Photography (Canon)
List Price:
Price: $1,949.99
- 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with improved noise reduction
- New Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction setting; HDMI output
- Capture images to Compact Flash Type I or II memory cards (not included)
- Enhanced Live View shooting includes Face Detection Live mode
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Allow garden photography to grow on you The Spokesman Review
Something I enjoy just as much as writing is taking the photographs that accompany these columns. I find myself constantly marveling at the natural world around me and I enjoy sharing and preserving what I see.
The advent of digital photography has been the best learning tool for me. I can take as many photos as I want, see the results immediately and delete the rejects. How much easier can it get?
For a few years, I’ve been using a small point-and-shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot SD750 Digital Elph. It takes 7.1-megapixel images and is easy to use.
I like how small it is; I can slip it into a purse or a pocket. It enables me to take pretty decent close-ups and it has a zoom feature for distance shots.
As nice as this camera is, I felt the need to upgrade in order to take more detailed photographs and increase my options.
After some research, I purchased a Canon EOS 50D digital SLR camera about 18 months ago. It takes 15.1-megapixel images. It came with a 28-135mm all-purpose lens and I picked up a 70-300mm zoom lens so I could take better long-distance photographs.
One of the camera’s nicest features is the image stabilizer. This helps me take clear photos even when I’m jostling the camera a bit in my excitement to capture an interesting scene or subject.
The camera has way more features than I’ve figured out but it is quite easy to use. One can use the automatic settings and still take wonderful photos, or set up the camera manually for more control over the results.
I am by no means an expert photographer but have been picking up helpful tips along the way in an effort to progress my skills. Here is what I’ve learned about garden photography:
1. If possible, take photos on an overcast day because that is the best light. On bright sunny days, there’s too much contrast; on cloudy days, there is more even light on your subjects which makes the colors more true. That said, taking a photo when the sun is low in the sky is an option.
2. To get the right picture, sometimes you have to get up early or stay up late.
3. Watch for interesting contrasts in foliage or cool-looking seedheads. Remember that plants can be just as attractive when they’re not at their peak; even spent blossoms have visual interest.
4. When you select a subject to photograph, walk all around it to find your shot. Sometimes, you have to get down on the ground so you are on the same level as the plant.
5. If your intended subjects are wild birds, grab a chair and park yourself in the middle of the garden where they are active. Be patient and stay still: Your shot will come. That’s how I got the photo of the hummingbird that accompanies this column.
6. Don’t try to stage a natural shot because that’s probably how it will come across visually. Take your time to find the perfect, natural composition and then frame it accordingly.
7. Watch how the light plays on your subject. Sometimes I’ve gotten neat-looking photos when they are backlit or when the light picks up the dew on a plant.
8. It’s a good idea to have a back-up battery and memory card with you at all times. There’s nothing more frustrating than visiting a stunning garden, being anxious to shoot as many images as possible, only to have the battery die on you or max out the memory card.
Photography (Canon)
Price: $1,149.95
- Body only; lenses sold separately
- New Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction setting; HDMI output
- Enhanced Live View shooting includes Face Detection Live mode
- 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with improved noise reduction
Read more about Canon EOS 50D 15.1 MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Battery Grip for Canon Eos 20d/30d/40d/50d D-slr Bg-e2n
Photography (Meike)
Price: $29.07
- The functions are the same as the original Canon BG-E2N.
- Comes with several functional buttons. It will be much convenient while using.
- Doubling the battery capacity of your camera, effectively extend your shooting time.
- Vertical shutter release button on the Battery Grip makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position much easier, adding stability to the camera.
Read more about Battery Grip for Canon Eos 20d/30d/40d/50d D-slr Bg-e2n
Canon EOS 50D review
Full review at www.cameralabs.com . A ten minute video tour around Canon's latest semi-pro DSLR, the EOS 50D, byGordon Laing, Editor of www ...
canon digital slr (eos 50D)?
Im new to digital slr cameras and I need a litle help. Can you take pictures looking through the actual screen like point and shoot cameras?
Or do you have to look through the viewfinder and only view pictures on the screen after you've already taken the picture?
