5D Mark II specs, 50D sensor technology discussed

Following closely on Wednesday morning's D90 announcement, specifications were leaked about Canon's new, but as-of-yet unofficial, full-frame sensor 5D Mark II DSLR, with additional details of the 50D's image processing capabilities revealed as well. An anonymous source tells Canon Rumors that the 5D Mark II will offer a 21.1 megapixel full-frame DIGIC IV sensor, with full weather sealing, a 3.2-inch high resolution LCD, HD Movie capabilities and HDMI out. Canon is also reportedly examining a "for her" model of the 5D Mark II. No details were readily available.

Canon staff were also overheard discussing the new 50D, specifically the sensor that will be used in the camera. The 50D will allegedly offer users better noise management than the 40D – up to 1.5 stops-worth – with noise reduction also stemming from a "colder" low-voltage CMOS sensor and the DIGIC IV technology.

The 50D will also bring a progressive step between using a physical anti-aliasing filter versus using a potential future DIGIC chip. Canon claims that by decreasing the distance between the sensor and the filter, it can increase overall image quality and resolution, without suffering pixilation problems.

Canon will also enhance the RAW image capture to 14 bits for an improved dynamic range, with 16 bits to come in future sensor generations. Building on the 40D's highlight tone preservation, the 50D offers new automatic brightness options, which independently change areas of the sensor to enhance image capture capabilities in mixed lighting situations.