In my opinion!
These are some of the highs and lows for Canon in 2008. Agree or disagree, it was a year that sparked a lot of conversation.
*Note: Some things may have been announced in late 2007, but didn't reach mass market until 2008.
Best New DSLR Camera 2008
1. 5D Mark II (* The firmware will fix the issues.)
2. Rebel XSi/450D
3. Rebel XS/1000D
The 5D Mark II is producing fantastic images (black dots aside) and the movie mode is quite spectacular. A worthy upgrade from the 5D.
Worst New DSLR Camera 2008
1. 50D
I don't think it was much (if any) of an upgrade over the 40D. Canon needs to seriously rethink the xxD line.
Best Point & Shoot Camera of 2008
1. G10
2. SX110 IS
3. SD790 IS / SD990 IS
I'm not all that excited about Canon's P&S offerings in 2008. The G10 is a very solid camera, but isn't a great camera. It's coming to the time where Canon needs to step up in this market as well. My favourite P&S on 2008 was infact the Panasonic LX3, I only wish it was larger in size.
Worst Point & Shoot of 2008
1. E1
What the heck were they thinking? Grossly overpriced, no special feature set and frankly one of the ugliest cameras ever created. It will sit nicely next to your TX1.
Best New Lens of 2008
1. EF 200 f/2 IS
2. EF 800 f/5.6 IS
3. EF-S 55-250 IS
The first 2 are probably tied for first. Everything I've seen from the 2 lenses is remarkable. The 55-250 shocked me with its image quality, it's a great budget telephoto zoom.
Worst New Lens of 2008
1. EF-S 18-200 IS
It costs a lot and has below average build quality, no USM and mediocre image quality (A trait of most superzooms). It has a list price of $699 and is being dumped by retailers at $499 now. That tells us it isn't selling.
Best Third Party Lens of 2008
1. Sigma 50 f/1.4
2. Carl Zeiss ZE 85 f/1.4
3. Sigma 200-500 f/2.8
I love the first 2 lenses (if you get a good copy of the Sigma), both produce some great images. I only put SigZilla on because it's just cool. I've never used one!
Worst Third Party Lens of 2008
1. Tamron 18-270
Maybe I just hate superzooms. =D
Best New Feature of 2008
1. 1080p Movie Mode in the 5D Mark II
Worst New Feature of 2008
1. Continuing the more megapixel nonsense in DSLR's and more annoyingly in compacts.
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43 Comments
@GeorgeML
I have no idea where you’ve come up with the notion that the 50D is not suited for larger prints, but you’re totally wrong. It’s not only a suitable piece of equipment, but its also very cost effective. My two 50Ds have already paid for themselves several times over. And the work is just beautiful. You should give it a try. I think you’ll be amazed at how good a 60 inch print can look. I’m very pleased with them. And, at this price range, you can update every 12-18 months, if you wish.
@ Richard
Everyone have different ROI from their cams… :(
Had a little discussion over @ DPR on an article on LL
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1019&thread=30519734
50D do have advantage over 40D… but is that worth the effort for everyone given the drawbacks of the increased resolution?
IMHO the worst new DSLR Camera in 2008 is:
1. 5D mk II
– the same AF as 3 years old model
– VF without 100% cover
Personally I would have been more than happy with a 5D mark 1 with the addition of a dust shaker, a bigger LCD and a faster drive.
Comments on your comments
– Improved IQ : you’re kidding. Only just!
– Improved ISO Performance : 5D has awesome high ISO performance. In fact at 3200, they are pretty much the same in Raw. Who shoots jpeg?
– Better VF (should be 100%) : big deal
– Much better LCD (5D had a terrible LCD) : You don’t own a 5D, so how do you know?
– Better AF (in theory) : No. Same AF. Crap.
– DIGIC IV : Big deal. More NR in jpeg. Again, who shoots jpeg?
– 1080P Movies : very nice feature.
– Much improved Menu System : very nice feature
– Software Upgrades.. HTP, ALO, Microadjustments, etc etc : very nice feature
– Some Weathersealing : could do better
– Battery Info : makes little difference
– Custom Settings : nice feature
– Ergonomics Improvements : original is good enough thanks