Canon EOS Digital SLR Showdown: 40D vs 50D
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Digital Camera | Photo & Video | 24 Comments
Canon recently released the latest of its successful EOS series of digital SLR cameras: the 50D. It is an excellent camera. The 50D comes out less than a year after the previous EOS model: the Canon EOS 40D. It, too, is an excellent camera.
Being how both models are so excellent the question becomes: Which is the more excellent? Or, more accurately phrased: Is the 50D worth the extra $250~400 above what the 40D costs? Spot Cool Stuff compares the two Canons and provides the answer . . .
Camera Body Build & Design
In terms of look and feel, the Canon 40D and 50D are virtually identical. The bodies of each have the exact same dimensions, though the 50D weighs in at 822 grams (1.8 lbs) or a minuscule 14 grams lighter than the 40D. The 50D also has slightly better weatherization (including sensors that are more dust-resistant), an HDMI output jack, and a significantly more vibrant LCD display. (The 40D screen is a little hard to see in direct sunlight).
But the biggest design difference is one you can’t see or feel: The 50D will take approximately 800 shots on a single battery charge while the 40D will take a whopping 1,100. In other words, the newer 50D can only take 70% of the photos the 40D can on a single charge.
Camera Features
If Canon’s marketing is to be believed, the 50D’s most significant upgrade is its 15 megapixel sensor; the 40D’s sensor is 10 megapixel. Spot Cool Stuff, however, encourages you to ignore this difference. A photo taken at 15 megapixels isn’t any higher quality than one taken at 10 megapixels. Indeed, all those extra pixels can cause a photo to be of lower quality (see below). Above 6 megapixels the only thing more pixels really gets you is the ability to make a larger print. A10 megapixel shot, such as those taken by the 40D, can produce a full-resolution 13 x 19 inch (33 x 48 cm) print. Unless you want to make prints larger than that you’ll be fine megapixel-wise with the 40D. The 50D, however, does have some other features that the 40D does not. Here are some of them from most to least important (as judged by Spot Cool Stuff):
- The 50D has more intuitive controls including a Quick Control screen that gives you access to the most frequently changed settings.
- The auto ISO goes to 1600 on the 50D, versus to 800 for the 40D. In manual mode, the 40D works in ISOs from 100 to 1600 with a 3200 “high” setting. For the 50D, those figures are 100 to 3200 with two “high” settings: 6400 and 12800.
- The 50D’s auto mode now includes facial recognition that will adjust photo settings accordingly.
- The 50D takes photos in a new sRAW format, or a RAW image that’s half the size of the full fledged RAW.
- The 50D offers Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction. In other words, the 50D’s software makes sure that the lighting at the edges of your photo matches that in the middle.
It is unlikely that you find any of those new features earth-shattering. Click here for the complete list of the feature differences between these two EOS models.
Photo Quality
The photos produced by both the Canon 40D and 50D are excellent, as good or better than any professional-amateur digital SLR currently on the market.
Photographers who have extensively used both cameras are divided on which produces the better images, though almost all would agree that the differences are slight. Some say the 50D’s more advanced processor produces the better result. Others say that the 50D’s photos are a little darker and less colorful. From our own use Spot Cool Stuff is ready to call it a tie. In normal conditions, the 40D and 50D take virtually identical photos.
It is in low light conditions where the differences become a little more apparent. At least to some eyes. While the 50D can work at higher ISOs than the 40D, the high-ISO performance of the 40D might be a bit better. To the extent this is true it is because the 50D has an additional 5 megapixels to process. Check out the difference for yourself . . .
. . . below are two photos taken under the most similar conditions possible. The left half was taken with a 50D, the right half with a 40D. Both photos were taken at 3200 ISO, the speed at which the quality difference between the two cameras is greatest (and the photos are at their most noisy). If you can’t tell the difference, or don’t care about the difference, then consider the these two EOS cameras equally capable of taking great photos.
Conclusion
So which camera should you buy? The Canon EOS 40D. Probably.
