50D Beginner Journey

[mikew09]

Today I had my first real play with my new 50D. I starte with a 400D and kits lenses about 2 yrs ago, moved to some better glass - a Tamron 17-50 & 70-200L f/4 USM and on Thursday picked up my 50D.

The 50D has exceeded my expectation and I thought it may be of some interest to others considering an upgrade. To be honest, I really did under-estimate the difference I was to experience.

Initial observations after todays first play with the new fella:

1. The 50D appears for what ever reason to let in more light - I assume mostly sensor related. I first noticed this when I bolted on the 70-200L f/4 and it was obvious the lens perfromed better in the lower light.

2. The quality of ISO levels are outstanding - I did see some comments around noise and ISO when I fist looked at reviews, man, this things is leagues ahead of what I am used too.

3. It is obvious the 50D is more weighty than my 400D (durr) and you notice it after a while but I believe this aids to steady my hand as it did appear I suffered less camera shack at low shutter speeds with the 70-200L. Possible I was more consious of this due to the weight but did seem to be a factor. I actually really like the robust weighty feel of the 50D.

5. One spec that I completely over looked was the shutter speed, I have been pretty used to maxing out at 1/4000. Today playing with the ISO outside (Cloudy to fine) I suddenly noticed the shutter was at 1/5000 (max shutter is 1/8000)

6. High continuous shooting - man this took some getting used too. It is pretty easy to rattle away 10 frames. A lot of my photos are horses in action so I can see this will be a real asset. I have seen it demo-ed but when you have your finger on the trigger and blat away it is a new experience, luv it.

7. IQ is without a doubt a shed load better - even my wife went Wow, look at that.

So, hereI am, a babe in the woods again with a complex piece of photo equipment in my hands. This is another level of photography for me and I am glad I spent the time with the 400D with kit lens, it has given me a greater appreciation of the settings etc.

Ok, enough blurb - below are a couple of shots from my play time today. Now, I was not looking at keepers for these shots but more about how the camera performed for me as I am now nothing more than a beginner again. All Handheld:

104 mm,1/60, f/5, ISO 100
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4800798819_3e656bd35b_b.jpg

176mm, 1/3200, f/5, ISO 320
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4801433870_1ae1124340_b.jpg

200mm, 1/1250, f/8, ISO 320
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4800799693_4d99d129b1_b.jpg

Cheers,

Mike

[gje38752]

Glad to see a happy camper, great camera and nice shots taken with it.

[Kerry]

I know how you feel Mike...I went from the 350D to the 50D and there's just no comparing the 2! Got mine in March last year, and still on a big learning curve (I tend to be very spasmodic with my photography - just don't seem to be able to find as much time for it as I'd like...) Well, I have a few weeks off work now and so looking forward to getting out there and reacquainting myself with my 50D!!

[joele]

good to see you're enjoying it Mike, the 50d is am absolute bargain at the moment..

[mikew09]

I know how you feel Mike...I went from the 350D to the 50D and there's just no comparing the 2! Got mine in March last year, and still on a big learning curve (I tend to be very spasmodic with my photography - just don't seem to be able to find as much time for it as I'd like...) Well, I have a few weeks off work now and so looking forward to getting out there and reacquainting myself with my 50D!!

Look forward t seeing some photo's. I am having a Mikes photo day tomorrow and going flap some shutter at a horse event. No doubt I will discover a whole load of stuff tomorrow.

[mikew09]

good to see you're enjoying it Mike, the 50d is am absolute bargain at the moment..

Yea, the price was to good to pass up.

[Old Skool]

Yes, know the feeling, got a 50D at the end of fin year sales as couldn't go past the price. Upgraded from a 30D and love it. Weight feels similar and controls are similar. Had it almost 3 weeks & shot almost 6000 shots since then! Most at Club footy, the 6.3 fps feels like a machine gun after the 30D. I hired the 7D and was looking at getting one, but frankly I feel this is as good for what I want and a bargain, couldn't justify spending an extra $1500 for the 7D over this. Not noticing the diff in fps or the better AF spots in the 7D over the 50D.
Mike, One thing that is worth doing is to set up test shots and micro-adjust all your lens to the 50D.

