Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS 550D→Canon EOS 500D

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

You own

Canon

EOS 550D

£26 used

2010

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS 500D

£30 used (+£3)

2009

❌

Skip it

The EOS 500D offers little measurable spec improvement over the EOS 550D. Spend the money on glass instead.

Unchanged or similar

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 550D	EOS 500D
Price	£26 used	£30 used
Released	2010	2009	↓
Sensor	18MP APS-C CMOS	15.1MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	18MP	15MP	↓
Video	Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60	Full HD 1080p/20, 720p/30
Autofocus	9-point phase-detect via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view	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	3.7fps	3.4fps	↓
Battery Life	~440 shots (CIPA)	~400 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	530g (with battery)	530g (with battery)
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentamirror, 0.87x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.87x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots
Mount	Canon EF / EF-S	Canon EF / EF-S
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See EOS 550D and EOS 500D next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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