Is the 50D a bit old?

[driftangel]

Hey everyone,

I got a question about the 50D.
I want to buy a new camera that isn't an entry level (like the rebels), but I'm so unsure about the 50D.
I really like the camera and for the price that I can get, but its a 2008 model.
Should I just wait for Canon to introduce new bodies?

I want to upgrade from my Olympus E-410 so its a big change for me. I really like the brand and there are alot of accesories (lenses included) for Canon camera's.

Any help/advice is welcome. =)

[photog1107]

Are you saying it's a used model? Or you are talking about a new camera and you are just saying the model hasn't been upgraded? I have never heard anything negative about a 50D, but I don't know if Canon has any plans to announce a 60D soon, so I'd perhaps check out what's in the wind before purchasing.

Btw, I just recently purchased the 7D and upgraded from my Xti and couldn't be happier. Love it.

[driftangel]

Originally Posted by photog1107

Are you saying it's a used model? Or you are talking about a new camera and you are just saying the model hasn't been upgraded? I have never heard anything negative about a 50D, but I don't know if Canon has any plans to announce a 60D soon, so I'd perhaps check out what's in the wind before purchasing.

Btw, I just recently purchased the 7D and upgraded from my Xti and couldn't be happier. Love it.

No I am talking about a new model.

Yeah it would be a better option to wait before purchasing. Usually brands make new models when the recent one (in this case the 50D) is a few years old. . So thats why I was asking. =)

[OsmosisStudios]

IF you keep waiting for the newest thing, you'll never have a camera.

That being said, I'd talk to Inkista about a rumoured 60D. she seems to have things fairly set straight.

[viking princess]

I upgraded from the Rebel XS to the 50D last summer and couldn't be happier. I didn't want video on my camera, and also the cards were not compatible, a consideration when you have several.

Hope this helps.

[inkista]

It's a matter of price vs. features and Canon folklore/past history.

In Wikipedia, someone's been tracking the body releases and lifespans as the "latest/greatest".

As you can see from that table, the Canon XXD, XXXD, (and presumably the XXXXD), the most common product life is about 18 months from announcement to replacement. The 50D was announced fall of 2008, so it's due for a replacement in spring of 2010, and the PMA announcements in February are the most logical time for it to be announced. Similarly, the T1i will be 18 months old come Fall 2010, and a 550D or whatever is likely to be announced at Photokina this year.

The big caveat is that we do get surprises. The 50D was announced on a year after the 40D. The 7D came outta nowhere. The 1000D was announced after PMA. There are a ton of variables, so none of this is carved in stone. It's likelihoods we're talking about. Just because something has been done a certain way doesn't mean it'll always be done that way. And with the 5D and 1-series cameras, it's almost anybody's guess, although they usually don't see a refresh within a two-to-three year timeframe. In the case of the 5D to the 5DMkII, it was three years. Whether the 7D will follow that cycle or the 18 month one is another unknown.

The other thing to realize is that prices on bodies go down over time. If a 60D is announced, it will not be at the same price that the 50D is today. When the 50D was announced, its body-only price was $1300. Today it's closer to $1000. Chances are good the 60D will be close to that $1300 MSRP when it's announced, and that prices won't be going down for at least six months or maybe longer, depending on supply and demand.

If you're more bargain hunter than feature creature, I'd say get the 50D. If you're more gotta-have-the-latest/greatest (and particularly if you are upgrading from an existing body and don't need a camera RIGHT NOW), then I'd say wait and see. We know the 1DMkIV is going to be announced. Whether we'll get a XXD announcement is more variable given the entry of the 7D into the picture (i.e., a 60D might cannibalize 7D sales), and we have no clue about what the XS's lifespan is. But given that those are the three most "elderly" models right now in the lineup, they're the "most likelies" at this time for a refresh.

[Sateh]

Hello Angel,

I've had the 50D for about 10 months. This camera is the most you can ask from a DSLR these days. If you tell me about HD video, I would say that no body will purshase a DSLR to film videos. It's a matter of advertising to insert such a useless feature in such a photo body. What do you need more than 15.1megapixels, 1/8000s, 12800, 6.3fps. If you want to invest, go and worry about the lens you choose. Canon have a wide variety of lenses, for all budgets.
50D? I would recommand.

[fantasmic2tek]

I bought a 50D from my brother for $200.00 USD. He had it for about a year and a half. It is a great camera.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by fantasmic2tek

I bought a 50D from my brother for $200.00 USD. He had it for about a year and a half. It is a great camera.

Wow! $200!!?? Now that's a STEAL!

[JustSAN]

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

Wow! $200!!?? Now that's a STEAL!

200 IS a steal -nice work! I just bought a 3 year old 20D body for my mom for her birthday for $200, and I thought I got a good deal!

ok...done hijacking....I have a 7D and love it, BUT, I know a lot of people that own 50D's and each and everyone of them love it. I know 1 pro who is a child photographer that uses a 50D just because she is "comfortable" and gets great results as is.
Regardless what you get, an "upgrade" is just that; and, I think sometimes it gets over looked as something more than what it actually is (deep, I know). You are coming from a P&S to a DSLR...anything is going to be an upgrade. Buy the 50D, you will love it. If you have a little extra money laying around buy a 7D, you will love that. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, buy the 5DmkII and you will love that. IF you have Steve Jobs or Bill Gates money, send me some