In The Zone | Canon EOS 500D DSLR Camera: Continuing The Digital Rebel Revolution

Canon EOS 500D DSLR Camera: Continuing The Digital Rebel Revolution

littlelion | 02 July, 2009 04:46

There is always a reason for everything, and relating such a way of thinking to why Canon baptized their first entry level EOS DSLR camera, the 300D, as the Digital Rebel, we can say that the Japanese company had named it appropriately. A revolutionary in its own right, the 300D was a milestone in the history of digital photography, as it was the first DSLR to hit below the USD 1000 price mark.

Recognizing the actuality that the current definition of entry level, in the context of digital photography, has been radically changing for years, we have been witnessing the evolution and expansion of the EOS entry level category since the day the 300D was born. Fast forward to the present, Canon introduced the EOS 500D as the latest addition to their illustrious entry level lineup.

Assessing the build of the 500D in general, its body is fairly analogous to that of the preceding 450D model. One of the main bragging points of the 500D is its 15-megapixel sensor which is similar to that of the higher end 50D. Hence, the 500D is a crossbreed between the 450D and 50D in some way.

This top shot shows us the undersized handgrip of the 500D. For those who have been using older models, such as the 300D, for quite some time, this could be a minor concern.

Nonetheless, to address the issue, the 500D has a very prominent rubber grip to facilitate ease of use.

Another main feature of the 500D is the capability to record full HD video at 1920 x 1080p resolution. This feature is obviously emphasized with the presence of the camcorder icon on the mode dial of the camera...

... and the video recording button found near the sizeable screen.

The 3-inch LCD screen clearly suggests a live view feature which is essential when capturing photos under challenging angles and recording high definition videos.

Discreetly concealed under the rubber cover are the video out, USB 2.0 and HDMI out interfaces.

One other reason for the usage of an ample display is the espousal of a comprehensive menu.

Noticeable here is the inclusion of the camcorder tab which offers three video resolution options: 640 x 480, 1280 x 720, and 1920 x 1080.

More screenshots of 500D's user interface.

In general, the performance of the 500D is pretty much analogous to that of its precursor, the 450D. Based on our experience, the camera was very responsive and no discernible shutter delay was observed. While shutting down, the camera automatically initiates sensor cleaning as well.

Taking some sample shots and commenting on the color quality in general, we were pleased to see again the level of vividness that you can expect from a Canon EOS DSLR.

While some cameras particularly point and shoot types, had the tendency to get a bit confused in capturing minute details amid a repetitive color pattern, the 500D did not.

Textures are well emphasized whether at midrange...

... or close up.

Well defined blending of light and shadows and under different ambient lighting conditions.

Photos taken by the 500D under different ISO settings.

ISO 200

ISO 400

ISO 800

Chilling out with the 500D.

Since full HD video recording is one of the key strong points of the 500D, we had also recorded a few full HD videos then uploaded them on YouTube for your perusal. We have no complaints, except that Canon should have provided additional autofocus options when the camera is working under video recording mode. In any case, we are overall satisfied with the outputs that we got using the camera.

Like the 300D and Canon’s other entry level EOS offerings in the past, the 500D is revolutionary for being the first in its class to offer full HD video recording, capped with a fairly reasonable price tag. If you are an owner of a 450D or another recent entry level DSLR, it might not be necessary for you to upgrade to the 500D.

Yet, given its full HD video recording capability, along with other advanced features such as the high resolution screen and extended ISO range, paying out for this one is certainly justifiable.

comments

Nice!

EOS User | 02/07/2009, 07:48

Great shots! Using kit lens I presume? It would be nice if settings can be indicated in the shots...

srp

berlusconi | 02/07/2009, 11:06

I've been using the 300D for quite a while. I'm very satisfied with it. Yet, I'm planning to upgrade and seeing the 500D a worthy replacement. Hence, what's the price?

srp

pricemaster | 02/07/2009, 12:34

The body alone costs PhP47,950. With the kit lens, it costs PhP52,950.

settings

300d owner | 05/07/2009, 12:42

Checking the settings used for each photo is easy. Download and save the photo on your desktop. Right-click on the photo then click on the details tab.

D5000

nikonian | 12/07/2009, 12:53

Full HD video recording aside, how does this thing fare against Nikon's D5000 model?

d5000

henessy | 15/07/2009, 23:57

I think HWM Philippines did a comparative review of the 500d and the D5000.

iso

isomaniac | 22/07/2009, 23:21

HWZ should have tested the 12,800 ISO of this camera. I'm wondering how a picture looks like at that setting.

500d

davinci | 26/07/2009, 15:00

Nice camera!

Canon EOS 500D DSLR Camera: Continuing The Digital Rebel Revolution

comments

Nice!

srp

srp

settings

D5000

d5000

iso

500d

Menu

search

recently...

Categories

archives