Product Description
Be happy! Canon's new EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both
refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an
all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a
3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant
coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and
Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at
resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. An HDMI port allows for quick
connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of
your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if
you are a beginner. You'll have uncompromised EOS Digital performance
with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand. Auto and
Manual Focus modes Shutter Speeds - 1/4000 sec. to 1/60 sec., X-sync at
1/200 sec.; 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range.
Available range varies by shooting mode) ISO Speed - ISO 100-3200 (in
1-stop increments), H1 - 6400 H2 - 12800; Basic Zone modes - ISO
100-3200 set automatically Retractable, auto pop-up flash - E-TTL II
autoflash Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with HDMI
output for HD viewing of stills and video Live View Function for stills
(Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video Auto Lighting
Optimizer for superior highlight-shadow control Wide range ISO setting
100-3200 (ISO expansion - 6400, 12800) Creative Auto goes a step beyond
auto allowing control over frequently-changed settings Lens Mount -
Canon EF mount (compatible with over 60 Canon EF/EF-S lenses and most
EOS System accessories) Battery Type - Rechargeable Battery LP-E5
Recording Media - SD memory card, SDHC memory card Dimensions (WxHxD) -
5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in./128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm Weight - 16.9oz. /480g (body
only) Kit includes EOS Rebel T1i Body; EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens;
Eyecup Ef; Wide Strap EW-100DBIII; USB Interface Cable;
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #8 in Camera & Photo
- Color: Black
- Brand: Canon
- Model: T1i 18-55mm kit
- Dimensions: 7.00" h x
12.00" w x
8.00" l,
3.00 pounds
- Included Software: Yes
Features
- New 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
- Includes Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
- Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution; HDMI output
- 3.0-inch Clear View LCD; Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video
- Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Canon’s new EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features,
both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an
all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a
3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch resistant
coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and
Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at
resolutions up to 1920 x 1080.
An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and
monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire
operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. You’ll have
uncompromised EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right
in the palm of your hand.
EOS Rebel T1i Highlights
New 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Canon’s CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor captures
images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers the most
pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies as
used by Canon’s professional cameras to maximize each pixel’s light
gathering efficiency. Its APS-C size sensor creates an effective 1.6x
field of view (compared to 35mm format). Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image
Processor dramatically speeds up all camera operations for intuitive
operation and offers improvements in both fine detail and natural color
reproduction. It works in concert with the EOS Rebel T1i’s image sensor
to achieve unprecedented levels of performance in all lighting
situations.
14-bit A/D Conversion
With the EOS
Rebel T1i, analog to digital signal conversion is executed by a 14-bit
processor, which generates digital data with incredibly smooth tones. A
feature that originally appeared in top-of-the-line pro digital SLR
cameras, the 14-bit conversion gives incredibly smooth transitions from
light to dark colors with far less risk of "banding." A sky at sunset
is a perfect example. With this rich 14-bit gradation, the EOS Rebel
T1i offers RAW images of the highest quality that can be processed with
Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software. Even JPEG files, which are
always finished at 8-bits per channel, use the full 14-bit conversion
initially to generate the best possible color and tonal detail.
Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution
The EOS Rebel T1i shoots brilliant video, even in full high definition.
By simply selecting Movie mode on the EOS Rebel T1i’s mode dial, the
camera’s 3.0-inch LCD lights up, and it's ready to go. Shooting is at a
frame rate of 30 fps when shooting SD or HD quality video (640 x 480
and 1280 x 720 pixels, respectively) and at a frame rate of 20 fps in
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) recording. Sound is recorded through the
camera’s built-in microphone. Playback modes are simple to access, and
all Live View AF features can be used in shooting video.
Live View Function for stills and video
With Live View Function on the EOS Rebel T1i, you can enjoy nearly
every camera function available in normal shooting, all with the
convenience of composing on the camera’s brilliant 3.0-inch LCD
monitor. You can zoom in and navigate the composition and there’s even
a grid overlay for architectural shots. Live View focusing modes
include Quick mode, Live mode and Face Detection AF mode and these are
easily selectable through the convenient Live View Function menu.
Wide range ISO setting 100-3200
The EOS Rebel T1i features a greatly expanded ISO range that makes
shooting possible in situations previously impossible without flash.
