3200 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments H1 (6400) and H2 (12800) expansion
Shutter	Focal-plane shutter 100,000 exposure durability 30 - 1/8000 sec 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec Bulb
Aperture values	F1.0 - F91 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments Actual aperture range depends on lens used
White balance	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K in 100 K steps)
WB bracketing	+/-3 levels 3 images Blue / Amber or Magenta / Green bias
WB shift	Blue (-9) To Amber (+9) Magenta (-9) to Green (+9)
Picture style	Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User def. 1, User def. 2, User def. 3
Custom image parameters	Sharpness: 0 to 7 Contrast: -4 to +4 Saturation: -4 to +4 colour tone: -4 to +4 B&W filter: N, Ye, Or, R, G B&W tone: N, S, B, P, G
Image processing	Highlight tone priority Auto lighting optimizer (4 settings) Long exposure noise reduction High ISO noise reduction (4 settings) Auto correction of lens peripheral illumination (vignetting)
colour space	sRGB Adobe RGB
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentaprism 95% frame coverage Magnification: 0.95x(-1 diopter with 50 mm lens at infinity) Eyepoint: 22 mm Interchangeable focusing screen Ef-A standard (2 other types optional) Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter
Focusing screens (optional)	Ef-A (Standard Precision Matte - included) Ef-D (Precision Matte with grid) Ef-S (Super Precision Matte for easier manual focus)
Mirror	Quick-return half mirror (transmission:reflection ratio 40:60) Mirror lock-up (once or multiple exposures)
Viewfinder info	AF points, Focus confirmation light, ISO sensitivity, Shutter speed, Aperture, Manual exposure, AE Lock, Exposure compensation amount, AEB level, Spot metering area, Flash ready, Red-eye reduction lamp on, High-speed sync, FE Lock, Flash compensation amount, ISO speed (while changing), WB correction (while changing), Highlight tone priority icon *, B&W mode icon, Warnings, Maximum burst for continuous shooting, Buffer space
LCD monitor	3.0 " TFT LCD 920,000 pixels 7 brightness levels 160 ° viewing angle Dual anti-reflection
LCD Live view	Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor 100% frame coverage 30 fps Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor Best view or exposure simulation Silent mode Grid optional (x2) Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point) Three AF modes - Live mode/Quick mode/Face Detection Histogram Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB or WiFi/Ethernet using WFT)
Record review	Off On (histogram via INFO button) Display mode same as last used Play mode 2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold
Playback modes	1. Single image with exposure, file number, storage slot 2. As 1 but also image count and quality 3. Detailed exposure information, thumbnail and luminance histogram 4. Less detailed exposure info., thumbnail, luminance and RGB histograms
Playback features	Optional blinking highlight alert Optional AF point display Magnified view (up to 10x) 2x2 or 3x3 thumbnail index Jump (by 1, 10, 100 images / by screen or date) Delete / Protect
Flash	Auto pop-up E-TTL II auto flash FOV coverage up to 17 mm (27 mm equiv.) Guide number approx 13 m / 43 ft (ISO 100) Cycle time approx. 3 sec Flash compensation +/-2.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments X-Sync: 1/250 sec
External flash	E-TTL II auto flash with EX-series Speedlites In-camera flash configuration (currently only 580 EX II) Wireless multi-flash support PC Sync
Shooting modes	Auto, Creative auto, Program AE (P), Shutter priority AE (Tv), Aperture priority AE (Av), Manual (M), Auto depth-of-field, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night portrait, Flash off, Camera user settings 1, Camera user settings 2,
Drive modes	Single High-speed continuous: 6.3 fps Low-speed continuous: 3 fps Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec (3 sec with mirror lock-up)
Burst buffer	Large/Fine JPEG: 90 frames (with UDMA card) RAW: 16 frames
Orientation sensor	Yes
Auto rotation	On (recorded and LCD display) On (recorded only) Off
Custom functions	25 custom functions with 74 settings in 4 groups
Menu languages	English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese
Firmware	User upgradable
Portrait grip	Optional WFT-E3/E3A Optional BP-E2N battery grip Optional BP-E2 battery grip
Connectivity	USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Video out HDMI connector N3 type wired remote control PC Sync flash terminal Communication terminal on base for WFT-E3/E3A
Storage	Compact Flash Type I or II (inc. FAT32) Supports UDMA cards Canon Original Data Security Kit supported ("Original Image Data") No CF card supplied
Power	Lithium-Ion BP-511A rechargeable battery (supplied & charger) Supports BP-511 / BP-511A / BP-512 / BP-514 CR2016 Lithium battery (date/time backup) Optional AC adapter
Wireless connectivity (optional WFT-E3/E3A)	Mounts on base of camera and also acts as vertical grip Has its own BP-511A battery Wireless 802.11b / 802.11g Wireless security: WEP, TKIP/AES, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK Wireless methods: Infrastructure or Ad Hoc Wired ethernet (100 Base-TX) Transfer: FTP, PTP (remote control by computer), HTTP (view / remote fire) USB host capable: External hard drives, flash drives USB comms: GPS devices (records coordinates and altitude in image header)
Dimensions	146 x 108 x 74 mm (5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in)
Weight	No battery: 730 g (1.6 lb) With battery: 822 g (1.8 lb)

