It's always tricky to bump the resolution and not degrade photo quality -- the pixels in the 500D's 15-megapixel sensor are, as you'd expect, smaller than those of the 450D's 12-megapixel version -- 4.7 microns versus 5.2 microns -- but the Digic 4 processor seems to compensate well for noise. Photos remain sharp, with few artefacts, as high as ISO 1,600, although sharp-eyed photographers will probably want to max out at ISO 400 for the cleanest photos.
The extended sensitivity range goes up to ISO 12,800, and, while that's not a setting we'd suggest for everyday use, as long as your subject isn't very detailed or dark, it can work in a pinch. Canon seems to have tweaked its default exposure settings to be slightly brighter, and the result is more clipped highlights than we expected but probably more crowd-pleasing mid tones and shadows. The 500D also renders punchy colour -- bright and saturated but not too much.
The 500D's video surpasses that of the limited-to-24fps 720p D5000, but it's not quite as robust as that of the EOS 5D Mark II, which supports 30fps for its 1080p capture. The movie quality is solid, but we'd stick with the 30fps 720p and avoid the 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution mode -- it's only 20fps, and motion looks rather jerky.
You can manually invoke AF while you're shooting, which is useful, but remember that it's slow and creaky. Initiating focus creates some jerkiness, but at least you don't have to stop, focus and restart -- we definitely prefer having the option. Like many of the low-end implementations, the 500D uses mono audio (there's no mic input) and could benefit from a wind filter.
Conclusion
The Canon EOS 500D's improvement in low-light AF may be a compelling upgrade for current 450D owners, and the higher resolution and video-capture capability may provide some allure as well. If you're looking to buy an entry-level Canon dSLR, the 500D won't disappoint, and, if you need high resolution, good high ISO performance or 30fps movie capture in this price range, it's the model to beat from any manufacturer.
Edited by Charles Kloet
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JacobHunt 17 March 2011
Good: Great pictures, HD video mode is very good, Fast focusing, Ability to set user presets, Very Reasonable price, Easy to use
Bad: Feels a little plasticy. But it is built well and I have had no issues.
Comment: I bought this camera about 2 weeks ago and it has exceeded all expectations. Being my first DSLR I tried to make sure I bought the best camera for my money. Initially I was going to buy the 450D on price but the extra few megapixels and better screen (which is stunning) swayed me. I'll try not to repeat any previous reviews but my observations are as follows;
In many respects this camera does all of the work for you. You could quite happily use the basic zone modes (auto modes) and take great photos or just use them whilst you get to grips with the complexity of manual modes.
The camera is also stunning aesthetically. It is slightly more rounded than previous models but as a consequence is also a touch smaller, especially the grip. For someone like myself who has large hands it is still not too much of a problem but if you feel like this may be a problem then a battery grip should rectify this.
In 2 weeks I probably charged this camera once and took almost a thousand photos.. great battery life considering the performance.
The buttons on the 500D are cleverly thought out except in the live view where the '*' button serves as the AF button and when filming the 'live view' button is stop/start recording.
The HD video mode is very good - I didn't consider this feature when buying but it is a very useful one to have just in case.
The only problems I have had are with memory cards. I was initially using a 2Gb one I already had but this was way too small but have recently bought a new 8Gb one which holds about 1,100 JPEG images. When you buy a card don't go for the cheapest go for the fastest (class 6). A standard SanDisk one will take about 15-20 continuous shots then will slow down or stop.
All in all a fantastic DSLR that I would recommend to anyone, especially if you take pictures of sporting events or landscapes as the Canon really seems to capture vivid colours and action well. This is by far and away the best camera in this price bracket too when compared to a D90 for example.
*** P.S. If you are looking for cheap Canon EOS 500D I suggest at: amazon.co.uk/dp/B0020MLKF0/?tag=reviews.cnet.co.uk-21
harrowhill1 23 September 2009
Good: the auto modes
Bad: nothing
Comment: I like the camera a lot, it has a lot of features that are user friendly. I would say that you can get this for less than amazon on crazy cameras.
But also that you can pay a lot more on several other sites for the same exact camera!
I like the auto modes, which are easy to use for entry level users
I like the feel of the camera, its not "plasticy".
Also get the case for the camera-worth it to protect your investment. People who don't know how to use the add on lens- READ the manual. It really does help you get a full understanding of the capability of the camera
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