With an expanded setting to ISO 3200 (ISO expansion: 6400, 12800),
along with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor’s improved noise-reduction
technology, your creative possibilities are nearly endless. Combine the
EOS Rebel T1i with one of Canon’s EF/EF-S lenses with Optical Image
Stabilizer and watch your shooting possibilities expand even further.
3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor
The EOS Rebel T1i has a 3.0-inch high resolution LCD monitor that
features 920,000 dots/VGA for far more detail than previous
Rebel-series LCDs. It’s the same screen found on professional models
such as the EOS 5D Mark II. A number of features enhance usability: an
anti-reflective and water-repellant coating provides a clearer and more
smudge-resistant surface and screen brightness can be adjusted in 7
steps in accordance with ambient light.
Auto Lighting Optimizer for superior highlight-shadow control
The EOS Rebel T1i’s Auto Lighting Optimizer is yet another
image-quality tool that comes to the rescue in tricky lighting
conditions. It can actually lighten dark areas of a scene while
ensuring that bright areas maintain tonal detail. It’s available in all
shooting modes, including P, Tv, Av and Manual.
Creative Auto goes a step beyond auto allowing control
Especially for beginners looking to expand their photographic horizons,
the EOS Rebel T1i offers Creative Auto mode. While basic settings are
based on full automatic operation, shooting guides on the LCD screen
enable you to make corrections based on simple to follow guidelines. In
essence, with Creative Auto mode, you can learn about photography while
taking stunning photographs.
Compatible with over 60 Canon EF/EF-S lenses and most EOS System accessories
EOS Rebel T1i is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S
lineup, ranging from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses. Canon
lenses employ advanced optical expertise and micron-precision
engineering to deliver unprecedented performance in all facets of the
photographic process. Special optical technologies, such as Aspherical,
ultra-low dispersion, or fluorite elements are featured in the
universally acclaimed L-series lenses, and Canon’s Optical Image
Stabilizer technology is featured in select lenses, including the EF-S
18-55mm IS lens bundled with the EOS Rebel T1i, to minimize the effect
of camera shake. With Canon lenses, you can truly maximize the quality
and performance of the EOS camera.
Flash Photography
The EOS Rebel T1i features Canon’s acclaimed E-TTL II flash metering
system. With any EX-series Speedlite, E-TTL II provides reliable flash
output whether shooting fill-in flash pictures in sunlight or using
flash in total darkness. With E-TTL II, the exact same 35-zone metering
sensor used for measuring ambient light is also used for flash
metering--giving even finer metering command of the image area. If you
prefer a broader area for flash metering, there’s a menu setting to
change to "Average" flash metering--where the entire 35-zone area is
measured evenly for flash exposure.
 |
| T1i DSLR with optional Speedlite |
Software
Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk (Version 20)
The EOS Rebel T1i comes bundled with a Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk,
which features powerful software programs designed to extend the EOS
experience to the computer. These include Canon's EOS Utility (Version
2.6), Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.6), ZoomBrowser EX for
Windows (Version 6.3), ImageBrowser for Macintosh OS X (Version 6.3),
the Picture Style Editor (Version 1.5), PhotoStitch (version 3.2), WFT
Utility (version 3.3). Each application is designed to perfect the
captured images and streamline the digital workflow.
Compatible Operating System
Windows: Windows XP SP2 or SP3/ Windows Vista (all version except the Starter Edition)
Macintosh: OS X 10.4 to 10.5
EOS Utility (Version 2.6)
for Macintosh or Windows handles the connection between the camera and
computer, whenever they’re connected via USB. It allows remote
controlled shooting from the computer, handles downloading of images
from the camera to the computer, and allows seamless linking to either
Canon’s ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser or Digital Photo Professional
software once images have been copied to the hard drive. Furthermore,
it’s used to upload settings back into a USB-connected camera.
Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.6)
is an image processing program that enables high-speed RAW image
processing, high-speed previewing for real-time image adjustment and
support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces. Because
it’s CMS (Color Management System) compatible, Digital Photo
Professional allows for easy image layout and printing in Adobe RGB in
conjunction with Easy-PhotoPrint and PictBridge printers. It also
features the Dust Delete Data Detection tool for cleaner images.
