Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 25 March 2009: Canon announces the new 15.1MP EOS 500D which offers photographers an outstanding combination of features. Following the launch of the first Canon EOS camera to shoot movies – the EOS 5D Mark II in September 2008 – Canon now brings Full High Definition (HD) video capability to consumers in a compact and lightweight DSLR.
The new EOS 500D features a 15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor – ideal for large detailed prints or enormous cropping possibilities. For shooting in near-dark conditions, the EOS 500D offers a high ISO sensitivity up to 3200 which is expandable to 12800, giving photographers the power to shoot in the dimmest light conditions. Outstanding noise reduction is made possible by Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor.
The EOS 500D heralds a new way for photography enthusiasts to capture their world. It pairs outstanding still image capture with Full HD 1080P video recording. For longer video shoots, users can also choose lower shooting resolutions of 720P or VGA.*
Every detail revealed
Exacting image preview and review is provided by a 3.0†Clear View LCD screen.The same screen as used on the acclaimed 5D Mark II, it features a 920,000 dot count – for ultra-detailed image review, accurate focus checks, and clear access to the EOS menu system. As well as aiding shooting from awkward angles, Live View mode includes contrast based and Face Detection AF options. Ideal for newcomers to digital SLR photography, these allow compact-camera style auto focus, with a real-time image displayed on the LCD.
Fast processing, fast focusing
Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor drives continuous shooting speeds of up to 3.4 fps in bursts of up to 170 JPEGs**. Using Canon’s wide area AF system – which features 9 individual sensors, including a central cross type point with a high precision sensor for f/2.8 or faster lenses– makes capturing split-second action sequences possible.
DIGIC 4 works in conjunction with the CMOS sensor to deliver exceptional noise reduction and 14-bit image processing for smooth gradation of tones and natural-looking colours. In addition, DIGIC 4 enables the ultra-fast start-up times and near-instant image review after shooting that photographers demand.
Distinctive EOS quality
Despite its compact, lightweight body, the EOS 500D includes all the hallmarks of the EOS system. Every detail of the EOS 500D – from the large, bright viewfinder to the famously intuitive EOS menu system – is designed to provide users with a world-class shooting experience.
Image quality is protected by the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which reduces, repels and removes unwanted dust from the sensor. Stubborn particles can be easily removed in post-production by using Dust Delete Data – which can be added to the image in-camera – and Canon’s included Digital Photo Professional software.
Digital Photo Professional software offers a comprehensive RAW editing package, with functions such as a quick check tool, a cropping tool, and a stamp tool – plus the ability to change brightness, White Balance and Picture Styles in RAW images. The software suite is included with EOS Utility and Picture Style editor for unrivalled versatility.
Compatibility with the full range of Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites – including the exceptionally compact, powerful new Speedlite 270EX, which features a bounce and zoom head, plus fast recharging from just 2 AA sized
batteries – allows the creation of a shooting system as unique as the photographer using it.
“The EOS 500D pushes the boundaries of what photographers can demand from their cameras, combining exceptional images with full HD video,†said Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Photography enthusiasts can now capture their most significant moments in a manner that matches their creativity.â€Â
Any Canon photographer can register for the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY service, which allows access to the latest EOS information, useful updates and exclusive EOS content – plus tools that allow users to create their own video podcasts and store images online.
Features at a glance:
* 15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
* Full HD movie recording with HDMI connection for viewing and playback on an HDTV
* ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800)
* 3.4 frames per second continuous shooting
* Max. 170 large JPEG images in a single burst
* 3.0†ClearView LCD with Live View mode
* 9-point wide area AF with cross type centre point
* High speed DIGIC 4 performance and superb image quality
* EOS Integrated Cleaning System
* Full compatibility with Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites, including new Speedlite 270EX, TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II
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64 Comments
People want Canon to be back in the lead not lagging behind, like they seem to be.
There things they can do to make the entry camera really good which will give hope for the Mid-Range x0D. Personally I would’ve love to see the T1i controls revamped to be more like the G10. The G10 was a pleasure to try out and I couldn’t believe how intuitive it was to use. I didn’t have to go digging through menus it was great. I almost came out the shop a few hundred lighter.
I don’t think people expected a 1D in a Rebel body but they did expect some solid upgrades or updates. Video is nice but a gimmick to certain extent, i.e. if Nikon hadn’t added it, it would’ve not been seen for a few more years.
I will end by saying it most likely is a good camera but a good camera with some very old problems that never got any changes.
Any clues as to what will be the real launch price at places like Amazon and B&H? Hopefully lower than list price?
For now, Pros want Compact Flash. CF has higher capacity, higher speed, less cost per GB, and can be removed / inserted while wearing gloves.
I suppose that when production levels drop enough, it will go away, its amazing that it has been around for so long.
This means that you can only use the slow autofocus while recording video, same as the 5D2. Its best left off, since it takes 2-3 sec to focus.
I suspect that they are unable to pull data off the sensor fast enough to get 1080p at 30fps. Don’t expect a firmware update, it is almost certainly a hardware issue. The 1080p/20 fps is probably useful for capturing images at a extremely fast rate, and then grabbing the lower resolution stills that do look pretty good on a monitor or small print.
Using 720P is the best way to go. more recording time, easy to edit, and save to DVD.
1080P@30fps is not something that probably should not be there in a consumer level camera. Most PC’s won’t handle it at all, software is starting to hit the market that will work fairly well with high end pc’s.
You can use a newer mac much more easily, but they cost more than a high end pc. They play 1080P, but there are lots of issues in editing and saving back to 1080P, Quicktime compresses the blacks so that darker detail just disappears. This is OK on a TV screen, but horrible on a monitor and very obvious when compared to a different codec.