Canon DSLR choice

[RonaldBruce]

Hi - I'm considering buying a Canon EOS 500D, 550D, or 600D.
The 600D is quite new in the UK where I live. Does anyone have experience of these models that may help me choose between them.
I'm particularly interested in having full HD video, and a good lens for closeup shots of animals, flowers, etc.
Thanks in advance for any advice received!

[SwissJon]

Th 600D is the upgrade to the 550D and was released last month. The 550D is an upgrade to the 500D. Both the 550D and the 600D have full HD video. Judging by the photos, the 550D (T2i) is a very good camera, but obviously the newer model has features that the older one doesn't. There's plenty of comparisons between the two available on the web.

By "Close up shots" do you mean Shots that are taken from a distance? i.e. Zoom, in which case you'll need a lens that reaches to 200mm at least, preferably 300mm. If you mean close up, i.e. you get close to a bug or a flower and want to take fine photos of the eyes or stamen, you will want a lens that is marked as "Macro", and preferably 1:1.

I'm a Nikon user, so I can't really go into any more depth than that, I'm sure someone will come and add more details regarding the lens choice.. What I have noticed is that in general it's better to buy the camera "body only" and choose a lens separately.. The ones that come with the cameras (Kit lenses) are usually of lower quality.

[Sloseph]

as you want video your between the 550 and 600

the only features you get with the 600 that you don't with the 550 are

Vari-angle display
Scene intelligent Auto Mode
'Basic+' creative controls in scene modes
'Creative Filters' can be applied to images in playback mode
Multi-aspect ratio shooting (3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 1:1, previewable in Live View)
Integrated Wireless flash controller with multi-flash support
'Video Snapshot' mode
Auto Lighting Optimizer now adjustable in 4 levels
Feature Guide
Image rating (1-5 stars)
Eye sensor for LCD display replaced by 'DISP' button
Marginally larger and heavier

personaly i don't think that is worth the extra money, you might aswell get the 550d save your cash and get a fixed 50mm to go with it

[UlpilotSC]

If you want full HD - the 500d isnt on the table. While it is a good camera, it only takes 30fps video at 720. 1080 is limited to 20fps.
Like the others said - id get the body and choose a different lens. I got the kit, but i have a few other lenses to play with. I wished the 500d came with the 28-135mm instead of the 18-55.

[veritasimagery]

Originally Posted by Sloseph

as you want video your between the 550 and 600

the only features you get with the 600 that you don't with the 550 are

Vari-angle display
Scene intelligent Auto Mode
'Basic+' creative controls in scene modes
'Creative Filters' can be applied to images in playback mode
Multi-aspect ratio shooting (3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 1:1, previewable in Live View)
Integrated Wireless flash controller with multi-flash support
'Video Snapshot' mode
Auto Lighting Optimizer now adjustable in 4 levels
Feature Guide
Image rating (1-5 stars)
Eye sensor for LCD display replaced by 'DISP' button
Marginally larger and heavier

personaly i don't think that is worth the extra money, you might as well get the 550d save your cash and get a fixed 50mm to go with it

Totally disagree.

Tell you what, if video is one thing your looking for, the articulated LCD is a godsend. This and the built-in wireless flash capabilities are worth the extra $100 US. And it is what swayed me to the T3i (600D). The only way to get the articulated LCD and wireless flash (yes, very worth it for portrait/product shooting) on a Canon (other than the T3i/600D) is to pony up for the 60D. Until the T3i (600D) showed up I was either going to "settle" for the T2i (550D) or look at Nikon. Being a Canon fan, I really didn't want to go the Nikon route.

Kevin
Veritas Imagery NW

[Biomech]

If you want to shoot HD video - buy a HD video camera..... amiright?!

I'm a Sony user but I also have a 500D. I must say, it feels cheap and plasticy - if I picked it up in a shop, I'd strike it off my list pretty quick, it really doesn't help explain the Canons appeal.

Oh, plus in my (limited) DSLR video experience, there is no auto focus and you manually have to track the focus. (or maybe I just haven't played with my a580's video mode enough :P)

[Gaurav Prabhu]

You should get 600D out of the three or else you can look for Panasonic GH2.