40D/50D comparison

	Canon EOS 50D	Canon EOS 40D
Sensor	15.0 million effective pixels	10.1 million effective pixels,
Image sizes	4752 x 3168, 3456 x 2304, 2353 x 1568	3888 x 2592, 2816 x 1880, 1936 x 1288
RAW files	CR2 format, 14-bit, RAW full resolution, sRAW1 (7.1 MP), sRAW2 (3.8 MP)	CR2 format, 14-bit, RAW full resolution, sRAW (2.5 MP)
Image processor	DIGIC IV	DIGIC III
Sensitivity	ISO 100 to 3200, extendable to H1 (6400) and H2 (12800).	ISO 100 to 1600, extendable to 3200.
Auto ISO	ISO 100 to 1600	ISO 100 to 800
Noise reduction	Four levels	On/Off
Auto lighting optimizer	Four levels	On/Off
AF adjustment	All lenses or up to 20 individual lenses, +/- 20 steps	No
Viewfinder info	Now includes Auto Lighting Optimizer icon
LCD monitor	3.0 " TFT LCD, 920,000 dots	3.0 " TFT LCD, 230,000 dots
Live view AF	Quick mode (Phase detect), Live view mode (Contrast detect), Face detect (Contrast detect)	Phase detect
Peripheral illumination, correction	Profiles of 26 lenses includes, space provided for 14 extra profiles
User modes	Auto, Creative Auto, Program AE (P), Shutter priority AE (Tv), Aperture priority AE (Av), Manual (M), Auto depth-of-field, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night portrait, Flash off, Camera user settings 1, Camera user settings 2	Auto, Program AE (P), Shutter priority AE (Tv), Aperture priority AE (Av), Manual (M), Auto depth-of-field, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night portrait, Flash off, Camera user settings 1, Camera user settings 2, Camera user settings 3
High-speed continuous	6.3 fps, Up to 60 JPEG Large/Fine images, Up to 90 JPEG Large/Fine images (UDMA)	6.5 fps, Up to 75 JPEG Large/Fine images
Menu UI	Digic 4 interface	Same as EOS-1D series
Connectors	USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, Video out, Mini HDMI connector, N3 type wired remote control, PC Sync flash terminal, Communication terminal on base for WFT-E3/E3A	USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, Video out, N3 type wired remote control, PC Sync flash terminal, Communication terminal on base for WFT-E3/E3A
Menu languages	25	18
Custom functions	25	24
Weight	No battery: 730 g (1.6 lb), With battery: 822 g (1.8 lb) (measured)	No battery: 740 g (1.6 lb), With battery: 836 g (1.8 lb) (measured)

