Canon 50D, I’m in love!

It’s official. After reading a few reviews of the new technology and beta versions of the Canon EOS 50D, I’m in love!  There are no production product hands-on reviews yet as the camera won’t be available until next month, but the reviews I found of beta versions and the professional assessments of the improvements Canon is making over the 40D really do have me sold.  I also checked out a few sites that gave image samples comparing Canon to other camera brands and I’m sold on the image quality and native color of the Canon line.

My biggest concern about choosing the 50D as my next camera was the weight.  At around 25 ounces the camera is pretty hefty.  BUT, it’s lighter than the 40D, and the articles I’ve read really indicate that for this level of camera this is the general weight class.  I thought a lot about going with an advanced compact like the new Canon G10, but a number of articles state that the sensor just can’t handle higher ISO.  Since I don’t ALWAYS shoot outside in bright light (who does?) I’d rather go with a camera that can handle the full range, and from what I’m reading, the 50D will be that camera.  So yeah, I will have to lug around a pound and a half of camera around if I want great shots.  I’ll accept that.

My other concern was that the 50D was only one step down from the 5D, which is a professional level full-frame sensor camera.  Maybe it wasn’t really worth the money and I should get something more entry-level and then upgrade to a 5D later?  But the last review I read from CNet’s Underexposed blog pointed out that the body of the 5D is twice the price!  I knew that, but I really didn’t think about it like that.  And the review also pointed out the exceptional quality of the 50D, which made me feel very comfortable in the value.  It may be a long time before I’m at the level where I require a 5D, and with a price tag of almost $3000 for the body, I better NEED it!

All that said, I’d love to find a great deal on the 50D.  So I did a little search, and found that Prestige Camera is selling the 50D for just under $1000.  This is the presale price, so maybe they’re giving a discount because the camera’s not out yet?  I thought maybe I’d find it for $100 off, but this is a huge discount from the $1400 list price, and that makes me suspicious.  Is there something here for me to be concerned about?  I’ve got quite a while to look into it, as I probably won’t be getting the camera until Christmas anyway.  But wow, that’s a lot of camera at that price!

NOTE: I have removed the link to Prestige Camera as I’ve found out that many people have been scammed by them.  They are a “bait and switch” company and they sell gray market products.  Too bad for me, and for them, that they won’t be getting my business!