Canon's 1080p DSLR is a jack of many trades, but does the camera's video performance live up to all the hype? Read the in-depth Canon Eos 500D review to find out.
Review summary of the Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i):
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_it00.jpg) After a few covert screenings of the Canon Eos 500D’s 1080p HD video last year, photographers and videographers were introduced to a revolutionary world where DSLRs appeared to rival certain top of the line HD camcorders. A DSLR that shoots progressive HD? That’s whack! After a thorough investigation, we’re here to tell you that it’s still safe to stick with that trusty old 60i camcorder unless you plan on shooting static subjects in bright light. That’s the only dimension the Eos 500D’s video mode excelled in, and when it did, it looked pretty guldarn good. As far as image quality was concerned, the Eos 500D performed very well, but couldn’t match the likes of the Pentax K2000. We loved he plethora of shooting features and bountiful external controls. The menus were top notch and the 3-inch Live View LCD rocked the block, but at $900, we have to wonder if the Eos 500D is a justifiable investment. If we strip away the Eos 500D’s 1080p and 720p video capability, it can’t hold a candle to the Pentax K2000. The K2000 also ships with two lenses and retails for 200 smackers less than the Eos 500D. And with our Nikon D5000 and Olympus E-620 reviews right around the corner, we implore you to wait this one out if you can’t get to the store anytime soon. Release: May 2009. Price: $900.
Pros: Great design. Excellent LCD with Live View. Very good overall image quality.
Cons: 1080p video is only equipped to handle a narrow field of shooting environments. Limited advanced features. Pricey compared to competition.
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Full Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i) Review:
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Design – Very Good
The Canon Eos 500D (A.K.A Rebel T1i) looks like another unassuming DSLR from the exterior, but we found a few treasures on the interior that will be uncovered later in this review. But for now, we'll focus on the Eos 500D's chassis, which felt lighter than expected, given the camera's size. Weight was never an issue for us, and we were surprised at how light it felt in our hands compared to neighboring DSLRs. As a result, the Eos 500D's all-plastic chassis felt a tad cheap, as if the built-in flash hinge was going to snap off at any given moment. We're not dealing with a prodigious camera body here, but the Eos 500D will certainly require a decent size camera bag.
If small is your bag, the Olympus E-450 is just what the doctor ordered, as it's the "World's Smallest DSLR." However, the E-450 does not possess the ability to shoot 1920x1080 Full HD video like the Canon Eos 500D. After a long quest throughout the boondocks of Alabama and muggy Houston countryside, the Eos 500D was a comfortable camera to shoot with, particularly because of its textured grip in the front and rear and ergonomically chiseled shutter button groove.
As part of the deal, Canon threw in an 18 – 55mm wide-angle lens complete with Auto Focus and Image Stabilization so we were able to snap away right out of the box. We like the fact that Canon offers the Eos 500D as a kit rather than just a body, but the Pentax K2000 ships with two separate lenses, (an 18 – 55mm wide-angle and a 50 – 200mm telephoto) and retails for $200 less. The K2000 does not record HD video, however, so we'll call it a draw. Needless to say, the Eos 500D's kit lens was not the burliest of builds with its plastic flange mount and lightweight design, but it got the job done as long we didn't hammer on it. We liked the AF/MF and Stabilizer switches located conveniently on the side of the lens, but since they were positioned so closely together, we seldom inadvertently engaged one or the other.
The Canon Eos 500D's optical viewfinder featured a removable rubberized eyecup, but we could have used a little more protruding rubber in order to adequately shield our eye from the relentless rays of a vengeful Alabama sun. The camera also had a proprietary hot shoe to fit Canon flashes and other accessories, and we especially dug the three-inch LCD. The Canon Eos 500D shipped with a high quality neck strap with a rubberized liner, so tourists will be on cloud nine when they dangle this thing around their necks en route to the Statue of Liberty's freshly revealed crown. Port enclosures resided on the flimsy side of life, and the SD/SDHC card slot exhibited a significant amount of flex when bent back via a minuscule amount of pressure. We almost ripped the plastic HDMI/AV/Remote port cover right out of the Eos 500D's chassis, so go easy on that sucker. All in all, the Canon Eos 500D is an architecturally sound camera.
