Comparison

Model

Canon EOS 550D

Canon EOS 500D

Effective Pixels

Approx. 18.00 megapixels

Approx. 15.10 megapixels

Total Pixels

18.00 megapixels

15.10 megapixels

Startup Time

0.1sec.

0.1 sec.

Max. Resolution (still images)

5184 x 3456

4752 x 3168

Effective ISO

ISO 100 - 6400, expandable to ISO 12800

ISO 100 - 3200, expandable to 6400 & ISO 12800

JPEG Compression Mode (Still Image)

-

-

Movie Mode

MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM); Recording size: 1920 x 1080: 24fps / 25fps / 30fps(Full HD), 1280 x 720:50fps / 60fps and 640 x 480:50fps / 60fps (SD / movie crop)

MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM); Recording size: 1920 x 1080:20fps (Full HD), 1280 x 720:30fps and 640 x 480:30fps (SD)

Focal Length (35mm Equivalent)

-

-

Optical Zoom / Digital Zoom

-

-

Closest Focus Distance

-

-

Recording Capacity (no. of images)

The data is measured under Canon's testing standard AND may vary depending ON the scene, subjects OR camera settings

-

-

Memory Card TYPE

SD, SDHC and SDXC card

SD and SDHC card

Shooting Modes

Still photo shooting and movie shooting

Still photo shooting and movie shooting

Photo Effects

-

-

Shutter Speed Range

1/4000sec. to 30secs., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.) X-sync at 1/200sec.

1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.) X-sync at 1/200 sec.

Metering

TTL full aperture metering with 63-zone SPC, Evaluative metering (linkable to all AF points), Partial metering (approx. 9% of viewfinder at center), Spot metering (center, approx. 4% viewfinder), Center-weighted average metering

Evaluating metering with the image sensor (still photos) / Center-weighted average metering (movies)

Metering Range

EV 1 - 20 (at 23°C / 73°F with EF50mm f/1.4 lens, ISO 100)

EV 0-20 (at 23°C/73°F with EF50mm f/1.4 lens, ISO 100)

Continuous Shooting Speed

Max. approx. 3.7 shots/sec.

Max. approx. 3.4 shots/sec.

Viewfinder TYPE

Eye-level pentamirror

Eye-level pentamirror

LCD Monitor

TFT colour liquid-crystal monitor

TFT colour liquid-crystal monitor

Coverage Vertical/ Horizontal

approx. 95%

Approx. 100%

Eyepoint

Approx. 19mm (From eyepiece lens center at -1m-1)

Approx. 19mm (From eyepiece lens center at -1m-1)

Dioptre Correction

-3.0 - +1.0m - 1dpt

-3.0 - +1.0 m-1dpt

Mirror

Quick-return type

Quick-return type

Viewfinder Information

-

-

Coverage

Approx. 100%

Vertical/Horizontal approx. 95%

Brightness

Manual (7 levels)

Manual (7 levels)

Flash Modes

E-TTL II autoflash (evaluative, average), FE lock

E-TTL II autoflash (evaluative, average), FE lock

Hotshoe PC Terminal

-

-

X-sync

1/200sec.

1/200 sec.

Playback Zoom

Approx. 1.5x - 10x

Approx. 1.5x - 10x

CONNECTION TO Computer

For personal computer communication and direct printing (Hi-Speed USB) , audio (stereo)/video output (NTSC/PAL)

For personal computer communication and direct printing (Hi-Speed USB) , audio/video output (NTSC/PAL)

Direct printing without a computer

Yes (PictBridge-compatible printers)

Yes (PictBridge-compatible printers)

Optional CASE

-

-

Dimensions (W x H x D) Excl. Protrusions

128.8 x 97.5 x 75.3mm / 5.1 x 3.8 x 3.0in.

128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9 mm / 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in.

