Canon released more details on its EOS 50D digital-SLR, which will feature a new sensor with improved design, including new manufacturing processes, redesigned photo diodes and micro lenses. The sensor, with 15.0 megapixels, is allegedly capable of lower noise than its predecessor found inside the EOS 40D, despite the higher resolution. The 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor provides a 3:2 aspect ratio and has a built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit).

The Canon EOS 50D features a DIGIC 4 image processor; four levels of noise reduction; ISO 100 to 3200 sensitivity, extendable to H1 (6400) and H2 (12800); AF adjustment in 20 steps for up to 20 individual lenses; high resolution LCD screen with 920,000 dots (640 x 480 RGB pixels) featuring live view.

Also, Canon announced its the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, due in October, which apparently copies Nikon's efforts at such versatile zooms. Nikon's 18-200mm lens has been its best-selling ever, as digital SLR users are reluctant to change lenses often due to dust-on-sensor problems. Not to mention that lenses are cumbersome to carry around, so for non or semi-professional applications a versatile zoom is the best option.