Brief review of 30D/40D specs for comparison

	Canon EOS 40D	Canon EOS 30D
Weatherproof	Battery door and storage compartment	No
Sensor	10.1 million effective pixels 5.7 µm pixel pitch	8.2 million effective pixels 6.4 µm pixel pitch
A/D converter	14-bit	12-bit
Image sizes	3888 x 2592 2816 x 1880 1936 x 1288	3504 x 2336 2544 x 1696 1728 x 1152
RAW files	CR2 format, 14-bit RAW full resolution sRAW (2.5 MP)	CR2 format, 12-bit RAW full resolution
Image processor	DIGIC III	DIGIC II
Dust reduction	High speed vibration of filter	None
Auto focus	9-point TTL CMOS sensor Points cross-type for F5.6 or faster lens Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster	9-point TTL CMOS sensor
Metering range	0.0 to 20 EV	1.0 to 20 EV
Spot metering	Approx. 3.8% at center	Approx. 3.5% at center
Auto ISO	ISO 400 to 800 / 100 to 800 depending on exposure mode	ISO 100 to 400
White Balance	2500 - 10000 K in 100 K steps	2800 - 10000 K in 100 K steps
Viewfinder	95% frame coverage Magnification: 0.95x Eyepoint: 22 mm	95% frame coverage Magnification: 0.90x Eyepoint: 20 mm
Focusing screen	Interchangable precision matte Two other screens available	Fixed precision matte
Viewfinder info	Now includes ISO sensitivity, B&W icon
LCD monitor	3.0 " TFT LCD 230,000 pixels	2.5 " TFT LCD 230,000 pixels
LCD Live View	Yes, including mirror-drop AF	No
Main LCD settings display	When changing settings such as AF mode or White Balance	No
Tilt correction	Yes	No
Opening CF door	Warning message shown	Power down, loses images
Mirror lock-up	Single or multiple exposures	Single exposures
Mirror mechanism	Motor up / down, quieter, faster	Spring up / motor down
Playback modes	Exposure line at top in single image view	No exposure in single image view
User modes	Three custom user modes on mode dial	No user modes
High-speed continuous	6.5 fps Up to 75 JPEG Large/Fine images	5.0 fps Up to 30 JPEG Large/Fine images
Portrait grip	WFT-E3/E3A, BP-E2N, BP-E2	BP-E2
Wireless connectivity	WFT-E3/E3A Integrates as vertical hand grip	WFT-E1/E1A No grip
Menu UI	Same as EOS-1D series	Sames previous xxD series
Menu languages	18	15
Custom functions	24	19
AF-ON button	Rear 'under thumb'	None
Rear buttons	Direct print, Menu, Play, Erase, Jump, Info, Picture Style	Direct print, Menu, Info, Jump, Play, Erase
Top right buttons	Lamp Metering / WB AF / Drive ISO / Flash comp.	Lamp AF / WB Drive / ISO Metering / Flash comp.
Dimensions	146 x 108 x 74 mm(5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in)	144 x 106 x 74 mm (5.6 x 4.2 x 2.9 in)
Weight	No battery: 740 g (1.6 lb) With battery: 822 g (1.8 lb)	No battery: 706 g (1.6 lb) With battery: 785 g (1.7 lb

---

Items below are Pre release rumours - retained for archive purposes

---

25th As expected the 'leak' site is now password protected

The sample images have been saved though [FKR]

As you'd expect many people are still crying 'Fake' - well done if it is! (I doubt it though ;-)

24th A Japanese site looks to have the announcement info for the 50D on it (note 18-200 lens)

This is the URL www.canon.icp.dog-cr.jp/products/camera/eos/50d/index.html

The page certainly looks like a temporary site, but for my mind has just too much info to be a fake (then again I can't read Japanese! Correction, it's in chinese ;-)

Certainly looks to be a well timed spoiler for any Nikon release in the next day or so ;-)

A run through Google's translation service shows that at 15.1MP it is at 6.3 FPS (150k shutter), has HDMI, 12800 max ISO, a VGA display and Digic IV gets an outing.

There are sample images (see above) on the site too. The 1600 ISO one of the car is very nice.

There is a big screen at the back too.

