Canon today strengthens its EOS range with the addition of a new digital SLR: the EOS 50D. The Canon EOS 50D bridges the gap between the EOS 40D and EOS 5D, and has a 15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 6.3 frames per second shooting and Canon?s latest DIGIC 4 image processor.

Outstanding, clean images
A newly designed 15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor delivers ultra-detailed, low-noise images ? ideal for large-scale reproduction or creative cropping. New manufacturing processes, plus redesigned photo diodes and microlenses, extend the light gathering capabilities of the sensor ? allowing more pixels to be fitted on the CMOS sensor without compromising image quality. These changes ensure improved high ISO performance and low noise. High-speed, low light shooting is enabled by ISO levels of 3200, expandable to an ultra-sensitive 12800.
The EOS Integrated Cleaning System ? including the improved Self Cleaning Sensor Unit with a new fluorine coating ? increases protection of image quality by helping to reduce, repel and remove unwanted dust from the sensor. Stubborn particles can be removed automatically in post-production with Dust Delete Data and Canon?s included Digital Photo Professional software.

Rapid-fire performance
Canon?s new DIGIC 4 processor is fast enough to allow up to 6.3fps continuous shooting, in bursts of up to 90 JPEGs with a UDMA card. Used with Canon?s wide area AF system, which locks onto subjects with 9 individual cross type sensors, action sequences can be captured ? even in low-light conditions. This makes the EOS 50D particularly suited to sports and wildlife shooting.
DIGIC 4 works with the CMOS sensor to deliver 14-bit image processing, for smooth gradation and natural-looking colours ? as well as ensuring ultra-fast start-up times and near-instant image review after shooting.

See everything
A new 3 inch Clear View VGA LCD provides extra-large and wide angle-of-view image review, with plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks in playback. By switching to Live View mode ? which displays a real-time image on the LCD ? photographers can enjoy simplified shooting from awkward angles, or connect to a PC for remote shooting. Live Mode now offers three ways to auto focus: Quick AF, Live AF, and new Face Detection Live AF, which optimizes focus based on faces detected in the frame ? for fast, spontaneous portraiture.

Control and ease
The EOS menu system includes a new Quick Control screen, for instant access to the most commonly-changed settings. A new Creative Auto mode offers automatic focus and exposure ? while still allowing creative ?tweaks? to settings such as background sharpness.

Features at a glance:

15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
6.3fps continuous shooting, max. burst 90 JPEGs with UDMA card
DIGIC 4 processor
ISO 100-3200, expandable to 12800
9-point wide area AF
3.0? Clear View VGA LCD with Live View mode & Face Detection Live AF
Magnesium alloy body, with environmental protection
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
HDMI connection for high quality viewing and playback on a High Definition TV
Full compatibility with Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

Pricing & Availability:

The EOS 50D (body only) is available from end of September 2008 priced at £1199.99 / ?1599.99 RRP inc. VAT.
The EOS 50D EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM kit is available from end of September 2008 priced at £1499.99 / ?1949.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Visit www.canon.co.uk for more information