50d

[Edmond_Terakopian]

I've had a play:

photo this & that: Canon 50D

[Noel_Carboni]

Great article, Edmond. You mentioned one thing:

The only thing that puts me off is the x1.6 crop factor. This is fine and is an advantage when using long lenses. However, I tend to like working in close, and it just wouldn't fit in with my approach to picture taking.

There's another advantage to the 1.6x factor that people often forget: The camera images only in the central portion of the projected image circle, as compared to a full-frame camera. Most lenses perform much better in that area than out toward the edges.

And for wide angle work, there's a dandy 10-22 EF-S lens to fill that bill.

Having used the 1.6x bodies exclusively since 2000, I can say they're quite capable of meeting virtually any need.

-Noel

[Edmond_Terakopian]

Hi Noel,

Thanks for the kind words.
You're absolutely right; the sweet spot of the lens is used and a result the image definitely looks better.
My personal problem with using the ultra wides is that although one gets the angle of coverage, this has the side effect of also getting the distortion. I had this issue with my first digital SLR (Kodak DCS315) and then the Nikon D1H and D2H bodies. My other preference is that with a full frame (or smaller crop factor), one also gets a marginally shallower depth of field.
However, there's a lot going for the x1.6. The size and weight of lenses being a big factor!

Cheers,

Edmond

[ChrisPerry]

Clean to 3200 and then even above that can be used if needed - i'd imagine one's tolerance level comes into play a bit there.

I suppose that means I'll be getting one sooner rather than later. This time I swear I'll wait long enough for the price to drop. Really, I will. Probably anyway.

[Edmond_Terakopian]

It really is very clean at 3200ASA. As the camera was a pre-production model, unfortunately I can't share the pictures I shot.
Naturally Chris, you're right - it does depend on personal tolerances. As a PJ, I wouldn't hesitate using 3200 ASA, not only for news, but portraits and features too.

[Felix01]

DPR has a full review posted. A bit disappointing to see them say the 50D only got their "Highly Recommended" rating "by a whisker."

[KevinStecyk]

I bought the 50D this week before Canon decides to raise its price in Canadian dollars. Our dollar depreciated against the U.S. dollar.

I am planning to take the camera out of the box this weekend and become familiar with it. While reading the review mentioned by Felix, I noticed that the 50D has the ability to "autofocus microadjustment" for up to 20 lenses.

Canon EOS 50D Review: 3. What's New: Digital Photography Review

Is there a systematic or solid approach to making these adjustments?

In the past, I have either been happy with the focus (almost always) or had an oof shot. So I am not sure what I would do differently now that I can microadjust the focus.