Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera Press Release

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Manufacturer ID: 2807B006
Review Date: 2008/11/13
Review Last Updated: 2008/11/14

New Canon EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera - Designed to Impress

Incorporating speed, creative control and the highest resolution APS-C size sensor on the market, the EOS 50D is the perfect all-round enthusiast Digital SLR camera.

Key Features:

15.1 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor (highest resolution APS-C size sensor DSLR on the market)
DiG!C 4 Image Processor
ISO speed 100-12800
6.3 frames per second (fps) with continuous shooting up to 60 shots in a single burst (JPEG Large/Fine)
Live View Mode with Live Face Detection AF Mode
HDMI output in full High-Definition
Tough magnesium alloy body
New Creative Auto mode and Quick Control screen

Sydney, 26 August 2008: Canon Australia today announced an addition to its highly acclaimed EOS Digital SLR range, the EOS 50D. Sitting above the successful EOS 40D, the new DSLR celebrates Canon's forever-evolving technologies and is perfect for enthusiast photographers wishing to upgrade.

Taking photography to new heights, the EOS 50D incorporates a range of new and improved technologies, including a 15.1 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, the newly developed DiG!C 4 Image Processor, increased ISO capabilities, new Auto Creative mode and Live Face Detection AF Mode. Combine all that with Canon's core technologies, and the EOS 50D becomes the ultimate all-round camera for photographers wanting to enhance their creative control and passion for photography.

"The EOS 50D responds to the needs of enthusiast photographers who want one camera to cater for all their photography requirements, incorporating both entry-level and advanced DSLR technologies," stated Chris Macleod, Brand Manager - Digital SLR, Consumer Imaging Products Group, Canon Australia. "The Canon EOS 50D is the obvious choice for photographers wanting a superior all-round mid range DSLR. It allows users to experiment and play around with new techniques and at the same time challenges them to become more serious and take their photography to the next level."

Breaking Boundaries - New and Improved Canon Technologies
The EOS 50D takes Canon's iconic image quality to new heights with the recently developed 15.1 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, an industry first. The highest resolution APS-C sized sensor on the market, it allows photographers to shoot higher quality images and capture detail never before possible.

A first for Canon DSLRs, the EOS 50D incorporates Canon's latest Imaging Processor - DiG!C 4. While based on DiG!C III's high-speed rendering of fine detail and natural colour reproduction, DiG!C 4 provides even faster signal processing. This new and improved processor will allow enthusiast photographers to experience faster processing, producing finer detail and natural colour reproduction.

In addition to its superior image capture, the EOS 50D also features improved low light capability. Allowing more flexibility and versatility, the EOS 50D's ISO speed range is ISO 100-3200 in 1/3-stop increments, going up to ISO 6400 or ISO 12800 with ISO expansion. The ability to capture more detail in low light situations, enables more possibilities for photographers and offers users more creative control.

Expanding Shooting Possibilities
The EOS 50D like other Canon DSLR models features Live View Mode with Auto Focus capabilities. Live View allows photographers to preview images in real time on the 3.0-inch VGA LCD monitor with 920,000 dots for greater flexibility and creative composition. In addition to this, the EOS 50D boasts a Live Face Detection AF Mode in Live View shooting, which is a first for Canon EOS. By distinguishing human faces in each shot and adjusting the focus and exposure accordingly, photographers can ensure their subjects are captured clearly.

In another first for Canon DSLR, the EOS 50D offers HDMI output in full High-Definition (HD), ensuring images can be viewed in Full HD when transferred to an HD monitor.

Built into a tough magnesium alloy body, the EOS 50D combine's stylish design and durability in one camera. Offering versatility and increasing creative possibilities the 50D is compatible with the full range of widely-recognised Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

Making Creative Photography Easier
The EOS 50D offers a new Creative Auto mode with Quick Control screen, enabling photographers to adjust settings and shoot images just as they visualise them. Users do not need to understand technical terms such as aperture and exposure. For example, users can adjust images to be a little brighter or make the background more blurry in Creative Auto mode, rather than by understanding how to change the exposure or aperture.

To further enhance image quality, the EOS 50D incorporates automatic image correction technologies, resulting in better images for photographers: Auto Lighting Optimizer - analyses brightness and contrast automatically before making adjustments to achieve optimal images. Auto correction of lens peripheral illumination - lens peripheral illumination fall-off is automatically corrected to suit each lens when shooting in JPEG mode. For RAW images, the correction can be made using the free software which comes with the EOS 50D - DPP (Digital Photo Professional).

New Canon Telephoto Zoom Lens - The Perfect Match
Canon also announced today the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens (focal length image equivalent to 29-320mm in 35mm format) which is lightweight, compact and offers Canon's superior Image Stabilizer technology. The perfect all-round lens for enthusiast photographers, it also comes packaged with the EOS 50D Premium Kit.

Pricing and Availability
The EOS 50D body will be available in Body Only (RRP $TBC), as an Enthusiast Kit with EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens (RRP $TBC), and as a Premium Kit with EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (RRP $TBC). These kits and accessories will all be available from 1 October 2008 through Canon dealers nationally. For more information customers can contact Canon on 1 800 021 167, or visit the website at canon.com.au.

About Canon
Canon Australia is a leading provider of advanced, simple-to-use imaging solutions for businesses and consumers. Canon's Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops customised solutions for local customers, and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-three US patent recipients for the past 16 years, and had global revenues of around $US39 billion in 2007. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit canon.com.au

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