Canon's First Rebel with HD Video: The Rebel T1i

Canon just introduced the latest addition to its Rebel lineup, the EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR. The Rebel T1i is the first DSLR in the Rebel line to feature full HD video capture. Canon didn’t stop with HD video: The Rebel T1i also incorporates some of the best technologies used in the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II models such as a DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor.

This entry-level DSLR offers a 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor, and Canon’s Live View modes. You’ll also find Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer and Creative Auto Modes on the Rebel T1i.

The Rebel T1i features 16:9 720p HD video capture at 30 fps as well as a Full HD 1080p video capture at 20 fps. The camera also offers 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 uses the camera’s Live View function and uses the Picture Style that has been set for still image shooting in Live Mode. This enables the user to adjust image sharpness, contrast, color saturation, and white balance for video capture as well as still image capture.

Like the EOS 5D Mark II (Canon’s first DSLR to offer HD Video), the Rebel T1i will record up to 4GB per clip, which is roughly equivalent to 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. Clips are recorded in .MOV format using MPEG-4 video compression. Sound recording uses linear PCM without compression. You can connect the Rebel T1i to a HDTV to show off your videos using the camera’s HDMI port.

As mentioned, the power 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. With this processor, the Rebel T1i can capture 3.4 fps for up to 170 large/fine JPEG images or up to nine RAW images in a single burst, assuming you’re using a class 6 or higher SD or SDHC memory card.

The Rebel T1i uses the APS-C size CMOS image sensor which is commonly found in entry-level DSLRs. The sensor and imaging processor work together to provide ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in whole stop increments as well as two additional high-speed ISO settings for ISOs equivalent to 6400 and 12800.

(click for larger view)

When shooting with the Rebel T1i, you’ll be able to choose from one of nine autofocus points. The Rebel T1i uses a cross-type AF measurement at the center that is compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses. This cross-type AF measurement is especially beneficial when shooting with lenses that have maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. Because the cross-type AF measurement can read a wider variety of subject matter than conventional single-axis AF sensors, the camera is able to autofocus quickly and accurately.

Like other Rebel DSLRs, the Rebel T1i is compatible with Canon’s line of over 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses. The Rebel T1i also incorporates Canon’s highly acclaimed EOS Integrated Cleaning System. This camera has also been upgraded with a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance. 

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR should be available in early May. There will be a body-only configuration with a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neck strap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year limited warranty for an estimated price of $799.99. A kit version with Canon’s EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens will be available for an estimated price of $899.99.

In addition to the new DSLR, Canon also introduced a new Speedlite flash, the Speedlite 270EX. As the successor to the 220EX Speedlite, the new compact and lightweight Speedlite 270EX is compatible with select Canon PowerShot cameras as well as Canon’s DSLR line. The Speedlite 270EX uses two AA batteries and offers bounce flash shooting with four position steps from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. For greater user control, the Speedlite 270EX lets you control flash functions and input settings on the camera’s LCD.

(click for larger view)