Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS-1D Mark III→Canon EOS 500D

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Canon

EOS-1D Mark III

£102 used

2007

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS 500D

£30 used (-£72)

2009

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the EOS-1D Mark III. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the EOS 500D

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	EOS-1D Mark III	EOS 500D
Price	£102 used	£30 used
Released	2007	2009	↑
Sensor	10.1MP APS-H CMOS	15.1MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	10MP	15MP	↑
Video	No video	Full HD 1080p/20, 720p/30
Autofocus	45-point phase-detect (19 cross-type + 26 assist) via viewfinder	9-point phase-detect (centre cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	10fps	3.4fps	↓
Battery Life	~2200 shots (CIPA)	~400 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1155g (body only)	530g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.76x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.87x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF / EF-S
Memory Cards	Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See EOS-1D Mark III and EOS 500D next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the EOS 500D against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the EOS-1D Mark III

Related buying guides

Camera family history