Canon 500D Comparison Review
The Canon EOS 500D (called Canon T1i in some regions) is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was officially introduced in March 2009 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 15.1 megapixel.
Is the Canon 500D a good camera? The 500D has a Camera Elo of 1383. This rating puts the 500D below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the 500D also ranks below average. – Well, the Canon 500D is more than 11 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2009.
| Canon 500D |
|---|
| Digital single lens reflex |
| Canon EF mount lenses |
| 15.1 MP, APS-C Sensor |
| 1080/20p Video |
| ISO 100 - 6 400 (100 - 12 800) |
| Optical viewfinder |
| 3.0 LCD, 920k dots |
| Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) |
| 3.4 shutter flaps per second |
| 400 shots per battery charge |
| 129 x 98 x 62 mm, 520 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Canon 500D vis-à-vis a credit card. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon 500D alongside a set of comparators. If you want to review a camera pair side-by-side, just select a right-side comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life 1 |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch 2 |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon 500D | 5.1 in | 3.9 in | 2.4 in | 18.3 oz | 400 | n | Mar 2009 | 799 | | |
| Canon 750D | 5.2 in | 4.0 in | 3.1 in | 19.6 oz | 440 | n | Feb 2015 | 749 | | |
| Canon 760D | 5.2 in | 4.0 in | 3.1 in | 19.9 oz | 440 | n | Feb 2015 | 649 | | |
| Canon 1200D | 5.1 in | 3.9 in | 3.1 in | 16.9 oz | 500 | n | Feb 2014 | 449 | | |
| Canon G1 X Mark II | 4.6 in | 2.9 in | 2.6 in | 19.5 oz | 240 | n | Feb 2014 | 799 | | |
| Canon 700D | 5.2 in | 3.9 in | 3.1 in | 20.5 oz | 440 | n | Mar 2013 | 649 | | |
| Canon 650D | 5.2 in | 3.9 in | 3.1 in | 20.3 oz | 440 | n | Jun 2012 | 849 | | |
| Canon G1 X | 4.6 in | 3.2 in | 2.6 in | 18.8 oz | 250 | n | Jan 2012 | 799 | | |
| Canon 600D | 5.2 in | 3.9 in | 3.1 in | 20.1 oz | 440 | n | Feb 2011 | 599 | | |
| Canon 550D | 5.1 in | 3.9 in | 2.4 in | 18.7 oz | 440 | n | Feb 2010 | 699 | | |
| Canon 450D | 5.1 in | 3.9 in | 2.4 in | 18.5 oz | 500 | n | Jan 2008 | 799 | | |
|
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. (1) Number of images that can be taken on a full battery charge according to the CIPA-standard; (2) Official announcement. |
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon 500D was launched in the US market at a price of $799. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Check Ebay offers
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
The Canon 500D features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon 500D among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon 500D | APS-C | 15.1 | 4752 | 3168 | 1080/20p | 21.7 | 11.5 | 663 | 63 | |
| Canon 750D | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/30p | 22.7 | 12.0 | 919 | 71 | |
| Canon 760D | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/30p | 22.6 | 12.0 | 915 | 70 | |
| Canon 1200D | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 21.9 | 11.3 | 724 | 63 | |
| Canon G1 X Mark II | 1.5-inch | 13.0 | 4160 | 3120 | 1080/30p | 21.5 | 10.8 | 581 | 58 | |
| Canon 700D | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 21.7 | 11.2 | 681 | 61 | |
| Canon 650D | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 21.7 | 11.2 | 722 | 62 | |
| Canon G1 X | 1.5-inch | 14.2 | 4352 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 21.7 | 10.8 | 644 | 60 | |
| Canon 600D | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.1 | 11.5 | 793 | 65 | |
| Canon 550D | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.1 | 11.5 | 784 | 66 | |
| Canon 450D | APS-C | 12.2 | 4272 | 2848 | none | 21.9 | 10.8 | 692 | 61 |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The 500D indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the 500D can use is 1080/20p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the 500D has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 95% and a magnification of 0.54x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Canon 500D along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution (000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Mech Shutter Speed |
Shutter Flaps (1/sec) | Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon 500D | optical | n | 3.0 | 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.4 | Y | n | |
| Canon 750D | optical | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon 760D | optical | Y | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon 1200D | optical | n | 3.0 | 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon G1 X Mark II | optional | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 5.2 | Y | Y | |
| Canon 700D | optical | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon 650D | optical | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon G1 X | optical | n | 3.0 | 922 | Swivel | n | 1/4000s | 1.9 | Y | Y | |
| Canon 600D | optical | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.7 | Y | n | |
| Canon 550D | optical | n | 3.0 | 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.7 | Y | n | |
| Canon 450D | optical | n | 3.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.5 | Y | n |
One convenient feature of the 500D is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 500D and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support | NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon 500D | Y | mono | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon 750D | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
| Canon 760D | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
| Canon 1200D | Y | mono | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon G1 X Mark II | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
| Canon 700D | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon 650D | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon G1 X | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon 600D | Y | mono | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon 550D | Y | stereo | - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon 450D | Y | - | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
Expert reviews
While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the 500D in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog).
