Canon EOS 500D Review

500D - Image Quality & Value For Money

Canon EOS 500D review - Image quality

Canon EOS 500D review - Raw & JPEG

The Canon EOS 500D offers both Raw and Jpeg files which share the same softness to them from the default settings - but once processed the results are crisp. The advantage of the Raw file really comes through for processing, as you can fine-tune your sharpening and other adjustments at full 12-bit resolution before converting.

Canon EOS 500D review - Tone & Exposure

The Canon 500D's images appear very natural in tone and colour in standard mode – though there are options to boost the contrast in camera using one of the picture style modes, or fine-tuning. Exposure is generally very good, however it does err on the side of caution to protect shadows and highlights, even with the Auto lighting optimizer set to Normal. This however, is better than losing detail and it takes just a quick tweak in software to fine tune. In more contrasting light conditions it does have a tendency to overexpose slightly, and is therefore best to stop down by up to one stop before shooting.

Canon EOS 500D review - Noise

Noise starts to become evident at 800 ISO but retains its integrity up to 1600 ISO. Beyond this, levels increase more rapidly and at the highest 12800 ISO setting the image shows some serious signs of break up.

As Canon has suggested by offering a standard ISO range of 100-3200, and the others as an expansion, these higher settings (6400 and 12800) are to be treated as a compromise. For when raising to that level of ISO is the only way to get the picture. Though this may seem a little harsh when most of the 500D's adversaries struggle beyond 1600 ISO.

Canon 500D review - ISO image tests - click for full size ISO100-12800 sample image gallery

Canon EOS 500D review - Sharpness and Detail

The Canon 500D has a 15.1 megapixel sensor which certainly delivers on account of pixels - but it also lives up to expectations in terms of detail. On close inspection the images have exceptional levels of detail, and holding up to scrutiny even at 200%. Images have been left with very little in terms of sharpening however, which means they can appear slightly soft straight from the camera. This treatment does mean that it can withstand greater adjustment in processing, and ‘straight-to-print’ users can adjust sharpening setting in camera if needed.

Canon EOS 500D review - ISO

The Canon EOS 500D generally provides impressive results on the noise front, though at 6400 and 12,800 ISO deterioration occurs - particularly in shadow areas where the detail is notably lacking. However, the results compare well to equivalent models and offer much the same performance as the new full frame Canon EOS 5D MkII.

Canon EOS 500D review - Value For Money

This year’s stable of price increases continues to confuse any comparison on value for money between new and older models. While the manufacturers' recommendation for retail prices to rise, in most cases the prices on the high street have not. This means a greater gap between SRPs and street prices, and therefore an anomaly in the price of a new camera as, at least initially, it will sell for close to the retail price.

For this reason the new Canon EOS 500D seems expensive against current street prices – you can buy the superior EOS 50 D for £45 less, or the Nikon D90 at a fraction of the price, if you want the movie options. But based on SRPs it sits neatly at £100 cheaper than the EOS 40D, and £200 dearer than the EOS 450D.

Over the next couple of months these street prices should start to even out but the real question comes from another new camera, offering a competitive specification. The new Nikon 5000D is set to be £150 cheaper and when we test it we’ll see how the Canon 500D fairs against it. For now however, this is a great camera for the money – especially for those looking to upgrade an older Canon body, and use the movie functions.

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 4.5 (6 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!