Liveview and an emphasis on AF

Note the two kit options below

22nd The info below has now appeared on Bob Atkins site, which is as good enough as 'real' for many ;-)

Do we have a huge 50D leak from China? [via FM] [specs screen grab]

1.6x crop - 22.3x14.9mm
15.1MP --- 4752 x 3168 pixels
JPEG´s + RAW + sRAW1 (7.1MP) + sRAW2 (3.8MP)
14 bit
Dust Reduction
Digic IV
Auto Brightness Processing
95% viewfinder .95 magnification
9 point af (All Cross Type)
AF Fine Tuning [AF microadjustment]
Face recognition for AF
ISO 100-3200 Expanded 6400-12800
Auto ISO 100-1600
LCD VGA type 920,000 3"
6.3 FPS (high speed) 3fps (low speed)
Buffer: 16 RAW - 60 JPG - 10 RAW+JPG
Pop-Up flash (13/43 at ISO 100)
UDMA Support
Camera User settings C1 & C2
Battery BP511A - charger CB-5L
Shutter Actuations: 100,000

There were suggestions of 'in camera' IS for wide angle lenses [screen grab of translation]. Just remember that whatever you see is translated from the briefly visible Chinese pages, so may have a lot of variability - there is nothing in the specs about the IS, and this is now believed not to be present.

This bit of news appeared whilst I was asleep and now Canon China have pulled all the pages, such as: http://www.canon.com.cn/products /camera/eos/50d/overview.html

Anyway, here are the full specs from the translated page.

