List price as of May 12, 2009:
S$1469
S$1469
Product Summary
Very good
The good: Full-HD video-recording feature; fast performance; good image quality; high-resolution LCD. 7.6
out of 10View score
The bad: Autofocus points are small and blink briefly; video clips not as smooth at 20fps.
The bottom line: The EOS 500D is a very decent dSLR for first-time users and the inclusion of full HD video-recording function sweetens the deal.
Read full review of the Canon EOS 500D »
Average User Rating
from 6 users
Spectacular
8.7
out of 10CNET Asia Review
Shutterbugs looking for an entry-level dSLR these days are spoilt for choice. Not only do they have different brands to consider, the shooters are also peppered with high-end features such as HD video-recording features and tilting LCDs. In such a saturated market, camera makers have to distinguish their products from rivals.
Canon's foray into affordable dSLRs was six years ago with the EOS 300D. This lineup is into its fifth iteration now, and the latest model, the EOS 500D, encompasses high-end features such as full-HD video recording and a high-resolution screen. But how does it fare against competitors such as Nikon and Olympus which recently dished out the D5000 and E-620, respectively, with articulated LCDs?
The grip of the camera isn't too shallow like the Olympus E-450, and there are contours in the right places for a firm, solid hold on the shooter. At 480g for only the camera body, the EOS 500D isn't too heavy to lug around even when we coupled it with the EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS lens.
On the rear of the camera you'll find the record button, which is mapped to Live View. In movie mode, Live View is automatically activated so the button is used for starting and stopping video capture.
As with the EOS 450D, the four-way navigation pad can be used to call up menus for timer mode, white balance, focus mode and Color Style settings. The Set button can be customized to gain quick access to image quality, flash exposure compensation, LCD monitor on/off or menu display. This makes for a good shooting experience as you don't have to access the menus to make changes to commonly used settings such as the size of the image.
Tags: DSLR, Mode, Camera, movie, compensation
Canon's foray into affordable dSLRs was six years ago with the EOS 300D. This lineup is into its fifth iteration now, and the latest model, the EOS 500D, encompasses high-end features such as full-HD video recording and a high-resolution screen. But how does it fare against competitors such as Nikon and Olympus which recently dished out the D5000 and E-620, respectively, with articulated LCDs?
Design
The design of the EOS 500D doesn't deviate much from its predecessor, the EOS 450D. From the placement of buttons right down to the hand grip, everything feels pretty much the same. A defining feature of the new dSLR is its silver mode dial, first seen on the midrange EOS 50D on top of the camera. On the dial is a new mode--video recording--which is located all the way at one end. Unfortunately, the dial doesn't rotate 360 degrees, so you'll have to turn from one end to other if you want to switch from movie mode to, say, manual exposure.)
The grip of the camera isn't too shallow like the Olympus E-450, and there are contours in the right places for a firm, solid hold on the shooter. At 480g for only the camera body, the EOS 500D isn't too heavy to lug around even when we coupled it with the EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS lens.
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On the rear of the camera you'll find the record button, which is mapped to Live View. In movie mode, Live View is automatically activated so the button is used for starting and stopping video capture.
As with the EOS 450D, the four-way navigation pad can be used to call up menus for timer mode, white balance, focus mode and Color Style settings. The Set button can be customized to gain quick access to image quality, flash exposure compensation, LCD monitor on/off or menu display. This makes for a good shooting experience as you don't have to access the menus to make changes to commonly used settings such as the size of the image.
Tags: DSLR, Mode, Camera, movie, compensation
Rate It Now
User Reviews
Good for the price
Dec 21, 2009Rating: 8 out of 10 (Excellent)
Pros: Ease of Use, Good Colour balance, Liveview, HD video
Cons: No built in Image Stabilizer, Plastic Body, No Freebies with Kit.
Opinion:
This was my first DSLR and after a few days of vacation, find it a descent DSLR to start with, The benefits are Live View(Not sure how many use it) and HD Video, Kit Lens is on smae standards(a plastic body lens but with IS) and Kit2 lens is also similar, I also got a free 50mm lens for online warranty registration (But no IS). Still canon relies on IS from Lense instead of incorporating IS on the body, this means you need to spend extra on each lens you buy for a IS.
For someone who buys a DSLR for first time, i expected some goodies for the price i paid, atleast a LCD Screen Protector, but Canon doesnt think tat way.
I bought a additional 55-250mm Lens(again plastic body) but descent zoom, still havent figured out the exposure levels to use i guess coz most of my pics ... Read more
Great first timer DSLR
Aug 15, 2009Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: image quality, easy adjustments, 720p and 1080p video, lcd
Cons: a bit plasticky body, live view (LCD) focusing a bit slow
Opinion:
Last used a film SLR more than 5 years ago, a nikon N50/F50. Since then, been using canon compact digicams while waiting for DSLRs to be affordable with the right features. Was thinking of getting the Powershot SX1, but finally got the Canon 500d. Easy to use menu, once you read the manual. Image quality is awesome, colour settings are easy to adjust. The IS Lens kit helps in low light shooting. While the viewfinder focusing is very quick, Live view (thru LCD) focusing is not that fast but still acceptable. Lastly of course the video shooting, even though some may complain of the only 20fps in 1080p, I would rather shoot at 720p 30fps for the smaller size files. Video quality is just awesome. Can't wait to add Canon L lenses to my kit.
Brilliant DSLR
Jul 16, 2009Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Picture quality and ease of use
Cons: A tad plasticky
Opinion:
I'm very happy with this camera and can't wait to add some bigger lenses.
