The Canon EOS 500D is virtually identical to its predecessor, the EOS 450D, with the only notable additions being a HDMI connection, speaker and microphone holes and a shiny silver mode dial. The camera’s dimensions are exactly the same (128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9 mm) and the weight too (480g). You’d be hard-pressed to tell the two cameras apart if their name badges were hidden.
Holding the camera is slightly awkward because the EOS 500D’s comparatively small body size means that the grip isn’t particularly deep and people with large hands (like me) may find that their little finger has nowhere to go. Definitely something to consider, and worth a trip to your local camera shop to try out the 500D in person.
The Canon EOS 500D looks and feels more expensive than it actually is, and certainly solid enough for a mid-range DSLR, although not in the same league as the EOS 50D model.
