Mastheadgraphiconline

Introduced March 2009

• 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
• Maximum of 170 Large JPEG images in a single burst
• 3-inch 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

Image sensor
Type
22.3 x 14.9mm CMOS
Effective Pixels Approx. 15.1M
Total Pixels
Approx. 15.5M
Aspect Ratio
3:2
Low-Pass Filter
Built-in/Fixed with Self Cleaning Sensor Unit
Sensor Cleaning
EOS integrated cleaning system
Colour Filter Type
Primary Colour

Image processor
Type
DIGIC 4

Lens
Lens Mount
EF/EF-S
Focal Length
Equivalent to 1.6x the focal length of the lens

Focusing
Type
TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor
AF System/ Points
9 AF points (f/5.6 cross type at centre, extra sensitivity at f/2.8)
AF working range
EV -0.5 -18 (at 23°C & ISO100)
AF Modes
AI Focus, One Shot, AI Servo
AF Point Selection
Automatic selection, Manual selection
Selected AF point display Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD monitor
Predictive AF (7) Yes, up to 10m
AF Lock Locked when shutter button is pressed half way in One Shot AF mode.
AF Assist Beam
Intermittent firing of built-in flash or emitted by optional dedicated Speedlite
Manual Focus
Selected on lens, default in Live View Mode

Exposure control
Metering modes
TTL full aperture metering with 35-zone SPC
(1) Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points)
(2) Partial metering at center (approx. 9% of viewfinder)
(3) Spot metering (approx. 4% of viewfinder at center)
(4) Center weighted average metering
Metering Range EV
1-20 (at 23°C with 50mm f/1.4 lens ISO100)
AE Lock Auto:
In 1-shot AF mode with evaluative metering exposure is locked when focus is achieved.
Manual: By AE lock button in creative zone modes.
Exposure Compensation +
/-2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments (can be combined with AEB).
AEB +/- 2 EV, 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments
ISO Sensitivity (8) AUTO(100-1600), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 Expandable to 6400 + H (approx 12800) in 1-stop increments

Shutter
Type
Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter
Speed
30-1/4000 sec (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments), Bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode)

White balance
Type
Auto white balance with the imaging sensor
Settings
AWB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent light, Flash, Custom.
White balance compensation:
1. Blue/Amber +/-9
2. Magenta/ Green +/-9.
Custom White Balance Yes, 1 setting can be registered
WB Bracketing +/-3 levels in single level increments 3 bracketed images per shutter release. Selectable Blue/Amber bias or Magenta/ Green bias.

Viewfinder
Type
Pentamirror
Coverage (Vertical/Horizontal)
Approx. 95%
Magnification Approx. 0.87x (4)
Eyepoint Approx.
19mm (from eyepiece lens centre)
Dioptre Correction
-3 to +1 m-1 (dioptre)
Focusing Screen Fixed
Mirror
Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cutoff with EF600mm f/4 or shorter)
Viewfinder Information AF information: AF points, focus confirmation light
Exposure information:
Shutter speed, aperture value, ISO speed (always displayed), AE lock, exposure level/compensation, spot metering circle, exposure warning, AEB
Flash information: Flash ready, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure
compensation, red-eye reduction light
Image information: White balance correction, SD card information, monochrome shooting, maximum burst (1 digit display), Highlight tone priority (D+)
Depth of field preview Yes, with Depth of Field preview button.
Eyepiece shutter
On strap

LCD Monitor
Type
3.0" TFT, approx. 920K dots
Coverage Approx.
100%
Viewing Angle (horizontally/vertically) Approx 170°
Coating
Dual Anti-reflection, anti smudge
Brightness Adjustment
Adjustable to one of seven levels
Display Options
(1) Quick Control Screen
(2) Camera settings

