Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera - Design
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The Canon 50D also has a new look to its menu, and a Quick Control system works off the previously neglected Multi-controller, making quick changes to commonly used functions easier to execute. Other software enhancements include a new vignetting correction, Automatic Lighting Optimizer with three levels, adjustable noise reduction, a Creative Auto mode, a lens micro adjustment function and face detection autofocus in Live View mode. The grip has a good-sized indentation for the middle finger.
To remind you of which camera you're holding, just look for the silver bezel on the mode dial on the EOS 50D's left shoulder (the 40D's bezel is black). The Canon 50D's new Mode dial bezel seemed like a minor change at first,but some may find that the color change helps them read the dial more quickly both indoors and out. The Print/Share button has been given real purpose when shooting, as it activates Live View mode. Below the LCD, the Jump button has disappeared and the Info and Picture Styles buttons have moved left to make room for the FUNC. button. Jump is now done with the Main Dial on the top deck, with the type of jump preset via a playback menu item.
The Canon 50D's Multi-controller isn't new, but is now in charge of activating and navigating the Quick Control menu system that turns the new Status display into a simple graphical menu system. Ironically, the Quick Control dial doesn't activate the Quick Control system. The Quick Control or Main Dial can also be used to cycle through the available options without leaving the Quick Control menu. Little else is new about the Canon 50D's control array. It's a very good design, with an excellent textured thumb grip, a very good grip up front, and most controls are very easy to access.
Canon's EOS 50D also boasts a much improved LCD screen that offers 920,000-dot resolution, making for a 640x480 screen, finally putting the 50D on par with some of its major competitors. The 50D weighs just a little less than the 40D, coming in at 1.81 pounds compared to the 40D's 1.86 pounds, both with battery and card. Add the 18-135mm lens and weight is 3 pounds and with the 18-200, it's 3.16 pounds. Dimensions are identical, at 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches, so if users are familiar with the 40D, they'll feel right at home with theCanon 50D.
The Canon EOS 50D's body is magnesium alloy, with slightly improved seals against dust and water. Seals protect connection ports, the battery compartment, and the compact flash door. The frame is stainless steel, and the mirror box is high-strength engineering plastic. TheEF lensmount is metal, compatible with all Canon EOS EF and EF-S lenses.
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