Canon® EOS 50D Digital Field Guide

Chapter 1. Roadmap to the EOS 50D

In This Chapter

Key technology

Camera features overview

Lens controls

Three words can describe Canon's 50D dSLR — fast, sleek, and fun. It fits easily and comfortably in the hand with a compact yet substantial heft. It responds with the speed of a gazelle delivering images at a rate of 6.3 frames per second (fps) and at a stunning 15.1-megapixels. The EOS 50D is packed with Canon's latest features and technologies that collectively deliver speedy and reliable performance and superior image quality. Whether you're new to digital photography or a veteran, the EOS 50D hits a sweet spot of high image resolution, speed, and creative control.

This chapter puts some of the new features and technologies of the EOS 50D into everyday perspective and offers a roadmap to navigating the camera controls and menus. Where possible, I offer paradigms for using the camera that help you spend less time remembering what control to use and more time shooting.

Key Technology

Before we begin, it's worthwhile to look at key technology that the 50D offers. The first, the 15.1-megapixel image sensor at 4752 × 3168 pixels produces full-resolution prints at 15.5 × 10.7 inches at 300 ppi, or 19.4 × 13.4 inches at 240 ppi for inkjet prints. The new CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) features Canon's newest technology including:

• "Gapless" microlens technology and increased ISO range. While the EOS 50D packs more and smaller pixels on a sensor that's the same size as the EOS ...