CameraReviews.com
menu
Hi Camera Lovers 👋 If you buy a camera through our referral links, you support our site at no cost to you 😉 Full info here.

Canon EOS 50D vs EOS 5D Mark II Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Canon EOS 50D

Canon EOS 50D camera image
48%

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera image
Winner!
58%
Canon EOS 50D
vs
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Price
Brand
Canon
Canon
Model
EOS 50D
EOS 5D Mark II
Released
2008
2008
Announcement Date
August 26, 2008
September 17, 2008
Camera Type
DSLR
DSLR
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II outperforms the Canon EOS 50D with a score of 58/100 compared to 48/100. Both DSLR cameras, released in 2008, share similar dimensions and weight. The 5D Mark II has a higher launch price of $2199, while the 50D costs $1300.

The 5D Mark II excels in its specifications, justifying the higher score and price. However, the 50D is more affordable, making it a viable option for those on a tighter budget. Despite the lower score, the 50D still offers quality performance.

Taking these factors into account, the 5D Mark II is the superior choice for those seeking a higher-performing camera, while the 50D is a cost-effective alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

Canon EOS 50D vs EOS 5D Mark II Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II outperforms the Canon EOS 50D in terms of optics, scoring 59/100 compared to the 50D’s 47/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a CMOS sensor type, Digic 4 processor, and the absence of image stabilization.

The 5D Mark II has several advantages over the 50D. It boasts a higher megapixel count of 21, compared to the 50D’s 15.1, which allows for better image resolution. Additionally, the 5D Mark II has a full-frame sensor size, as opposed to the 50D’s APS-C sensor. This contributes to better image quality and improved low-light performance. The 5D Mark II also has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, at 79, while the 50D scores 63. This indicates that the 5D Mark II’s sensor performs better in terms of color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 50D has a faster shooting speed of 6.3 frames per second, compared to the 5D Mark II’s 3.9. This makes the 50D more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife photography. However, the 50D’s lens mount is Canon EF-S, which is compatible with fewer lenses than the 5D Mark II’s Canon EF mount.

Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II emerges as the superior camera in terms of optics, offering higher image resolution and better overall sensor performance. The Canon EOS 50D, although having a faster shooting speed, falls short in other aspects of optical performance.

Optics
Optics
47%
59%
Megapixels
15.1 MP
21 MP
Image Resolution
4752 x 3168 px
5616 x 3744 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
14.9 x 22.3 mm
24 x 36 mm
Sensor Format
APS-C
Full Frame
Frame Rate
6.3 fps
3.9 fps
Lens Mount
Canon EF-S
Canon EF
Image Processor
Digic 4
Digic 4
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
3,200
6,400
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
50
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
12800
25600
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
9
9
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Optical (pentaprism)
Optical (pentaprism)

Canon EOS 50D vs EOS 5D Mark II Video Performance

When comparing the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 50D and Canon EOS 5D Mark II, it is important to note that the Canon EOS 50D does not have any video functionality. This means that it cannot record video, making it unsuitable for those looking to capture moving images with their camera.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has a video score of 43 out of 100. This camera can record Full HD video, with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The maximum video frame rate of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is 30 frames per second (fps), which allows for smooth video capture. However, it does not have built-in time-lapse functionality, which may be a desired feature for some users.

Taking into account the video capabilities of these two cameras, it is clear that the Canon EOS 5D Mark II offers video recording features, while the Canon EOS 50D does not. This makes the Canon EOS 5D Mark II a better choice for users who require video capabilities in their camera.

Video
Video
43%
Video
Max Video Resolution
N/A
Full HD
Max Video Dimensions
N/A
1920 x 1080 px
Max Video Frame Rate
N/A
30 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
N/A
MOV

Canon EOS 50D vs EOS 5D Mark II Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II outperforms the Canon EOS 50D in features, with a score of 54/100 compared to the 50D’s 43/100. Despite this difference, both cameras share several specifications. They both have a 3-inch screen size and a screen resolution of 920,000 dots. Neither camera has a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, or Bluetooth.

The 5D Mark II takes the lead primarily due to its Wi-Fi capability, allowing users to easily transfer images and control the camera remotely. This feature adds convenience and versatility, making the 5D Mark II a more practical choice for photographers who require seamless connectivity.

On the other hand, the 50D does not offer any significant advantages over the 5D Mark II. Both cameras lack certain features that could have given the 50D an edge, such as a touchscreen or GPS. With a lower feature score, the 50D falls short in comparison to its competitor.

Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II proves to be the superior camera in terms of features. Its Wi-Fi capability makes it a more convenient and versatile option for photographers. Meanwhile, the Canon EOS 50D does not offer any notable advantages to set it apart from the 5D Mark II, resulting in a lower feature score.

Features
Features
54%
54%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
TFT LCD
TFT LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
920,000 dots
920,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Canon EOS 50D vs EOS 5D Mark II Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II outperforms the Canon EOS 50D in storage and battery with a score of 71 to 35. Both cameras share similarities, such as accepting Compact Flash (Type I or II) and UDMA memory cards and lacking USB charging capabilities.

The 5D Mark II excels with two memory card slots, accommodating Compact Flash, UDMA, and Microdrive cards. This versatility allows for more storage options and backup capabilities. Furthermore, the 5D Mark II has a superior battery life of 850 shots, compared to the 50D’s 800 shots, and utilizes the LP-E6 battery type.

The 50D, however, has only one memory card slot and a slightly shorter battery life. Its battery type is BP-511A, which may be a consideration for those with existing compatible batteries.

Considering these factors, the 5D Mark II offers greater storage flexibility and longer battery life, while the 50D may appeal to users with specific battery compatibility needs.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
35%
71%
Memory Card
Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA
Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Microdrive
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
BP-511A
LP-E6
Battery Life
800 shots
850 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
63%
79%
Portrait (Color Depth)
21.8 bits
23.7 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
11.4 EVs
11.9 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
696
1815
Scores

Canon EOS 50D vs EOS 5D Mark II – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 50D vs EOS 5D Mark II Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 50D or the Canon EOS 5D Mark II:

User Scores
Spotted a mistake with these specs? Please let us know so we can update it!