Canon 30D vs 50D
The Canon EOS 30D and the Canon EOS 50D are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2006 and August 2008. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The 30D has a resolution of 8.2 megapixels, whereas the 50D provides 15.1 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their sensors, their features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
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Canon 30D | Canon 50D | |
Digital single lens reflex | Digital single lens reflex | |
Canon EF mount lenses | Canon EF mount lenses | |
8.2 MP, APS-C Sensor | 15.1 MP, APS-C Sensor | |
no Video | no Video | |
ISO 100-1600 (100-3200) | ISO 100-3200 (100-12800) | |
Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder | |
2.5" LCD, 230k dots | 3.0" LCD, 920k dots | |
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) | Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) | |
5 shutter flaps per second | 6.3 shutter flaps per second | |
Not weather sealed | Weathersealed body | |
750 shots per battery charge | 800 shots per battery charge | |
144 x 106 x 74 mm, 785 g | 146 x 108 x 74 mm, 822 g |
Body comparison: Canon 30D vs 50D
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 30D and the Canon 50D is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.



If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 50D is somewhat larger (3 percent) than the Canon 30D. Moreover, the 50D is markedly heavier (5 percent) than the 30D. It is noteworthy in this context that the 50D is splash and dust-proof, while the 30D does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.
The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life (CIPA) |
Weather Sealing (yes/no) |
Camera Launch (announced) |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price (USD) |
Used Price (USD) |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon 30D» | 144 mm | 106 mm | 74 mm | 785 g | 750 | n | Feb 2006 | 1,399 | - | Canon 30D | ||
Canon 50D« | 146 mm | 108 mm | 74 mm | 822 g | 800 | Y | Aug 2008 | 1,299 | - | Canon 50D | ||
Canon 80D« » | 139 mm | 105 mm | 79 mm | 730 g | 960 | Y | Feb 2016 | 1,199 | Canon 80D | |||
Canon 70D« » | 139 mm | 104 mm | 79 mm | 755 g | 920 | Y | Jul 2013 | 1,199 | - | Canon 70D | ||
Canon 60D« » | 145 mm | 106 mm | 79 mm | 755 g | 1100 | Y | Aug 2010 | 1,399 | - | Canon 60D | ||
Canon 7D« » | 148 mm | 111 mm | 74 mm | 860 g | 800 | Y | Sep 2009 | 1,699 | - | Canon 7D | ||
Canon 40D« » | 146 mm | 108 mm | 74 mm | 822 g | 750 | n | Aug 2007 | 1,299 | - | Canon 40D | ||
Canon 400D« » | 127 mm | 84 mm | 65 mm | 556 g | 370 | n | Aug 2006 | 799 | - | Canon 400D | ||
Canon 350D« » | 127 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 540 g | 400 | n | Feb 2005 | 899 | - | Canon 350D | ||
Canon 20D« » | 144 mm | 106 mm | 72 mm | 770 g | 700 | n | Aug 2004 | 1,499 | - | Canon 20D | ||
Nikon D80« » | 132 mm | 103 mm | 77 mm | 668 g | 600 | n | Aug 2006 | 999 | - | Nikon D80 | ||
Nikon D200« » | 147 mm | 113 mm | 74 mm | 920 g | 400 | Y | Nov 2005 | 1,699 | - | Nikon D200 | ||
Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The 50D was somewhat cheaper (by 7 percent) than the 30D at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison: Canon 30D vs 50D
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the 50D is 2 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.6. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.
Technology-wise, the 50D uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 4) than the 30D (DIGIC 2), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the 50D offers a higher resolution of 15.1 megapixels, compared with 8.2 MP of the 30D. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.69μm versus 6.42μm for the 30D). However, it should be noted that the 50D is much more recent (by 2 years and 6 months) than the 30D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.
The Canon EOS 30D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 100-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS 50D are ISO 100 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-12800..

