Canon 50D vs 500D

[josefarrugia]

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So you haven't heard of any other problem relating to the 50D, beor?

[josefarrugia]

However, the 500D has the same amount of mega pixels. Moreover, it includes HD Video Recording

[taga_ipil]

Canon T1i / 500D Advantages
Smaller, and lighter

If you plan on doing lots of hiking where weight needs to be kept to a minimum, or simply don’t relish the thought of carrying a bulky camera around, then the T1i / 500D is the logical choice.

Let’s look at some relevant figures.

Dimensions

Canon T1i / 500D: 129 x 98 x 62 mm (5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 in)

Canon 50D: 146 x 108 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.3 x 2.9 in)

Weight, including batteries

Canon T1i / 500D: 520 g (18.3 oz)

Canon 50D: 822 g (29 oz)
HD movie / video capture

This is an extremely useful feature to have, as you can capture high-definition clips anytime the need arises.

Certain events and happenings are certainly best recorded as video and the T1i allows you to record footage in the following formats:

1. 1920 x 1080 (1080P, 16:9) @ 20 fps
2. 1280 x 720 (720P, 16:9) @ 30 fps
3. 640 x 480 (4:3) @ 30 fps

Canon 50D Advantages

Superior burst speed

If high speed action photography is your thing, and you need to capture extremely quick sequences of photos in rapid succession, then you’ll need the 50D, as it is able to shoot at either 6.3 fps (frames per second) or 3 fps, while the T1i manages only 3.4 fps.

Part of the reason why the 50D is the faster camera is due to the difference in the number of channels that is dedicated to sensor data readout.

Autofocus (AF) sensors

All nine autofocus points on the 50D are of the cross type variety, while on the T1i / 500D, only the center one is.

AF and tracking accuracy, and speed of subject acquisition is higher on the 50D (espcially if you’re talking about low-contrast subjects in low-light situations, say indoor sports) even if you use the outlying AF points.

You won’t get the same level of performance with the same AF points on the T1i.
Maximum shutter speed

Top shutter speed on the 50D is 1/8000 seconds, while the T1i manages 1/4000.

The advantage of having a higher shutter speed comes into play when you’re photographing subjects outdoors in bright light with a fast lens, say f/2 or larger.

White balance

In addition to presets and manual settings, the 50D lets you set White Balance in Kelvin values.

You don’t get to set Kelvin temperature values on the T1i.

sRAW formats

The small RAW formats available on the 50D are a boon to photographers who want to shoot and enjoy the post-processing benefits RAW files, yet don’t mind images with smaller dimensions.

This resolution flexibility for RAW images is not available on the 500D.


Viewfinder

The viewfinder in the 50D uses a pentaprism while a pentamirror is used for the viewfinder in the 500D. Pentaprism viewfinders give a brighter and larger image compared to pentamirror types.

Viewfinder magnification is higher on the 50D, 0.95x compared to only 0.87x for the T1i.

The 50D also has a higher eyepoint (22mm) than the T1i (19mm). This is an advantage for those who wear glasses as it means that you can still view the entire image in the viewfinder even if your eye is physically 22mm away.


Conclusion

Both camera offer the same, excellent image quality, but the difference in price reflects the types of use these cameras will be put through.

For photography that does not require high burst speeds, or blindingly-fast and accurate AF for moving subjects, the Rebel T1i / 500D is more than sufficient.

However, if the environment you’re shooting in dictates that you need a more solidly-built camera, or if you need more control over, and faster access to camera settings, then the EOS 50D is your camera.

There are photographers who would get both cameras anyway due to their unique requirements. The 50D usually ends up being the primary camera, while the T1i / 500D would serve as a competent backup unit.

Good luck!

Hope this helps.

[josefarrugia]

That surely helps ipil If I plan on getting the 50D I would have to sell off my current 18-200mm Canon lens

[BeoR]

So you haven't heard of any other problem relating to the 50D, beor?

Aside from the minimal ISO noise problem, not much. I didn't read much about it though since I didn't have any plans to get one.

However, the 500D has the same amount of mega pixels. Moreover, it includes HD Video Recording

The 500D also has a smaller body. Unless you have small hands, the 50D will feel much much better and its shutter has a higher lifecycle... and you're buying a photo camera. For video, get a video camera. SLR's aren't designed for video use, the ergonomics will be very limiting if you want to shoot video.

In the end however, it all boils down to you. Best advice I can give you is to buy the best that you can afford.

[josefarrugia]

Aside from the minimal ISO noise problem, not much. I didn't read much about it though since I didn't have any plans to get one.


The 500D also has a smaller body. Unless you have small hands, the 50D will feel much much better and its shutter has a higher lifecycle... and you're buying a photo camera. For video, get a video camera. SLR's aren't designed for video use, the ergonomics will be very limiting if you want to shoot video.

In the end however, it all boils down to you. Best advice I can give you is to buy the best that you can afford.

If I had to purchase the 50D, I'd have to let go of my current 18-200mm lense and I'll be stuck with the kit lens that 50D comes a long with (18-55mm).

[Andy99]

The 18-55 kit lens with IS is a lot better than the old one without IS.
Right now I'm using this lens on my 50D. My second lens is the 50mm 1.8.

The results are not bad.

[josefarrugia]

The 18-55 kit lens with IS is a lot better than the old one without IS.
Right now I'm using this lens on my 50D. My second lens is the 50mm 1.8.

The results are not bad.

I am used to zooming in a lot with my 18-200mm. Should I sacrifice that lens and go for the 50D Kit?

[Andy99]

I am used to zooming in a lot with my 18-200mm. Should I sacrifice that lens and go for the 50D Kit?

I would suggest just go to a shop and hold both cameras. See which feels better.
Last year I upgraded from a 400D to a 50D and the difference is really big. I have not regretted it.

You could always add a 55-250IS lens later. It's only around 12K.

[josefarrugia]

I would suggest just go to a shop and hold both cameras. See which feels better.
Last year I upgraded from a 400D to a 50D and the difference is really big. I have not regretted it.

You could always add a 55-250IS lens later. It's only around 12K.

The problem with the 55-250IS I would have to change my lens a number of times in any situation Anyway, I'll take on your advice and try out the 50D.

Thanks!