Canon 50D vs Canon 5D

On this page, we are comparing the Canon 50D and Canon 5D, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras and both of them are produced by Canon. The sensor resolution of the 50D (15MP) and the 5D (13MP) is very well matched but the 50D (APS-C) and 5D (Full frame) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The 50D was manufactured 3 years after the 5D which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short overview of how the 50D scores versus the 5D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon EOS 50D and Canon EOS 5D. The entire galleries are available at Canon 50D Gallery and Canon 5D Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and volume. The Canon 50D has physical measurements of 146mm x 108mm x 74mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.9") with a weight of 822 grams (1.81 lbs) whilst the Canon 5D has sizing of 152mm x 113mm x 75mm (6.0" x 4.4" x 3.0") with a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

See the Canon 50D and Canon 5D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the 50D against the 5D.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 50D and 5D is 57 and 55 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The pic underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the 50D and 5D.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 50D because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Canon 50D will resolve extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The younger 50D is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.