Interface – Very Good
External controls were impressive, and the Canon Eos 500D was chock full of useful dials and buttons that came to our aid in multiple shooting environments. We liked the On/Off switch embedded in the fully stocked Mode dial because we could just grab the camera and flick it on in an instant. The ISO button was a nice touch as well, allowing us to access speed without having to delve into the menu system. The Canon Eos 500D had an unconventional Control dial, which was mounted vertically instead of horizontally, and we actually preferred this orientation. Thumb-mounted dials are susceptible to an accidental flicking every now and then, since they're located right under the busiest digit on one hand. We liked the ability to jump off the saddle and toil with the vertical Control dial when necessary. We weren't too jazzed about the Zoom buttons and would have liked a dial in its place.
The Canon Eos 500D's standard four-way directional pad functioned just like any other steering wheel of its caliber and the smattering of additional buttons and controls offered most of the control we needed. We like how Canon isolated the Menu and Display button along the top of the three-inch LCD, so they didn't pollute the realm of the advanced image controls. Speaking of the three-inch LCD, we loved the large display, especially when Live View was engaged. Although Live View sucked up a significant amount of battery juice, using the Eos 500D's Manual Focus was an awesome experience because the screen's 920,000-pixel resolution was crisp and brilliant. What a great LCD by Canon! Now if only they could make it a swivel design, the Eos 500D's monitor would be the cat's meow. We liked the light meter, which was available in Manual mode in the optical viewfinder panel and located in the command screen.
No matter what shooting mode we happened to be in, the Eos 500D's command screen looked the same, given a few tweaks depending on the individual mode settings. For instance, in Program AE mode we were able to view and adjust ISO, Exposure Compensation, Color, White Balance, Metering, Quality and a few other control parameters. The Eos 500D's menu system featured superior graphics and rapid functionality. It's easy to get bogged down by the plethora of options on any DSLR, but Canon organizes them in a way that makes them easy to locate and engage. We couldn't believe how fast we were able to rifle through menu options. It was like lighting on espresso. In Playback mode, images were accompanied by highly in-depth data, including ISO, color space and an intricate histogram. We were able to use the vertical Control dial to swiftly cycle between images and it was like watching a stop motion animation film, thanks to the hasty speed of the operation. We're not surprised though, for Canon always excels when it comes to the interface.
Features – Very Good
All of the hubbub and hoopla surrounding the Canon Eos 500D is funneled down to its ability to record 1080p high-definition video, in addition to 720p. While nearly all consumer camcorders record 1080i HD video, the Eos 500D rolls with true progressive HD capture, though it's only limited to 20 frames per second. The 720p recording mode shoots at a maximum 30 frames per second, which is more of a standard for internet playback. Progressive is superior to interlaced video because each frame is recorded as a whole image, rather than a series of staggered lines that morph together every other frame. The Eos 500D's low frame rate gilded many of our test clips with a nostalgic cinematic quality, though motion at times was choppy. We also experienced a significant wavy effect during playback, and by the end of our screening it was obvious that Canon had a little work to do on their next Eos 500D incarnation. The kicker was the low light performance, which fell flat on its face. Video looked adequately illuminated via Live View, but when we watched clips on our HD monitor, it was like watching a sea of nauseating darkness fighting for life.
The camera's 1080p video mode performed optimally in bright light with minimal motion, and we'll give that to Canon. Outdoors, the Eos 500D's static video clips looked beautiful, so if Canon poured a little more love into the development of the next generation sensor and processing, the land of consumer HD camcorders will be shaken with fury. We were surprised at the Eos 500D's lack of image control in video mode, as it functioned more like an Auto mode at all times. We could manually shift the Auto Focus box, which was a great feature when we wanted to hone in on a particular portion of the frame, but we would prefer a camcorder like the Canon Vixia HF S100 or Sony HDR-XR520V to the Eos 500D any day. Imagine attempting to shoot video with a DLSR, or head to B&H for a test drive and you'll see what we mean.
