50D Owners Thread - Anything 50D related

This has probably been asked and is somewhere on the forums ,but i cant find it,so here is
my question.
I have a 50d i shoot on Raw at all times.
Now Raw on the 50d produces some pretty big files 20mb,what is the difference in quality between the full Raw and s1raw? which reduces the file to 7-8mb other than saving card space.
many thanks for help.
 
This has probably been asked and is somewhere on the forums ,but i cant find it,so here is
my question.
I have a 50d i shoot on Raw at all times.
Now Raw on the 50d produces some pretty big files 20mb,what is the difference in quality between the full Raw and s1raw? which reduces the file to 7-8mb other than saving card space.
many thanks for help.

Have a look here for a good explanation.

CLICKY
 
Raw is 15 megapixels, sraw1 is 7.1 megapixels. So it's slightly smaller than a canon 20D & 30D file.
 
My big question is (to be answered by Canon really) why the hell have they got "basic" modes on a pro/semi-pro camera? No offence to those who use them, but surely the numpty modes only belong on a 1000D? I wouldn't even use 'portrait' mode on a 400D, because for a start it will only save in JPG instead of RAW so you've lost half your editing capabilities before you start.

I say on xD and xxD cameras, they should only allow you to shoot in RAW, then they could dismiss with a whole bunch of silly buttons and settings, providing a much cleaner, simpler user interface for getting the job done.

Who's with me?
 
I tend to agree actually Jasno. Whilst I can see these modes being a help in the early stages to newcomers, they're also a positive hindrance to real progress if people rely on them.
 
But would a newcomer have a 50D? Surely they'd cut their teeth on a 500D or 1000D?
I guess those modes might provide "convenience", like if you're in the middle of taking long exposure pictures of a waterfall and then some UFOs fly over head, you could switch to sportsmode - but I think I'd sooner miss the shot than admit to using it.

And what about trimming and printing direct from the camera? Has anyone ever used that?
 
And what about trimming and printing direct from the camera? Has anyone ever used that?

I had a shoot at a fun day where the folks pics were printed straight off so I took them on my 40d in jpg and attached to a printer and hey presto pics for them to take away!

Havent used it since though! :D
 
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I say on xD and xxD cameras, they should only allow you to shoot in RAW, then they could dismiss with a whole bunch of silly buttons and settings, providing a much cleaner, simpler user interface for getting the job done.

Who's with me?

A lot of sports and event photographers use jpeg rather than RAW, and so would want that choice available to them.
I would ditch the basic modes on these cameras though.
 
Even thought I shoot in RAW all the time, there are occasions where I find the ability to shoot in Jpeg handy, when time is of the essence, for example.

But I agree that the basic modes and Auto are silly on camera like this. But I guess Canon reason that some of their market for this camera are complete beginners with lots of money to splash about. I've met complete novices who went out and bought a 40D or 50D, completely by-passing the xxxD range, largely because they were advised by others, and in forums such as this one, that an xxD body would give them more to grow into.
 
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Actually, the issue I'd really like to take up with Canon is why they insist on providing A1 Focus Mode on cameras when it's about as functional as an ash tray on a motor bike. :shrug:
 
I agree there are a lot of things on there that could have been left out,cutting down on a few buttons.:):thumbs:
 
Well at least that squiggly direct print button thingy that has been on all XXD's finally DOES something!! :)
 
I expect my next body purchase to be the 50d, but I am still unsure on what lens to buy. Landscapes is my main thing. I initially I thought about the 17-40L, but have read reports regarding it not performing as well on crops, as FF.
What are your thoughts, between the Canon 17-40l, 10-22 and the Tokina 12-24.
 
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I expect my next body purchase to be the 50d, but I am still unsure on what lens to buy. Landscapes is my main thing. I initially I thought about the 17-40L, but have read reports regarding it not performing as well on crops, as FF.
What are your thoughts, between the Canon 17-40l, 10-22 and the Tamron 12-24.

That's a little bit of a misquote... It'll perform very well on a 50D, it just wouldn't be using the lens to it's full potential!

Of that list, I'd got for the Canon 10-22 if you're going to be sticking with crop, or the 17-40 if you're going to be upgrading to full-frame soon. There are other alternatives, like the Sigma 10-20 as well (which are nearly as good, but a lot cheaper), but if you can afford the 10-22, I'd suggest you go with that!

Chris
 
But I agree that the basic modes and Auto are silly on camera like this.

So is it silly if we're out somewhere and my other half, who is a photography numpty, wants to use my camera t take some snaps and so sticks it in an auto mode before handing it back to me who sticks it back into M? :shrug:
 
So is it silly if we're out somewhere and my other half, who is a photography numpty, wants to use my camera t take some snaps and so sticks it in an auto mode before handing it back to me who sticks it back into M? :shrug:

:plusone:

Green box = "Girlfriend mode" :lol:
 
So is it silly if we're out somewhere and my other half, who is a photography numpty, wants to use my camera t take some snaps and so sticks it in an auto mode before handing it back to me who sticks it back into M? :shrug:

I do beg your pardon, 40th; when my 'other half', who is probably as knowledgeable about DSLRs as yours is, wants to use my camera, I tend to bung it in P mode. This does exactly what she requires and also allows a bit of flexibility if she fancies learning a bit more.