If so can you explain to me how to set it up in such a way that I can shoot from either. Thanks in advance
you've just got yourself a "semi-professional" camera and you don't have any idea how to use it at all. you should have gotten yourself an entry level first in my opinion.
slr doesn't work LIKE point and shoot where you just look at the LCD to aim your subject. you have to literally look through the viewfinder.
it has a feature where you can use live view (LCD mode) but it doesn't work as simple as a point and shoot. that feature is used only for macro shots (to precisely focus the subject and to get sharpness of desired as well).
and also if you wanna use live view, it doesn't work like the point and shoot, 'cause it doesn't focus automatically like in point and shoot where you just have to half press the shutter button. and it will take up so much time to shoot everything with the live view.
i have an slr and i don't use the live view most of the time, i only do when i shoot macros. or when... instead of lying down on the ground, i just use that feature and take a peak on it and get a good shot where it's hard to get a good angle.
if you thought slr works like a point and shoot cam 'cause of the LCD, you're wrong. you've just got yourself a semi-pro camera. THERE'S NO SLR that works like a point and shoot.
anyways, to use live view, press the menu button.
- go to settings. the yellow square with a wrench in it.
- and look for the settings that says "Live view function settings"
- and enable it.
go back to the main screen/or half press the shutter to take you back to where you should be.
- to activate the live view, click on the print button (you'll find it on top of the screen on the left).
the mirror will flip and then you can use the LCD as your viewfinder.
but i'll tell you now, that doesn't work like a point and shoot.
By the time you buy the camera, the lenses you need, plus some accessories, you're looking at a LOT of money.
It sounds to me like you have very much to learn, and you would be much better off doing that first.
Once you know more about photography and cameras, you'll be able to make better choices that you'll be happy with for years to come.
Here's a video review of the camera, which you will find useful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Li3KA1FcEA
Gordon will also go over the other features of the camera.
Which SLR to purchase Canon EOS 50D or Nikon D300?
I want to buy an SLR to shoot a variety of subjects... animals, people moving. I definitely want the best pictures I can get for my money and was under the impression Nikon was slightly better than Canon, but now I am hearing otherwise. I like to look through the Live view screen vs the view finder and I like shoot with natural light vs flash, but still want a good quality flash. I've narrowed it down to the cameras above, how do I choose between the two models?
This site shows these two cameras side by side:
http://www.dentonimages.com/cameradb.php?camera%5B%5D=14&camera%5B%5D=3&submit=Compare+Selected+Cameras
Bottom line, the D300 is an excellent, proven camera. It's a year old now, and will probably be replaced some time late in 2009.
THe 50D is brand new, but on paper looks to have more resolution, possibly better low light capabilities, but not as good autofocus, metering etc. All depends what you need it for - action shots, robustness etc go to the Nikon. Detail in landscapes, portraits etc go to the Canon.
Seems like a lame answer but you'll see what I mean once you've had a chance to play with both cameras.
BTW, both cameras offer live view (it can be handy on occasion).
p.s. Canon's PowerShot A550 is not a 15 year old model. Sheeez....
Now, my answer.
Nikon cameras have been chosen by more pro's than any other. If you are considering a D300 (I have one), then you are in the serious amateur/semi-pro area of the market at least. Nikon cameras are better sealed than Canon products, and better built, including the lenses. Their lens range is wider, and Nikon optics are, in fact superior to Canon equivalents. Canon L-glass is excellent, but both expensive and hard to find compared to comparable Nikon glass.
Canon advocates are serious about their views, but Nikon have dedicated themselves to building quality and rugged cameras for well over 40 years. You will have a wider range of second-hand lenses available as Canon does not offer much compatibility with older Canon lenses.
You now know my position, but I will add that you should get your hands on both cameras and see which you prefer. I go into some of the harshest regions on Earth (volcanic caldera, Antarctica, jungles of Burma, Gobi desert to name some) and my cameras have to take punishment. Canon cameras have failed me, Nikons never have yet. I own several, and am well experienced with Canon product too. I currently run a D3, D300, D700 (on loan to test it), and an F5 and F6 film cameras too. I also have an original F, an F2 and an F3, all in perfect working order, if a little cosmetically worn. Some of my lenses are over 40 years old and work on the latest cameras. The newest lenses (not the DX ones though) work on the nikon F and F2, albeit without autofocus.
With such a camera, you are buying into a system. Intelligent choice of lenses and other accessories is probably more important than the body you choose, and your skills finally determine the quality of your photos.