Picture Style Editor (Version 1.5)
enables you to create custom Picture Style profiles that can be used to
customize the appearance of JPEG and RAW images captured with EOS
Digital SLR cameras. Picture Style files created with Picture Style
Editor can be loaded into the EOS cameras that support Picture Style
and may also be used when processing RAW images in Canon software
applications Digital Photo Professional, ZoomBrowser EX (for Windows)
and ImageBrowser (for Mac).
ZoomBrowser EX (Version 6.3)
for Windows and ImageBrowser (Version 6.3) for Mac OS X are the easy,
user-friendly options for viewing and editing of JPEG and even RAW
image files. Both allow viewing of numerous types of images including
finished TIFF and BMP files. Both also have a variety of search options
for finding images, allow re-naming of single images or batches of
files, and offer a variety of options for printing without using a
separate image-editing program.
Customer Reviews
A wonderfully full-featured camera at an unbeatable price
I've had the T1i for about almost week now and after some extensive use, here are my thoughts:
1. 15.1 megapixel sensor. Yes, the high megapixel count is
impressive, but keep in mind that, as you approach higher resolutions,
you need to ensure the lens on the SLR can resolve that much detail.
Sadly, the included 18-55mm IS lens is functional, but the high
resolution really shows the so-so quality of the lens. Even if taken at
the proper focus, pictures can appear soft with this kit lens. Shots I
have taken with Canon EF-S 17-85mm and EF 70-200mm L lenses are crisp.
I don't have any gripes on image quality. There are some issues with
noise on the higher ISOs that don't seem to show up on the Nikon
digitals, but overall, the quality is amazing for the price. Skin
tones, textures, colors are reproduced very accurately.
2. Digic 4. The Digic 4 processor appears to process/save the 15
megapixel images in the same time (if not faster) than the Digic III
processor on the XSi (even in RAW+Jpg mode). I have also noticed that
at higher ISOs, the sensor and the Digic 4 produce images with less
overall noise compared with its predecessors.
3. LCD. The 920,000 pixel LCD screen is large (3"), crisp, vibrant
and fully visible even in bright sunlight. In comparison, the Canon XSi
SLR (which the T1i replaces), also has a 3" LCD, but with 230,000
pixels. The viewing angle is great as well and the LCD can easily be
seen nearly 180 degrees around.
4. ISO 12800. Canon and Amazon are correctly identifying that the
T1i maxes out at ISO 3200. Some less reputable dealers are listing an
ISO 12800, which you should disregard. The ISO 6400 and 12800 settings
are expanded ISO settings. The pictures taken on these two settings are
ISO 3200 images pushed to ISO 6400 or 12800 by the Digic 4 chip before
saving to the memory card. These pictures are extremely grainy and
contain a lot of noise to the point of only being usable as for
snapshots or adding an artistic effect to certain compositions.
5. Penta-mirror. That Canon is still using one in the T1i is
disappointing. The penta-mirror viewfinder image is functional, but
still noticeably darker than that of the penta-prism viewfinder in the
Nikon D90 (which is the T1i's main competitor). I really would have
preferred if Canon had kept the XSi's 12.2 megapixel sensor, forgone
1080p video altogether, and maybe upped the cost of the camera slightly
to cover the production cost of using a penta-prism in the T1i.
Honestly, unless you are massively cropping your images, or creating
large photos, the difference between 12.2 and 15.1 megapixels really is
negligible.
6. Size. This is the same body as the XSi, and therefore a bit on
the smaller side compared to other digital SLRs. I have small hands, so
the T1i is comfortable for me. If you have big hands, I can see this
being a very difficult camera to use over an extended period of time.
If you haven't handled a Canon XT, XTi or XSi, I would suggest you go
to a store and hold the T1i yourself before purchasing it online. (I
will upload a picture of the T1i in my hands to the user gallery for a
size reference.)
7. HD Video. Yes, the Canon marketing department made a horrible
marketing decision and pushed the T1i onto shelves limiting the 1080p
recording to 20fps (frames per second). Recognize this as a marketing
gimmick that allows them put a 1080p sticker on the camera box. The
1080p @ 20fps is fine most times, but seems a choppy if you have a lot
of action in the frame or are panning quickly. The T1i's 720p video is
recorded at 30fps and is clean, smooth, and sufficient for all but the
most discerning consumers. One major criticism though is that the sound
is recorded in mono, AND there is NO input for an external microphone.
