Difference Between Canon EOS 50D and Canon EOS 500D

Canon EOS 50D Canon EOS 500D

The EOS 50D and the EOS 500D, also known as the Digital Rebel T1i, are two cameras from Canon. But one is an entry level camera while the other is a higher offering and we would soon learn why. A lot of things between these two are identical, like their sensors, image processors, connectivity options, and a lot more. To learn about their differences, let’s start with the bodies of both cameras. The 50D is housed in a magnesium alloy that is very sturdy while the 500D is housed inside a plastic body with steel chassis. Coincidentally, this also makes the 50D a much heavier camera than the 500D by roughly half a pound.

As the 500D is an entry level offering, it needs to include features that a lot of users have come to expect from ordinary point and shoot cameras; one of which is video recording. The 500D is able to record video up to a resolution of 1080p. The 50D makes no attempt to include this capability.

In the hands of a novice, the 500D seems to equal the 50D if not superior. But in the hands of an experienced photographer, the 50D shines. The biggest advantage the 50D has over the 500D is speed. Its shutter can expose the sensor for as little as 1/8000 of a second while the 500D can only achieve half that speed at 1/4000. The faster shutter speed allows the photographer to capture extremely fast moving subjects with minimized or no blur at all. A good example would be the wings of a hummingbird. If your shutter speed is not fast enough, the wings would show as a blur rather than as a distinct wing. In some cases this is desirable while not in others. The 50D simply gives you the freedom to choose.

Another advantage of the 50D is in continuous shooting, which again is very useful in sports photography. It can capture up to 6.3 frames per second while the 500D can only shoot up to 3.4 frames per second.

Summary:

1. The body of the 50D is made out of magnesium alloy while that of the 500D is made out of plastic

2. The 50D is a lot heavier than the 500D

3. The 50D cannot record video while the 500D can

4. The 50D has a much faster shutter speed than the 500D

5. The 50D can continuously capture more frames per second than the 500D

Sharing is caring!