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the 50D has a markedly higher DXO score than the 30D (overall score 4 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.3 bits higher color depth, 0.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.1 stops of reduced low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon 30D» | APS-C | 8.2 | 3504 | 2336 | - | 21.5 | 10.8 | 736 | 59 | Canon 30D | |
Canon 50D« | APS-C | 15.1 | 4752 | 3168 | - | 21.8 | 11.4 | 696 | 63 | Canon 50D | |
Canon 80D« » | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 23.6 | 13.2 | 1135 | 79 | Canon 80D | |
Canon 70D« » | APS-C | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/30p | 22.5 | 11.6 | 926 | 68 | Canon 70D | |
Canon 60D« » | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.2 | 11.5 | 813 | 66 | Canon 60D | |
Canon 7D« » | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.0 | 11.7 | 854 | 66 | Canon 7D | |
Canon 40D« » | APS-C | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | - | 22.1 | 11.3 | 703 | 64 | Canon 40D | |
Canon 400D« » | APS-C | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | - | 22.1 | 11.0 | 664 | 62 | Canon 400D | |
Canon 350D« » | APS-C | 8.0 | 3456 | 2304 | - | 21.8 | 10.8 | 637 | 60 | Canon 350D | |
Canon 20D« » | APS-C | 8.2 | 3504 | 2336 | - | 21.9 | 11.0 | 721 | 62 | Canon 20D | |
Nikon D80« » | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | - | 22.1 | 11.2 | 524 | 61 | Nikon D80 | |
Nikon D200« » | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | - | 22.3 | 11.5 | 583 | 64 | Nikon D200 |
Feature comparison: Canon 30D vs 50D
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 30D and the 50D are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 30D and Canon 50D along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or '000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution ('000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Shutter speed (1/sec) |
Shutter flaps (1/sec) |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon 30D» | optical | Y | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 8000 | 5.0 | Y | n | Canon 30D | |
Canon 50D« | optical | Y | 3.0 | 920 | fixed | n | 8000 | 6.3 | Y | n | Canon 50D | |
Canon 80D« » | optical | Y | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 8000 | 7.0 | Y | n | Canon 80D | |
Canon 70D« » | optical | Y | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 8000 | 7.0 | Y | n | Canon 70D | |
Canon 60D« » | optical | Y | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | n | 8000 | 5.3 | Y | n | Canon 60D | |
Canon 7D« » | optical | Y | 3.0 | 920 | fixed | n | 8000 | 8.0 | Y | n | Canon 7D | |
Canon 40D« » | optical | Y | 3.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 8000 | 6.5 | Y | n | Canon 40D | |
Canon 400D« » | optical | n | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 4000 | 3.0 | Y | n | Canon 400D | |
Canon 350D« » | optical | n | 1.8 | 115 | fixed | n | 4000 | 3.0 | Y | n | Canon 350D | |
Canon 20D« » | optical | Y | 1.8 | 118 | fixed | n | 8000 | 5.0 | Y | n | Canon 20D | |
Nikon D80« » | optical | n | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 4000 | 3.0 | Y | n | Nikon D80 | |
Nikon D200« » | optical | Y | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 8000 | 5.0 | Y | n | Nikon D200 |
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 30D and the 50D write their files to Compact Flash cards.
Connectivity comparison: Canon 30D vs 50D
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 30D and Canon EOS 50D and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Type |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon 30D» | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 30D | |
Canon 50D« | Y | - | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 50D | |
Canon 80D« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Canon 80D | |
Canon 70D« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Canon 70D | |
Canon 60D« » | Y | mono | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 60D | |
Canon 7D« » | Y | mono | - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 7D | |
Canon 40D« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 40D | |
Canon 400D« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 400D | |
Canon 350D« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | Canon 350D | |
Canon 20D« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 1.1 | - | - | - | Canon 20D | |
Nikon D80« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | Nikon D80 | |
Nikon D200« » | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | Nikon D200 |
Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.
Both the 30D and the 50D have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The 30D was replaced by the Canon 40D, while the 50D was followed by the Canon 60D.