For most people there are not enough new features on the 50D to justify the extra expense. This is particularly true if you have a fixed budget for all your camera equipment. For you, it would be a far, FAR superior strategy to get the 40D and then put some of that savings into a higher quality lens. A good lens on a 40D will easily produce higher quality photos than an average lens on the 50D. Certainly, if you already own a 40D it is not worth upgrading to a 50D.
That said, there is one significant group for whom we would recommend the 50D. If you’ve never owned a digital SLR camera, are looking to get into SLR photography in a semi-serious way, and have enough money to purchase a decent lens for your camera then you’d be better off with the 50D. This is because the user controls on the 50D are significantly more intuitive and because, in auto mode, the 50D behaves more like the point-and-shoot you are used to than does the 40D.
Regardless of which camera you select Spot Cool Stuff strongly suggests you buy the body only and NOT the starter kit. The lens that comes in the standard Canon kit is rather mediocre. You would be better off purchasing lenses a la crate. Here some of the lenses we suggest (lenses are interchangeable between the 40D and 50D):
- Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS - If you are looking for one great all purpose lens that won’t explode your budget, this is it.
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L - Semi-expensive but still the best telephoto lens with image stabilization. Very highly suggested.
- Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 - Superb value in a wide angle lens. This Sigma, combined with the Canon telephoto (above) makes the perfect lens duo for your new Canon, giving you a combined zoom of 17-200mm.
- Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM Super Telephoto - Our dream lens. Very expensive but unbelievably good for sports and animal photography.
- Lens set: Tamron 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 and 75-300mm f/4-5.6 - We hesitated mentioning this two-lens set because neither one of these lens are outstanding. However, they produce about the same quality of photos that the lens that’s included in the standard Canon kit does while providing a much greater range of focal lengths. This Tamron lens set is an ideal purchase if you are starting out in photography or if you absolutely can’t afford one of the better, more expensive, lenses above.
- 50mm f/1.8 - No zoom but super fast, very light and an amazing value at only $80. We carry it along with a $1,000 lens and when both are at 50mm this cheap lens might even be better. It is a must-have 2nd or 3rd lens no matter what your budget is.
Read more about our recommendations for the best Canon EOS lenses.
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November 18th, 2008at 8:45 am(#)
You missed out on 3 major difference’s between the 40d and 50d.
The LCD on the 50d has 3x as many pixels. This makes it easier to see if your picture is actually tack sharp or not.
their is a flourite filter on the Image sensor to help keep dust off, and in conjuction with the sensor cleaning system, makes sure your sensor is relativly dust free, this is a huge thing for people new to dslr’s as manually cleaning the sensor is not to be taken lightly.
Also live view gets contrast-detect AF and face detect AF.
November 18th, 2008at 1:12 pm(#)
Thanks for the comment, Kevin.
Actually, we did make mention of each of those three difference. The screen on the 50D, we noted, was “significantly more vibrant.” We also mentioned the face detection and the dust resistant sensor.
Of those three, the screen is probably the most significant to most people. In the bright sun the LCD screen on the 40D is REALLY hard to see. Of course, if you are the sort who snaps away and doesn’t peak at the photos until later that doesn’t matter so much.
November 18th, 2008at 1:13 pm(#)
Great review. I totally agree
November 20th, 2008at 9:45 pm(#)
Hi, I think the 40d has problem shooting in low light(in Manuel Mode), someone has an advised…
Thanks a lot
November 28th, 2008at 12:28 am(#)
You have demonstrated the whole camera so well. Great job!…..
http://www.ashopping.biz/
December 11th, 2008at 1:19 pm(#)
J Montilla-
We covered that (or tried to) in the “photo quality” section. The 40D is *great* in low light. I myself use my 40D more than any other camera I own and hardly ever feel the need to use a flash with it.
Based on my testing, I’d say the 40D is maybe very slightly better than the 50D in low light. But the difference is so small as to be negligible.
Thanks for the question.