A lot of pre-production reviews of the T1i criticize its inability
to automatically autofocus while recording. I wouldn't put much weight
in this criticism, mostly because neither of the other two SLR cameras
with HD recording capabilities (Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D90) can
automatically autofocus while recording either. What you can do with
the T1i is pan/zoom the lens and then press the AE lock (*) button to
make the camera autofocus on the new subject (all while recording). A
problem with using the AE lock button to have the camera autofocus is
that the microphone for the camera is on the front upper left of the
body near the lens mount. Therefore, the lens motor noise is picked up
just as much as ambient sounds. Even with my quietest Canon USM
(ultasonic motor) lenses, this lens motor sound is pretty loud in video
playback. Although, remember, you can always manually turn the focusing
ring on the lens to get your subject back into focus. It's not easy,
but after a little practice, it's not all too hard, either.
Ultimately, you shouldn't let the HD recording limitations sway you
one way or the other. This is an SLR camera -- not a video camera. The
HD video is a great feature, but if you're looking for something
primarily to take video, look elsewhere. There are much better, cheaper
VIDEO cameras out there which can record true 1080p.
8. Record button. For some reason, the record video button is next
to the LCD screen (the same button used for direct printing). The first
few times you take video, you'll intuitively find yourself using the
shutter release button used to take pictures. The reason for this
switch is that you can take a still picture while recording video,
although, doing so will interrupt the recording.
9. Battery life. My first fully charged battery only lasted about
250 shots (no flash), but all charges since have given me in the range
of 500-700 shots per charge. I'm guessing the first charge had such a
short life because I spent quite a bit of time learning the camera, its
menus, and settings.
10. Live View. I honestly can't review this as I haven't used it
too much yet -- I prefer using the viewfinder. One feature I can say is
nice is that, on the LCD, you can digitally zoom in (up to 10x) on a
section of your shot to ensure it is properly focused. This, and the
fine focusing, can really help if you're into macro-photography.
11. HDMI cable. The T1i has an HDMI Type C output on the body to
allow you to directly display pictures and video on an HDTV. A minor
criticism is that the HDMI Type C cable is not included in the box. You
have to buy it separately. It would have been nice if it were included,
as it's not an expensive cable.
Conclusion. The T1i is a bit on the light end, yet the construction
still feels solid. For the camera's price point, you'd be hard pressed
to find any digital SLR out there which gives you all the capabilities
and growth range of the Canon T1i. The camera is intuitive enough for
those new to photography to pick and learn easily, yet configurable
enough for advanced amateurs. If video is not a big deal for you, then
get the Canon XSi. There is very little the T1i has (other than ISO
3200 and a sharper screen) that the XSi doesn't. Plus, with the release
of the T1i, you can probably pick up a used XSi for a great price on
eBay. My wife recently gave birth, and I'm not looking to record
endless (never to be watched) tapes of video footage of our son, but I
do want several minute clips of him as he grows through the years. I've
always been more inclined towards photography, so this camera gives me
a very versatile digital SLR that I need with the wonderful capability
of recording HD video that I want.
First hands on experience...Very positive!
Here's a quick, first impressions (from hands on shooting) of the
Rebel T1i. Although we'll need more scientific examinations to
determine ultimate image quality and usability, I'll try to give a hint
into the camera's potential.
I'll not go in to any real detail on the kit lens, which has been
well reviewed. Let's just agree that $100 for a good quality IS (image
stabalized) lens is a very reasonable value it you don't have another
option. There are no obvious reasons this kit lens should make or break
your choice of this camera over a competitor's.
Styling and build wise, the T1i is an XSi made over, which is not a
bad thing. Some found that camera to be a bit on the small size for
their hands, or a bit lacking in weight, but most like the size and
weight (include me). It uses the same, proven battery and accessories
of the XSi. I've already used some generic batteries that worked well
in an XSi, with similar good results, but I do not want to lump all
generics in the "good to go" category.