Anyway, check out my comments in the same post about Canon's probable target market. I don't think Auto mode is likely to be disappearing soon on Canon's APS-C bodies.

@chris321: good to see the FHM/Loaded magazine spirit is still alive and well in this forum! :lol::lol::lol:
 
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Why would you let your GF borrow your 50D at all? Tell her to buy a Fuji bridge camera! Actually a compact would fit better in her handbag...

:exit:
 
@chris321: good to see the FHM/Loaded magazine spirit is still alive and well in this forum! :lol::lol::lol:

Why would you let your GF borrow your 50D at all? Tell her to buy a Fuji bridge camera! Actually a compact would fit better in her handbag...

:exit:

Haha, all said in jest :lol:!

Unfortunately she's looking into getting a DSLR herself now, I'm desperately trying to push her in the direction of Nikon, otherwise she'll be stealing ALL my lenses :razz: :D
 
Just buy her a bridge camera and tell her it's a DSLR?
 
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Why would you let your GF borrow your 50D at all? Tell her to buy a Fuji bridge camera! Actually a compact would fit better in her handbag...

:exit:

At least she could find the 50D in her handbag. That thing is like a tardis, anything smaller than your head is likely to vanish without trace, never to be seen again :)
 
That's a little bit of a misquote... It'll perform very well on a 50D, it just wouldn't be using the lens to it's full potential!

Of that list, I'd got for the Canon 10-22 if you're going to be sticking with crop, or the 17-40 if you're going to be upgrading to full-frame soon. There are other alternatives, like the Sigma 10-20 as well (which are nearly as good, but a lot cheaper), but if you can afford the 10-22, I'd suggest you go with that!

Chris

Chris, thanks for the reply. Any other opinions on which wide angle lenses perform best on the 50d ?

Peter
 
Does anyone else think the power switch on the 50D is a bit weird? Firstly it's position (bottom centre) seems a bit unusual, but then there's the odd "off/on/¬" setting. So it can be on, but in a different way - which affects the quick dial operation. Is that intuitive? Has anyone switched it from the '¬' mode back to on and switched it off by mistake?

I'm not complaining by the way, just can't really see the logic behind it.
 
You get used to it and IMO it's just fine. I had/have it on my 30D, 40D, 50D, 1D3 and 5D2. Once you are familiar with it it is fine. I far prefer it to the ridiculous setup on my 7D. Hopefully Canon will not make another camera with a power switch in that position. It's plain daft.
 
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You get used to it and IMO it's just fine. I had/have it on my 30D, 40D, 50D, 1D3 and 5D2. Once you are familiar with it it is fine. I far prefer it to the ridiculous setup on my 7D. Hopefully Canon will not make another camera with a power switch in that position. It's plain daft.

Now you do surprise me Tim! I've no issues with the customary Canon arrangement, but I far prefer the 7D idea. What's your objection to it?
 
Now you do surprise me Tim! I've no issues with the customary Canon arrangement, but I far prefer the 7D idea. What's your objection to it?

Far too easy to accidentally move the mode dial. You have to pay more careful attention when operating the power switch. You can't just manhandle the switch - you actually have to watch what you are doing, in case you catch the mode dial. It just seems like a design change that didn't need making to something that has served us well for several generations of model, and between multiple model lines - xxD, 5Dx, 1Dx - and has suddenly been changed for the worst. Just my opinion, but I'm not unique in disliking the change.

In fact, since I now switch regularly between 7D, 5D2 and 1D3 models I find it increasingly irritating when control layout or information displays are different, for no good reason. Christ, between the 30D and 40D they swapped the top control buttons round. They do the same things overall, but in different locations. Why, why, why?

If you were to have a 1D4 you'd find the system for changing AF modes to be implemented in a different way from the 7D. Why? Two brand new cameras, similar features, completely different control layout. Why?

40D and 1D3 - to operate Live View you press the SET button. On the 50D, 7D and 5D2 you press the PRINT button. The SET button does something else. Why? It is shambolic. Every time I use a different camera I have to re-remember where the controls are for that particular body. It is supposed to be a camera SYSTEM, not a collection of completely disparate items with little or no design continuity between them. Any change should be done for a damned good reason, if at all. To do it on a whim seems ridiculous. To do it when it hinders ergonomics is bonkers.
 
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I use my 50D as a backup when doing studio work. Rarely for Weddings.
That is until i can afford another 5D MkII :love:

Here is what i get with the 50D that i cant with the 5D without forking out alot for a WA.
Im using a Tokina 11-16.

3822576281_72ba8cee09.jpg
 
Does anyone else think the power switch on the 50D is a bit weird? Firstly it's position (bottom centre) seems a bit unusual, but then there's the odd "off/on/¬" setting. So it can be on, but in a different way - which affects the quick dial operation. Is that intuitive? Has anyone switched it from the '¬' mode back to on and switched it off by mistake?

