What's So Great About the New Canon Eos 500D?

What's so great about the new Canon Eos 500D, anyway?  Doesn't Canon already have enough offerings out there that they don't need to throw any more in our direction?  Really, isn't' the Eos 500D just gratuitous?

Actually, no.  It has several features that are usually only available on professional-level models, but it costs slightly less than $900.  What are the features that make it provide such a big bang for the buck?

1.  DIGIC 4 professional-level processor.  This is the powerhouse of the new Eos 500D.  The DIGIC 4 means that the camera keeps low noise all the way up to 800 ISO, so you can get clear shots of everything but Jake Peavy's pitches or a cheetah running downhill.

The processor also lets users take great VGA-quality video.  It records a 1920x1080-size image, 720p at 30 frames per second.  This is the standard for Internet playback and allows anyone to easily show off their expertise on YouTube or their own website.

2.  Compatibility.  Not only is the 500D compatible with all of the Eos Speedlites--it's also compatible with every Canon lens currently on the market.  So if you already have a super-telephoto, wide-angle, or any large-aperture lens--even the ones made for the Canon's professional models--you'll find using them with your new 500D a snap (literally!)

3.  Excellent user interface.  Canon has changed the Eos 500D up a little from the rest of the Eos line.  Perhaps most important is its new vertical control dial which replaces the standard horizontal one.

This new vertical dial should lower thumb-flicking accidents that can either throw the shot out of focus, resulting either in a bad shot or potentially causing the photographer to loose a shot while he or she re-adjusts.

4.  Low learning curve.  The 500D is just one generation down form Canon's XSi.  It weighs the same--1.2 pounds--and has the same basic body.  This means that users of the XSi can adjust to it without problem.  It also means that new Canon owners should have an easy time aiming and steadying the new 500D--Canon's most advanced amateur model to date!