Canon EOS 500D Review

Review Date : Thu, 30 Apr 2009

Author : Mat Gallagher

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Canon 500D review - the DSLR bringing Full HD video to the masses; the What Digital Camera test of the Canon 500D DSLR reveals all...

Pros:	High resolution LCD screen, HD Video, ISO range, compact build
Cons:	AF motor noise in Movie mode, no update to AF, current high price

The Canon EOS 500D is the company's latest addition to the DSLR lineup and has positioned the three-digit EOS range – originally introduced as a budget, entry-level option – as an advanced series, bringing some seriously impressive features with it. The Canon 500D spawns from the design of the previous 450D and, though currently will sell along side it, offers a definite upgrade on this model. The What Digital Camera Canon 500D review investigates...

The Canon 500D launch came at the same time as Nikon’s D5000 (first sample images available here), a model that is likely to be its closest rival, based on features and street price. The abnormal situation of rising camera prices may have left a convenient gap in the market for this type of camera, and interest level for the 500D has been high.However, does it offer enough of a benefit to the photographer to justify the £870 price?

The next models up from the Canon EOS 500D are the two-digit EOS 40D and EOS 50D. The newer EOS 50D offers benefits over the 500D and has a £400 higher RRP, yet currently you can pick one up on the internet for just £830 – that’s £40 less than the 500D. At the lower end are the still current EOS 450D at £670 and the entry model EOS 1000D at £460, with further savings on both to be found online. So what does the new Canon 500D bring that is unique from the others, and has caused it to gain so much
attention? The What Digital Camera Canon EOS 500D review reveals all...

Canon 500D review pages:

Canon 500D – other What Digital Camera links:

Verdict

Though initially this camera may seem like only a slight progression in the range, it offers far more than is expected. Everything about this model feels more refined, and the overall handling and performance is close to flawless. There are still areas to gripe about though: an AF function in movie mode that makes sound unusable, a lack of audio input for an external mic, the 20fps rate at full HD, limited continuous shooting in Raw mode, and an AF system now outclassed by cheaper models; but overall this is a very impressive camera capable of taking stunning images. If you're looking for a compact-sized DSLR with plenty of features, you wont be disappointed by the EOS 500D. It's a truely deserving winner of our Gold Award.

Digital SLR Reviews

Price as reviewed: £870.00

Scores

Design	18/20
Image Quality	18/20
Performance	18/20
Value	17/20
Features	19/20
Overall Score	90%

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Current Rating 4 (4 others voted)

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Latest comments

June 26 05:22

Paul

I was comparing Canon 500D and Nikon D90, but finally Canon 500D was chosen. Performance and image quality are mostly the same, but light weight is my criteria as my hand is not big, i tried D90 though more function, but the weight will kill me if i carry for travel. 500D is definitely a good performer in small size. Overall, I am very satisfied with 500D very fast AF and its excellent ISO, image quality, and easy to use.

July 07 06:08

Hong Jian

I bought my Canon 500D last month in June which is my first DSLR camera after getting bored with compact cameras.The funcions were user friendly and easy to use while photo images were excellent.It is also ideal for travelling due to its weight and size and movie function.This camera is definitely more than entry level.

August 28 03:46

Ian

I bought my Canon 500D in August which is my first DSLR camera after getting bored with compact cameras, and many years ago i had a SLR untill it was stolen. so this is all new to me no f stops on the lens etc. The funcions were user friendly and easy to use and the HD video a bonus AS I will not need to carry seperate video camera around, photo images were excellent.

November 21 18:26

Ralph

Thanks for a great review guys. Good coverage of the main points. I am also about to make a purchase of my first DSLR having graduated from the Canon Powershot G9. I've spent more time than is natural trying to compare the 500D against the Nikon D90. Both models seem to be on a par with each other but when playing around with them in store I noticed a significant speed difference in the Canon's focusing process. Something I will need to take those unmissable 'quick snaps'.

November 29 11:50

Denis

Why is there a 500D and a T1I?What is the difference?

November 30 18:51

Shweta

There us no difference. The same cameras. Just different names for different markets.

December 05 00:31

John barrow

I am looking for a dslr camera and the 500d seems a good option but as a first time buyer it's expensive . I was wondering if it would be better to get an lower model ie the100d or 450d and buy a good lense with it. If any could help it would be much appreciated Thanks

December 16 18:52

John

I am trying to decide between the Nikon D5000 (Â£519) and this Canon 500D, with the Canon being slightly more expensive at Â£579 from Jessops. As far as overall picture quality is concerned, which has the edge? I know the Canon has a higher mega pixel count, but I've been told this doesn't alone determine overall picture quality. The noisy AF on video seems like quite a large minus point to me. Does anyone know if the Nikon D5000 is quieter? This will be my first foray into buying a decent camera. Any help appreciated. Thanks :)

December 26 19:36

Cass

Hi, Can anyone help please? I have just purchased the 500d. Two problems seem to keep occuring 1) The liveview function does not work. 2) The display does not turn off when I put my eye to the viewfinder. Is there something I am doing wrong or a setting that I need to enable/disable for these functions to work? Thank you. Any help much appreciated.

December 29 19:24

Mahmoud Ali

I think the Canon will be better for you,as its much easier to deal with and the MP are much higher..and this is what you cant upgrade later compared to lenses and flashes.. Finally the eos support high defination video i know its just 20 fps but the nikon lake the HD option

January 01 21:12

peter clague

I have a canon ae-1 film camera with fd lenses will these fit onto the eos 500d camera

January 04 23:21

Ian

MP matter less than lens quality - the photosites for the 500D will be smaller than the Nikon's. I don't believe the 1080P movie mode will be any use really, given that it's 20FPS, where blu-ray would be 24FPS: 20 is just not enough for smooth real-world (i.e. not a cartoon) motion. I've just bought a 500D and didn't consider the D5000, because I understand that like the D40 I'm replacing, it doesn't have a drive motor and so not all Nikon lenses will function on the D5000. I wanted to get away from this restriction, but didn't have the cash for a D90 which I would have probably preferred to get. My 500D is in the post, so drooling over reviews and waiting for it to arrive, so cannot comment on how satisfied I'll be just yet...

January 23 01:39

digital camera

Very Good!