Canon 50D Specifications
Type:	built-in flash AF / automatic exposure single-lens reflex digital cameras
Record Media:	Type I or II CF card, UDMA compatible
Image Sensor Size:	22.3mm x 14.9mm
Lens Compatability:	Canon EF-series (including EF-S series lenses)
Lens mount:	Canon EF mount
Image Sensor
Type:	CMOS Image Sensor
Effective Pixels:	15.1 million pixels
Aspect ratio:	3:2
Dust removal function:	Auto, Manual, dust data
Recording System
Recording format:	Camera File System Design Rule 2.0
Image types:	JPEG, RAW (14 bit Canon original) can record RAW + JPEG
Image Sizes:	Large: about 15.1 million pixels (4752 x 3168) Medium: About 8 million pixels (3456 x 2304) Small: about 3.7 million pixels (2352 x 1568) RAW: about 15.1 million pixels (4752 x 3168) RAW1: about 7.1 million pixels (3267 x 2178) sRAW2: about 3.8 million pixels (2376 x 1584)
Create / select Folder:	yes
Image Processing
Photo style:	Standard, portrait, landscape, neutral, reliable setup, monochrome, User-defined 1-3
White Balance:	Auto, the default (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Lamp, White fluorescent light, flash), user-defined, colour temperature settings (2500-10000 K)
Noise Reduction:	Can be applied to long time exposure and high ISO sensitivity shooting
Automatic image brightness correction:	Automatic brightness optimization
Highlight Tone Priority	yes
The amount of light surrounding the lens correction:	yes
Viewfinder
Type:	Eye-level pentaprism
Coverage	Vertical / horizontal direction about 95%
Magnification:	About 0.95 times (-1 m-1, using 50 mm lens on the infinite distance AF)
Eye Relief (Eyepoint)	About 22 mm (eyepiece lens from the central -1 m-1)
Built-in diopter adjustment:	-3.0 - +1.0 M-1 (dpt)
Focusing Screen:	Ef-A equipped with the standard screen, and can replace the screen (2 sold separately)
Depth of Field Preview:	yes
Mirrors:	rapid return
Autofocus
Type:	TTL auxiliary video coincidence, the phase detection
AF Zones:	9 (all cross)
Metering range:	EV -0.5 - 18 (23 ° C/73 ° F, ISO 100)
Focus modes:	Single AF, AI Servo AF, Artificial Intelligence AF, manual focus (MF)
AF-assist light:	By the built-in flash for a short flash
AF fine-tuning:	AF can be fine-tuned
Exposure Control
Metering Modes:	35 Zone TTL full-aperture metering Evaluation meter (with the focus of any automatic linkage) Partial metering (the viewfinder about 9 percent of the area) Spot (viewfinder central area of about 3.8%) Central focus of the average metering
Metering range:	EV 1-20 (23 ° C/73 ° F, the use of EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Control:	Programmed auto exposure (automatic, portrait, landscape, Macro, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash off, creativity automatic, procedures), shutter priority automatic exposure, aperture priority auto exposure, depth of field priority auto exposure, manual exposure
SO Sensitivity (Recommended exposure index):	automatic settings between ISO 100-1600, 12800 District creative shooting modes: ISO 100 - 3200 (in 1 / 3 increments), Auto, ISO sensitivity can be extended up to ISO 6400 or ISO 12800
Exposure compensation:	Manual and automatic exposure bracketing (with manual exposure compensation can be used in combination), Can be set numerical: ± 2 Stage 1 / 3 or 1 / 2 units to adjust
Auto exposure lock:	Auto: evaluation of the use of metering single AF mode of the application of coke Manual: auto exposure lock button
Shutter
Type:	Electronically controlled focal plane shutter
Shutter Speeds:	1 / 8000 second to 1 / 60 seconds (automatic mode), flash synchronization speed of 1 / 250 second 1 / 8000 to 30 seconds, B
Flash
Built-in flash:	pop-up, auto-flash
Flash:	13/43 (ISO 100, to m / ft unit) flash coverage: 17 mm camera angle. Recharge time about 3 seconds
External flash:	EX series of flash (camera can set up some flash function)
Flash Metering:	E-TTL II automatic flash
Flash Exposure Compensation:	± 2 Stops,  1 / 3 or 1 / 2 units to adjust
Flash Exposure lock:	yes
PC terminal:	yes
Drive
Modes:	Single-shoot, high-speed, low speed, delay (10 seconds or two seconds delay)
Continuous speed:	High-speed: up to about 6.3 frames / sec. Low: up to about 3  frames/ sec.
Buffer	JPEG large / distinctions: about 60 (90) RAW: about 16 (16) RAW + JPEG large / distinctions: about 10 (10)
Live View
Focus:	Fast mode (testing phase) Real-time mode, real-time facial priority mode (contrast detection) Manual focus (can be enlarged five times / 10 times)
Metering Mode:	The use of image sensors to evaluate,Spot
Metering range:	EV 0 - 20 (23 ° C/73 ° F, the use of EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Mute shooting (quiet mode):	yes
LCD Monitor
Type:	TFT colour liquid crystal display (there are seven brightness adjustment)
Monitor size and points:	3 inches, about 920,000 points (VGA)
Coverage:	About 100%
Language Interface:	25 (with English)
Image playback
Zoom :	About 1.5 times - 10 times
View images method:	Leaflets images, 10 or 100 images, screen, the date, Folder as a unit Jump
High-warning:	Flashing of Excessive exposure regions
Direct Print
Compatible printer:	PictBridge-compatible printers
Print Image:	JPEG and RAW image
Print command:	DPOF1.1 compatible version
Custom Functions
Number of custom functions	25
Camera user settings:	C1 and C2 registered
Custom menu	yes
Interface
Digital	(Hi-Speed USB) For computer communications and direct printing (Hi-Speed USB)
Video output terminal:	3.5 mm mini-jack (optional NTSC / PAL)
HDMI mini OUT:	C -
Remote Terminal:	N3-compatible
Docking Systems terminal:	WFT-E3 Used to connect wireless file transfer for WFT-E3
Power
Battery:	Battery BP-511A (1) AC adapter AC ACK-E2. With BG-EN2 or BG-E2 grips AA cells can be used. Clock battery CR2016
Battery capacity:	50% flash photography: 23 ° C / 73 ° F at about 640, 0 ° C/32 ° F at about 540. 50%  flash photography and Live View display: 23 ° C / 73 ° F at about 170,  0 ° C/32 ° F at about 130.
Size and weight
Size	145.5×107.8×73.5 mm / 5.7 x4.2×2.9 inches
Weight:	About 730 grams / 25.7 ounces (body only)
Operating Environment
Temperature range:	0 ° C-40 ° C/32 ° F-104 ° F
Working humidity range:	85 percent or less

21st As we were told, there is a £60 rebate on the 40D running for a month from today (to 21st Sept)

The 40D to 50D update is compared to the 20D/30D update in a post from someone who claims to have used one [DPR] Is it a 60D for a big change ;-) :-)

The Nikon D90 is now appearing with 18-200VR lens, as a 'place holder' on several dealers' sites.