I'm not complaining by the way, just can't really see the logic behind it.

I reckon if you find one more fault with it, you will be able to delete
"50D Soon" from you profile :D
 
In fact, since I now switch regularly between 7D, 5D2 and 1D3 models I find it increasingly irritating when control layout or information displays are different, for no good reason. Christ, between the 30D and 40D they swapped the top control buttons round. They do the same things overall, but in different locations. Why, why, why?

If you were to have a 1D4 you'd find the system for changing AF modes to be implemented in a different way from the 7D. Why? Two brand new cameras, similar features, completely different control layout. Why?

40D and 1D3 - to operate Live View you press the SET button. On the 50D, 7D and 5D2 you press the PRINT button. The SET button does something else. Why? It is shambolic. Every time I use a different camera I have to re-remember where the controls are for that particular body. It is supposed to be a camera SYSTEM, not a collection of completely disparate items with little or no design continuity between them. Any change should be done for a damned good reason, if at all. To do it on a whim seems ridiculous. To do it when it hinders ergonomics is bonkers.

LOL. I have to admit just swapping between the 7D and 50D now is confusing with the different positions and functions of buttons. It was worse when I had the 1DMK2n with that three knuckle shuffle arrangement for making changes.
 
I reckon if you find one more fault with it, you will be able to delete
"50D Soon" from you profile :D

No chance of that mate! Having compared specs, prices and reviews, this is quite definitely the only camera for me.

I guess as interface design is a significant part of my job, I tend to over analyze and criticize every interface I see - whether it's on a camera, phone or website (Facebook makes me weep!).

But as tdodd says, you soon get used to it and then it seems normal.

I suppose Canon believes that every range is specifically suited to a particular type of photographer and only that photographer, and that certain photographers would prefer certain arrangements of buttons to best to do their thing. And that obviously every photographer only takes certain types of pictures and only uses one camera...

So I guess wedding photographers have different shaped thumbs to sports photographers, and perhaps celebrity journalists were born completely without thumbs (I'm not suggesting any inbreeding).

Or maybe each model is made by a different team at Canon and the teams can't or won't talk to each other.
 
Almost anything can be intuitive once you get used to it or have a genuine need for the function. I regularly use the wheel locking setting for when i'm crawling around or laying on the ground taking photos to avoid accidental changing of settings.

Does anyone else think the power switch on the 50D is a bit weird? Firstly it's position (bottom centre) seems a bit unusual, but then there's the odd "off/on/¬" setting. So it can be on, but in a different way - which affects the quick dial operation. Is that intuitive? Has anyone switched it from the '¬' mode back to on and switched it off by mistake?

I'm not complaining by the way, just can't really see the logic behind it.
 
I think there should be an apperture button so that you could change it the same way as the ISO when in Manual. You could replace the pointless "picture mode" button.
 
I think there should be an apperture button so that you could change it the same way as the ISO when in Manual. You could replace the pointless "picture mode" button.

Aperture button? You just spin the dial on the back for aperture. Or am I missing what you're talking about?
 
You can only spin the dial on the back if the power switch is in the magic '¬' mode - unless I'm missing something.

Personally, I'd much rather have a nice clunky power switch on the top that can be operated with the thumb (just like a 400D) instead of the top LCD screen which seems redundant to me.

I could operate the 400D entirely one handed, which came in quite handy when I was using my other hand to grip the reins of a horse, or hold on to the safety rail of a San Franciscan cable car - to stop myself falling off.

But so far I am loving my 50D; I love the sounds it makes, the higher ISOs, the beautiful screen on the back and the extra FPS. Given all that, the funny power switch isn't too much to be upset about.
 
Why have an aperture button when you can just spin the wheel with the wheel enabled? It's so much quicker. Then when you're in a situation where you don't want to accidentally change the setting you put the switch in the disabled position. It's the whole point of it ;)
I'd hate to move back to the old ergonomics of my 350d
 
Hey .... thinking of upgrading to the 50D rather than the 550D

Pros and cons please?
 
Hey .... thinking of upgrading to the 50D rather than the 550D

Pros and cons please?

Peach, you started a whole thread on just this subject which is sitting (as I write this) immediately below this one on the forum, which has had a fair few replies already. Seeing as most of the contributors in this thread are 50D owners, and the 550D has only been out five minutes, it's unlikely that we'll have any different views from those posted in your original thread (in fact we'll probably be the same people!), and there are plenty of threads discussing the pros and cons of a consumer-level body against a semi-pro level one on here already.

I recommend you read through this whole thread to get some ideas as to the pros and cons of the 50D itself; there's a lot of useful advice and tips here. But, most of all, I'd say go and pick a 50D up and see what it's like to hold, and compare that to the feel of the 550D (although I see you have a 400D, which won't be hugely different from the latter). I noticed in your other thread that you don't really feel that you'll need the video capabilities, which in my mind, would push me closer to the 50D.

But it's down to you at the end of the day, and endless opinions from other forum members will only end up clouding your decision; they're both excellent cameras that will certainly provide an upgrade from your current model, so you should be going for what feels right for you! :thumbs:
 
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