Canon EOS 500D Competitors

As well as being compared against other entry-level DSLRs, the Canon EOS 500D is also often compared to pro DSLRs, mirrorless and super zooms. The Canon EOS 500D's top rivals come from Canon (such as the EOS 550D and the EOS 1100D) and Nikon (such as the D3100 and the D5100)

Generally, some of the advantages of the Canon 500D compared to other entry-level DSLR competitors include: it records higher quality movies (1080p @ 20fps vs 720p @ 30fps), has a slightly higher resolution screen (920k dots vs 230k dots), has slightly less startup delay (300 ms vs 1500 ms), has significantly less shutter lag (159 ms vs 252 ms) and is slightly smaller (prosumer size 129x98x62 mm vs prosumer size 127x96x78 mm).

However, on average it is slightly more noisy at high ISO (663 ISO vs 919 ISO), has slightly lower image quality (63.0 vs 67.0), has significantly less color depth (21.7 bits vs 22.5 bits), doesn't record movies in 24p and doesn't have a screen which flips out.

Canon EOS 550D 10 months newer $652 - $888 (body only) $778 - $932 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the 550D (vs the 500D) Better color depth: 22.1 bits vs 21.7 bits Has an external mic jack Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the 550D (vs the 500D) Significantly more shutter lag: 252 ms vs 159 ms common strengths of the 550D and 500D Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 20fps High resolution screens: 1,040k dots vs 920k dots Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
	Compare the 550D vs the 500D
Canon EOS 1100D 1 year newer $484 - $648 (body only) $570 - $659 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the 1100D (vs the 500D) Significantly longer battery life: 800 shots vs 400 shots Significant disadvantages of the 1100D (vs the 500D) Much smaller screen: 2.7" vs 3.0" Significantly lower resolution screen: 230k dots vs 920k dots Lower resolution movies: 720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 20fps common strengths of the 1100D and 500D Many lenses available: 162 lenses vs 162 lenses Light weight: 459 g vs 520 g
	Compare the 1100D vs the 500D
Nikon D3100 1 year newer $500 - $984 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D3100 (vs the 500D) Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 919 ISO vs 663 ISO Better color depth: 22.5 bits vs 21.7 bits Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the D3100 (vs the 500D) Significantly lower resolution screen: 230k dots vs 920k dots Significantly more shutter lag: 279 ms vs 159 ms Doesn't have a built-in focus motor common strengths of the D3100 and 500D Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 24fps vs 1080p @ 20fps Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0" Minimal startup delay: 400 ms vs 300 ms
	Compare the Nikon D3100 vs the Canon EOS 500D
Canon EOS 600D 1 year newer $860 - $1,035 (body only) $922 - $1,099 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the 600D (vs the 500D) Better color depth: 22.1 bits vs 21.7 bits Has an external mic jack Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the 600D (vs the 500D) Much more startup delay: 1500 ms vs 300 ms Significantly more shutter lag: 283 ms vs 159 ms Significantly larger: Professional size 133x99x79 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm common strengths of the 600D and 500D Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 20fps High resolution screens: 1,040k dots vs 920k dots Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
	Compare the 600D vs the 500D
Nikon D5100 2 years newer $650 - $749 (body only) $600 - $750 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D5100 (vs the 500D) Much lower noise at high ISO: 1,183 ISO vs 663 ISO Much better image quality: 80.0 vs 63.0 Better color depth: 23.5 bits vs 21.7 bits Significant disadvantages of the D5100 (vs the 500D) Significantly more shutter lag: 273 ms vs 159 ms Doesn't have a built-in focus motor Larger: Prosumer size 127x96x78 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm common strengths of the D5100 and 500D Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 20fps High resolution screens: 920k dots vs 920k dots Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
	Compare the Nikon D5100 vs the Canon EOS 500D
Canon EOS 450D 1 year older $803 (body only)	Significant advantages of the 450D (vs the 500D) None found Significant disadvantages of the 450D (vs the 500D) Does not take movies: None vs 1080p @ 20fps Significantly lower resolution screen: 230k dots vs 920k dots Lower true resolution: 12.2 MP vs 15.1 MP common strengths of the 450D and 500D Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0" Minimal startup delay: 400 ms vs 300 ms Many lenses available: 162 lenses vs 162 lenses
	Compare the 450D vs the 500D

Generally, some of the advantages of the Canon 500D compared to pro DSLR competitors include: it records higher quality movies (1080p @ 20fps vs none), has a slightly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.5"), has a slightly higher resolution screen (920k dots vs 230k dots), lets you preview your photos on the screen and is newer (march, 2009 vs august, 2007).