Flash
Built-in Flash
GN (ISO 100, meters) 13
Built-in Flash
Coverage up to 17mm focal length (35mm equivalent: 27mm)
Built-in Flash recycle time
Approx. 3 seconds
Modes Auto, Manual Flash On/Off, Red-Eye Reduction
Red-Eye Reduction Yes
X-sync
1/200sec
Flash Exposure Compensation
+/- 2EV in 1/2 or 1/3 increments
Flash Exposure Bracketing
Yes, with compatible External Flash
Flash Exposure Lock
Yes
Second Curtain Synchronisation
Yes
HotShoe/ PC terminal
Yes
External Flash Compatibility
E-TTL II with EX series Speedlites, wireless multi-flash support
External Flash Control via camera menu screen

Shooting
Modes
Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, No Flash, Movie, Program AE , Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual, A-DEP Picture Styles Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined (x3)
Colour Space sRGB and Adobe RGB
Image Processing Highlight Tone Priority
Auto Lighting Optimizer (Basic and Creative modes)
Long exposure noise reduction
High ISO speed noise reduction
Peripheral illumination correction
Drive modes Single, Continuous, Self timer (2s, 10s+remote, 10s + continuous shots 2-10)
Continuous Shooting Max. Approx. 3.4fps. (speed maintained for up to 170 images (JPEG)(1), 9 images (RAW)) (2)

Live view mode
Type
Electronic viewfinder with image sensor
Coverage Approx. 100% (horizontally and vertically)
Frame Rate 30 fps
Focusing Manual Focus (Magnify the image 5x or 10x at any point on screen)
Autofocus: Quick mode, Live mode
Metering
Real-time evaluative metering with image sensor
Active metering time can be changed
Display Options Grid overlay, Histogram

File type
Still Image Type
JPEG: Fine, Normal (Exif 2.21 [Exif Print] compliant) / Design rule for Camera File system (2.0), RAW: RAW (14bit, Canon original RAW 2nd edition), Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant
RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording Yes (RAW + Large JPEG only)
Image Size JPEG: (L) 4752x3168 (M) 3088x2056, (S) 2256x1504
RAW: (RAW) 4272x2849
Movie Type MOV (Video: H.264, Sound: Linear PCM) Movie Size HD (16:9)1920 x 1080P -20fps, 1280x720P -30fps, SD(4:3) 640 x 480 -30fps
Movie Length Max duration 29m 59sec, Max file size 4GB
File Numbering
(1) Consecutive numbering
(2) Auto reset
(3) Manual reset

Other features
Custom Functions
13 Custom Functions with 39 settings
Metadata Tag
User copyright information
Intelligent Orientation Sensor
Yes
Playback zoom
1.5x - 10x
Display Formats
(1) Single image with information (2 levels)
(2) Single image
(3) 4 image index
(4) 9 image index
(5) Jump Display
Slide Show
Autoplay: All images, repeat
Histogram
Brightness: Yes RGB: Yes
Highlight Alert Yes (Shooting information display only)
Image Erase/Protection Erase: Single image, Checkmarked images, Unprotected images Protection: Erase protection of one image at a time
Data Verification
Original image verification data can be appended to the image (OSK-E3 required for verification)
Menu Categories
(1) Shooting menu (x2)
(2) Playback menu
(3) Setup menu (x3)
(4) My Menu
Menu Languages
25 Languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese
Firmware Update Update possible by the user.

Interface
Computer
Hi-Speed USB
Other Video output (PAL/ NTSC) (integrated with USB terminal),
HDMI Type C

Direct print
Canon Printers
Canon SELPHY Printers, Bubble Jet Printers with the direct print function and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge
PictBridge Yes

Storage
Type
SD card, SDHC card

Supported operating system
PC & Macintosh
Windows / XP (SP2/SP3) / Vista (excl. Starter Edition)
OS X v10.4-10.5

Software
Browsing & Printing ZoomBrowser EX / ImageBrowser
Image Processing Digital Photo Professional
Other PhotoStitch, EOS Utility (inc. Remote Capture, Original Data Security Tools*), Picture Style Editor
* Requires optional accessory

Power source
Batteries 1 x Rechargeable Li-ion Battery LP-E5
Battery life Approx. 400 (at 23°C, AE 50%, FE 50%) (5) Approx. 380 (at 0°C, AE 50%, FE 50%)
Battery Indicator 4 levels
Power saving Power turns off after 30sec or 1, 2, 4, 8 or 15mins.
Power Supply & Battery Chargers AC Adapter Kit ACK-E5, Battery charger LC-E5E, Car Battery charger CBC-E5

Physical specifications
Body Materials Stainless Steel/Plastic
Operating Environment 0 – 40 °C, 85% or less humidity
Dimensions (WxHxD) 128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9 mm
Weight (body only) Approx. 480g

Accessories
Viewfinder Eyecup Ef, E-series Dioptric Adjustment Lens with Rubber Frame Ef, Eyepiece Extender EP-EX15II, Angle Finder C
Case Semi-Hard Case EH19-L
Lenses All EF and EF-S lenses
Flash Canon Speedlites (220EX, 270EX, 380EX, 420EX, 430EX, 430EX II, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II, Macro-Ring-Lite MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2) Battery Grip BG-E5
Remote Controller/ Switch Remote Switch RS-60E3, Remote Controller RC-1/RC-5
Other Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3
 

 

6 Memory card and battery door only
7 with EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM at 50kph
8 Recommended Exposure Index
3 Compatible with large memory card capacities, including cards of 2GB and more (camera may require firmware update).
4 with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m-1 dpt
2 Based on Canon's testing conditions, JPEG, ISO 100, Standard Picture Style.
5 Based on the CIPA Standard and using the batteries and memory card format supplied with the camera, except where indicated
All data is based on Canon standard testing methods except where indicated. Subject to change without notice.1 Large/Fine(Quality 8) resolution

CMOS

Canon’s CMOS technology is one of the company’s key competitive advantages, with noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery life.

Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the process of getting the signal to the image processor. Noise generation is reduced, power consumption is limited and faster frame rate potential is increased.

DIGIC

Image data captured by the CMOS sensor is processed by Canon’s purpose-built DIGIC image processors before being written to the camera's memory card. DIGIC technology uses advanced image processing algorithms to ensure precise, natural colours, accurate white balance, and advanced noise reduction. Ultra-fast processing speeds result in highly responsive camera operation and near-instant start-up times.

DIGIC chips work with a high speed image buffer – reading, processing, compressing and writing image data fast enough to keep the buffer clear during long continuous shooting bursts. And because DIGIC integrates all key processing functions, power consumption is kept to a minimum.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System

The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust in three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove.
1. Reduce - internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust generation. The redesigned body cap prevents dust generation through wear on the cap itself.
2. Repel - anti-static technologies, including a special fluorine coating, are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust.
3. Remove - a Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to shake dust from the infrared filter for a period of approximately one second after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature is disabled immediately the shutter release is depressed.

Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system, which can map the position of visible dust on the sensor. This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with the latest Digital Photo Professional software.

Clear View LCD

Canon’s 3-inch ClearView LCD screens feature a VGA (640x480) pixel resolution with 920,000 dots. This allows high-quality viewing of images and ultra-accurate focus checks in playback. Thanks to a wide 170º angle-of- view, the LCD can be viewed in a wide range of environments with ghosting and reflections being eliminated thanks to Canon’s unique dual layer anti reflective coating. This combination of features enables photographers to enjoy shooting from awkward angles.

Full HD

Thanks to the combination of a Canon CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processing, Canon is able to offer Full HD resolution movie recording in a digital SLR camera. An HDMI connection provides the ability to play back movies directly on any HDTV in high quality HD resolution. Canon’s Full HD products feature the same maximum resolution available for HDTVs (1920x1080 pixels), ensuring outstanding clarity. Full HD exceeds the quality found in HD ready (720) resolution devices.

Picture Style

Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image qualities. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different film types – each one offering a different colour response. Within each selectable pre-set, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s factory default configuration is set to deliver immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional menu settings. Picture Style presets applied to a RAW image can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.
The six pre-sets are:
• Standard – for crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing
• Portrait – optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones
• Landscape – for punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines
• Neutral – ideal for post-processing
• Faithful – adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K
• Monochrome – for black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green).

