7D v 50D v 40D (v 5D2)

[Allann]

It was asked that we provide some images to compare the 50D and new 7D cameras. Micheal created a thread early showing the ISO capabilities so this time we consentrated a little more on a static image that we can compare. I had to reduce the image sizes to 1024 so we could load them here, but if anyone is interested I can load the full size version onto my website. I used BDSizer 3.3.0 to resize the images.

All camera settings: 13sec, f8, ISO100, 30mm. We used the same 24-70 L 2.8 lens for each shot to remove any lens differences. The cameras were all set to the same settings for WB, NR, etc.

40D

50D

7D

5D2 (we kept the lens at 30mm just to see the difference between x1.6 and full frame)


I will add some major crops tomorrow (taken from the full size images) so you can see the detail/noise differences. I also took a zoomed (48mm) shot with the 5D2 to make the framing look the same if you think thats worth posting.

[dulvariprestige]

That's a huge difference width wise with the 5D.
Third one's the best,,,,,,,,,,,,,,i'm only saying that becauase i just spent all that money on one

[twofruitz]

There will never be much of a difference in controlled testing... Once the going gets tough, the pro series cameras will always come out on top

[The Moose]

The WB definitely just gets better and better. Although it took me a few looks to decide if I liked the 7D or the 5D2 better in that regard.

[lovecolt]

40d looks darker, 50D & 7D both looks almost the same (can't tell which one's which if no name's mentioned) and 5dmk2's awesome without saying

[Clubmanmc]

And yes I have a fit ball..

I am keen to see the 1024 crops of the images... To see the detail or lack there of in the 40D as I still think its a great back up body.. And the colours in it are fantastic.. And not that far behind the supposedly better 50d

As for the 5 v 7 debate.. They will take respectable images stationary but I am sure the 5 excels in places the 7 won't and vice versa, its the canon way..

M

[mikew09]

Well done Allann. A very interesting comparison - I am looking at a body upgrade soon and went and had a play with the 50D and 7D (now in store) to get a feel for them in the hand. Your tests between the two are very interesting and helpful. After doing some in shop hands on yesterday I am am finding it hard to justify the extra cost. My plan was to buy the 50D and my long awaited 70-200L but there was some attraction to the 7D which would rule out the lens. I do a lot of landscape, starting a bit of portrait but a lot of equine stuff. Still less than 12 months in my journey of photography so still little experience. Do you think I will really be missing much (considering my experience) by going the 50D and not the 7D? Hard question but would be interested in your thoughts now you have done some comparison work.

[Allann]

I forgot to mention, these and some landscape comparison shots are all on my Website, go here if your interested. All the images are the jpg files straight from camera, haven't been altered in way. I have imported the RAW files into Lightroom but have not used them in comparisons.

I will attempt to get the crop shots up tonight.

[mikew09]

Thanks Allann - will have a look.

[mikew09]

Hmmm - seems to me the IQ is noticebly better to the 50D, infact, it looks pretty close to the 5D. Hmmm - I hate having a budget restraint. :-).

Thanks Allan.

[Tricky]

Thanks for posting these, Allann, look forward to seeing the crops.

At ISO100, I wouldn't really expect to see that much IQ difference... it's crops at ISO800 and above that the better sensors start to shine.

[AlexandraT]

Thanks for taking the time to make these comparisons, they would be quite useful to those in the market. It makes me glad I got the 7d as it seems to stack up well.

[Allann]

Here are a few of the crops I promised. These are all from the same part of the image, the reason for the size difference is the crop factor and resolution of the camera.


5D2

40D

50D

7D

These are all from my gallery and here is the 7D original image.

[Shelley]

Great comparisons - this is good to look at. Thanks Allan and I appreciate you posting this kind of information.

[Pedro]

Very interesting. Doesn't look too bad. The camera is in the shops in Brisbane now! Is that where the council plan to build the new bus depot? That would be tragic so close to Oxley Common.

[Phill B]

Very interesting. Doesn't look too bad. The camera is in the shops in Brisbane now! Is that where the council plan to build the new bus depot? That would be tragic so close to Oxley Common.

The depot will be around 400-500m back up Sherwood Rd towards Oxley Rd from Oxley Common.

It's actually quite funny getting the councils newsletter (propaganda) in the mail about the 'community consultation' that is going on about the new depot, the council is coming across all ‘minimal impact’ and only a 1.17% traffic increase on Sherwood Rd and most traffics will use Fairfield Rd, etc. And 'we want to know what the locals think about the depot' which is a total waste of time and money for this stupid glossy newsletter as it's going to be built there regardless of what the locals think, and yes I'm one of those locals!

OK, I'm off my soapbox now....breath....ah.....

[GJC]

Thanks for the effort guys. I can't wait to get my 7D. The step up from my 350D is going to be quite dramatic.

Cheers,
Greg

[clm738]

Thanks Allan. I have noticed a big exposure difference in your first lot of shots with the 50D being lighter. I have found that I usually have to underexpose my 50D to get correct colours.

[nouveau1]

very timely as i'm considering upgrade also. appreciate some expert opinions and examples.

another question, for birds/wildlife is the reputed AF slowness (relative I mean) of the 5D a serious impediment compared to the 7D?

thanks again

[KALBO]

Thank you a bunch! The wife is keen to take over the 450D so the 7D is not too far away... hopefully.