So, when I first got into this money pit called photography I get myself a Canon 450d (xsi). It really does more then I need right now except for the form factor. Now that I carry it all the time I find that it is too small of a camera body to be comfortable in my hand. So, I am looking for a replacement. The problem is that I want some newer camera, with a sensor cleaner and a big bright LCD display on the back. For canon, that means a 50d or 5d mark ii. However, while the 50d is reasonably priced I think they have just gone too far with 'selling megapixels'. Take a look at this data [original data from The Digital Picture] to see what I am talking about:
Model FOVCF Pixel Size Megapixels
Canon XSi / 450D 1.6x 5.2µm 12.2
Canon 50D 1.6x 4.7µm 15.1
Canon 40D 1.6x 5.7µm 10.1
Canon 5D Mark II 1.0x 6.4µm 21.1
Canon 5D 1.0x 8.2µm 12.8
Now you can see what has been happening with the newer cameras, the per pixel size has been decreasing rapidly. The only thing this means to me is more noise and less saturated colors. I don't need that. At 12.2 MP my XSI already is already good enough to print out 12"x18" with no trouble at all. I am sure it can go much higher, 20" or even 30", but I print at Costco Photo and I can't print larger then 12"x18" and still pick them up in the store.
So, I am stuck with either getting a cropped sensor 50D, which has crossed the 5 micro meter barrier or a full frame 5D Mark II which costs $2600 street right now. I am sure the price will come down on it, but not for a while. The 5D Mark II is still flying off the shelves and they can't keep them in stock. So, I am looking at about 6 months before the normal Canon price drop (or used ones show up).
The 50d has only 90% of the pixel size of my current 450d and only 82% of the 40d is replaces. I see people already complaining about the colors captured by the 50d. So, I am kind of stuck. I feel like I should just wait for the megapixel wars to get over and the manufactures to get back to competing on the quality of the captured images. Both the original 5d, around $1499 used, and the 40d, around $900 new, have great images, great noise levels and colors. But, they both lack some of the modern features I want.
Well, I keep looking at the different options and I think I am just going to have to wait to see what the next generation of cameras bring. I would love to have a 5D, but I want a bigger screen on the back and a sensor cleaner. I might also just wait on the price drop that is coming for the 5d Mark II (all cameras have a predictable price drop after initial release).
ReplyDeleteAmazon is taking pre-orders for the new 500d, but it has the same 15MP sensor in the 50d that I don't like.
Guess I will just have to concentrate on making good pictures instead of playing with new toys for a while. :)