Canon 500D has a
15.0MP APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 4 processor. On the other hand, Canon 550D has a
18.0MP APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 4 processor.
Below you can see the 500D and 550D sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon 500D and Canon 550D Cameras
Canon 500D and Canon 550D have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Canon 500D has 19% larger pixel area compared to Canon 550D, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. It scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Canon 500D and Canon 550D sensors have been tested by DxO and the results show that 550D has a better overall score of 66, 3 points higher compared to 500D's score of 63.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Canon 500D
63
21.7 bits
11.5 Evs
663 ISO
Canon 550D
66
22.0 bits
11.6 Evs
807 ISO
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Canon 500D
or the
Canon 550D ,
including hyperfocal distance.