On the other side of the fence, the Canon Eos 500D never sold us short on still image features, as we basked in the luxury of a full manual suite including Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual mode. But Canon tossed a little more gasoline into the fire with the addition of CA (Creative Auto) mode and A-DEP (Automatic Depth-of-field AE). Creative Auto mode bridged the gap between Auto mode and Program AE mode, providing a simplified command screen that consisted two sliders that specialized in Focus and Exposure. We could also swap color modes and flash settings, all controlled via the vertical Control dial. For beginners looking for the next step up from Auto mode, CA mode is a great option. Automatic Depth-of-field AE was a great mode to shoot in when we wanted the Eos 500D to call the shots in the aperture department. The camera actually set the aperture automatically based on the depth of field, focusing subjects in the foreground and background evenly.
The Canon Eos 500D's Auto White Balance was spot on in most shooting environments, but we struggled in low light. There were a bunch of presets and a considerably accurate Manual White Balance mode. We were able to adjust the White Balance based on a particular image in Playback mode, which was a plus. The Eos 500D's ISO range was an impressive 100 to 3200, which provided a lot of ground in low light. Canon implemented a set of Picture Style modes that altered the sharpness, contrast and saturation of our images, though the Eos 500D did not offer any image effects or filters like the Pentax K2000. Regardless, we were impressed with the level of control delivered by the Canon Eos 500D.
Hardware – Very Good
Under the hood we have a whopping 15-megapixel 22.3mm x 14.9mm (APS-C size) high-sensitivity, high-resolution large single-plate CMOS sensor. The chip has a 3:2 aspect ratio, RGB primary color filters and a few dust deletion filters. The dust police consist of a self-cleaning sensor unit, Dust Delete data appended to each image and a manual cleansing option. The Canon Eos 500D captures RAW and JPEG images to SD/SDHC cards and possesses the ability to shoot in RAW+ mode, which captures one 15-megapixel RAW and one 15-megapixel JPEG simultaneously. We liked Canon's video format choice, the good old H.264 MOV standby, but 1080p video files were huge. In fact, any still image or video shot in the highest quality on the Eos 500D will eat megabytes like a prize pig in a candy shop. So, we recommend an SDHC card that's at least 2GB in capacity. For power, the Eos 500D uses a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, which exhibited a fairly impressive lifespan throughout the duration of our shoot. The Eos 500D's 18 – 55mm lens gave us a great Auto Focus performance, and the Image Stabilization was not too shabby either. For the more advanced shooter, Canon offers over 60 EF/EF-S lenses and accessories that are compatible with the Eos 500D.
Image software was excellent, and Canon supplied us with a highly intuitive program that made converting RAW files a snap. Digital Photo Professional enabled us to adjust White Balance, Brightness, Picture Style and a slew of other options like Tone Curve and Saturation. Picture Style Editor offered even more control, allowing us to apply Picture Style filters with advanced features such as an HSL color wheel and gamma graph. Although Photoshop may be the king of all photo programs, Canon provides plenty of postproduction goods right out of the box. Video files are drag-and-drop, so there was no need to convert. However, you will need a video editing program since Canon does not include a basic disk for the Eos 500D's video mode.
Image Quality – Very Good
The Canon Eos 500D was like the Wizard of Oz. We weren't exactly sure what we would uncover behind this massive 15-megapixel, high-sensitivity CMOS cloak, fearing that a megapixel boost this significant would detract from the camera's overall image quality. But by the end of our seemingly endless expedition with our Canon Eos 500D review unit, it was obvious that the camera had lived up to all the hype, save a few imaging hiccups here and there. We had no complaints within the realm of color, detail, or exposure, and certain close-range images were magazine quality. However, we had to closely monitor our lighting, for the Eos 500D's biggest weakness was a narrow dynamic range.
The Eos 500D's Program AE mode also had a tendency to overexpose images, so capturing images was more time consuming. The Pentax K2000 exhibited a better dynamic range and Program AE shooting mode, which not force us to bust our butts in order to snag a prime image. Our second complaint about the Eos 500D was its sporadic fringing along heavily contrasted edges. The Pentax K2000 exhibited barely any fringing throughout the entire duration of our testing, so we'd have to place it ahead of the Eos 500D in terms of raw digital image quality. Nevertheless, the Eos 500D was certainly capable of producing beautiful images. We just had to work our asses off and watch our lighting.
