The Canon “mainstream” model, currently the Rebel XSi in the USA, is an extremely important camera in the DSLR world. As the world’s most popular DSLR brand, the top-selling Canon is important both to Canon sales, and to the influences it exerts on other manufacturer’s product lines. That is why this important model is often showcased at the biggest photo industry events.
Several weeks ago in late March, with no big event or photo show, Canon announced their replacement to the best-selling XSi. The relative lack of fanfare made many wonder if the new Canon T1i (500D in Europe) was just a lukewarm makeover, but in fact it may be one of the most significant entry mainstream Canons in a very long time.
Outside the new model looks a lot like the current XSi, and it can even use the same BP5 battery grip, but looks can be deciving. Inside the sensor is boosted to 15.1 megapixels, which puts it in the same league as the recent Canon 50D “prosumer” model. The T1i will also be the highest resolution entry model from any camera manufacturer.
Canon also boosts the in-camera image processor to the Digic 4 – which is the same processor used in the 50D and the Canon 5D Mark II full-frame. In a surprise for an entry level model, Canon also brings 14-bit analog to digital processing to the T1i. Up to this time 14-bit-bit processing has only been featured on a few prosumer models and the PRO segment.
With high ISO performance a holy grail in today’s camera market the T1i features a standard ISO range to ISO 6400. That range can be expanded in 2 steps with the H1 option to ISO 6400 and H2 to ISO 12800. This matches the ISO range of the new 50D and is within one stop of the 25600 highest ISO featured on the new full-frame 5D mark II. This represents a real surprise in the entry segment, and is a 3-stop improvement over the ISO 100-1600 range of the current XSi. The AUTO shooting range is also increased to 100-1600 from the very limited 100-400 range of the XSi.
The rear of the camera features a 3” LCD as featured on the XSi, but looks do not tell the whole story. Resolution of the T1i screen is 920,000 dots instead of the 230,000 seen in the XSi model. Again this matches the best 3” screens on more expensive Canon models.
Last, but certainly not least, is the HD video recording capabilities of the T1i. 1080p (1920x1080) can be recorded at 20fps and saved in standard Quicktime MOV (H.264) format. Other video options are 720p (1280x720) at 30fps and standard TV mode (640x480) at 30 fps. The maximum movie file size is 4GB, which means continuous recording is possible up to 12-30 minutes depending on the recording resolution.
The T1i/500D is the second Canon to feature video recording. The new 5D Mark II was the first, and video recording capabilities are similar to the 5D Mark II. This even extends to video recording limited to the Live View function, which limits the cameras AF capabilities in Video recording.
It is difficult to know the fate of a new camera introduction in the midst of a worldwide economic downturn. Certainly the T1i/500D is loaded with all the features that most buyers are looking for these days, and preorders at many dealers are at record levels for the new camera. The market will better tell us whether a new entry model can succeed in today’s difficult economic climate after the early wave of Canon faithful get their new T1i. The new replacement for the XSi is expected to begin shipping in the first half of May.
Photos of the new Canon T1i camera and the new low cost 270EX flash can be found on page 2. The Canon Press Announcement is on page 3.
Nikon D5000
Nikon has just announced a new mainstream model that will compete at about the same price point as the Canon T1i. The Nikon D5000 will replace the D60 and ups the sensor resolution to 12.3 megapixels. The screen is a smaller 2.7" and LCD resolution is lower at 230,000 dots, but the D5000 screen does tilt and swivel. AD conversion is 12-bit instead of the 14-bit of higher Nikon models and the Canon T1i, and highest ISO on the D5000 is 6400. The D5000 does have video capabilities but they top out at 720p instead of the higher 1080p resolution capabilities of the Canon T1i.
On paper the Canon T1i is a more impressive entry, but things are never that simple in a Canon versus Nikon fight. Nikon has not announced the availability date for the D5000, so it is expected to ship somewhat later than the Canon T1i. You can expect head-to-head comparisons when both cameras are shipping and available in the marketplace.
CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THE EOS REBEL
T1i DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
THE FIRST REBEL DSLR TO FEATURE HD
VIDEO CAPTURE
Canon Breaks the $1,000 Mark Again with the First EOS Rebel
Camera to Feature HD Movie Recording Capabilities, DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
and 15.1 Megapixel Resolution
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. – Canon U.S.A., Inc.,
a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a new addition to its Rebel
lineup, the EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR camera, the first in the Rebel line to
feature Full HD video capture. The new Canon Rebel T1i SLR incorporates
some of the best technologies from the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II models into
an entry-level juggernaut. With a 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and HD video
capture, along with the DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, the Rebel T1i gives aspiring
photographers plenty of reason to step-up to the latest and greatest model in
the Rebel lineup.
The
new Canon EOS Rebel T1i raises the entry-level bar with a host of enhanced
Canon technologies now available in an entry-level DSLR. Along with the
boost in megapixels and Canon’s most advanced imaging processor to-date, this
latest Rebel camera has also been enhanced with HD video capture, a 3.0-inch
Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor and user-friendly functions such as
Auto Lighting Optimizer, Creative Auto Mode and Canon’s Live View modes, all
the right tools to open new doors for imaging enthusiasts. From
high-resolution to high-definition, the new EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR camera
helps to give creative consumers a jumpstart on the next evolution in digital
imaging.
“We
are witnessing the emergence of a new phase in digital imaging history, as
high-resolution still images and HD video can now both be produced in a
hand-held device, for under $1,000. This is truly a great time to be
involved in digital imaging as the advent of online communities are helping
usher in this next great era in imaging,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice
president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
The
muscle behind Canon’s new EOS Rebel T1i camera is the DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
with 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion and the ability to process full HD
video. The Canon EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR offers continuous shooting at
3.4 fps for up to 170 large/fine JPEG images or up to nine RAW images in a
single burst when using a class 6 or higher SD or SDHC memory card. Whether
capturing wildlife on the run or a child mid-stride on the soccer field, users
will appreciate the fast shooting capabilities of the Rebel T1i Digital SLR
camera.
With
the combination of its 15.1-megapixel APS-C size CMOS image sensor and the
powerful new DIGIC 4 image processor, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i camera provides
ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in whole stop increments, along with two
additional high-speed ISO settings – H1: 6400 and H2: 12800.
The
EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point Autofocus (AF) system
and AF sensor for enhanced subject detection. The new EOS Rebel T1i DSLR
provides a cross-type AF measurement at the center that is effective with all
EF and EF-S lenses, while providing enhanced precision with lenses having
maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. The cross-type AF measurement reads
a wider variety of subject matter than conventional single-axis AF sensors and
thus increases the new camera’s ability to autofocus quickly and accurately
when shooting still images.
The
EOS Rebel T1i camera is compatible with Canon’s complete line of over 60 Canon
EF and EF-S lenses, to help provide an incredible variety of visual effects to
both still and video imaging capture, including ultra-wide-angle and fish-eye
to macro and super-telephoto. This includes all of Canon’s large-aperture
EF L-series professional lenses.
HD and SD Video Capture
After
the introduction of the EOS 5D Mark II in September 2008, the Company’s first
HD video DSLR, Canon has integrated this must-have feature into the new
entry-level flagship EOS Rebel T1i camera. The camera features 16:9 720p
HD video capture at 30 fps as well as a Full HD 1080p video capture at 20 fps,
and a third option to record 4:3 standard TV quality (SD) video capture at 640
x 480 pixels and 30 fps. The video capture mode is part of the camera’s Live
View function, using the Picture Style that has been set for Live View still
image shooting. The camera allows skilled photographers and enthusiasts to
adjust image sharpness, contrast, color saturation and white balance, and have
those settings apply to the movie image as well. When recording video, the
camera’s rear LCD screen is letter-boxed by a semi-transparent border to match
the aspect ratio of the movie recording size.