However, on average it is slightly more noisy at high ISO (663 ISO vs 1,368 ISO), has slightly lower image quality (63.0 vs 71.0), has significantly less color depth (21.7 bits vs 22.9 bits), slightly smaller viewfinder (0.54x vs 0.71x) and it's body is not weather sealed.

Canon EOS 60D 1 year newer $899 - $1,304 (body only) $1,138 - $1,342 18-135mm lens	Significant advantages of the 60D (vs the 500D) Better color depth: 22.2 bits vs 21.7 bits Has an external mic jack Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the 60D (vs the 500D) More shutter lag: 253 ms vs 159 ms Larger: Professional size 145x106x79 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm Much thicker: 3.1" vs 2.4" common strengths of the 60D and 500D Many lenses available: 162 lenses vs 162 lenses Fairly small: Professional size 145x106x79 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm Light weight: 755 g vs 520 g
	Compare the 60D vs the 500D
Canon EOS 7D 5 months newer $1,329 - $1,821 (body only) $1,498 - $1,800 28-135mm lens	Significant advantages of the 7D (vs the 500D) Better color depth: 22 bits vs 21.7 bits Has an external mic jack Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the 7D (vs the 500D) Larger: Professional size 148x111x74 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm Significantly thicker: 2.9" vs 2.4" Significantly heavier: 860 g vs 520 g common strengths of the 7D and 500D Many lenses available: 162 lenses vs 162 lenses Fairly small: Professional size 148x111x74 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm Thin: 2.9" vs 2.4"
	Compare the 7D vs the 500D
Canon EOS 40D 1 year older $1,000 (body only)	Significant advantages of the 40D (vs the 500D) Better color depth: 22.1 bits vs 21.7 bits Shoots faster: 6.5 fps vs 3.4 fps Much faster max shutter speed: 1/8000 of a second vs 1/4000 of a second Significant disadvantages of the 40D (vs the 500D) Does not take movies: None vs 1080p @ 20fps Much lower resolution screen: 230k dots vs 920k dots Lower true resolution: 10.1 MP vs 15.1 MP common strengths of the 40D and 500D Many lenses available: 162 lenses vs 162 lenses Fairly small: Professional size 146x108x74 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm Thin: 2.9" vs 2.4"
	Compare the 40D vs the 500D
Canon EOS 50D 7 months older $1,282 - $1,299 (body only) $1,625 28-135mm lens	Significant advantages of the 50D (vs the 500D) Much faster max shutter speed: 1/8000 of a second vs 1/4000 of a second Significant disadvantages of the 50D (vs the 500D) Does not take movies: None vs 1080p @ 20fps Significantly thicker: 2.9" vs 2.4" Significantly heavier: 822 g vs 520 g common strengths of the 50D and 500D Many lenses available: 162 lenses vs 162 lenses Fairly small: Professional size 146x108x74 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm Thin: 2.9" vs 2.4"
	Compare the 50D vs the 500D
Canon EOS 5D Mark II 6 months older $2,400 (body only) $2,799 - $2,839 24-105mm lens	Significant advantages of the 5D Mark II (vs the 500D) Much lower noise at high ISO: 1,815 ISO vs 663 ISO Much better image quality: 79.0 vs 63.0 Better color depth: 23.7 bits vs 21.7 bits Significant disadvantages of the 5D Mark II (vs the 500D) Significantly larger: Professional size 152x114x75 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm Significantly thicker: 3" vs 2.4" Significantly heavier: 850 g vs 520 g common strengths of the 5D Mark II and 500D Fairly small: Professional size 152x114x75 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm Thin: 3" vs 2.4" Light weight: 850 g vs 520 g
	Compare the 5D Mark II vs the 500D
Canon EOS 5D 3 years older $3,279 24-105mm lens	Significant advantages of the 5D (vs the 500D) Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 1,368 ISO vs 663 ISO Better color depth: 22.9 bits vs 21.7 bits Better image quality: 71.0 vs 63.0 Significant disadvantages of the 5D (vs the 500D) Much smaller screen: 2.5" vs 3.0" Does not take movies: None vs 1080p @ 20fps Much lower resolution screen: 230k dots vs 920k dots common strengths of the 5D and 500D Fairly small: Professional size 152x113x75 mm vs Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm Thin: 3" vs 2.4"
	Compare the 5D vs the 500D

Generally, some of the advantages of the Canon 500D compared to mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it records higher quality movies (1080p @ 20fps vs 720p @ 30fps), has a viewfinder (pentamirror vs none), has much less startup delay (300 ms vs 1900 ms), has significantly less shutter lag (159 ms vs 441 ms) and much more lenses available (162 lenses vs 8 lenses).