Weight (Body ONLY)

Approx. 475g / 16.8oz. (body only)

Approx. 480g / 16.9oz. (body only)

Standard Power Supply

Battery Pack LP-E8

Battery Pack LP-E5

Optional Power

AC Adapter Kit ACK-E8, 6 size-AA/LR6 batteries or 2 LP-E8 battery packs with Battery Grip BG-E8 attached

AC Adapter Kit ACK-E5, 6 size-AA/LR6 batteries or 2 LP-E5 battery packs with Battery Grip BG-E5 attached

Cartridges

-

-

Low pass filter

-

-

Colour filter TYPE

-

-

Processor TYPE

DIGIC 4

DIGIC 4

AF System Points

9-point AF

9-point AF

AF modes

Autofocus, One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing

One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing

AF point selection

-

-

Selected AF point Display

-

-

Predictive AF

-

-

AF lock

-

-

AF assist beam

Intermittent firing of built-in flash, Effective range: Approx. 4.0m / 13.1ft. at center, approx 3.5m / 11.5ft at periphery (with an EOS-dedicated Speedlite attached, the Speedlite's AF-assist beam is emitted instead)

Intermittent firing of built-in flash, Effective range: Approx. 4.0m/13.1 ft. at center, approx 3.5m/11.5ft at periphery (with an EOS-dedicated Speedlite attached, the Speedlite's AF-assist beam is emitted instead)

Manual Focus

5x / 10x magnification possible

5x/10x magnification possible

AE Lock

Auto:Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved, Manual:By AE lock button

Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved
Manual:By AE lock button

Exposure Compensation

+/-5 stops in 1/3-stop or ½ stop increments, +/- 2 stops for Manual and AEB correction

+/-3 stops in 1/3-stop or 1/2-half increments, Manual and AEB correction

AEB

-

-

Shutter

Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter

Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter

Speed

1/4000sec. to 30secs., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.) X-sync at 1/200sec.

1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.) X-sync at 1/200 sec.

Shutter Release

-

-

White Balance TYPE

Auto (AWB), daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, light, white fluorescent light, flash, custom (custom WB)

Auto (AWB), daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, light, white fluorescent light, flash, custom (custom WB)

White Balance Settings

Auto (AWB), daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, light, white fluorescent light, flash, custom (custom WB)

Auto (AWB), daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, light, white fluorescent light, flash, custom (custom WB)

WB Bracketing

-

-

Red Eye Reduction

-

-

Flash Exposure Compensation

-

-

Flash Exposure Bracketing

-

-

SECOND Curtain Synchronisation

-

-

Built IN flash range

-

-

Guide NUMBER ISO 100 metres

13/43

13/43

Continuous Shooting

Max. approx. 3.7 shots/sec.

Max. approx. 3.4 shots/sec.

Intervalometer

-

-

Image SIZE

(1) Large: Approx. 17.90 megapixels (5184 x 3456)
(2) Medium: Approx. 8.00 megapixels (3456 x 2304)
(3) Small: Approx. 4.50 megapixels (2592 x 1728)
(4) RAW: Approx. 17.90 megapixels (5184 x 3456)

(1) Large: Approx. 15.10 megapixels (4752 x 3168)
(2) Medium: Approx. 8.00 megapixels
(3456 x 2304)
(3) Small: Approx. 3.70 megapixels (2352 x 1568)
(4) RAW: Approx. 15.10 megapixels (4752 x 3168)

Movies

MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM); Recording size: 1920 x 1080: 24fps / 25fps / 30fps(Full HD), 1280 x 720:50fps / 60fps and 640 x 480:50fps / 60fps (SD / movie crop)

MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM); Recording size: 1920 x 1080:20fps (Full HD), 1280 x 720:30fps and 640 x 480:30fps (SD)

Movie LENGTH

-

-

Still Image Format

JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original) RAW + JPEG simultaneous recording possible

JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original) RAW + JPEG simultaneous recording possible

RAW compression/ JPEG compression simultaneous recording

-

-

File Numbering

Consecutive numbering, auto reset and manual reset

Consecutive numbering, auto reset and manual reset

Processing Parameters

-

-

Sound Files

-

-

Custom Functions

-

-

Personal Functions

-

-

Comparison

Model

Canon EOS 550D

Canon EOS 500D

Effective Pixels

Approx. 18.00 megapixels

Approx. 15.10 megapixels

Total Pixels

18.00 megapixels

15.10 megapixels

Startup Time

0.1sec.