I have put myself firmly in the Nikon camp, but you must choose and research for yourself to determine which is the best for you. Please feel free to contact me if you want more information on what I use my cameras for, and I will help if I can.
definitely, the d300 has advantages over the 50d (more AF points, better viewfinder coverage, better in-camera processing) and the 50d has advantages over the d300 (higher resolution, presumably better noise control, faster burst rate, higher ISO and a more refined live-view). but at the end of the day, it all depends on which YOU value more among the pros and cons that each camera has over the other. are you into sports? then you'd need the d300's 51 AF points and its excellent tracking. are you into portraits and landscapes? then maybe canon's higher megapixel count would matter to you more (not to mention canon's superior wide angle, the 10-22mm). think about yourself as a photographer - what you shoot, and how you shoot. then pick out which camera - given their respective advantages and disadvantages over the other - would suit you more.
here are some links that might help
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_50D/verdict.shtml
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_canon_eos_50d_6.php
Is this a Canon 50d SLR?
I have been debating buying this camera, so I was checking them out online. Every one that I have seen looks like this http://www.5diamondcamera.com/products.cfm/Digital-Photography/Digital-Cameras/Canon-EOS-50D-15-1MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-with-EF-28-135mm-f-3-5-5-6-IS-USM-Zoom-Lens-and-EF-S-18-200mm-f-3-5-5-6-IS-Zoom-Lens-EOS50D2L.html . Then, I ran into this photo. I can't figure out what kind of camera this is, but it popped up when I put in Canon 50D SLR. http://www.lnkr.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/canon50d-279x300.jpg The back looks completely different. What camera is this?
Peter C - thanks for the better (and much clearer) photo. I laughed so hard when I could actually read the buttons.
Now I feel like a total idiot for asking... lol
Sorry, although really cool the second one is not available, yet - the "call spock" circle button is a clue that this one won't be available for awhile. Refer to the larger version of the picture at the link below. But you can be confident that you are doing your due diligence if you came up with this!
What should I get ... Canon EOS 50D or 5D MK II?
It's been years since I've held an SLR in my palms ... and am wanting to buy a great camera.
What should I get, keeping in mind the price and specs comparison......etc
I'd be using it to take shots of landscapes, nature shots, animals, performances [stage shots etc] .... and macro shots.
What will you be using it for? How much do you want to spend?
Both are good cameras. The 50D is top of the line for a cropped sensor DSLR. The 5D has a lot of interesting new features like the HD video capability, and it has a full frame sensor.
If you need the added features of the 5D, it's a great choice. If you don't need a full frame camera with all the bells and whistles, stick with the 50D.
The 5D is also $1,300 more than the 50D, so its obviously going to be a much better camera, but do you need to spend that much or do you need those features?
***The more i look at the question here the more i think you shouldnt get either of these cameras. It doesnt appear that you need the functionality of these pro-consumer cameras. Maybe grabbing one of the rebels, or the 30/40 might be a better bet. Im not trying to be mean, but i dont think you should drop 3,000 on a camera if you wont use it much differently than if you had a 700 kit. Why not save cash and buy lens? Lens are much more important than the body and you can always upgrade the body later.
None of us can answer those questions.
You might want to stop by a store and try each of the cameras.
I am confused by your knowledge about these cameras you are considering, both of which will cost $2-3,000 with a lens.
I really dont know what you want to see for an answer. You want us to keep price in mind... umm then why dont you compare similarly priced cameras?
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos5dmkii%2Ccanon_eos50d&show=all
Also, there's a difference in the ISO capability. Both these cameras can go up to 12,800 ISO, but the 5d camera push up higher, and go down the 50, So, in total Two ISO stops more than the 50d.
Get the 5d
Nathan
The approximate Dynamic Range coverage of a film SLR?
Well, I guess you can say that I'm trying to keep tabs on the evolution of the DSLR market. While, manufacturers race each other in the Mega Pixel race, some camera companies (Fuji and Nikon), have been very keenly attempting to claim their dominance in the "ever so important" Dynamic Range throne and it shows. It's kind of like two people fighting over the same bit of land and a third and fourth person are like, "well, let's go over here...it's even more lush over there anyway". Thus, #1 goes to the SuperCCD-based Fuji S3 and S5 Pro at a whopping 13.5EV of DR coverage, which explains why my SuperCCD Finepix F30D is a highly sought after compact camera, nearly 3 years later. #2 is the Nikon D90 at 12.5EV (even higher than the D300 and D3). Meanwhile, my Canon EOS 50D sits at 11.4 and is a bit higher than the 1DS Mark III and 5D.
