Canon EOS 500D Review

Canon EOS 500D also known as the Digital Rebel T1i is the fifth generation in Canon entry-level line of DSLRs and sits alongside with a year-old 450D as the flagship model. Yet its features seem to have more in common with the semi-professional Canon EOS 50D than its predecessor. First up, a brand new CMOS sensor, similar to the 50D’s, boosts Canon EOS 500D from 12.2MP to 15.1MP. It also gets the same 920,000-pixel 3-inch LCD as the 50D – much clearer and more detailed than 450D’s 230,000-pixel screen. Again like 50D, Canon has boosted the sensitivity range up to 12800.

Canon EOS 500D inherits the same 14-bit DIGIC processor as the 50D and contains noise levels well and captures vibrant colors and pleasing dynamic range. Further imaging enhancements from the 50D include Peripheral Illumination Correction, Auto Lighting Optimizer and High ISO Noise Reduction settings. The 450D’s Manual Exposure options, integrated dust buster, nine-point AF and spot metering are also retained.

Crucially, the price of 500D is also remarkably close to that of 50D, but there are some important differences that separate the two – most obviously the camera bodies. Canon EOS 500D retains a similar petite plastic body and stainless steel chassis to the 450D, whereas the 50D boats a beefier magnesium alloy body with a more comfortable grip and balanced feel when using telephoto lenses. Canon EOS 500D’s smaller body means there is no room for 50D’s top LCD or rear scroll wheel. Instead, everything is controlled via the interactive LCD, buttons and top dial.

The 50D is a touch faster too, offering continuous shooting at 6fps for 16 RAW frames compared with 500D’s 3.4fps for nine RAW files. The 500D also takes a couple of seconds to render RAW previews at 100%. On top of this, the 50D offers a bigger, brighter viewfinder, faster shutter and flash sync speeds and about 30 extra custom function settings. The one trump card that Canon EOS 500D does hold is its HD movie mode. The only other Canon DSLR to offer HD videos is the pro-level 5D MKII

SO if you like the idea of a high-definition, ultra portable DSLR that will also let you film family memories, fun stuff for YouTube or more ambitious artistic work, Canon EOS 500D could prove to be everything you need.

Tagged with: Auto Lighting • Canon Eos 500d • Canon Eos 50d • Dslr • Dust Buster • Flash Sync • Stainless Steel

Filed under: Canon

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!

Possibly related posts