Canon EOS 500D (EOS Kiss Digital X3 / EOS Rebel T1i) review

I've used this camera for two weeks now, and it's a very good piece of kit. While it has a few niggles that could be addressed, overall, I'm very satisfied.

I gave it 4.0 for Construction because at this price range, you're going to have to make sacrifices somewhere. But, In saying that, it isn't as nasty as say the 1000D, which has a smooth almost fine sand-paper like grip which feels uncomfortable and really nasty. While it is comfortable for me to hold (because my hands fit this camera exactly), those with larger hands may find it uncomfortable to hold for a long time (but a battery grip may be the solution to this).

I expect that most people that are using this camera aren't going to be the highest level professionals, and therefore aren't going to need or even bother with all of the features. The screen is clear and bright, and the menu is very easy to navigate. The way it handles all the 'necessary' functions is great, and keeps it relatively de-cluttered, while those that want to toy around with the more advanced functions can do so from the Custom Functions sub-menu, which is a little treat for those who wish to maximize their camera's ability.

I put 3 for image quality, because to make use of the extra Megapixels over the 450D, you're going to need quality lenses. I've used the supplied Kit lens, and while good for it's price, it doesn't draw out all of the pixels, and image quality feels low for the price. But, sharpening can improve the quality (with reasonable sharpening that is, over-the-top sharpening will just enhance noise and other artefacts that might be in the image). So if you're willing to buy some good lenses to go with the camera, I'd give image quality 4.5, because it wont disappoint.

The camera is very easy to use. The features most people need are there and easy to find, and the rest are in a handy little sub-menu. Since it's a DSLR, it's reasonably complicated (compared to Digital Compacts), but previous DSLR users will feel at home with it.

I bought my 500D in a local shop for £569.99, and for this price, it's a very good camera. However, I've seen them go for much higher, where the value for money drops considerably (if you find one for £800, you're better off going with the 50D).

Problems:

Video Recording is really limited to 720p for fast moving objects, as 1080p can produce some nasty effects while panning.

It also tends to overexpose things in broad daylight, but a little post processing will fix this. Or even Exposure Compensation will fix it.