[mikew09]

Yes, know the feeling, got a 50D at the end of fin year sales as couldn't go past the price. Upgraded from a 30D and love it. Weight feels similar and controls are similar. Had it almost 3 weeks & shot almost 6000 shots since then! Most at Club footy, the 6.3 fps feels like a machine gun after the 30D. I hired the 7D and was looking at getting one, but frankly I feel this is as good for what I want and a bargain, couldn't justify spending an extra $1500 for the 7D over this. Not noticing the diff in fps or the better AF spots in the 7D over the 50D.
Mike, One thing that is worth doing is to set up test shots and micro-adjust all your lens to the 50D.

Yes, I have been reading about this and thought it worth doing.

Thanks,

Mike

[etherial]

Hi Mike, thanks for reporting back, many will find it useful.

I was sure you would be happy with either the 50 or 7D when upgrading from the 400D

Enjoy!

[roentarre]

The images from 50D seem to be quite surprisingly good. I am very keen to grab a copy soon :)

[mikew09]

Hi Mike, thanks for reporting back, many will find it useful.

I was sure you would be happy with either the 50 or 7D when upgrading from the 400D

Enjoy!

Yes, very happy mate. Got a little cash left over as the 50D was a great price so will save a bit more for another lens. I am considering the 24-105L f4 as I have heard some really good reports on this lens and I find the Tammy 17-50 2.8 (though a great lens) a little short for a walk around.

Thanks for the help with info around these camera too mate - apreciated.

[mikew09]

The images from 50D seem to be quite surprisingly good. I am very keen to grab a copy soon :)

I was also surprised how sharp this camera can be with good glass. I am still to check the micro adjust to confirm the lens auto focus is ats its best. Will post some details of findings once I have completed the process the 70-200L f4 USM & Tamron SP 17-50 f2.8.

[mikew09]

Today as time permitted I had a bit of a test run with the Tammy SP 17-50 2.8 & the nifty 50. All looked OK but if any need micro adjustment most the Tammy may benefit a bit I think although the lens still performed very well.
I suppose we also have to consider I am a mere novice again with this camera so there is the gumby factor (that would be me) to consider :-).

I am getting accustomed to the heavier body now as I adapt my handling style to suit, this camera with the bigger body really does feel very nice in the hand. The camera feels solid and secure. I have also found the view finder more confortable. It seems the rubber surround is thicker than the 400D. This more obvious for me as I wear glasses.
One thing becoming evident is the better sensor and ISO. It is much easier to push the shutter speed up and get the light into the camera. Actually, on my 400 I had formed the habit of keeping the aperture as wide as possible for a lot of shots - now I need to consider both extremes as I did blow out a couple of shots and it is quite easy to push that shutter speed through the roof. As we know, faster is not always better.

Again, I am blown away by how sharp this sucker can be with all three of my lens. Well, enough talk...
How some members and AP-ers looking at up grading find this thread of interest.

Anyway, I will post the results from the 50mm and Tammy 17-50 f2.8 for your viewing. Once again, no mind blowing composures in these shots, just mostly wanting to show the IQ etc.
Candles - Tripod-ed
Others Handheld

Tammy 42mm, shutter 0.3, f/14.0, ISO 100
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4803788871_2eefd44c62_z.jpg

Tammy 42mm, shutter 1.0, f/3.2, ISO 100
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4804419316_84a33442ae_b.jpg

Nifty 50, 1/6400 sec, f/3.2, ISO 200
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4803787435_d893ae5be6_b.jpg

Tammy 44, 1/3200 sec, f/3.2, ISO 100
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4803787043_bb49021a51_b.jpg

Tammy 46, 1/500 sec, f/8.0, ISO 200
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4803788527_23785ed207_b.jpg