Spot Cool Stuff
December 13th, 2008at 9:17 pm(#)
I would be thankful,on advise to field photograph bark,leaves and habitats with Myxomycetes.I need take close-ups of these slime molds.Which is a better camera?or otherwise stated,which gives best resolution,clarity and true image with finest focus?
December 13th, 2008at 9:50 pm(#)
Balachander -
You need to photograph slime molds!?? I’m so sorry to hear that.
If you are going to be doing a lot of close-up photography, and making large prints from those photographs, you’d be slightly better off with the 50D because of the increase in megapixels. Also, since you will be working in the field (and thus, presumably, in a lot of sun light) the 50D’s brighter LCD screen is important.
However, for you the more important choice is what lens to use. For marco work the best lens of the money is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM:
http://tech.spotcoolstuff.com/canon/macrolens
If you can afford it,an incredible marco lens is the Canon EF 180mm f3.5L.
http://tech.spotcoolstuff.com/canon/macrolens2
Both lenses offer a 1:1 magnification ratio, which you might find helpful in your work.
Good luck. And let you know what you decide.
December 14th, 2008at 9:33 am(#)
I am upgrading from an xti and am not sure which of these to buy. Can you offer any advice or do I fall into the relatively new to photography group. I like the price of the 40D and do not have a lot of money to through into my hobby; however, I also don’t want to feel the need to upgrade again in a year. Thanks so much for all your help.
December 14th, 2008at 6:49 pm(#)
Kelley,
It sounds like the most important thing for you is to get the better value model. That’s absolutely the 40D.
Don’t worry about having to upgrade in a year. You’ll be taking great photos with the 40D for a much longer time than that! And you’ll be getting a very worthy upgrade over your current XTI.
Plus, with the savings you’d see choosing the 40D over the 50D you’d have the extra money to put towards an extra lens (that ultra-cheap 50mm I mention above is a superlative value) or towards a Flip Mino HD video camera . . .
http://tech.spotcoolstuff.com/photography/digital-camera/flip-mino-camcorder/
. . . or, perhaps, treat yourself to a photogenic trip:
http://travel.spotcoolstuff.com/category/cool-quality/affordable-luxury/
Good luck!
December 15th, 2008at 3:18 pm(#)
Hi I have some friends who work at Jessops and am going to purchase the 40D, this is my upgrade and change over from the Olympus E-1. I am a profeesional family/makeover photographer in my day job( i work in a studio with all there equipment ) this 40D will be mine for personal projects and hoepfully travelling in 6 months, my only concern is that you guys have said the standard lens (mine will be 17-85mm) isn’t very good when infact I have been told the opposite. My plan was to possible buy a 50mm f1.8 for about 100 pounds later on if I find this lens too slow but was assured it actually was a really good one? Any help and advice would be great guys. Paul Bratby
December 15th, 2008at 6:03 pm(#)
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your question.
Whether the lens that comes with the standard 40D kit is good (as the people you’ve spoken with claim) or merely OK (as is our experience) there’s little doubt that it is really generic lens. So . . .
If you are going to be buying a better lens (such as the Canon EF-S 18-200mm) — and we suggest you do — then there’s no circumstance under which you’d use the standard kit lens. So why get it?
If you aren’t going to be buying an upgraded lens, we still think there are better options than the kit. Eg. for around the same price as the standard 40D lens kit you could buy the 40D body plus those two Tamron lenses we mentioned at the end of our post.
As for the 50mm f1.8 lens, you’ll be really happy with it! And you’ll find yourself using it even if you have very high end lens that shoots at 50mm. You should be able to find the lens in England for under 100 quid. Eg:
http://tech.spotcoolstuff.com/uk/canon50mm
Good luck!
~ SCS
December 16th, 2008at 6:56 am(#)
Cheers for the advice guys think thats what i’m going to do then, have found on ebay the 18-200mm going for £385 all in (new As Well)which is really good, think that and maybe a second hand sigma one 17-70mm will be the winners then obviously the fast 50mm too. Really good site and big thanks for the advice again guys.