20th The Dutch Canon site has announced a new series of workshops for buyers of the 450D, 40D and 5D. Runs until Jan 1st 2009.

Also in an update to the UK rebate scheme, we hear that at the end of the first month, it may turn into a price cut or be continued.

There is also a report [CR] that the 40D is supposedly current until the end of the year.

19th In an interesting slant on the '50D' noises we're hearing, there is also talk of a rebate scheme being offered on the 40D, starting later this week - but only initially running for a month?

Another 50D/'5D2' thread on DPR says 15MP 50D soon and the 5D replacement for September.

18th From Japan we hear of some 50D Specs [Thanks for the info/translation]

Annouced on 26th Aug (Start sellling in late Sept)
15.10 MP  3.0' VGA monitor,  6.3FPS, 9 point AF, LV, improved dust-removal system(or improved LV as well)
Body only:150000 Yen, With 17 - 65 85 200000 Yen, With 18-200 220000 Yen, 18-200 lens 80000 Yen.
Digic IV will be used in the upcoming IXUS but not on 50D.

17th The 40D makes it to the 'clearance section' of the site of a big Australian dealer. [Camera action]

15th Several reports of a Canon sales meeting in Hawaii [DPR] and the 50D out later this month, but the 5D2 for Photokina - 23/9 to 28/9 Last year the 40D and 1Ds3 were both announced on the 20th Aug.

Also: "The 50D is coming, it was shown this week to camera store owners. Canon USA flew them to Hawaii to show it off, as well as the 18-200IS lens..." "15 Megapixel ... $1399 body only" [DPR]

That FM thread from a few days ago is still going strong.

14th Why replace the 40D so soon? Could it be a sign of more agressive marketing from Canon after losing top place in Japan for DSLRs (only by a fraction of a percent in the first 6 months of the year (BCN Ranking)) A new Nikon D90 could possibly do with some competition...

12th More news [FM] suggesting that an 18-200 EF-s lens (f3.5 to 5.6 and with IS USM) is to be announced for Photokina. With some suggestions of a 50D to go with it?

Meanwhile on DPR we get a 50D spec...

12.2 Megapixel APS-C sensor
Single Digic III Processor
ISO 100-3200 (High 6400)
6-8 fps depending on grip
3" High Resolution OLED LCD
Will accept EF and EF-S Lenses
11 point AF
35 Zone metering
Viewfinder: 100 percent coverage .95 magnification
Pop up flash
New Lithium Ion Battery
Weather sealing slightly better than 40D

2nd A Swedish photo magazine's editor suggests there will be a launch the day before photokina (22nd September)

It also adds that Canon is a bit surprised that the 40D doesn't sell so well against the D300. There is also the suggestion of a 12MP 50D with AF-ON button and a new grip.

However on FM, I noticed (half way down) a suggestion that the 40D was current for the rest of the year.

40D AF performance is not exactly praised by Rob Galbraith in the latest installment of his 1D3 and 1Ds3 AF testing saga, but it is being compared to the 1D3, which is pretty good after all (even with various foibles).

July 31st Tomorrow or Monday? Both suggested dates for Canon's next announcement (before the Olympics). The other info suggested two cameras - one single digit, and one double digit... Full frame 50D anyone? ;-) This from a reader and regular contributor (thanks) watching various Chinese forums.

25th Lots more reports of price drops for the 40D, although not many I've seen in the UK. Is a 50D on the way with a sensor upgrade (12 or 14MP) or is it, as I've heard suggested, to make way for a 'cheap' FF 7D or 50D.

It seems [CR] that Best Buy may be listing the 40D as EOL in October.

Canon makes hefty margins on lenses and maybe has decided that EF-s is just for entry level. That said, the 40D design is good one, so I'm more inclined to go along with a recent mail we received suggesting we'll see a replacement with:

1.6x 12-14MP sensor (a new one based on the new CMOS Canon have been touting for some time)
Appreciably better noise performance than the 450D sensor.
Improved screen.
Live view with Phase and Contrast AF.
Minor changes in Much improved weather sealing ;-)

July 20th US Rebates end, and the 40D stays at the rebated price on Amazon. Look for more 50D rumours in the coming week...