0.1 sec.

Max. Resolution (still images)

5184 x 3456

4752 x 3168

Effective ISO

ISO 100 - 6400, expandable to ISO 12800

ISO 100 - 3200, expandable to 6400 & ISO 12800

JPEG Compression Mode (Still Image)

-

-

Movie Mode

MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM); Recording size: 1920 x 1080: 24fps / 25fps / 30fps(Full HD), 1280 x 720:50fps / 60fps and 640 x 480:50fps / 60fps (SD / movie crop)

MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM); Recording size: 1920 x 1080:20fps (Full HD), 1280 x 720:30fps and 640 x 480:30fps (SD)

Focal Length (35mm Equivalent)

-

-

Optical Zoom / Digital Zoom

-

-

Closest Focus Distance

-

-

Recording Capacity (no. of images)

The data is measured under Canon's testing standard AND may vary depending ON the scene, subjects OR camera settings

-

-

Memory Card TYPE

SD, SDHC and SDXC card

SD and SDHC card

Shooting Modes

Still photo shooting and movie shooting

Still photo shooting and movie shooting

Photo Effects

-

-

Shutter Speed Range

1/4000sec. to 30secs., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.) X-sync at 1/200sec.

1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.) X-sync at 1/200 sec.

Metering

TTL full aperture metering with 63-zone SPC, Evaluative metering (linkable to all AF points), Partial metering (approx. 9% of viewfinder at center), Spot metering (center, approx. 4% viewfinder), Center-weighted average metering

Evaluating metering with the image sensor (still photos) / Center-weighted average metering (movies)

Metering Range

EV 1 - 20 (at 23°C / 73°F with EF50mm f/1.4 lens, ISO 100)

EV 0-20 (at 23°C/73°F with EF50mm f/1.4 lens, ISO 100)

Continuous Shooting Speed

Max. approx. 3.7 shots/sec.

Max. approx. 3.4 shots/sec.

Viewfinder TYPE

Eye-level pentamirror

Eye-level pentamirror

LCD Monitor

TFT colour liquid-crystal monitor

TFT colour liquid-crystal monitor

Coverage Vertical/ Horizontal

approx. 95%

Approx. 100%

Eyepoint

Approx. 19mm (From eyepiece lens center at -1m-1)

Approx. 19mm (From eyepiece lens center at -1m-1)

Dioptre Correction

-3.0 - +1.0m - 1dpt

-3.0 - +1.0 m-1dpt

Mirror

Quick-return type

Quick-return type

Viewfinder Information

-

-

Coverage

Approx. 100%

Vertical/Horizontal approx. 95%

Brightness

Manual (7 levels)

Manual (7 levels)

Flash Modes

E-TTL II autoflash (evaluative, average), FE lock

E-TTL II autoflash (evaluative, average), FE lock

Hotshoe PC Terminal

-

-

X-sync

1/200sec.

1/200 sec.

Playback Zoom

Approx. 1.5x - 10x

Approx. 1.5x - 10x

CONNECTION TO Computer

For personal computer communication and direct printing (Hi-Speed USB) , audio (stereo)/video output (NTSC/PAL)

For personal computer communication and direct printing (Hi-Speed USB) , audio/video output (NTSC/PAL)

Direct printing without a computer

Yes (PictBridge-compatible printers)

Yes (PictBridge-compatible printers)

Optional CASE

-

-

Dimensions (W x H x D) Excl. Protrusions

128.8 x 97.5 x 75.3mm / 5.1 x 3.8 x 3.0in.

128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9 mm / 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in.