The User Defined Picture Style can be used to store up to three customised presets, or any of the pre-sets available for download from Canon’s web site at www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/picturestyle/file/index.html.

Software

Digital Photo Professional Software
Digital Photo Professional software provides high speed, high quality processing of lossless RAW images. Processing with Digital Photo Professional allows real-time display and immediate application of image adjustments, giving control over RAW image variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation, noise reduction and colour tone – plus the ability to view autofocus points on an image.

Recently added functions to Digital Photo Professional include a Peripheral Illumination Correction tool, which reduces the darkening that can occur in the corners of images shot with certain lenses. The Lens Aberration correction tool allows precise correction of different types of distortion caused by certain cameras. Users can also control the highlights and shadows within an image, reducing the problem of ‘clipped’ areas where detail is lost.

Digital Photo Professional supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, ColorMatch RGB, Apple RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces. ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles can be attached to TIFF or JPEG images when converted from RAW. This allows faithful reproduction of colours in software applications that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For improved efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved as a recipe and applied.

EOS Utility

The latest version of EOS Utility provides essential support for Live View remote shooting, camera configuration and image transfers. Tightly integrated with Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility can be configured to monitor ‘hot’ folders, automatically renaming and moving incoming images to a structured file system. Users can also tag their images with EXIF data, including copyright information.

Picture Style Editor

Picture Style Editor allows users to create individual Picture Styles that fit with their personal requirements. Each Picture Style contains detailed information on how specific colours should be represented within an image. Once new Picture Styles have been created, they can be uploaded directly into the camera and applied to JPEG or RAW images. When working with RAW files in DPP, both personal Picture Styles and the six predetermined Picture Styles can all be adjusted.

ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser

For extra-easy review, editing and management of JPEG files, two pieces of software are included: ZoomBrowser for PC, and ImageBrowser for Mac. Both programs feature a MovieEdit function plug-in, which supports the .MOV clips recorded by the LARK. Users can use this to perform basic editing tasks, including creating and exporting clips that combine movie files and JPEGs.

Canon brings 15.1 MP and Full HD video to photography enthusiasts

Following the launch of the first 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 that is expandable to 12800, giving photographers the power to shoot in the dimmest light conditions. Effective noise reduction is made possible by Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor.

The EOS 500D offers a new way for photography enthusiasts to capture their world. It pairs still image capture with Full HD 1080P video recording. Users can also choose lower shooting resolutions of 720P or VGA. A built-in HDMI connection allows easy and instant review of images and movie clips on any compatible HDTV.

Every detail revealed

Image preview and review is provided by a 3-inch ClearView LCD screen. The same screen as used on the 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 autofocus, 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.

Canon’s wide area AF system makes capturing split-second action sequences possible. It features nine individual sensors, including a central cross type point with a high precision sensor for f/2.8 or faster lenses,

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 intuitive EOS menu system – is designed to enhance the 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.

The EOS 500D is compatible with the full range of EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

“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.”

Pricing and availability

The EOS 500D (body only) is available from early May 2009 priced at £869.99 (€999.99) RRP inc. VAT.

The EOS 500D EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit is available from early May 2009 priced at £969.99 (€1139.99) RRP inc. VAT.

The EOS 500D EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Kit is available from early May 2009 priced at £1399.99 (€1639.99) RRP inc. VAT.

EOS500DFRTwEFS1855mmIS
EOS500DBCK
key features
specifications
information

EOS 500D

EOS 500D

accessories

firmware

manuals

press release
EOS500DFRTwEFS1855mmIS1
EOS500DBCK1
item13a
item11a
item10a

Sign up to our free newsletter

EQUIPMENT:

Lenses

Speedlites

Digital cameras

Film cameras

item2a

HOME

MAGAZINE

EQUIPMENT

SHOP

LINKS

CLASSIFIEDS

FORUM

GALLERY

item20a
item14a

SUBSCRIBE HERE

NEWS