Canon EOS 50D - Canon Camera Reviews

This is a condensed review of the Canon EOS 50D provided by DPReviews.com. The full review can be found at the link provided.

Conclusion - Pros

Detailed and clean image output (but not as detailed as we would have expected from a 15 megapixels sensor)
Chroma and luminance noise well controlled at higher sensitivities
Wide range of image parameter adjustment (-4 to +4 for most)
Effective Highlight tone priority option delivers smooth highlight roll-off
Four levels of high ISO noise reduction (including Off)
Effective vignetting control feature
No noticeable hot pixels with long exposures and NR off
Nine point auto focus system accurate, even in low light
Large, clear and bright high-res screen
Well-built magnesium body, weather-sealed
Good viewfinder, optional focusing screens
Excellent ergonomics and refined user-interface
Quick control menu allows direct access to many important settings
Attractive refreshed menu design
Fully customizable MyMenu
Programmable FUNC button
Two user memories via 'C1/C2' on mode dial
10x magnification in live view allows reliable manual focusing
Instant power on, camera feels snappy and responsive at all times
Fast continuous shooting (6.3 fps)
Excellent data throughput and processing speeds (with fast CF cards)
Very fast PTP transfer speed
AF-Micro-Adjustment
Comprehensive Software package
Very quiet mirror mechanism (plus 2 silent shooting options in live view)
Any combination between RAW and JPEG image sizes possible
Dust reduction from Canon's 'Integrated Cleaning'
Good battery life
Optional WFT-E3 wireless transmitter (802.11 b/g) / vertical grip
HDMI output

Conclusion - Cons

High ISO performance worse than 40D
Reduced dynamic range in the shadow areas compared to EOS 40D
Per-pixel detail not as good as on good 10 or 12 megapixel cameras
High-end lenses required to get the most out of the camera
Poor white balance performance under artificial light
Flash must be up for AF assist lamp (although AF is good even in low light)
Live view not as accurate as on 40D (framing very slightly off-center, in contrast detect AF mode not possible to magnify right out to the extreme corners)