8th Is a 40D refresh being moved from the expected 18 month cycle (we'll see it at PMA in 2009) or will new sensor technology make it into the 50D for Photokina [potn]

Whilst I've been sent various info on the new sensor developments, the only line that was slated for potentially moving to annual updates was the bottom end of the DSLR range.

June 27th Signs of further 40D price reductions and renewed talk of EF-S lenses on an 'entry' FF model have stoked up the 40D replacement noises again [POTN for example]

17th Quite a bit more chatter about the imminent demise of the 40D, although looking at the release history points to an early 2009 announcement.

The UK price for the 40D is now around the £600 mark with the 450D at £400 and the 5D at £1200, 1D3 at £2400 and 1Ds3 at £4600.

In Canada there are Canon employee discounts on the 40D (such as often given on soon to be replaced stock) [CR]

May 28th Some 50D comments [POTN], which if you follow them back to the Slovenian list point to a non existent source ;-)

Far be it for me to suggest that anyone ever manufactures news items for their blogs ;-) :-)

23rd There seems to be renewed levels of interest in a 40D follow-up. Lots of 50D threads [POTN] appearing on the usual forums, but nothing more than the odd wish list as far as I can see ;-)

The 40D is getting significant acclaim and the price has come down noticeably. I still don't see anything happening in the way of a 50D until early next year. Expected announcements this summer would be something to replace the 5D and maybe that 1000D mentioned in DPP. Some money also seems to be going on a 1DMk3N (better screen and other tweaks) and sneaking up on the rails is that old favourite, the 3D

March 21st Quite noticeable price reductions for the 40D in the UK - now down to £600, and with £100 cashback too. This has led some [POTN] to suggest an update - just a bit soon perhaps ;-)

26th January A 40D update already?

Since Canon have just announced the 12MP 450D and not an update to the venerable 5D, a lot of people are still hoping for something else at PMA next week.

Current favourite on DPR is for a new model, a 'step up' from the 40D. Have a ramble through this DPR thread for more... ;-)

Nikon did a quick update with the D40X, so why not an EOS40DN with the improved AF, the 12MP sensor and the contrast detect AF, from the 450D

If you look through previous Canon release strategies you'll notice that all new stuff tends to get announced on the same day some time Jan/Feb or Aug/Sept

26th December 2007

In yet more "We've seen a bar code, so it must be true" news, a Chinese site is mentioning both the 70D and 320D. It also manages to work in some (wrong) info from the Swedish Canon interview (5D2 page) suggesting that the cameras will be part of an announcement on the 24th Jan (there is no actual mention of camera announcements in the original interview - the 24th date could just as well be a stack of copiers and printers ;-) That said, given that PMA is shortly afterwards, many -are- expecting a 5DMk2 and 450D.

17th September

Some specific 50D related info was amongst several interesting items we were recently sent. -Currently- it's key features are:

12mp sensor still at 1.6 crop
DIGIC IV
6400 ISO
HDMI output

In the 'most wanted' category (from a marketing POV) are:

Extra AF points (half way to the 1 series)
High resolution screen
Full AF in live view

Still on the 'maybe' list are:

16 bit A/D on RAW (possible with DIGIC IV)
Built in WiFi
Hard Drive Grip (80-100GB drive in a dedicated 'grip' - possibly solid state memory)

The full AF in live view and ISO 6400 as an H2 option could currently be done in firmware for the 40D, but doing this as a firmware upgrade would reduce the feature list of the 50D, although now there is real competition in the market this could change.

The 50D development is still at early stages rather than say the 5D2 which is pretty much 'feature complete' ready for early next year (or sooner if need be)

Interestingly the reaction to the Pro Level AF and metering in the D300, and what appears in a D80X (or whatever) may do more to make the 50D a bigger advance over the 40D than might have been.

The D300 is generally seen as marking a major change in the market. Canon and Nikon have retained their pro-level AF and exposure for their top line bodies, making that (and the extra size, ruggedness etc) a real distinguishing point. The Canon marketing point of view is that this was an inevitable part of competion and the same change is due in the xD series.

12th September 2007 At last a rumour - OK it's from POTN, but...

