50D features vs Older 40D worth the money to you?

[lennyl]

50D is like a curtain-raiser or "smoke screen" to distract potential buyers from other brands maybe? The period between the 40D and 50D release is so much shorter than the expected usual 18 months. Perhaps Nikon and even Sony are now clearly overtaking Canon in certain respect so Canon need to throw out the 50D to distract?

Maybe also its Canon's clever marketing ploy to satisfy buyers while everyone waits in anticipation for the 5D II. So to me 50D is just like an appetiser only. The real gems will be the 60D and of course, the more expensive than expected 5D II.

Smoke screen? Distract? Strange concept.

Canon released the 50D 6 months earlier than expected probably because they feels they need to stay competitive. They did release xxD models 12 months once before.

If anything, the 5D2 is going to slow sales of 50D, with people waiting to see how the 5D2 will perform before deciding on the 50D. Strange strategy on their part, I feel. But perhaps they think the two market is distinct enough, and they definitely need something to compete with the other full frames in the market.

 

[Redkangoo]

I guess it was a desperate move for Canon to throw out the 50D while still working on some issues by 5Dmark2. Nikon did a good job on D700 and gaining market share now......

 

[David]

Smoke screen? Distract? Strange concept.

Canon released the 50D 6 months earlier than expected probably because they feels they need to stay competitive. They did release xxD models 12 months once before.

If anything, the 5D2 is going to slow sales of 50D, with people waiting to see how the 5D2 will perform before deciding on the 50D. Strange strategy on their part, I feel. But perhaps they think the two market is distinct enough, and they definitely need something to compete with the other full frames in the market.

Yeah, strange concept. Beats me. But from a marketing point of view, I think it makes some sense.

It's not just about staying competitive per se. Otherwise, we would see Canon releasing every DSLR model every 12 months. *dread* But it's some fear on Canon's part I sense. I may be wrong.

Cos Nikon is coming stonger than b4. Their noise control in the latest mid level to pro models is already on par with Canon. Nikon used to be noticeably behind in this department. Not to mention, Sony, a non-player in DSLR camera not too long time ago, is coming really strong. Even some pros have no doubts to ditch Canon over Sony.

So what should Canon do? Of cos play the megapixel game. Get ahead in the game with 15MP, more than that found in D90, D700, D3. (But serious, is this what we photographers yearn for over other more urgent features desired? Emphatic NO.)

And while Nikon has long got a much better quality LCD screen, Canon had till then given us a much lower res LCD screen on practically all their DSLRs. So how? Then comes the overdue better LCD screen in 50D. And since they've already designed the super high ISO electronics for the 5D II, might as well throw this part in also. So 50D is born. But unfortunately, the super high ISOs certainly needs more fine-tuning for an APS-C sensor. (Better than nothing, I hear some 50D owners retort? Yeah, if you think that way.)

So in that sense, I feel the 50D is really like "smoke screen" to stave off potential shoppers from buying their competitor's DSLRs or switching camps. It's not so much a conscious effort by Canon to really come up with a convincing upgrade from the 40D.

Like I said, 50D is like a curtain raiser to the 5D II, never mind they are of different "genre" in specs. Of cos, all these are my point of view, slanted towards marketing. I admit I've been very pedantic here, analysing their marketing strategy. Should really be going out to Shoot! [Guess I'm bored now ].

On the contrary, you can view 50D as another one of Canon's great DSLR lineup to be introduced yet again. But I don't quite think it is so. To me, 60D is the one to watch out, for a WOW upgrade from 40D, where they'll likely make a more convincing improvement in super high ISO noise control and hopefully, include a video mode too.

 

[lennyl]

So in that sense, I feel the 50D is really like "smoke screen" to stave off potential shoppers from buying their competitor's DSLRs or switching camps. It's not so much a conscious effort by Canon to really come up with a convincing upgrade from the 40D.

Ah, I think I understand now. You're saying the 50D is released to prevent people from buying competitor's camera until the 5D Mk II is in the market?

Perhaps. Only Canon knows, but it is possible. I wouldn't do that, but I'm not Canon marketing.

I don't think Canon is mainly thinking of getting 40D users to upgrade with the 50D release, more of capturing or retaining the semi-pro market segment. Again, see disclaimer from last paragraph

 

[Redkangoo]

i think for new entry level can consider getting 50D, and for those upgrader from 40D, 5D mark 2 is the one worth waiting.....

er maybe 60D will be out in 3 months time...haahaa

Anyway my only interests is when all the price will reduce;p

 

[mitmivec]

to me i think canon are keeping some technology so that they can earn the money by slowly introducing new model every 16month... if its not for D300 the new 50D will be 12mp only 60D will reach 15mp

but thanks to nikon for kicking their ass off and wake them up... they more they fight the better for us in term of technology and price

 

[David]

Ah, I think I understand now. You're saying the 50D is released to prevent people from buying competitor's camera until the 5D Mk II is in the market?

Perhaps. Only Canon knows, but it is possible. I wouldn't do that, but I'm not Canon marketing.

I don't think Canon is mainly thinking of getting 40D users to upgrade with the 50D release, more of capturing or retaining the semi-pro market segment. Again, see disclaimer from last paragraph

Yes bro, that's what I meant. You know, like in a war, when the enemy is getting stronger, or you need more time to plan something bigger while being attacked, you throw a smoke screen to create confusion in the enemy? Something like that. Hmm, ok, maybe not a good example but you get the point.