Like
the EOS 5D Mark II model, the EOS Rebel T1i camera will record video up to 4GB
per clip equaling approximately 12 minutes of Full HD video, 18 minutes of 720p
HD video, or 24 minutes of SD video depending on the level of detail in the
scene. Video clips are recorded in .MOV format using an MPEG-4 video
compression and sound is recorded using linear PCM without compression. The
camera features a built-in monaural microphone to record sound. To help show
off those fantastic movies as well as still photos, the EOS Rebel T1i camera
includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display
crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV.
Live View Shooting
Much
like the EOS 5D Mark II, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i camera features Live View for
both still images as well as video. The Rebel T1i features the Company’s three
Live View AF modes – Quick, Live and Face Detection Live mode – which can be
used to capture still photos or video images. Quick mode automatically
sets One-Shot AF using the camera’s phase detection AF system. It also allows
users to select the AF point, even while the Live View image is displayed.
Although the camera’s reflex mirror must be lowered briefly to take an AF
measurement in Quick mode, it is the fastest way to set focus automatically
when the Rebel T1i camera is set for Live View.
Live mode uses contrast-detection AF with the image sensor and here, as with
Quick mode, users can change the location of the active AF point using the
Multi-controller. Face Detection Live mode uses contrast AF to recognize human
faces. When multiple faces are detected, the largest face closest to the
center of the frame is targeted as the AF point. While Live View is engaged,
users can still change settings including the AF mode (Quick, Live, Face
Detection Live mode), drive mode, ISO speed, Picture style, White Balance and
more.
Auto Lighting Optimizer
Canon’s
Auto Lighting Optimizer technology helps ensure that the subject of each
picture is clearly visible by analyzing image brightness and automatically
adjusting dark areas in images so they appear brighter. This is ideal when
shooting high-contrast situations that include harsh shadow areas, such as
landscape images where the foreground is brightly lit and the background detail
blanketed in dark shadow. In a scene such as this, the EOS Rebel T1i camera’s
Auto Lighting Optimizer technology maintains exposure of the highlight areas while
lightening shadow areas for a more enjoyable and evenly illuminated
image. The EOS Rebel T1i also supports Peripheral Illumination Correction
for up to 40 Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
Canon’s Creative Auto Mode
Canon’s
“CA” Creative Full Auto setting available on the EOS Rebel T1i, EOS 50D and EOS
5D Mark II cameras allows users to make image adjustments such as exposure
compensation, aperture or shutter speed through a simple navigation screen on
the camera’s LCD screen, allowing them to “blur the background” or “lighten or
darken the image” with ease. These easy-to-understand image options allow
learning-photographers to experiment with image options while still shooting in
an automatic mode.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
With
the introduction of the EOS Rebel T1i camera, the entire Canon EOS system is
now equipped with the highly acclaimed EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The
Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS Rebel T1i has been upgraded with a
fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance.
Pricing and Availability
The
Canon EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR Camera is scheduled for delivery by early May
and will be sold in a body-only configuration which includes a rechargeable
battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions
Disk CD and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty at an estimated
retail price of $799.99. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with
Canon’s EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of
$899.99.
Canon
Speedlite 270EX
The
new Canon Speedlite 270EX, the successor to the 220EX Speedlite model, is a
compact, lightweight external flash option for Canon cameras including select
Canon PowerShot models. Ideal for use with the new EOS Rebel T1i, the new
Speedlite 270EX uses only two AA batteries and enables bounce flash shooting
with four position steps from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Like Canon’s
high-end Speedlite flash models, the 270EX allows users to control flash
functions and input settings using the camera’s LCD monitor.
The flash also features a quick-lock mechanism and a metal mounting foot for
secure and easy attachment and reliable contact.
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