Canon EOS 500D Review

The Canon EOS 500D is the 5th generation mid-range digital SLR camera from Canon, superceding the EOS 450D and introducing some new features. Check out this page for more information about the Canon EOS 500D.



Canon EOS 500D


All DSLR cameras used to be considered high-end digital cameras that are exclusive for professional use.

However,these cameras were far too expensive and the popularity of compact point-and-shoot cameras increased.

Now entry-level and midrange digital SLR cameras are being made with reduced features.

But they still bear the impressive quality of the expensive models (known as flagship models).

Canon is one of the manufacturers that started introducing the Rebel mid-range cameras since 2003 and recently the 5th generation mid-range camera - the EOS 500D is set to supercede the 450D and introduce some new features.

Canon EOS 500D


Canon EOS 500D Highlights

One of the significant highlights of the Canon EOS 500D is the big leap in image quality as it uses the DIGIC 4 processor instead of the dated DIGIC III being used by all other Rebel models. This means that image processing is faster and the noise reduction is much greater when images are taking using high ISO settings.

It also grants the camera HD support offering H.264 1080p encoding. The "Live Face Detection AF" feature which is also part of the processor makes this even better for taking group shots and portraits.

The other impressive addition is the video mode which gives video recording capabilities to the Canon EOS 500D. Standard VGA is supported along with high definition recording of either 720p at 30 fps or 1080p at 20 fps. It is the currently the most affordable model that has the video mode feature.

The megapixel count of the camera is increased to 15.1 as well allowing 4752 x 3168 images to be taken. The LCD screen size remains the same at 3.0 inches, but the resolution is much better with 920,000 dots.

The noise reduction and auto lighting optimizer features are expanded offering four different levels. Finally the Canon EOS 500D supports extended ISO ranges at 6400 and 12800.

Canon EOS 500D

Other Notable Features of the Canon EOS 500D

Because of its HD capabilities, an HDMI output port has been added to the list of connectors. Like the Canon EOS 52 Mark II, the EOS 500D also features a live preview mode so the viewfinder doesn't need to be used when taking quick photos making it a great camera to use for people that are making the transition from point-and-shoot cameras.





When storing photos, memory cards with Eye-Fi capability are supported making it possible to upload photos to other locations with Wi-Fi support. The interface has slight updates allowing the menu to be displayed in Arabic, Romanian, Thai, Turkish, and Ukrainian in addition to the other 20 languages supported in the EOS 450D.

The added features of the Canon EOS 500D make this a little bit heavier than the 450D, but it still manages to be lighter than the 400D. Compared to the 450D, the 500D costs around $150 more making this camera recommended for purchase if the demand for image quality is higher.

The video mode isn't as great as the high-end point-and-shoot cameras, but it may come in handy in some situations for people that have no digital camcorder. Overall, the 500D is one of the best DSLR cameras under $1000.

Click here to learn more about Canon EOS 500D






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