"Digic IV, 16mp FF with 10mp crop mode, 3.0 inch higher resolution LCD, MLU button (god, finally!), next-gen dust removal, 45 point AF, ISO 100-6400, boost from 50-12800, 8fps @ 16mp, 11 @ 10mp, face recognitiion, Live View with full AF, bigger viewfinder, proper weather sealing."

---

Will the 50D cure the persistent problems of the 40D - the ones discussed on some forums, from the very day it first shipped :-)

Will it include Digic 4 - will it finally move to a bigger sensor? What about in body IS? Will it be announced for PMA 2009?

I'm sure that this and more will find a home here, over the next couple of years :-)

Meanwhile here's the recent history of similar models

Model	Announced	Effective pixels	Auto focus	Continuous (JPEG)	LCD monitor
EOS D30	Apr 2000	3.1 mp	3 point	3.0 fps, 3 frames	1.8"
EOS D60	Feb 2002	6.3 mp	3 point	3.3 fps, 8 frames	1.8"
EOS 10D	Feb 2003	6.3 mp	7 point	3.3 fps, 9 frames	1.8"
EOS 20D	Aug 2004	8.2 mp	9 point	5.0 fps, 23 frames	1.8"
EOS 30D	Feb 2006	8.2 mp	9 point	5.0 / 3.0 fps, 30 frames	2.5"
EOS 40D	Aug 2007	10.1 mp	9 point	6.5 / 3.0 fps, 85 frames	3.0" (Live view)

Our most recent info (originally on our 1Ds3 page) about Canon's plans over the next few years was sent in August (shortly before the 40D was announced)

• Sensor technology - Canon have mentioned that full frame sensor chips need two stepper passes. Sony now has the technology to do this in one pass and are preparing their own sensors and selling to them Nikon.  However, Canon have a new 'one pass' technology too. What's more, it can do even larger than 35mm (36x24mm) in a single pass. 
• Canon is very excited about a next generation CMOS sensors they are working on.  Two full frame versions have 40M and 50M pixels at the -same- noise level as the current 1D series. Low power supply voltages give cooler chips and lower noise even with smaller pixels. Different circuit fabrication techniques also promise to make close to 100% of the sensor area active pixels. This technology won't make any of the upcoming models, but is expected in 2009/10.
• The competition - Canon were somewhat shocked by the success of the Nikon D80, D40 and D40X. Hence the 'improved' 40D and the improved 400D replacement in the works. Canon know what Nikon have coming (D300 and D3) and have planned the 40D, 1Ds III and 1D III as their answers.
• However Nikon is moving to CMOS sensors to over the next couple of years.  Sony are moving CMOS to a near full frame (1.25 or so) and full (35mm) FF, so Canon is getting serious and starting to plan some aggressive upgrades.
• Sony worries Canon somewhat, since with their manufacturing capabilities, they could move the whole price base down for SLRs. So far they haven’t and their lens prices and range are not a worry for Canon. The current Sony Alpha has been less than astounding in the market.
• Moreover, Nikon have the camera credibility and certainly won’t stop with the D3 and D300. Their plans for the lower end (D40-D80 as well) are to replace them in much shorter timeframes than their previous 3-4 years.  Nikon have moved emphasis from the low end 'point and shoot' digital into R&D on the DLSRs. They've found this to be 3-4 times as profitable (note Nikon's record profits over last 12 months).  Nikon is more than happy with trouncing Canon for the last 12 months in Japan (not so world wide).  So the next 2-3 years will see a major DSLR feature 'war'.
• IS Technology - This is being introduced in some of their consumer grade lenses. The technology has matured to the point that it can be added at only a small price premium. It gives product differentiation - a reaction to Sony and keeps them ahead of Nikon.
• Digic IV - Digic III just won't cut it for the new high density sensors. Digic IV can deal with with the transfer rates for higher bit per pixel images. One Digic IV chip beats the two Digic III in the 1D3.
• 16 bit RAW - Canon's target for their next generation of sensors is 16 bits per channel giving true HD quality.  They are also looking at processing formats to retain that extra definition.
• ISO sensitivity - Canon see their next generation lower voltage CMOS as easily doing ISO6400, with a boost to 12800.

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