Dynamic Range is one of the most important areas in the future of Digital Photography (more so than resolution). Now that they have managed to take us far enough into the Mega Pixel war, I'm wondering how much further do we have until we approach the coverage of negative film/film SLR's? Taking any reputable film SLR to film combination for comparison, does anyone know what the approximate/average DR coverage of a film SLR is? Could one guess say, around 25-30EV?
Oops...correction, the EOS 50D is above the 1D Mark II only. For an overview, check this out.
http://photocritic.org/25-cameras-with-the-best-dynamic-range/
Ahh...perfect! Thanks for the contributions, I have learned a lot! I always knew negative film to be the best but I had no idea that we already crossed over the films DR territory. It makes sense that film just handled it better than digital, so I suppose that is where the DSLR evolutions lays, to pick up where film left off (which, I am now convinced is more near than far), and to make the new goal the human eye hey? Thanks for the technical feedback everyone! I was hoping to get an experienced answer and I have.
The dynamic range of digital SLR's has always been wider than the transparency film it replaced. Shoot in RAW and it increases.
To make the comparison, you really need to do a test. Under identical conditions, shoot with both a 35 mm SLR and DSLR. Bracket the exposures in 1/3rd stop increments over and under the proper exposure.
Examination of the results will show you the narrow DR of Chromes and the reason photographers from that era, nail their exposures every time.
A good, low contrast slide film like Astia or E100G/GX would be pushing it to reach into zone I-zone II is far more realistic(slides like shadows). A film like this also typically tops out at zone VII. So, at best, you're not going to see more than 6 stops in a slide film.
Negative films are a little better-you can probably get zone I to IX or X with a good negative film(negatives love highlights), and maybe one or two more with a good black and white film and proper developing.
Where digital and film do differ, however, is how they look at the extremes. If you look at the intensity v. density curve for most films, you'll find that they're fairly steep and linear close to zone V, while they taper off gradually toward their limits. By contrast, digital is mostly linear across its entire sensitivity range. Thus, while digital may capture detail in the extremes(particularly in the shadows), it won't necessarily be visible without some post-processing amplification.
From a purely technical point of view, digital dynamic range has beaten film for a long time. It's my opinion, however, that film is still superior in this aspect, since it's much more gentle and natural in its treatment of extremes.
Camera help! What is best?
I'm looking to buy a really nice D-SLR camera. The camera I have right now is a canon power shot g9... I'm looking to upgrade and I've been doing a lot of research. So far I've found the Canon EOS 50D D-SLR and I absolutely love it... But, on the other hand I've had an eye out for the Nikon D90?
What do you think is best? Suggestions?
I'm an Olympus user myself, based on what you posted I would suggest looking at your experience with Canon. If you enjoy the G9 and have no complaints, take a look at the Rebel Xti or Xsi. You don't to skip from point and shoot straight to a top shelf camera, look at cameras that are a bit less expensive and get used to all the differences. Later you can upgrade to a higher end body, using the lenses and accessories from the first DSLR.
I have $3000 total to spend, what dslr camera should I get as my first slr?
This will be my first dslr. I only have experience with canon point and shoot, and I got bored with that. I know some of you will say start off with a cheap entry level one etc etc, but no. When I buy something I like it to be up there, or I just don't buy it. I'm sure with a few months I will learn, i'm pretty good at figuring out electronics etc. I don't plan on doing professional photography, but I would like to have a camera capable of taking amazing pictures even though I might not be able to do it. High fps is also good, I like the 6 on the nikon D300. There is also the Canon EOS 50d which is much cheaper, but I figured I want a better built body and I read nikon d300 has that.
I was thinking nikon D300, BH photo offered me 2100 for a nikon D300 with an 18-200 VR lens from nikon. That still leaves 900 left over.
What do you guys think? Any other suggestions? (no canon rebel suggestions, their plasticy body feels cheap to me)
I read kenrockwell's site already, the D40 is an entry level camera, kenrockwell likes the D300 better too and it is capable of a lot more.
Nikon D300 is an excellent choice,get it.
Nice picture quality
100% coverage viewfinder - excellent, and not cluttered up, making composition cleaner
51-points of autofocus available
The LCD screen is 3" in size and has a whopping 920,000 pixels
Which digital SLR?
So I'm new to the digital SLR world. I've used film until now, but I think it's time to move on. I'm looking for a good entry level DSLR. There are a few cameras I have my eye on, but I'm not familiar enough with digital to know which one is best. The ones I've been looking at are the Canon eos rebel xt, Nikon 50D, Minolta 5D, and Pentax *ist dl. Does anyone have any experience with any of these cameras, or does anyone know of any other cameras that are better for around the same price?