Review summary: Canon 30D vs 50D
So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 30D or the Canon 50D – has the upper hand? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Advantages of the Canon EOS 30D:
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2006).
Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 50D:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (15.1 vs 8.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 36%.
- Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (4 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
- More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.6 EV of extra DR).
- Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 4 vs DIGIC 2).
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 230k dots).
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6.3 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
- More modern: Reflects 2 years and 6 months of technical progress since the 30D launch.
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the 50D is the clear winner of the contest (9 : 1 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 30D or the 50D. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.
Expert reviews: Canon 30D vs 50D
This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The full reviews are available by clicking on the site logo in the table header.
Camera Model |
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Camera Launch (announced) |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price (USD) |
Used Price (USD) |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon 30D» | HiRec | HiRec | rev | rev | - | Feb 2006 | 1,399 | - | Canon 30D | ||
Canon 50D« | HiRec | HiRec | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2008 | 1,299 | - | Canon 50D | ||
Canon 80D« » | HiRec | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2016 | 1,199 | Canon 80D | |||
Canon 70D« » | HiRec | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jul 2013 | 1,199 | - | Canon 70D | ||
Canon 60D« » | Rec | 79/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2010 | 1,399 | - | Canon 60D | ||
Canon 7D« » | HiRec | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2009 | 1,699 | - | Canon 7D | ||
Canon 40D« » | HiRec | HiRec | 4.5/5 | rev | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 1,299 | - | Canon 40D | ||
Canon 400D« » | HiRec | HiRec | rev | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2006 | 799 | - | Canon 400D | ||
Canon 350D« » | 80/100 | HiRec | rev | rev | - | Feb 2005 | 899 | - | Canon 350D | ||
Canon 20D« » | - | HiRec | - | rev | - | Aug 2004 | 1,499 | - | Canon 20D | ||
Nikon D80« » | Rec | HiRec | rev | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2006 | 999 | - | Nikon D80 | ||
Nikon D200« » | HiRec | HiRec | rev | 5/5 | - | Nov 2005 | 1,699 | - | Nikon D200 |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
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Specifications: Canon 30D vs Canon 50D
Camera Model | Canon 30D | Canon 50D |
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Canon EF mount lenses | Canon EF mount lenses |
Launch Date | February 2006 | August 2008 |
Launch Price | USD 1399 | USD 1299 |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 22.5 x 15.0 mm | 22.3 x 15.0 mm |
Sensor Area | 337.5 mm2 | 332.27 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 27 mm | 26.8 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.6x | 1.6x |
Sensor Resolution | 8.2 Megapixels | 15.1 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 3504 x 2336 pixels | 4752 x 3168 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 6.42 μm | 4.69 μm |
Pixel Density | 2.43 MP/cm2 | 4.53 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | no Video | no Video |
ISO Setting | 100-1600 ISO | 100-3200 ISO |
ISO Boost | 100-3200 ISO | 100-12800 ISO |
Image Processor | DIGIC 2 | DIGIC 4 |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 59 | 63 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 21.5 | 21.8 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 10.8 | 11.4 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 736 | 696 |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 95% | 95% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.56x | 0.59x |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | Control Panel |
LCD Framing | n/a | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 2.5 inch | 3.0 inch |
LCD Resolution | 230k dots | 920k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Shooting Specs | ||
Autofocus System | Phase-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous Shooting | 5 shutter flaps/s | 6.3 shutter flaps/s |
Fill Flash | Build-in Flash | Build-in Flash |
Storage Medium | CF cards | CF cards |
Second Storage Option | Single card slot | Single card slot |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | no HDMI | mini HDMI |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | ||
Environmental Sealing | Not weather sealed | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | BP-511A power pack | BP-511A power pack |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 750 shots per charge | 800 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
144 x 106 x 74 mm (5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in) |
146 x 108 x 74 mm (5.7 x 4.3 x 2.9 in) |
Camera Weight | 785 g (27.7 oz) | 822 g (29.0 oz) |
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