| Camera Model |
camera labs |
dp review |
ephoto zine |
imaging resource |
photography blog |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon 500D | + + | 74/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2009 | 799 | |
|
| Canon 750D | .. | 75/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 749 | |
|
| Canon 760D | + | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 649 | |
|
| Canon 1200D | + | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 449 | |
|
| Canon G1 X Mark II | + | 77/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 799 | |
|
| Canon 700D | .. | 76/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2013 | 649 | |
|
| Canon 650D | + + | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2012 | 849 | |
|
| Canon G1 X | + | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 799 | |
|
| Canon 600D | o | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2011 | 599 | |
|
| Canon 550D | + + | 77/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2010 | 699 | |
|
| Canon 450D | + + | + + | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2008 | 799 | |
|
| Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Canon 500D FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the 500D.
What type of imaging sensor is used in the 500D?
The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
Which image processing chip is used to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Canon equipped the 500D with the DIGIC 4 image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the 500D?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Canon EOS 500D?
Canon mentions a shutter rating of 100 000 actuations for the 500D. This number represents a Mean Time before Failure, that is an average value. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust the expected shutter life of the 500D over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.
Does the Canon 500D feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with flash?
The 500D's flash sync speed is 1/200 sec.
Which battery does the 500D use?
The camera gets its power from the LP-E5 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Is there a vertical grip available for the 500D?
Yes, Canon offers the BG-E5 as an optional accessory to facilitate shooting in portrait orientation and to provide additional battery power.
Camera to camera comparisons
If you would like to see a side-by-side review of this and another camera, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
| Camera Model | Canon 500D | |
| Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | |
| Camera Lens | Canon EF mount lenses | |
| Launch Date | March 2009 | |
| Launch Price | USD 799 | |
| Sensor Specs | ||
| Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
| Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | 22.3 x 14.9 mm | |
| Sensor Area | 332 mm2 | |
| Sensor Diagonal | 26.8 mm | |
| Crop Factor | 1.6x | |
| Sensor Resolution | 15.1 Megapixels | |
| Image Resolution | 4 752 x 3 168 pixels | |
| Pixel Pitch | 4.69 μm | |
| Pixel Density | 4.53 MP/cm2 | |
| Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
| Movie Capability | 1080/20p Video | |
| ISO Setting | 100 - 6 400 ISO | |
| ISO Boost | 100 - 12 800 ISO | |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 4 | |
| DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 63 | |
| DXO Color Depth (bits) | 21.7 | |
| DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.5 | |
| DXO Low Light (ISO) | 663 | |
| Screen Specs | ||
| Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder Field of View | 95% | |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.54x | |
| LCD Framing | Live View | |
| LCD Size | 920k dots | |
| LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
| Shooting Specs | ||
| Focus System | Phase-detect AF | |
| Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 3.4 shutter flaps/s | |
| Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
| Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
| Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
| Fill Flash | Build-in Flash | |
| Storage Medium | SDHC cards | |
| Second Storage Option | Single card slot | |
| UHS card support | no | |
| Connectivity Specs | ||
| External Flash | Hotshoe | |
| USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
| HDMI Port | mini HDMI | |
| Wifi Support | no Wifi | |
| Body Specs | ||
| Battery Type | LP-E5 power pack | |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 400 shots per charge | |
| Body Dimensions |
129 x 98 x 62 mm (5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 in) |
|
| Camera Weight | 520 g (18.3 oz) |
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