You say you've been using film up until now. If you have been using one of the more recent Auto Focus bodies, there is a very good chance most of the acessories you bought over the years would be compatible with a digital camera from the same manufacturer.
For example, a Canon EOS owner with a few lenses, a flash, filters, etc. would be very wise to look at the Canon lineup of DSLR's. This would be the best value.
If you had an older Canon AE-1, the lenses wouldn't be of use to you on a digital body, so you might consider looking at other manufacturers. I'd keep my film camera in any event.
I would make a trip to a reputable camera store. This will allow you to get some advise, but more importantly try out the cameras in your hand. Some are heavier or lighter than others. Some are larger or smaller. Pick one that is comfortable in your hands, not the sales persons favourite.
A lot of sale people will be biased to Nikon. Don't let that sway you. Buy what feels good in your hands. Easy to use controls, etc.
We prefer to use Canon for both film and digital. We think the Canon digital line up has the most depth and they are the only manufacturer to make all their own components.
Which Cheap Flash for Canon is better?
I'm going to buy a flash for my Canon Rebel xs, and I was wondering which of these units were better?
The Bower SFD35C Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Camera - Super Fire Power TTL Digital Flash
or
The Opteka FL-50AF E-TTL II Deticated Flash for Canon EOS 50D, 40D, 30D, 20D, Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XS, & XSi Digital SLR Cameras
I dont know a lot about flash, so I'm just trying to find the best cheap flash I can get. I wont be useing it a whole lot, so I dont want to buy anything over $100.
Thanks so much!
Digital SLR Canon & Nikon help please...?
I am not a photographer. I have a Kodak digital with 12x optical zoom and take some ok pics.
I am thinking of upgrading to a digital SLR. I have my eye on a Canon 50D. Could you please let me know what you think of that camera? Also how would it compare to a Nikon D90?
Finally, the Canon EOS Rebel is WAY less than the 50D. Is it way lower in quality?
Thanks for any help or suggestions you may offer.
You are looking at some cameras with some very different features. Maybe a good start would be to write a list of what you want the camera to be able to do. If you want video and stills the D90 is certainly the way to go. If you wouldn't use it you are paying for something you don't need. I recommend the Nikon D40 to new DSLR owners its easy to learn and give great pictures. The low cost lets you buy lenses and such sooner. And by the time you have learned enough to need to upgrade your camera body there will be a whole new group of them to choose from but the Nikon lenses will still work on whatever Nikon camera you buy next.
Latest News for SLR EOS 50D - updated hourly!!!
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM AF: Lens Test Popular Photography Magazine
Popular Photography MagazineCanon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM AF: Lens TestPopular Photography MagazineBy Julia Silber Canon's third version of its 24mm f/1.4 full-framer (the first was the 1979 FD), this $1700 (street) prime remains the fastest wide-angle lens for both film and digital SLRs, scaling up to the equivalent of 38.4mm on the Canon EOS 50D.
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Canon to launch new Rebel March 25th? Electronista Canon to launch new Rebel March 25th?Electronista, CASpeculation exists that the event is likely an event to reveal a new camera for Canon's digital SLR line, which hasn't received an update since the EOS-50D last fall. Unverified sources suggest the camera will be an update to the Digital Rebel that |
Canon EOS 50D PCWorld.co.nz
PC AdvisorCanon EOS 50DPCWorld.co.nz, New ZealandBy Bruce Buckman / Tuesday, February 24 2009 Canon’s 50D is quite possibly its most controversial digital SLR to date. Since it stole an early lead on other brands in the DSLR stakes with the (at the time) radically low-priced 300D, Canon has gained a Tutorial: Master digital SLR photography Canon EOS 5D Mark II Reviewed Canon EOS 5D Mark II review
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Tech Tips Digital Journalist Tech TipsDigital Journalist, VAEvery EOS Digital SLR looks to two things before establishing a file number -- it already knows the most recent number assigned by the camera (whether it was a moment ago, or months ago), and it also examines the contents of the active memory card to |
Olympus E-620 CNET News
CNET NewsOlympus E-620CNET News, CAMore expensive than the Nikon D90, which offers video capture (flawed though it might be) and competing head-to-head with the high-ISO king in its class, the Canon EOS 50D, this is an interesting way for Olympus to differentiate the E-30 for its Olympus E-30 (with 14-42mm lens)
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