Compare Prices on Canon T1i Body Only
I've had the T1i for about almost week now and after some extensive expend, here are my thoughts:
1. 15.1 megapixel sensor. Yes, the high megapixel count is impressive, but sustain in mind that, as you come higher resolutions, you need to ensure the lens on the SLR can decide that noteworthy 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 beneficial 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 demonstrate up on the Nikon digitals, but overall, the quality is fantastic for the ticket. 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 build images with less overall noise compared with its predecessors.
3. LCD. The 920,000 pixel LCD camouflage is grand (3"), crisp, vibrant and fully visible even in incandescent 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 mountainous 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 own a lot of noise to the point of only being usable as for snapshots or adding an artistic accomplish to positive compositions.
5. Penta-mirror. That Canon is collected using one in the T1i is disappointing. The penta-mirror viewfinder image is functional, but detached 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 conceal the production cost of using a penta-prism in the T1i. Honestly, unless you are massively cropping your images, or creating big photos, the contrast 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 tiny hands, so the T1i is comfortable for me. If you have broad hands, I can spy this being a very difficult camera to spend 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 enjoy the T1i yourself before purchasing it online. (I will upload a describe of the T1i in my hands to the user gallery for a size reference.)
7. HD Video. Yes, the Canon marketing department made a irascible marketing decision and pushed the T1i onto shelves limiting the 1080p recording to 20fps (frames per second) . Notice this as a marketing gimmick that allows them place a 1080p sticker on the camera box. The 1080p @ 20fps is ravishing most times, but seems a choppy if you have a lot of action in the frame or are panning rapidly. The T1i's 720p video is recorded at 30fps and is spruce, tranquil, 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 achieve grand weight in this criticism, mostly because neither of the other two SLR cameras with HD recording capabilities (Canon 5D Price 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 manufacture the camera autofocus on the original subject (all while recording) . A quandary 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 come the lens mount. Therefore, the lens motor noise is picked up fair as distinguished as ambient sounds. Even with my quietest Canon USM (ultasonic motor) lenses, this lens motor sound is splendid loud in video playback. Although, remember, you can always manually turn the focusing ring on the lens to regain your subject serve into focus. It's not easy, but after a exiguous practice, it's not all too hard, either.
Ultimately, you shouldn't let the HD recording limitations sway you one blueprint or the other. This is an SLR camera -- not a video camera. The HD video is a tall feature, but if you're looking for something primarily to prefer video, stare elsewhere. There are distinguished better, cheaper VIDEO cameras out there which can narrate just 1080p.
8. Portray button. For some reason, the narrate video button is next to the LCD camouflage (the same button ancient for negate printing) . The first few times you acquire video, you'll intuitively pick up yourself using the shutter release button archaic to grasp pictures. The reason for this switch is that you can engage a level-headed record 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 Understanding. I honestly can't review this as I haven't stale it too distinguished yet -- I grasp 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 part of your shot to ensure it is properly focused. This, and the sparkling focusing, can really abet 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 prove 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 grasp 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 raze, yet the construction collected feels solid. For the camera's stamp point, you'd be hard pressed to collect 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 recent to photography to grasp and learn easily, yet configurable enough for advanced amateurs. If video is not a enormous deal for you, then earn the Canon XSi. There is very small the T1i has (other than ISO 3200 and a sharper camouflage) that the XSi doesn't. Plus, with the release of the T1i, you can probably bewitch up a worn XSi for a enormous brand on eBay. My wife recently gave birth, and I'm not looking to portray endless (never to be watched) tapes of video footage of our son, but I do want several miniature 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 fabulous capability of recording HD video that I want.
Here's a lickety-split, first impressions (from hands on shooting) of the Rebel T1i. Although we'll need more scientific examinations to decide ultimate image quality and usability, I'll try to give a hint into the camera's potential.
I'll not go in to any genuine detail on the kit lens, which has been well reviewed. Let's fair agree that $100 for a beneficial quality IS (image stabalized) lens is a very reasonable value it you don't have another option. There are no definite reasons this kit lens should form or atomize your choice of this camera over a competitor's.
Styling and compose wise, the T1i is an XSi made over, which is not a abominable thing. Some found that camera to be a bit on the miniature 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 faded some generic batteries that worked well in an XSi, with similar safe results, but I do not want to lump all generics in the "favorable to go" category.
In using the camera, the first thing you'll recognize over the previous Rebels in the superior LCD conceal. Yep, the images behold worthy cleaner even at the unique size. Don't derive confused if you compare this camera side-by-side and believe it's images are all that powerful better. They unprejudiced search for remarkable better on such a inviting 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 consume it), and got very pleasurable results throughout. Focusing was typical for a better Rebel, and images looked suitable throughout the ISO range, based on reasonable expectations. I idea the Auto White Balance is a very generous job compared to previous results I'd had with Canons in general. They weren't perfect, but the tungsten areas seemed to witness 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 Conception never has been one of my biggest thrills, but the animated LCD makes it a bit more exquisite. If I was smooth shooting macros, I would like it remarkable more.
But the biggest advantage of the newer cloak 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 positive how practical the videos will be, considering they aren't using a "train to HiDef player" format like AVCHD or AVCHD Lite. Also, 20fps is a bit peculiar for 1080p, but their software does succor 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 benefit with curious subjects. You can also shoot a paunchy 15meg image while recording your videos. You videos are interrupted for about a second (you'll inspect a serene image for that length in the video playback), but the high quality image will be recorded in its fill 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 mammoth (that alone would salvage my money), and it's a no brainer if you need video or shoot lots of macros. But with resent sign drops and combo deals from Canon, the XSi should detached be strong based on value.
I've also had a bit of experience with the novel Nikon D5000 (but even less so) . Although initial pricing is about $50 higher on the T1i, I opinion the Canon was clearly more involving. I like the procedure Sony incorporated an articulated LCD, but abominate it on the D5000. I was constantly setting the camera down with the LCD serve being the first thing to touch. You might never rupture 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 benefit their wireless flash system (with their current lineup, we'll have to depart 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 respectable value oriented competitor (when Sony offers bundles), but the IQ of the Canon's CMOS sensor is probably better in most moderate to uncouth light conditions. I judge you'll be seeing something soon to replace this model.
Thus, it's prime competitors should be Canon's contain XSi, the D5000 (especially if they fall the note 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.
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 site on outrageous. Not having dug that deep into the menu system, I have it was the default setting making the images really soft. I now have it on max, or come max, and am more pleased with the images. While increasing sharpness, images remain really aloof even at high ISOs. Overall, I'm more happy with the unit now that I've got the image sharpening down. With that said I aloof have more deliberating to do.
A impress about video: I do indulge in having the video capability on the camera only because you can site the WB, unlike a Flip. I can't squeeze 1080 out of my system anyway so 720 works unprejudiced stunning. As others have pointed out, the autofocus is a bit unique to obtain veteran 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.