I say this cos I find the release dates between 40D and 50D too short. Something's fishy to me. In fact, I think in the 40D, they should have already included the better resolution LCD screen. Long overdue when Nikon had theirs way earlier.

As someone here aptly mentioned, Canon was probably trying to slowly release their technology and features bit by bit in later models since they thought they were leading well in the DSLR market? But that strategy has kept some of us photographers frustrated or disappointed to want to switch camps. Good thing there's competition from Nikon and Sony to wake Canon up now. There was so much discussion that the 40D is no match to Nikon's D300. So a hurried 50D is born, I guess to reply to that "threat".

And it's interesting how Canon decided to break away from the slow MP chase of its mid level 10-40D compared to its lower end xxxD series cam. 50D finally breaks that trend with a whopping (not enticing to me though) 15MP for its mid-level DSLR, beating the current 450D by 3MP. Canon's mid level DSLRs have always been lagging behind by about 2MP. Why this change? Probably in reply to competition again. To stand out from Nikon/Sony presumably.

It's not so much Canon is directly compelling people to upgrade their 40D to 50D. (But they are lucky that there are such people around! See the poll on this thread!) But like I said, it's quite likely to stave off the stiff competition they are facing.

The fact that people are asking: "Should I upgrade 40D to 50D?" and many have done so (despite loss in $ which is unwise is many cases perhaps) is itself a testimony that Canon's strategy is quite effective.

Like I said, it's more enticing to watch what they will include in the 60D. And I believe it's a more justifiable upgrade if one wishes to do so then. It's understandable to me why dpreview does not give the 50D such a good rating.

 

[Kit]

I guess it was a desperate move for Canon to throw out the 50D while still working on some issues by 5Dmark2. Nikon did a good job on D700 and gaining market share now......

Funny, last time I checked, they couldn't sell enough D700.....

 

[Kit]

The fact that people are asking: "Should I upgrade 40D to 50D?" and many have done so (despite loss in $ which is unwise is many cases perhaps) is itself a testimony that Canon's strategy is quite effective.

Do a search to dig out some history. People always ask that question when something new is out.

 

[Redkangoo]

Funny, last time I checked, they couldn't sell enough D700.....

Er that's another reason they also come out D90....and also Sony having A900!!!!24 MP man....

 

[muvouser]

Dpreview said that 50D high iso performance is worse than 40D:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos50d/page31.asp

 

[Redkangoo]

i never own a 40D, but definite much much better than my previous 400D...

 

[myloplex]

Those who are so concerned about Noise comparisons ....
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-50D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx

"and what I've been seeing, is that the Canon EOS 50D has slightly more noise than the 40D at identical high ISO settings." This I agree :thumbsup:

Better stick to 40D and wait for 2nd hand 50D around next March

 

[tony_teo]

Those who are so concerned about Noise comparisons ....
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-50D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx

"and what I've been seeing, is that the Canon EOS 50D has slightly more noise than the 40D at identical high ISO settings." This I agree :thumbsup:

Better stick to 40D and wait for 2nd hand 50D around next March

A bit misleading. Should quote the whole paragraph to put what he said in the correct light.

...is that the Canon EOS 50D has slightly more noise than the 40D at identical high ISO settings. Only a slight gain in noise from a sensor with 50% more pixels is still quite an accomplishment in my opinion.

Also, there are other areas of improvement over the previous xxD cameras. This should all be considered before :thumbsd: the 50D.

Bottom line...

Image sharpness is an important lens feature to evaluate and at this time, I must choose between the 40D and 50D for my future review body. Image quality is the most important criteria for my decision. Because of the extra detail the 50D is pulling in, my current plan is to go with Canon EOS 50D for this work.

What's my conclusion? With a good quality lens mounted, the Canon EOS 50D delivers excellent image quality from a solid-performing body.

All quotes are from the article in The Digital Picture (link above)

 

[myloplex]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EQ4BY0...iveASIN=B001EQ4BY0&adid=0E4S1EV2X6PGM2R799Y2&

50D price dropping ... time to get

 

[lennyl]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EQ4BY0...iveASIN=B001EQ4BY0&adid=0E4S1EV2X6PGM2R799Y2&

50D price dropping ... time to get

You are bad news for my budget :bsmilie:

Thanks for the info. Haven't been keeping track of prices, didn't realize Canon had an instant rebate on the 50D. US$1200 for the body is an attractive price. And makes US$2700 for the 5D2 which is still not yet spotted in the wild that much harder to swallow.

 

[elmobarney]

I wanted to get 50D initially but has shifted my attention once 5DMkII is announced.

 

[lennyl]

A bit misleading. Should quote the whole paragraph to put what he said in the correct light.

Myloplex has a great future as a political reporter - if he isn't one already Thanks for setting the record straight.

 

[ridehomewithme]

dont think it's worth that much of an upgrade, since 40D aint really ancient. 40D still provides tremendous value for the functions. if weighing between buying both brand new,might as well stick to the 40D and get another lens for a slight cash top up

 

[plastikcanvas]

Just got my 40D dual kit lens yesterday and didn't regret it.

Can save up the extra cash to get something else.