I put a 50D on preorder

[Orio]

Yep... I took the plunge!

My choice's decisive factors:

1) the 5DII was 1300 Euros more expensive, and in this moment, it's too much for me - and also asking such a big financement to my bank was not ideal.

2) So far I never upgraded my cameras to the next following level, my policy has always been to wait at least two levels (e.g. I upgraded from 300D to 400D, skipping the 350D), and so far, this has proven a very valuable strategy for me, giving more meaning to the money invested, so why change from it?

3) the "DSLR scan" technique has proved me that a film camera with quality lenses can still stay close to the level of digital cameras. So as a third body, I judged my Contax film cameras adequate enough for me to save money on a second FF digital. With this kind of result I am obtaining, I really want to put a higher emphasis on film in my photography.

4) My 5D is still producing terrific quality images at low to medium ISO.

5) This way I may be able to afford some nice lenses next year

6) A APS-C camera will allow me to mount all my manual focus lenses (while the 5D can not mount some, even after mirror shaving)

7) These terrific image samples:
http://www.digitaldreams.com.sg/eos50dsamples/index.html
showed me that the 50D at 400 ISO will be as good as 100 ISO, and at 800 ISO probably better than my 5D at 400ISO, and finally, at 1600 ISO, certainly better than my 5D at 800 ISO. And in desperate situations, small prints of good quality (or web sized photos) can also be obtained from the 3200 ISO. The image size is larger than my current 5D images. Sure, 21MP would have been nice, but 15MP of this quality can be enough for me to be happy

for the 50D, I will pay 967 Euros (after VAT detraction), so it really makes this a no brainer considering the quality of the camera. Just as a comparison, the same shop lists the 40D at 650 Euros (VAT excluded). So for little more than 300 Euros I get 5 MP more, UDMA card compatibility, and DIGIC 4 processor which means faster writing and better high ISO performance.

The first stock is supposed to be available on October 10th, right in time for my birthday (which is October 11th). If I am lucky, the courier could deliver the camera on my exact birthday!

[Schnauzer]

I hope you get your birthday present on time for your birthday Orio. The 50D sounds like its going to be a great camera.

[Attila]

I can't wait for your report!

[Katastrofo]

Congrats, Orio! Looking forward to some pics from this camera.

Bill

[F16SUNSHINE]

This is a very sound choice.
You can now spend the savings on a ZF 2.8/21

[Orio]

[F16SUNSHINE]

[Katastrofo]

[F16SUNSHINE]

Well I guess my time machine secret is out.

The line forms here for predictions.
I always wanted to be a palm reader of sorts

[Katastrofo]

[Orio]

[Schnauzer]

Although I don't have my bulldozer fixed yet and that is going to cost me a lot of money I'm thinking very seriously about ordering the 5DMII. Very serious.

[Orio]

Ron, my advice is to wait until there are more video samples available. The first ones leave some doubt on quick motions, as the only quick moving subject (the squirrel) seems to cause a trouble to the image.

If this impression is true/confirmed, it would make the video feature nearly useless for serious use, unless shooting a still subject (but then, why not just photograph?)

of course, if you don't mind the video feature, you can go on straight ahead, because I am sure that when Canon delivers a photo camera, the photos will be great.

[Katastrofo]

Ron, this sounds like a lot more fun than getting the 'dozer fixed.

[Schnauzer]

I need my bulldozer here on the ranch, bad. I have just been too busy to work on it.

I could car less about video. I think it is a complete and useless waste. If I wanted a camcorder I would buy one. I think the images from this camera though are going to be unbelievable. I will wait until they have the big show in a few days. After that a lot more reviews will start showing up. If it is what I think it will be i'm going to pre-order one.
My big concern is that that I'm going to Mexico in Juanuary and that I want it to photograph the Myan ruins although I can live very well with my beloved 40D.

[F16SUNSHINE]

Yeah the 40 is a champ.
It really is a sweet camera and if the new 5 is the full frame version of the 40 we win!
The price point is I think still too high. It just honestly seems ridiculous that a FF sensor costs $2k more than the cropped 50D model.
Sure it has video but whatever with that.
The LCD and engine are the same as are many other "usefull" featrures. To me the math does not add up to a $2 premium
Of course maybe it will be less. I guess we wait and see.

[koji]

I think 50D is a really sound choice, even though I am not a Canon camper.
Since add-on HDTV is not absolute necessity, and its AF might be inferior to 50D's,
according to many observation or spec-cionard's opinion. Of course we have not seen
5DmkII's full capability yet.

I use 350D and 5D, mostly 5D yes. I bought Canon dSLRs in order to use non-Canon
lenses.
5D's click count is still sub 20,000, so it will go another three years or more.

[lulalake]

Orio, I don't think you will be dissapointed even a little bit.

Fun on the way

Jules

[Orio]

[Orio]

[Orio]

I post here two impressive samples taken at 3200 and 1600 ISO.
The guy gave permission to repost his images so here I go:

3200 ISO:


1600 ISO:


The impressive part is that both have been taken (according to the source) with in-camera noise reduction off

Here's the link to the original thread for reference:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=564297

[LucisPictor]

Congrats, Orio!
I am looking forward to reading some reliable experiences.

[Richard_D]

I look forward to the results. The samples from the 50D look very good, a match for the D300. Whilst we might start seeing good sample shots from the 5DMkII at the moment I'm underwhelmed by what I've seen.

I think you've made a good choice.

[patrickh]

Orio

I think that is a wise choice and congratulations. I have the 40D and so I can wait for at least one more generation

On the 5MkII video, here is an interesting link:
http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/09/20/something-very-interesting-is-comingboth-to-this-blog-and-to-our-industry/#more-1085

patrickh

[Orio]

400 ISO without noise reduction:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vidarnm/2879531231/sizes/o/in/set-72157607436380817/

I really can't wait to get my camera and try it with my best lenses...