Canon 500D review (EOS Rebel T1i in the US) - the DSLR bringing Full HD video to the masses; the What Digital Camera test of the Canon 500D DSLR reveals all...
Canon EOS 500D Review
Canon 500D manual
Canon 500D manual – pdf
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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.
Details
Colour Space:sRGB, Adobe RGB
Sample Photos:View sample photos of the Canon EOS 500D
Product Shots:View product shots for the Canon EOS 500D
AF Points:9-point TTL secondary image-registration, phase detection
PC Socket:No
Cable Release:Yes
White Balance Bracket:Yes
Colour Temp Control:No
DoF Prview:Yes
Built-in Flash:Yes, GN 13 m @ ISO 100
Max Flash Sync:1/200th/sec
Exposure Comp:+/-2stops in 1/3 or 1?2 EV
Shutter Type:Electronically controlled, focal-plane shutter
Focusing Modes:One-shot AF, A1 Servo AF, A1 Focus AF, Manual
Dust Reduction:Yes
Built-in Image Stabilisation:No (lens based)
Power:LP-E5 li-ion
Dimensions:128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm
Weight:480g (without card or battery)
Connectivity:High speed USB, HDMI mini
Live Mode:Yes
Memory Card:SD, SDHC
Field of View:approx 95%
White Balance:Auto, 6 presets, custom
Viewfinder Type:Eye-level pentaprism
Drive Mode:Single, Continuous, Self-timer (2sec, 10sec, delay)
ISO:Auto, 100-3200 (expanded to ISO 6400 or 12,800)
Metering System:35-zone TTL (evaluative, partial, spot, centre-weighted)
Exposure Modes:A-Dep, M, Av, Tv, P, CA, Auto, 6 scene modes, movie
Compression:2-stage JPEG, 1-stage Raw
Shutter Speeds:1/4000-30sec, bulb
File Format:JPEG, Raw, Raw+JPEG
Lens Mount:Canon EF (including EF-S)
Focal Length Mag:Approx. 1.6x
Output Size:4752 x 3168
LCD:3in TFT, approx. 920k dots
Sensor:15.1MP effective CMOS sensor 22.3x14.9mm