Canon 50D

[marcfs]

Bob,

I came across the following on the 50D.  What is your speculation?

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

Marc Schoenholz

[Bob Atkins]

Unlikely. Anything is possible, but I'd be quite surprised.

The 40D is less than a year old. Canon have replaced some DSLRs after a year, but it would be unusual. Normally the cycle is 18 months for consumer and pro-sumer DSLRs, somewhat longer (several years) for the higher end models.

I guess it depends on how well the 40D is selling. As far as I know it's doing quite well. What Canon may need is something to compete more directly with the Nikon D300 at around the $1600 price point. At under $1000 right now, the 40D represents better value I think, but the D300 has more features and features often sell cameras.

I suppose if a 50D was an addition to the 40D rather than a replacement, it might make sense. We should know something by next wek anyway, so there's not that long to wait!

[mike_tee_vee]

I wholeheartedly agree with Bob.  Replacing an entire line can be quite costly.  The incremental sales received from replacing the 40D would not justify the costs.  Augmenting the 40D with a higher spec model would be more likely, as Canon still need something to compete against Nikon's impending D90. 

Releasing a 50D as a direct competitor to Nikon's D300 is quite possible.  This time last year, the 40D was hailed as a direct competitor to the D200 at a lower cost. 

[marcfs]

It is a challenge to think that Canon would introduce a 40D replacement in less then a year since its introduction.

However I do wonder about the damage that has occurred with the publicity and issues around the 1DIII, Nikon’s product line leaping ahead of Canon in the 300 and 700, and Nikon's high iso capability.  Further, looking at images of photographers at the Olympics we see virtually an equal number of Nikon and Canon shooters. 

The good news from this heightened competition is that all photographers will benefit from the increased technology and innovation.  Also let’s not forget about the great strides Sony is making.

Any way we will certainly learn about the new Canon products over the next month, as well as the new ...

Marc Schoenholz

[Bob Atkins]

Well, I'm surprised! Looks like the 50D is real.

15MP, 920K pixel high resolution LCD, 6.3 fps. More info at

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_50D.html

[whizkid]

Canon's 50d needs to have a lot of features if it is to compete successfully with Nikon's heavily featured and highly reviewed D300. It not only needs to equal ithe D300 , it needs to surpass it. One thing not mentioned about the 50d was it's degree of weather sealing that I hope matches that of the Nikon D300.

[Bob Atkins]

I'd imagaine that the weatherselaing is at the 40D level, not the 1D level. If it wasn't, I'm sure it would have been in the leaked specs.

I've never quite understood wny weathersealing is regarded as such a big deal. I can see it if you're a pro sports photographer who has to shoot in the rain for their job, but for 95% of photographers I'm sure that if it rains they have no desire to go out in it and take pictures!

I also don't hear many (if any) stories about the 40D failing due to weather related issues. It's not waterproof, but it doesn't dissolve in rain either. If it failed atthe first raindrop, the web forums would be full of complaints - and they're not.

[lukeap69]

Perhaps marketing wise it will be a good feature. I for one do not think it is necessary however some money plenty people out there will be convinced more by the salesmen with more features. 

[whizkid]

I agree with the notion that not a lot of users would take images in the rain. That said, I have had times when on the deck of a boat that occassional sea spray gave me pause and in enviroments were dust would suddenly stir. Weather sealing may not be the best answer but it has to be a benefit and for lenses also. Currently I pack along somehing called a Rain Sleeve that I believe Op-Tech makes as  a means of insurance.
I use a 40d and do intend to buy the 50d, probably through this web site. I would like to see how well it handles noise in comparison to the D300. Jumping to 15mp IMO is more about sales pitch and that I expect to be at the expense of noise increases. I trust Canon knows what they are doing and know what they are up against in a market they have been the leader in.

[KeithB]

I keep trying to work out how face detection works.  Will it only work in live view?  While I don't mind holding a dinky digicam at arm's length in front of me, a camera the size of the 40D could get tiring fast.

[Bob Atkins]

Face detection would have to be done in Live View since it must involve some sort of image recognition algorithm. In normal SLR mode the sensor doesn't see the image and there's no way that the camera could analyze it for faces.

Personally, since it's not something I'd ever use, and indeed Live View is something I've never actually used, it makes little difference to me. It's another "fully auto" mode and I don't even use the ones the 40D already has. As far as I'm concerned it's just something Canon can use for marketing. I suppose there are technically unsophisticated users who are graduating from a Powershot P&S who would value such a function, though in reality they might be just as well off sticking with a high end Powershot P&S as getting involved with a DSLR.

I'm certain we'll be seeing a raft of new Powershots. The A720is is listed as discontinued at a number of vendors and I think the G9 is also. No doubt they will be replaced with new models very soon (maybe on the 26th!).

[KeithB]

Yeah, I agree.  I imagine that since it is already in the DIGIC processor, they get it for free and just threw it in.