Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
Features and handlingThe EOS 500D is available with the Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens in kitted form as well as body only. You can expect to pay an additional £100 to get the kit, which is actually good value. The camera sports a fantastic 3in Clear View LCD screen on the rear, which can be utilised for Live View capture. This is a very bright and clear panel with 920k dot resolution, making it easy to utilise in both outdoor and indoor conditions. In Live View, the camera offers contrast AF and Face Detection AF, plus you can utilise the AE lock button to perform AF.
Layout of the body is simplistic and ergonomically-friendly, plus it is coated in a new tactile material that gives it a great feel too. Users of the 350-450D models will find a lot of the controls similar to those that they’re already used to, but it’s not as intuitive as the more advanced EOS 50D, which, as previously mentioned, is a cheaper option. The function dial is a standard set layout, with the obvious addition of a video icon for the HD mode. On the inside, the 500D has the EOS integrated cleaning system to help control dust build-up on the sensor surface. The DIGIC 4 processor offers improved control over a number of functions. Sensitivity is now offered up to ISO 12,800 in the extended settings, with the processor doing a good job of controlling noise. This is especially the case within the standard sensitivity operating range of ISO 100-3200, where the noise is kept at bay well. The DIGIC chip gives the camera the brains to deliver 3.4fps burst speeds and it also manages the nine selectable focus points too. This is one area that the EOS 500D proved very effective with – its Ai continuous focus tracks moving subjects very well. The menus are bright and clear, making navigation and selection of the various functions a breeze.
It’s a new battery again in this camera, which will frustrate those upgrading. The new cell is an LP-E5 Lithium-ion battery, which claims to offer more improved performance over the older batteries. The 500D takes SD and SDHC memory cards into a slot in the side and has a basic built-in flash with the obvious option of the hotshoe for the use of more powerful external flash units.
With HD video and a great 15.1MP resolution, the EOS 500D is packed with some very impressive features. There’s nothing really to criticise on the handling front either, although it would be nice to have separate dials for aperture and shutter selection in manual, and there’s no data LCD on the top-plate.
HD video captureWith a 15.1 megapixel resolution, the 500D shares the same pixel count as the bigger and more feature-packed EOS 50D. You can pick up the 50D body for around £825, so when you consider the 500D body is £870 it can be a confusing choice. The HD video capture on the 500D is the justification for the higher price, but if you are looking for a true photographer’s camera then the 50D is far more practical, and indeed a more capable offering for the price. From the outside, the 500D shares similar looks and dimensions of the EOS 450D. This is not a replacement for that 12.2 megapixel model, but is an addition to the Canon range. It is certainly targeted at the same users as the 450D, but with the added HD video offering and higher resolution.
So if HD video is your desire, then why not just buy a HD camcorder? This is a fair question, and one that we asked ourselves. First and foremost the EOS 500D is a DSLR, and as a still image product is very well specified with a high-resolution chip and the DIGIC 4 processor. The video function is effectively an added value feature that gives you the chance to utilise your DSLR in an alternative way. Don’t get us wrong, this isn’t a gimmick feature by any means. In fact, it’s an excellent feature with real uses. If you are going to make good use of this element of the camera, then as an all-in-one solution you’ll actually be getting good value for money. For occasional use though, you may be paying out for something you don’t actually need.
The quality is quite superb, and you can select three levels of output to help keep the file sizes down. For the full HD 1920x1080 (20fps) setting, files will prove a challenge for older and slower computers so you may wish to use the mid-range 1280x720 setting, which also benefits from a more traditional 30fps frame rate. With HDMI direct output, you can, of course, display the video direct onto your HDTV from the camera (which gives you an idea just how powerful the DIGIC 4 processor is).
We took the camera up on an aerobatic flying sortie with Aerosuperbatics, where we videoed a few manoeuvres with the EOS 500D. The resulting video is on this website, so check it out for yourself by clicking
here.
PerformancePerformance is very impressive and the large LCD with its excellent resolution makes the camera a really easy DSLR to use. The Live View function works well and the 3.4fps shutter performance is more than ample. Focusing is fast and accurate, which allows the 500D to make the most of almost any shooting situation, while the DIGIC 4 processor gives it a real edge, and it’s fast enough for the majority of uses.
The camera offer superb detail and the exposure systems are not easily confused. Noise levels are well managed within the standard ISO range, and even in extended options the camera gives usable quality.
VerdictThere’s no disputing the fact that Canon has really pushed the boat out with this camera. The 15.1 megapixel resolution is excellent, and the overall mix of features will keep the most active of photographers happy.
It’s the HD video function that causes the price to rise so high on this product compared to the likes of the Canon EOS 450D. It’s a lot of cash at £870, but if you think that you’ll use the HD video feature a lot, then it’s probably worth the investment. The camera can be purchased in two kits. The 18-55mm IS lens is one of the most popular but you may wish to consider the 18-200mm IS option that gives a more broad focal length range and is very compact.
The performance and specification are a bit overshadowed by the price. But if you want a DSLR and are keen on HD video capture, then you’ll greet this camera with open arms.