Canon EOS 50D

    64
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    Highlights

    • 15.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
    • 9 Focus Points
    • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
    • 6.3 fps Continuous Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
    • Wheather Sealed Body
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Canon EOS 50D was announced in 2008 and is an APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) DSLR camera with 15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 3,200 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Canon EOS xxD series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Canon EOS xxD series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Canon 90D
    Compare
    		August
    2019    		 32.5 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Articulated 3.0"
    1,040k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Canon 77D
    Compare
    		February
    2017    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Articulated 3.0"
    1,040k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Canon 80D
    Compare
    		February
    2016    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 16,000 Articulated 3.0"
    1,040k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Canon 70D
    Compare
    		October
    2013    		 20.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Articulated 3.0"
    1,040k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Canon 60Da
    Compare
    		April
    2012    		 18.0 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    1,040k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 60D
    Compare
    		November
    2010    		 18.0 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    1,040k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 50D October
    2008    		 15.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 40D
    Compare
    		October
    2007    		 10.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 30D
    Compare
    		April
    2006    		 8.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 20Da
    Compare
    		June
    2005    		 8.25 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 1.8"
    118k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 20D
    Compare
    		November
    2004    		 8 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 1.8"
    118k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 10D
    Compare
    		March
    2003    		 6 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 1.8"
    118k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 77D vs EOS 80D vs EOS 70D vs EOS 60Da vs EOS 60D.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS 50D.

    PROS

    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   No Video Capture
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Sensor Resolution - 15.1 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.3 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 63
    •   Weight - 822 g (1.81 lb / 29.00 oz)
    •   Battery Life - 800 shots

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Canon EOS 50D to its predecessor EOS 40D and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Canon EOS 50D vs Canon EOS 40D
    Higher Sensor Resolution 15.1 Megapixel vs 10.1 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 1,600
    Higher Boosted ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
    Max Image Resolution 4752 x 3168 vs 3888 x 2592
    Timelapse Recording vs
    Face Detection vs
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
    Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 230k dot
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.4 vs 11.3
    HDMI Output Mini vs
    DOWNGRADES Canon EOS 50D vs Canon EOS 40D
    Lower Max Continuous Shooting 6.3 fps vs 6.5 fps
    Average Metering vs
    Higher Min Metering 0.5 EV vs 0 EV
    Lower Max Metering +18 EV vs +20 EV
    Lower DxO Low Light ISO 696 vs 703
    Lower DxO Color Depth 21.8 vs 22.1
    Lower DxO Overall Score 63 vs 64

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon EOS 50D vs EOS 40D.

    Successor

    In 2010 Canon EOS 50D was replaced by Canon EOS 60D. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Canon EOS 50D and its successor.

    UPGRADES Canon EOS 60D vs Canon EOS 50D
    Video Capture vs
    Higher Sensor Resolution 18.0 Megapixel vs 15.1 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
    Max Image Resolution 5184 x 3456 vs 4752 x 3168
    Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
    Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 920k dot
    Higher Viewfinder Coverage 96% vs 95%
    Partial Metering vs
    Lower Min Metering 0 EV vs 0.5 EV
    Higher Max Metering +20 EV vs +18 EV
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 813 vs 696
    Higher DxO Color Depth 22.2 vs 21.8
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.5 vs 11.4
    Higher DxO Overall Score 66 vs 63
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs
    Microphone Input vs
    Lighter 755 g (1.66 lb / 26.63 oz) vs 822 g (1.81 lb / 29.00 oz)
    Longer Battery Life 1100 shots vs 800 shots
    DOWNGRADES Canon EOS 60D vs Canon EOS 50D
    Timelapse Recording vs
    Lower Max Continuous Shooting 5.3 fps vs 6.3 fps

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon EOS 50D vs EOS 60D.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed screen

    Canon EOS 50D has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 920k dot resolution.


    Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.95x (0.59x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Canon EOS 50D features a 15.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 22.3 x 14.9 mm and a total area of 332.3 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Canon EOS 50D's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 4752 x 3168 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3456 x 2304, 2353 x 1568 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Canon EOS 50D has Canon EF/EF-S lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.6x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.6.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS 50D.

    Canon 60D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    18.0 MP

    Canon 90D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    32.5 MP

    Canon 77D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Canon 70D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.2 MP

    Canon 40D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.1 MP

    Canon 20Da
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    8.25 MP

    Canon 20D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    8 MP

    Canon 10D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    6 MP

    Canon 80D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Canon 30D
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    8.2 MP

    Canon 60Da
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    18.0 MP

    Canon Rebel T5
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    18.0 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Canon EOS 50D has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Canon EOS 50D comes with BP-511A battery pack with battery life of 800 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, UDMA 7) card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Canon EOS 50D has Electronically Controlled Vertical-travel Mechanical Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 6.3 fps.


    Focusing

    Canon EOS 50D has Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 9 focusing points There is also face detection feature which automatically finds and focuses on faces.


    Exposure

    Camera's exposure metering ranges from 0.5 to +18 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±2 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Canon EOS 50D has a built-in flash with maximum range of 13.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Canon EOS 50D has dimensions of 146 x 108 x 74 mm (5.75 x 4.25 x 2.91"). It weighs 822 g (1.81 lb / 29.00 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    146 mm (5.75")

    108 mm (4.25")

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    108 mm (4.25")

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    74 mm (2.91")

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    Canon EOS 50D dimensions

    Canon EOS 50D for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Canon EOS 50D is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    80

    Canon EOS 50D gets a score of 80 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    67

    Canon EOS 50D gets a score of 67 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.3 fps
    •   Battery Life - 800 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    62

    Canon EOS 50D gets a score of 62 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.3 fps
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Battery Life - 800 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    79

    Canon EOS 50D gets a score of 79 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    78

    Canon EOS 50D gets a score of 78 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 822 g (1.81 lb / 29.00 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    79

    Canon EOS 50D gets a score of 79 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 822 g (1.81 lb / 29.00 oz)
    •   Battery Life - 800 shots

    Canon EOS 50D Evaluation

    We evaluate Canon EOS 50D and give score of 64 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    64

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    67

    We give Canon EOS 50D a score of 67 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Sensor Resolution - 15.1 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 63

    Photo

    GOOD
    70

    We give Canon EOS 50D a score of 70 for Photo parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.3 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

    Video

    BAD
    0

    We give Canon EOS 50D a score of 0 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization

    Focusing

    GOOD
    81

    We give Canon EOS 50D a score of 81 for Focusing parameters.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    72

    We give Canon EOS 50D a score of 72 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    57

    We give Canon EOS 50D a score of 57 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    AVERAGE
    69

    We give Canon EOS 50D a score of 69 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 822 g (1.81 lb / 29.00 oz)
    •   Battery Life - 800 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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