Canon unveils 1080p HD video-shooting DSLR

EOS line extended

Canon has launched a 15.1Mp digital SLR camera that’s also able to capture full HD video.

Canon's EOS 500D: take snaps, record 1080p movies

The EOS 500D, designed as the next model up from the 450D – reviewed here - has top still-image continuous burst rate of 3.4f/s and a basic ISO sensitivity of between 100 and 3200, extensible up to 12,800 in certain shooting modes with reduced resolution.

Full 1080p HD video can be shot at up to 20f/s, but 30f/s movies can also be shot if you downgrade the resolution to 720p.

ISO 12,800 supported

Also known as the Rebel T1i in North America, the 500D incorporates a 3in LCD and is set up for Live View. Auto Focus works across nine sensor points and features a face-detection setting.

To help keep dust particles at bay, the camera features the integrated cleaning sSystem already seen on several other Canon DSLRs.

Live View and an HDMI port

The 500D’s body itself measures roughly 128 x 97 x 61mm and weighs in at 480g. The camera has an HDMI port for connecting it up to your telly. Images are stored on SD and SDHC memory cards.

The Canon EOS 400D will be available in the UK this May, for a body-only price of £870 ($1270/€943). But the body and an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens kit will cost £970 ($1416/€1051), while the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit will cost £1400 ($2044/€1517). ®