However, on average it is slightly more noisy at high ISO (663 ISO vs 1,079 ISO), has slightly lower image quality (63.0 vs 77.0), has slightly less color depth (21.7 bits vs 23.6 bits), has slightly narrower dynamic range (11.5 EV vs 12.7 EV) and much lower maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 25,600 ISO).

Sony Alpha NEX-5 1 year newer $569 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-5 (vs the 500D) Has in-camera HDR Has a flip-out screen Can create panoramas in-camera Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5 (vs the 500D) Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 162 lenses Many fewer cross-type focus points: 0 vs 1 No viewfinder: None vs Pentamirror common strengths of the NEX-5 and 500D Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 20fps High resolution screens: 920k dots vs 920k dots Good dynamic range: 12.2 EV vs 11.5 EV
	Compare the Sony Alpha NEX-5 vs the Canon EOS 500D
Sony Alpha NEX-3 1 year newer $479 - $548 16mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-3 (vs the 500D) Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None Has more storage slots: 2 vs 1 Has an external mic jack Significant disadvantages of the NEX-3 (vs the 500D) Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 162 lenses Lower resolution movies: 720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 20fps Many fewer cross-type focus points: 0 vs 1 common strengths of the NEX-3 and 500D High resolution screens: 920k dots vs 920k dots Good dynamic range: 12 EV vs 11.5 EV Minimal startup delay: 1000 ms vs 300 ms
	Compare the Sony Alpha NEX-3 vs the Canon EOS 500D
Sony NEX-5N 2 years newer $599 - $600 (body only) $698 - $699 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-5N (vs the 500D) Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 1,079 ISO vs 663 ISO Better maximum light sensitivity: 25,600 ISO vs 3,200 ISO Significantly better image quality: 77.0 vs 63.0 Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5N (vs the 500D) Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 162 lenses Much more startup delay: 1900 ms vs 300 ms No viewfinder: None vs Pentamirror common strengths of the NEX-5N and 500D Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 20fps High resolution screens: 920k dots vs 920k dots Good dynamic range: 12.7 EV vs 11.5 EV
	Compare the Sony NEX-5N vs the Canon EOS 500D

Generally, some of the advantages of the Canon 500D compared to super zoom competitors include: it has a slightly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.7"), has a slightly higher resolution screen (920k dots vs 460k dots), is significantly smaller (prosumer size 129x98x62 mm vs large 130x90x126 mm), takes much higher resolution photos (15.1 MP vs 9.7 MP) and has a much larger sensor (APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm).

However, on average it doesn't record high-speed movies (none vs 320 fps), doesn't have image stabilization (none vs lens), significantly lower maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 12,800 ISO), doesn't record movies in 24p and doesn't shoot as fast continuously (3.4 fps vs 10 fps).

Fujifilm FinePix HS22 1 year newer	Significant advantages of the HS22 (vs the 500D) Better maximum light sensitivity: 12,800 ISO vs 3,200 ISO Has a flip-out screen Records high-speed movies: 320 fps vs None Significant disadvantages of the HS22 (vs the 500D) Much smaller sensor: 1/2" 6.4x4.8mm vs APS-C 22.3x14.9mm Slower autofocus: Contrast detection vs Phase detection Much lower true resolution: 10.6 MP vs 15.1 MP common strengths of the HS22 and 500D Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 20fps Capture very high resolution images: 10.6 MP vs 15.1 MP Better sensor types: CMOS vs CMOS
	Compare the Fujifilm FinePix HS22 EXR vs the Canon EOS 500D
Nikon Coolpix P500 1 year newer $339 - $350	Significant advantages of the P500 (vs the 500D) Has a flip-out screen Image stabilization: Sensor shift vs None Records high-speed movies: 240 fps vs None Significant disadvantages of the P500 (vs the 500D) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs APS-C 22.3x14.9mm Slower autofocus: Contrast detection vs Phase detection Much lower true resolution: 9.7 MP vs 15.1 MP common strengths of the P500 and 500D Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 20fps High resolution screens: 920k dots vs 920k dots Better sensor types: CMOS vs CMOS
	Compare the Nikon Coolpix P500 vs the Canon EOS 500D
Canon Powershot SX40 2 years newer $379	Significant advantages of the SX40 (vs the 500D) Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None Image stabilization: Lens vs None Has a flip-out screen Significant disadvantages of the SX40 (vs the 500D) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs APS-C 22.3x14.9mm Slower autofocus: Contrast detection vs Phase detection Much lower true resolution: 9.7 MP vs 15.1 MP common strengths of the SX40 and 500D Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 24fps vs 1080p @ 20fps Better sensor types: CMOS vs CMOS Support external flash
	Compare the Powershot SX40 vs the EOS 500D