Canon 1D MII vs Canon 500D

Here, we will be matching up the Canon 1D MII versus Canon 500D, former being a Pro DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both of them are created by Canon. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the 1D MII (8MP) and 500D (15MP) and the 1D MII (APS-H) and 500D (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The 1D MII was announced 6 years prior to the 500D and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon 1D MII being a Large SLR camera and the Canon 500D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the 1D MII grades vs the 500D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon EOS-1D Mark II & Canon EOS 500D. The whole galleries are available at Canon 1D MII Gallery & Canon 500D Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and size. The Canon 1D MII comes with outside measurements of 156mm x 158mm x 80mm (6.1" x 6.2" x 3.1") having a weight of 1565 grams (3.45 lbs) whilst the Canon 500D has specifications of 129mm x 98mm x 62mm (5.1" x 3.9" x 2.4") accompanied by a weight of 520 grams (1.15 lbs).

Examine the Canon 1D MII versus Canon 500D in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the 1D MII versus the 500D.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1D MII and 500D is 50 and 70 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by going through technical specs. The graphic below should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1D MII and 500D.

As you can tell, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 1D MII using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Canon 500D will show greater detail with its extra 7MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The older 1D MII will be behind in sensor innovation.