All images were captured in RAW+ mode and then converted to high-quality JPEGs using Canon's Digital Photo Professional software.
Outdoor Shooting
Lucy in the Grass
Spanish Moss
Lucy and the Lizard
Detail ran rampant while the sun was embedded high in the sky, for all three images exhibit an exceptional amount of clarity and detail. The first image was shot in Aperture Priority mode in order to catch Lucy and the surrounding grass. Aperture Priority also lowered the exposure, which came to the aid of the image's overall dynamic range. As a result, Lucy is slightly underexposed, but we were able to salvage the faint blue sky and discern a border between Lucy's fur and the skyline. We were not as lucky in the second image, which took the blue sky and pumped it with white lightning, causing fringing along the borders of the Spanish moss and leaves. The Canon Eos 500D's Program AE also set a wide aperture, so we lost a little focus in the top corner of the image. The third image was the most impressive showing out of the three, thanks to its even exposure and superb sharpness and detail. Of course, the lighting was optimal and we were not battling any fierce contrasts.
Colors
Japanese Maple
Best Butts in Alabama
Hurtsboro Furniture
Black Cat Fireworks
The Canon Eos 500D's best trait was its naturalistic rendering of color, and all of our images exhibited vibrant, natural hues plucked straight from Mother Earth's crayon box. Rich reds, thick blues and velvety greens were the talk of the table when we began analyzing our images, and Canon is one of the leading manufacturers when it comes to an exceptional palette. The first image is probably the best example of what our Canon Eos 500D review unit was capable of, rendering the reddish orange leaves and deeps green leaves with electricity. However, the backlit sky causes all sorts of fringing issues, creating color bleed in a few unfocused areas. We had to dial down the exposure of the second image because we were faced with another intimidating force of back illumination, but colors held true and sharpness with right on. The third image exhibits the most natural color reproduction, and the image is nearly flawless as long as we ignore the blown-out sky and minute blue fringing along the power lines. Edges and colors look great in the last image, but we still struggled with that dynamic range.
Close Range
Stump
Honeysuckle
Brad Smokin'
We experienced the most magic while stationed at the shortest focal lengths, as we can see in this series of images. The detail in the stump is exquisite, and colors and detail look absolutely lifelike. This is the type of image we'd find in a National Geographic magazine. The honeysuckle is not too shabby as well, and the Canon Eos 500D lucks out with a more subdued sky bedding the leaves. Portraits were not a problem for the Eos 500D as we were able to catch the sheer joy and splendor exhibited by an Alabama native drifting along the placid coastline of a content lifestyle, courtesy of American Spirit.
Indoor/Contrast Shooting
Lucy in the Kitchen
Honda CX500 Turbo
Solar Panels
Since the Canon Eos 500D fancied subdued, even lighting, it excelled indoors, creating natural tones and organic colors. It looks as though we're gazing at Lucy through an open window, thanks to the naturalistic, organic quality of the first image. The exposure is almost perfect, but again we're hammered by a few blown-out window frames in the background. The image of the Honda is sharp and dynamic, but we had to underexpose just to ward off encroaching light from the garage doors. We also get a taste of some serious fringing along the Honda's bodywork, which is not a good thing considering the fact that many consumer cameras have a tendency to fringe to this degree. The final image exhibits an even overall exposure, but the lighting is the key here. With a tame sky and diminished luminance, the Eos 500D is able to capture the full spread rather than hitting overdrive with shadows or highlights. Lighting was the key to success with the Eos 500D.
Low Light Shooting
Honda CX500 Turbo
Poolside Lounging
Sticks
We were very pleased with our Canon Eos 500D review unit's low light performance, and our only complaint is based around white balance. The image of the Honda is a trifle warm, but with a Manual or Incandescent adjustment, the image would display a proper color temperature. Detail is great, however, and this image was captured by simply setting the Eos 500D on a Spackle barrel and shooting with a low shutter speed. We attainted the same impressive results within the two following images, and the sticks look amazing. We'd say the Eos 500D performed almost as well as the Pentax K2000 in low light.
Price and availability
The Canon Eos 500D (Rebel T1i) will be available soon for $900.
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