Canon EOS 50D Firmware Update 1.0.7

From Canon, there is a new firmware update for the Canon EOS 50D. This brings the firmware up to Version 1.0.7 and incorporates the following changes.

1. Corrects a phenomenon where captured images may tend to appear somewhat magenta depending on the shooting scene.
2. Fixes incorrect indications on the Arabic, Romanian, Spanish, and Ukrainian menu screens.

Firmware Version 1.0.7 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.6. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.7, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

The update file for download as well as full instructions for installation can be found on Canon's website.

Canon EOS 50D Firmware 1.0.3

Canon released new firmware for the EOS 50D late yesterday.

According to Canon's website, this firmware update (Version 1.0.3) incorporates the following fixes:

- Corrects a phenomenon in which an image becomes overexposed when C.Fn.II-3 Highlight tone priority is set to "1" together with other camera settings. (This correction has already been incorporated in the Version 1.0.2 and later firmware.)
- Corrects a rare phenomenon in which "busy" blinks on the camera's display panel and the shutter cannot be released due to the timing of battery installation.
- Corrects a rare phenomenon in which "Err 99" appears on the camera's display panel and LCD monitor and the shutter cannot be released due to the timing of pressing the shutter button.

Firmware Version 1.0.3 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.2. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

50D's Arriving Now!

New Canon EOS 50D's have arrived and are shipping today! If yours is amongst the three you have already been contacted. We are expecting more to arrive through the week.


UPDATED LATE AFTERNOON: Ryan just informed me that Canon has released another 10 bodies due for delivery as soon as tomorrow! This will more than likely leave bodies in stock.

More Canon News & Ideas

One of our Canon Rep's came in this morning to share the official information regarding the Canon EOS 50D and the EOS 5D Mark II.

While he didn't have either of the bodies available for us to see, he did bringus the EF 200 f/2, EF 300 f/2.8 and the 400 f/4 DO to see. The most underrated feature on them is the focus set button, which allows you to establish a focus distance preset, recompose and focus anywhere else and then simply flick a wheel around the front of the barrel and almost instantly return to the preset focus distance. Ideal for sports or event shooting where you have known action to occur at a certain distance (ie first base, the goal line, or front and center on stage) but still need to cover the entire field or venue. The idea was briefly mentioned that they could bring this system to the 70-200 series of lenses.

L to R: Canon Rep Scott Alexander, Ryan, Scott Tallyn, Ted & Craig

Another possible idea for the future we mentioned was to get a battery status indicator into the Speedlites. Used to be that you could listen for the whine of your shoe strobes and hear how much power you have based on how long it took to recycle, but with Canon trying to eliminate the whine, that feedback is gone.

We also discussed whether the 5D Mark II would overtake the current flagship 1Ds Mark III, and while the 5D Mark II will be running the Digic 4 chip and offering the same 21 MP, the 1Ds Mark III still has exclusively the focus system with 19 high-precision cross-type AF points and complete weather sealing (as opposed to just weather resistance).

If you have any questions unanswered about the new Canon bodies, leave us a comment and we'll do what we can to track down an answer for you.

Canon EOS 50D Update

We just got word from Canon. The planned shipping date for the Canon EOS 50D will be week of September 22nd! We are still taking pre-orders on our webstore, so get your order in to be part of our first shipment!

Pre-Production Canon EOS 50D

As I said last week, I was able to see a pre-production 50D at the Photoshop World show last week. From best I could tell it was physically about the same size as the 40D, which is to be expected. I had it in my hand just quick enough to snap a shot of the rear for comparison.


From the front it looked almost identical to the 40D as well. It wasn't specifically marked 50D - it just had a flat black panel where the silver model number usually goes. The Direct Print button above the rear screen has taken on another role as the direct to Live View button, and the buttons below the rear screen have been reshuffled with the loss of the Jump button and the addition of a Function button.

Another noticeable difference was the silver top dial, as opposed to black, though this may simply be a feature of it's being a pre-production model. We are hoping to see shipment end of October at the latest, hopefully earlier in the month than that. We are already taking 50D preorders on our webstore and we will keep you informed of further news & developments.

And Just a reminder, Photokina begins two weeks from today. Historically, many big announcements come at this show, so if there is still anything new from Canon to be announced, expect it around that time.

Photoshop World - Day 1

Yesterday afternoon I got a few moments to get away from our booth and explore the Tech Expo at Photoshop World.

- I met Jean-Francois O'Kane who designed the "Photo Master Target" which we will soon be offering on our web store. It has a number of features that out it ahead of similar concepts in the industry.

- Hoodman will soon be releasing a 3" version of their popular Hood Loupe. It's a must have for outdoor viewing of your camera's rear LCD.

- Finally, I got my hands on a pre-production 50D for about five minutes (It didn't even have '50D' on the front. First impression: The rear screen is amazing. The density of the pixels makes the review images pop. It really is a drastic improvement. I'm going to try and get a few more minutes with it again this afternoon.

I'll have more after Day 2 this afternoon.

Canon EOS 50D

The rumors have been all over the internet about successors to the Canon EOS 40D and 5D. I've had many calls asking me what I know, but in all honesty, Canon runs a pretty tight ship and we rarely (if ever) get advance knowledge about new cameras. But this one is official... The Canon EOS 50D.

Just a quick idea of the improvements - This camera boasts a 15.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, the new Digic 4 processor, a super high-res 3" screen (4x the dots as the 40D screen!) and a new Peripheral Illumination Correction (to compensate for vignetting in lenses). It is our understanding that this is not yet a replacement for the 40D, as that body will continue to be available through the end of the year.

We are officially taking orders on our website as of today. First-come, first-serve, with updates to come as we get an official ship date or other information. DPReview.com (which should be in every photographer's bookmarks tab if it isn't already) has an in-depth hands on preview detailing every new feature from the new Digic 4 processor to the new graphics fade effect on the menu screens.