Weight (Body ONLY)

Approx. 475g / 16.8oz. (body only)

Approx. 480g / 16.9oz. (body only)

Standard Power Supply

Battery Pack LP-E8

Battery Pack LP-E5

Optional Power

AC Adapter Kit ACK-E8, 6 size-AA/LR6 batteries or 2 LP-E8 battery packs with Battery Grip BG-E8 attached

AC Adapter Kit ACK-E5, 6 size-AA/LR6 batteries or 2 LP-E5 battery packs with Battery Grip BG-E5 attached

Cartridges

-

-

Low pass filter

-

-

Colour filter TYPE

-

-

Processor TYPE

DIGIC 4

DIGIC 4

AF System Points

9-point AF

9-point AF

AF modes

Autofocus, One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing

One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing

AF point selection

-

-

Selected AF point Display

-

-

Predictive AF

-

-

AF lock

-

-

AF assist beam

Intermittent firing of built-in flash, Effective range: Approx. 4.0m / 13.1ft. at center, approx 3.5m / 11.5ft at periphery (with an EOS-dedicated Speedlite attached, the Speedlite's AF-assist beam is emitted instead)

Intermittent firing of built-in flash, Effective range: Approx. 4.0m/13.1 ft. at center, approx 3.5m/11.5ft at periphery (with an EOS-dedicated Speedlite attached, the Speedlite's AF-assist beam is emitted instead)

Manual Focus

5x / 10x magnification possible

5x/10x magnification possible

AE Lock

Auto:Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved, Manual:By AE lock button

Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved
Manual:By AE lock button

Exposure Compensation

+/-5 stops in 1/3-stop or ½ stop increments, +/- 2 stops for Manual and AEB correction

+/-3 stops in 1/3-stop or 1/2-half increments, Manual and AEB correction

AEB

-

-

Shutter

Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter

Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter

Speed

1/4000sec. to 30secs., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.) X-sync at 1/200sec.

1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.) X-sync at 1/200 sec.

Shutter Release

-

-

White Balance TYPE

Auto (AWB), daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, light, white fluorescent light, flash, custom (custom WB)

Auto (AWB), daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, light, white fluorescent light, flash, custom (custom WB)

White Balance Settings

Auto (AWB), daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, light, white fluorescent light, flash, custom (custom WB)

Auto (AWB), daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, light, white fluorescent light, flash, custom (custom WB)

WB Bracketing

-

-

Red Eye Reduction

-

-

Flash Exposure Compensation

-

-

Flash Exposure Bracketing

-

-

SECOND Curtain Synchronisation

-

-

Built IN flash range

-

-

Guide NUMBER ISO 100 metres

13/43

13/43

Continuous Shooting

Max. approx. 3.7 shots/sec.

Max. approx. 3.4 shots/sec.

Intervalometer

-

-

Image SIZE

(1) Large: Approx. 17.90 megapixels (5184 x 3456)
(2) Medium: Approx. 8.00 megapixels (3456 x 2304)
(3) Small: Approx. 4.50 megapixels (2592 x 1728)
(4) RAW: Approx. 17.90 megapixels (5184 x 3456)

(1) Large: Approx. 15.10 megapixels (4752 x 3168)
(2) Medium: Approx. 8.00 megapixels
(3456 x 2304)
(3) Small: Approx. 3.70 megapixels (2352 x 1568)
(4) RAW: Approx. 15.10 megapixels (4752 x 3168)

Movies

MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM); Recording size: 1920 x 1080: 24fps / 25fps / 30fps(Full HD), 1280 x 720:50fps / 60fps and 640 x 480:50fps / 60fps (SD / movie crop)

MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM); Recording size: 1920 x 1080:20fps (Full HD), 1280 x 720:30fps and 640 x 480:30fps (SD)

Movie LENGTH

-

-

Still Image Format

JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original) RAW + JPEG simultaneous recording possible

JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original) RAW + JPEG simultaneous recording possible

RAW compression/ JPEG compression simultaneous recording

-

-

File Numbering

Consecutive numbering, auto reset and manual reset

Consecutive numbering, auto reset and manual reset

Processing Parameters

-

-

Sound Files

-

-

Custom Functions

-

-

Personal Functions

-

-