Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS 5D Mark III→Canon EOS 500D

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

You own

Canon

EOS 5D Mark III

£219

2012

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS 500D

£57 (-£162)

2009

❌

Skip it

The EOS 500D offers little measurable spec improvement over the EOS 5D Mark III. 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 5D Mark III	EOS 500D
Price	£219	£57
Released	2012	2009	↓
Sensor	22.3MP full-frame CMOS	15.1MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	22MP	15MP	↓
Video	Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60	Full HD 1080p/20, 720p/30
Autofocus	61-point phase-detect (41 cross-type) 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	6fps	3.4fps	↓
Battery Life	~950 shots (CIPA)	~400 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	950g (with battery)	530g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.71x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.87x
Screen	3.2" fixed LCD, 1.04M 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 5D 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 5D Mark III

Related buying guides

Camera family history