Canon 50D

[Dolby]

I see it's R1,000.00 more than the 550D ... with 3MP less and less sophisticated metering mode. Reviews say low light performance is better on the 550D as well :/

So aside from the weather resistant casing - any reason to pay R1,000.00 more for it?

 

[Juggy]

Isn't the 50D full frame IE 35mm?

 

[Dolby]

I think the only two in the Canon range that are full frame are the 5D and 1D?

I think the 50D has the same size sensor as the 550D.

 

[bwana]

I've never thought the XXDs were really worth the extra R's over XXXDs but if the difference is only R1k then maybe it is. It depends on what you really like shooting and how important a role video will play.

Btw. The only full frame canons are the 5D mk I and II and the 1Ds. The 1D (no S) is an aps-h sensor. (1.3 crop).

 

[Edduck]

50D = semi-pro

550D = amateur camera

50D has a much bigger body, better interface (scroll/click wheel), better faster AF and 6.3fps!

550D has 1080p video recording.

 

[Juggy]

550 makes more sense then I would say unless you go 7D for video which is much more expensive.

 

[koffiejunkie]

You'll want the 50D if you're after any of the following:

1. Better build quality and some level of weather/dust proofing
2. Bigger grip (depends on your hands)
3. Higher frame rate shooting - 6.5fps
4. Bigger brighter viewfinder - pentaprism instead of pentamirror.
5. Extra dials and buttons allowing rapid action to a wider variety of functions. If you shoot in situations where things can change rapidly, this can become a important.
6. More sensitive and faster (IMHO) autofocus system, with an AF-ON button.
7. Micro-focus adjustments

These are quire specific things, and unless you absolutely need any of it, the 550D is a better buy right now. Until the 60D lands

 

[Dolby]

THanks guys.

Also found this, which echos what you've said : http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_550D_Rebel_T2i/verdict.shtml

The EOS 50D is the next model up in Canon's DSLR range, and while it's been over-shadowed by the EOS 7D, it remains a compelling option at a price that steadily falls. After all, for much the same price as the EOS 550D / T2i basic lens kit, you could get yourself an EOS 50D body and enjoy semi-pro performance.

In its favour, the EOS 50D is a much tougher and quicker camera. It boasts a magnesium alloy shell which will better handle the knocks, and considerably quicker 6.3fps continuous shooting. The AF system may also have 9-points, but all are more sensitive cross-type sensors (with lens micro-adjustment) and you'll be framing with a bigger and brighter penta-prism optical viewfinder. There's also an upper LCD information screen, a PC-sync port for connection to external lighting systems, a more powerful battery and an optional Wifi transmitter. It is in short, a much more professional DSLR.

As an older model though, the EOS 50D is lacking some bells and whistles of the latest models, most notably with no movie mode of any description. The EOS 550D / T2i also features a more sophisticated metering system and that wider screen, although the 3in VGA screen of the 50D still looks great. The 550D / T2i also boasts three extra Megapixels, but the 15.1 of the 50D will be sufficient for many.

The bottom line is the 50D offers a lot more for traditional photographers than the EOS 550D / T2i, and if you're not bothered about video, it's arguably a better bet. This especially applies to anyone wanting to shoot action or work in more challenging environments. See our Canon EOS 50D review for more details.