December 18th, 2008at 4:36 pm(#)
I am going to buy either the 50d or 40d. I have a Sigma 28-80 1:2.8lens and a Canon USM 70-210 1:3.5-4.5 and a Sunpak Power Zoom 4000AF flash. Will these be compatible with these cameras? Also, How much bigger of a sharp print can I get from the 50d compared to the 40D? I am currently using the FUJI 9000 9 mega pixel camera and I am can print get excellent 16X20 from this camera. I havent tried and larger then that but am going to soon.
Thanks for any info you can supply
December 19th, 2008at 9:33 am(#)
Hi! I currently own a Sony A700 but I would like to buy a Canon 40D or 50D. Do you think that’s a good idea? I’m not really happy with my a700 but maybe if i would buy new lens i would be happier. Thanks!
December 19th, 2008at 12:10 pm(#)
Alisa,
We are all pretty agreed here that the A700 is a fine camera. We like the Canon 40D/50D more but the A700 is comparable to them. Can I ask what about your a700 is making you unhappy? It might be that you need to move up to an even higher grade of camera, something like a Canon 5D Mark II:
http://tech.spotcoolstuff.com/canon/5dmarkii
December 19th, 2008at 12:16 pm(#)
Hi Mike,
On your first question: You’ll be good to go with your Canon USM. Sigma makes that lens for both the Canon and Nikon, so with that it depends which one you have. As for your Sunpak, it *should* be compatible — I know one person who had a issue with that lens on the 20D but don’t know what the cause of that was. I suggest purchasing your camera from a store you can return it to (like Amazon) in case one or more of your lenses don’t work.
As for the print size . . . funny you should ask. We’ve been working on a post on that exact topic:
http://tech.spotcoolstuff.com/digital-camera/megapixels-print-size
Hope that helps,
~ SCS
December 19th, 2008at 3:28 pm(#)
I don’t know. I can’t seem to be happy with the way it takes pictures in low light conditions. And the colors don’t seem to be that vibrant. Is Sony a700 better than Canon 40d or 50d?
December 19th, 2008at 4:39 pm(#)
Alisa,
You should be able to take vibrant pictures with your A700 — that you can’t might be your lens or might be the camera settings you are using.
One area that the 40/50D is really superior to the A700 is taking photos in low light conditions. I almost never use my flash with the 40D and still get great photos from it. And, of course, you can get vibrant colors with the 40/50Ds too.
So, based on what you’ve written, I would suggest getting yourself a new Canon EOS for the holidays.
December 19th, 2008at 5:09 pm(#)
So, should I change it for a 40d or 50d? The thing that bothers me about Canon (i’ve only read about it) is that apparently you need specific lens for steady shots, an advantage that Sony a700 has incorporated in the body. In the end I would need a camera that would help me take lots of potraits or wedding shots, photos like these : http://purple-high.deviantart.com/ >> my profile … but better quality..
December 19th, 2008at 5:38 pm(#)
Alisa,
Based on what you’ve written, yes, I’d switch up to a 40 or 50D. You do need a reasonable quality lens for your steady shots but there are a large varieties of these. I mentioned one of my favorites in the review, the 50mm. It is excellent for portrait work and very fast, so perfect for your low light photography. And it is only €94:
http://tech.spotcoolstuff.com/uk/canon50mm
BTW, I like your photos a lot.
December 19th, 2008at 5:41 pm(#)
Ok, thank you. Unfortunately, I’m from Romania and lenses or cameras are way more expensive here but luckily I can get them from the US as I got my a700. I do want to switch to Canon, it’s just a matter of money. Thank you for your time and appreciation of my photos!
December 19th, 2008at 6:57 pm(#)
That helps a lot. The Sigma is an canon mount so that should work fine. I will let you know how my 20X24 print comes out from my Fuji 9000. I was surprised at how good the 16X20’s came out.
Thanks again for the info.
Mike
January 5th, 2009at 8:04 pm(#)
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