what is the difference between dslr cameras with a screen on top?

what is the difference between dslr cameras with a screen on top, like the 5D Mark II has a screen on top and the 500D/T1i has no screen on top and it’s much smaller? So pls. tell me the difference.

The top-LCD screen is just one little item in a long list of things that make the more expensive models more user friendly. The top LCD screen shows important settings like the shutter speed, file size, metering mode, and ISO. The same stuff that you can see on the back screen of the 500D with just one button click. Except with a top-LCD, those settings remain visible all the time.

Other little perks include dedicated buttons to change a lot of those settings, vs. diving into the menu with the 500D.

And you get a better viewfinder. And a more durable shutter mechanism. Sometimes weather sealing and a metal body vs. plastic, a more advanced auto-focus system, and so forth.

Lots of little stuff that doesn’t have any effect whatsoever on the final image quality. It usually doesn’t even show up in the specs when you compare two cameras, but all of those extras do add up to make more expensive cameras better suited for advanced amateurs and professional photographers.
—
added:

BriaR, I considered that but it’s probably a wash – the top-LCD uses less power than the larger color screen but it’s always on. On my Nikon D200 it continues to display how many shots I can still take on the memory card, even when the camera is turned off.

Much bigger battery drains are
* chimping (reviewing every shot)
* using the pop-up flash
* IS / VR lenses

Episode 2: Benefits of using a DSLR Camera

KJB Security Camera Lens Cup $8.99 Fancy yourself as bit of a photographer, love snapping up those memorable moments or super model glamour shots?  Well you can now feel like a photo fanatic with this brilliantly quirky new mug which looks exactly like a real camera lens and will soon become an essential part of your photographer?s kit bag!! Styled to look and feel like your favourite lens, this mug comes with a lens cover lid…

DSLR Cheese Plate $42.00 Black DSLR Cheese Plate with threaded 1/4″ 20 and 3/8″ holes. Plate also has counter sunk holes for attaching a 15mm rod clamp. Plate can be used to configure a DSLR mount that can have a tripod plate or shoulder mount attached to the bottom and a 15mm rod system attached to the top….

NOVELTY PEACE NOW TRAVELING DRINKING MUG SET OF 4 The “Peace Now” Novelty Mug Set of 4, is a fun way for you to express yourself! This Set of 4 Black mugs with a bright yellow and red design, will look great on your kitchen table or counter, and an individual one will look wonderful on your desk at work and make an interesting conversation piece. On each mug is displayed:”Now” – with a Peace sign, symbolizing the phrase “Peace Now”The “Peace Now”…

Sony NP-FH50 Info Lithium H Series Camcorder Battery $59.99 6.8V; 900 Mah; Successor Of Np-Fp50 Battery; Faster Charge & Longer Battery Life With Ac-Vqh10 Super Quick Charge…

Nikon School DVD – Understanding Digital Photography $6.00 Understanding Digital Photography – DVD allows customers to take their digital SLR photography even further by providing insight about the fundamentals of digital SLR photography. Understanding Digital Photography makes it easier than ever for customers to learn why, how and when to go beyond their Nikon D-SLR’s automatic setting mode….

Shoot Great Video with your Canon DSLR Camera (DVD) $29.99 REGION FREE DVD developed for new to intermediate photographers buying their first DSLR cameraIntended for the still photographer moving into video; learn skills and secrets to producing great videoCreates a solid understanding of the camera’s features and controls and helps to unleash its potentialSample subjects are: shutter priority aperture priority/depth of field focus alternatives metering a…

Digital Sports Photography Made Simple $25.82 Digital Sports Photography DVD This DVD teaches the fundamentals and advanced techniques for shooting awesome sports photos using any digital SLR camera and a basic zoom lens. Taking great sports photos isn’t about equipment, it’s about learning professional techniques….

Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Cloths Wipes …

Sony 2500 mAh AA Rechargeable Nimh Batteries, 4-pack $9.62 LONG LASTINGIDEAL FOR ALL DIGITAL DEVICESAA4 PKUPC : 008562008366Shipping Dimensions : 4.50in X 2.50in X 0.80inEstimated Shipping Weight : 0.25…

Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery Pack for Rebel XT/XTi Digital SLR Cameras and VIXIA HV Series and ZR Series Camcorders (Retail Package) $46.95 The Canon NB-2LH Lithium-ion rechargeable battery that is compatible with the following cameras and camcorders: DC310 DVD Camcorder DC320 DVD Camcorder DC330 DVD Camcorder Digital Rebel XTi Elura 40MC Elura 50 Elura 60 Elura 65 Elura 70 Elura 80 Elura 85 Elura 90 EOS Digital Rebel XT HV20 High Definition MiniDV Optura 30 …

BasAcc Black IR Remote Control for Sony Alpha Series DSLR Camera $5.49 This is a BasAcc black IR remote control for Sony Alpha Series DSLR camera. This remote control is ideal for group photos or self-portraits.

IR Remote Control for Sony Alpha DSLR Camera $6.99 This IR remote control is great for group photos or self-portraits. This remote makes for the perfect companion for your Sony Alpha DSLP camera.

Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2MP DSLR Camera/ 18-55mm IS II Lens/ 8GB Kit $499 Perfect for photographers ready to make the move to digital SLR photography, the EOS Rebel T3 delivers beautiful photos and video, speed, simplicity and fun. This camera features a 12.2-megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor.

Canon EOS Rebel T3I 18MP DSLR Camera/ 18-55 IS II Lens/ Pro 9000 Mark II Printer Kit $1154.99 Photographers looking for an easy-to-use camera that will help them create their next masterpiece need look no further than the Canon EOS Rebel T3i.

Canon EOS Rebel T3 12MP DSLR Camera/ 18-55 IS II & 75-300 III USM Lens/ 16GB Kit $729.99 Perfect for photographers ready to make the move to digital SLR photography, the EOS Rebel T3 delivers beautiful photos and video, speed, simplicity and fun.

Sigma 10 mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheye for Canon $649 The Sigma Fisheye lens is designed specifically for APS-C DSLR cameras. This fisheye lens is great for use with Canon.

Sigma 10 mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheye for Nikon $649 The Sigma Fisheye is designed specifically for APS-C DSLR cameras. This fisheye lens is great for use with Nikon.

Sigma 30 mm F1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Canon $489 This Sigma lens is designed specifically for APS-C DSLR cameras. This lens for use with Canon creates very sharp images with high contrast.

Sigma 30 mm F1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Pentax $489 This Sigma lens is designed specifically for APS-C DSLR cameras. This lens for use with Pentax creates very sharp images with high contrast.

Silicon Power Professional 32GB CF 200x Speed Card $55.49 This memory card features multi-platform compatibility for DSLR cameras and devices with CF slots. A great value for amateur photographers this card supports for 8-bit or 16-bit host data transfer.