500d or 550d

[McNyat]

Hi all,
I have been 'stewing' over in my mind for the last few weeks about which slr to buy and have moved from a 550d to a 50d to a second hand 40d and thought briefly about a d5000.

As things stand at the minute I am currently thinking about a 500d as I feel that it would satisfy my desire for a fairly recent, good spec camera with the obvious savings over the 550d (which I could put towards a second lens, tripod or strobe).

As I have never had an slr before all advice is appreciated (I have had a couple of posts here recently and the replies have helped me this far). I have been to a local store and been touchey feeley as suggested. Reasons for preferring the Cannon are that we have one at work and I could access the lenses.

Would I really notice a massive difference when using the 500 & 550 in terms of IQ? I know the 550 has better video but this is not important at all. Would the cash be better spent on the extras as above?

My interests are fairly general ie. portraits, landscape and some sports. Really want to make a final decision, bite the bullet, spend and get shooting.

Look forward to your help

 

[magicaxeman]

The 550D does have better noise handling apparently, but the 500D is a pretty good camera, I have one myself and am quite happy, in fact happy enough that I don't forsee the 550D or 60D as logical upgrades for me.

The 500D can currently be picked up for £439 (body price) and the 550D £599, so there's a £160 difference, almost the cost of a 430exII flashgun, a second hand 55-250IS lens, etc etc.

At the end of the day the choice must rest with you, will you regret settling for the 500D or will you be happy at grabbing such good kit at a bargain price.