Canon 500D (Rebel T1i)

[karriemouse]

Hi

I currently have the 350d and am looking to upgrade the body - but can't decide on the 450d or 500d. I'm going round in circles!

The video capability is not really important to me - what is important is image quality. I don't have much time to do a lot of post-processing so good image quality straight from the camera is important. I usually shoot in RAW or on the RAW & Jpeg mode and do a little post-processing. I am still learning.

The difference in price would more than buy the nifty fifty I have my eye on; I already have two L zooms, the 35-105 and 70-200 (don't use the second one as much as I should).

If you have used/owned/taken pictures with these cameras I would really appreciate your thoughts - I have surfed the net and found so many reviews and comments most of which seem to contraindicate each other!

Thanks in advance.

PS I have looked at the 40d and loved it but for the fact that I have small hands and couldn't hold it comfortably. So much as I would like it - it's not practical.

 

[bob100]

Hi

I currently have the 350d and am looking to upgrade the body - but can't decide on the 450d or 500d. I'm going round in circles!

The video capability is not really important to me - what is important is image quality. I don't have much time to do a lot of post-processing so good image quality straight from the camera is important. I usually shoot in RAW or on the RAW & Jpeg mode and do a little post-processing. I am still learning.
The difference in price would more than buy the nifty fifty I have my eye on; I already have two L zooms, the 35-105 and 70-200 (don't use the second one as much as I should).
If you have used/owned/taken pictures with these cameras I would really appreciate your thoughts - I have surfed the net and found so many reviews and comments most of which seem to contraindicate each other!
Thanks in advance.
PS I have looked at the 40d and loved it but for the fact that I have small hands and couldn't hold it comfortably. So much as I would like it - it's not practical.

this kind of question is asked all the time on the Canon forum and the usual answer is there's not much difference in image quality because they all have the same size sensor (350D - 450D - 500D 40D, etc.) If you already have the best "L" glass it may not make sense to upgrade if your primary goal is better image quality. I have an XSi (450D) but I like HD video and a higher FPS and of course a few more megapixels wouldn't hurt so when the 550D or 600D come out maybe I'll upgrade!
edit: I just saw where the newer Rebel T1i (500D) can go to 6400 ISO - that would be nice too.

 

[Frantasmic]

If your choice is the 450 or the 500, as bob states, there isn't a ton of difference in image quality. However, both will use the IS lenses and so it may be better to get the camera with the best lens' deal you can find.

The 500 does have the hd, more megapixels, the new Digic V, etc. Prices for it with the kit lens are around $850. You can get the XSi with two lens for about 50 bucks less.

The 500 also has a bigger ISO limit 3200 v. 1600 for the XSi.

So, you will have a bit more camera for 50 extra bucks. If you do have some good lenses from your 350, it might be a good idea to get the best camera for your money (the 500, IMO). If you don't have many lenses, I'd go with the XSi with some good lens' deals.

 

[boBQuincy]

If you are not concerned with video but are interested in image quality there is no reason to go with the 500. Images from the 450 are comparable, maybe slightly better in some cases/maybe not quite as good in others, but there is no significant difference. Going from 12 MP to 15 is a small jump, probably not noticeable in most normal conditions.

The higher ISO of the 500 appears to come at the expense of noise and reduction of detail in an effort to reduce the noise. There may be little difference in underexposing the 450 and boosting the apparent ISO in software.

I have a 450 and would not have hesitated to get a 500 if I saw *any* improvement in image quality but from the reviews I do not see any.

 

[karriemouse]

Thanks to you all for your answers. I'm still undecided but leaning towards the 450.

I'm not upgrading just for the increase in image quality as I realise this won't be too much, but also for the other features new since the 350.

Can't get excited over the video, so probably will keep it simpler and go with the 450.