In using the camera, the first thing you'll notice over the
previous Rebels in the marvelous LCD screen. Yep, the images look much
cleaner even at the original size. Don't get confused if you compare
this camera side-by-side and think it's images are all that much
better. They just look much better on such a sharp LCD.
First looks at IQ (Image Quality) were very impressive. I tried
using the camera in a variety of situtations (biased to how I would use
it), and got very good results throughout. Focusing was typical for a
better Rebel, and images looked good throughout the ISO range, based on
reasonable expectations. I thought the Auto White Balance is a very
good job compared to previous results I'd had with Canons in general.
They weren't perfect, but the tungsten areas seemed to look better than
average. All in all, I'd say Canon made reasonable progress with the
jump to 15 meg, but probably no reason to trade-in your XSi.
Live View never has been one of my biggest thrills, but the sharp
LCD makes it a bit more enjoyable. If I was still shooting macros, I
would like it much more.
But the biggest advantage of the newer screen for some will be
while shooting videos. I only did videos in the 1080p mode, and was
impressed by the quality. Sound was OK, and I was a bit disappointed
that Canon doesn't have an option audio input (ala the 5D mkII or
camcorders with intellegent shoe). I'm also not sure how practical the
videos will be, considering they aren't using a "direct to HiDef
player" format like AVCHD or AVCHD Lite. Also, 20fps is a bit odd for
1080p, but their software does support frame grapping, which should
give nice 4x6 prints (there's a bit more than 2meg per frame). The 720p
is recorded in a more standard 30fps, which should also help with
moving subjects. You can also shoot a full 15meg image while recording
your videos. You videos are interrupted for about a second (you'll see
a still image for that length in the video playback), but the high
quality image will be recorded in its own file (no need to frame grab).
BTW, autofocusing did work during this recording, but the noise was
picked up by the mic.
OK, so I liked the camera, but how would I rate it compared to the
competition. Well, compared to the XSi, it's better, but maybe not
worth the money. The LCD is grand (that alone would get my money), and
it's a no brainer if you need video or shoot lots of macros. But with
resent price drops and combo deals from Canon, the XSi should still be
strong based on value.
I've also had a bit of experience with the new Nikon D5000 (but
even less so). Although initial pricing is about $50 higher on the T1i,
I thought the Canon was clearly more interesting. I like the way Sony
incorporated an articulated LCD, but hate it on the D5000. I was
constantly setting the camera down with the LCD back being the first
thing to touch. You might never break it, but you'll surely scratch the
cosmetics. The D5000 doesn't have the motor built into the body, so
there's a bit of a limitation to lens. However, the biggest drawback
was that the D5000's built-in flash doesn't support their wireless
flash system (with their new lineup, we'll have to move up to the D90).
The D5000 really needs to be lined up against the XSi, not the T1i.
The 14mp Sony Alpha 350 might be a good value oriented competitor
(when Sony offers bundles), but the IQ of the Canon's CMOS sensor is
probably better in most moderate to low light conditions. I think
you'll be seeing something soon to replace this model.
Thus, it's prime competitors should be Canon's own XSi, the D5000
(especially if they drop the price about $100 more), and for those with
a bit more money, the Nikon D90.
The T1i carries on the tradition of Canon Rebels with a lot of "curbside appeal" matched with solid performance.
Not Too Shabby...
I received this two days ago and was really unsure about the T1i.
I've read what scant reviews existed on Amazon and became somewhat
concerned about the complaints of soft images. In the brief time I
tested it I noticed my shots were coming out soft as well compared to
my S3. Then after toying around with the settings I found that the
"Standard" profile's sharpness was set on low. Not having dug that deep
into the menu system, I believe it was the default setting making the
images really soft. I now have it on max, or near max, and am more
satisfied with the images. While increasing sharpness, images remain
really smooth even at high ISOs. Overall, I'm more satisfied with the
unit now that I've got the image sharpening down. With that said I
still have more deliberating to do.
A note about video: I do enjoy having the video capability on the
camera only because you can set the WB, unlike a Flip. I can't squeeze
1080 out of my system anyway so 720 works just fine. As others have
pointed out, the autofocus is a bit odd to get used to but manageable
in video. You're better off shooting fixed distances. Noise is loud
during focus, but if you're putting together a clip most likely you'll
overlap it with an audio track instead.
