Canon is adding a sophisticated new model to its EOS DSLR line-up, the EOS 500D.

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leadpic_EOS500D

March 25, 2009: Canon is adding a sophisticated new model to its EOS DSLR line-up, the EOS 500D.
Positioned between the EOS 450D and the ESO40D, the EOS 500D combines features of the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II. The new model’s body has a stainless steel core and polycarbonate resin casing with glass fibre reinforcement for additional strength. It is equipped with a Canon-developed and manufactured CMOS image sensor that offers an effective resolution of 15.1 megapixels. The fast speed of the DiG!C 4 image processor supports Live View shooting and enables the EOS 500D to become the first entry-level DSLR to include Full High Definition movie recording. (TV-quality 9VGA) movie recording is also available. As in the EOS 5D Mark II, ISO sensitivity settings range from 100 to 3200 in normal mode with extensions to H1 at ISO 6400 and H2 at ISO 12800 available.

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Front view of the EOS 500D with the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens that will be offered in the Premium kit. (Source: Canon.)

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EOS500D_front

Front view of the EOS 500D body without a lens attached. (Source: Canon.)

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EOS500D_back

Rear view showing the large VGA-resolution LCD monitor with the shooting information displayed. (Source: Canon.)

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EOS500D_top

Top view of the EOS 500D with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, showing the mode dial, grip and some key controls. (Source: Canon.)

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A cutaway view of the EOS 500D body. (Source: Canon.)
Movies and stills can be viewed easily on the camera’s VGA-resolution (920,000 dots) 3.0-inch LCD screen, which features an anti-reflection and anti-smudging coating. In another first for Canon entry-level EOS cameras, the 500D adds a Face Detection mode to Live View shooting. The new model also includes special Auto Lighting Optimiser and Peripheral Illumination Correction tools to ensure high-quality images.
The EOS 500D body will be available from May 2009 through Canon dealers nationally. It will be offered as Body Only, in Single IS Kit (with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS), Twin IS kit (with EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS), Enthusiast Kit (with EF-17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM) and Premium kit (with EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS).
Released concurrently with the EOS 500D is the new 270EX Speedlite, which replaces the entry-level 220EX model. Compact and lightweight, the 270EX Speedlite features a new bounce-flash capability and can be used with all EOS DSLR cameras plus some high-end digicams, including the PowerShot G10.

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Speedlite270EX_front

Front view of the new 270EX Speedlite. (Source: Canon.)

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Speedlite270EX_side

Side view of the new 270EX Speedlite showing its adjustable head positioned for bounce-flash. (Source: Canon.)
Pricing has still to be confirmed for the EOS 500D body and its various kit offerings as well as for the 270EX Speedlite. For more information on both products, phone Canon on 1800 021 167 or visit www.canon.com.au.

 

Image sensor: 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor with 15.1 megapixels effective
A/D processing: 14-bit

Lens mount: Canon EF/EF-S
Focal length crop factor: 1.6x
Image formats: Stills ““ JPEG, CR2.RAW; Movies – MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM)
Image Sizes: Stills – 4752 x 3168, 3456 x 2304, 2352 x 1568; Movies – HD: 1920 x 1080 (16:9), SD: 640 x 480 (4:3) both at 30 fps
Image Stabilisation: Lens-based

Dust removal: EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Shutter speed range: 1/4000 sec ““ 30, bulb, X-sync at 1/200 sec.

Exposure Compensation: Manual, ±2EV in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments