The Canon EOS 50D SLR Digital Camera features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for superb quality images and the latest DIGIC 4 Image Processor to provide superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. It also features a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor, supercharged Live View Function with Face Detection Live mode, plus a number of automatic Image Correction settings and HDMI output.
The 15.1-megapixel image sensor delivers ultra-detailed images and the redesigned photo diodes and microlenses of the sensor extend its light gathering capabilities to ensure improved high ISO performance and low noise. Furthermore, the camera's ISO sensitivity is an astounding 3200 with expanded sensitivity to an ultra-sensitive 12800. The Integrated Cleaning System includes a Self Cleaning Sensor Unit with a fluorine coating to improve the camera's image quality by helping to reduce, repel and remove unwanted dust from the sensor. Plus, stubborn particles can be removed automatically in post-production with Dust Delete Data and Canon's included Digital Photo Professional software.
The 50D is incredibly fast thanks to the DIGIC 4 processor - it allows for up to 6.3 fps continuous shooting, in bursts of up to 90 JPEG images (with a UDMA CF card). Furthermore, Canon's wide area AF system uses 9 individual cross type sensors, so stunning action sequences can be captured - even in low-light conditions - making the EOS 50D particularly suited to sports and wildlife shooting. The DIGIC 4 processor also delivers 14-bit image processing, for smooth gradation and natural-looking colors - as well as ensuring ultra-fast startup times and near-instant image review after shooting.
The 3.0" Clear View VGA LCD (920,000 pixels) provides an extra-large and wide angle-of-view image review, with plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks in playback. By switching to Live View mode - which displays a real-time image on the LCD - photographers can enjoy simplified shooting from awkward angles, or connect to a PC for remote shooting. In addition, the Live Mode offers three ways to auto focus: Quick AF, Live AF, and Face Detection Live AF, which optimizes focus based on faces detected in the frame - for fast, spontaneous portraiture. The camera even offers HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV - directly from the camera.
Even with all of these high powered features, the EOS 50D features Canon's renowned intuitive EOS menu system, along with a Quick Control screen, for instant access to the most commonly-changed settings. There is also a Creative Auto mode that offers automatic focus and exposure - while still allowing the user to add creative 'tweaks' to settings such as background sharpness. Altogether the Canon EOS 50D is an excellent product for advanced amateur photographers and entry-level professionals.
The included Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens is a lightweight, compact all-purpose "standard" zoom lens that has been designed specifically for digital photography. Ideal for travel, mid-range nature/wildlife and general photography, the lens provides a 5x wide-angle to tele coverage equivalent to a 28-135mm lens in 35mm format and features Canon's optical Image Stabilizer technology, which provides up to 3-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. The ring-type USM (Ultra-Sonic Motor) allows for both fast and silent AF, as well as full-time manual focus when in the AF mode.
