Canon Will Soon Ship T1i 15.1 Megapixel HD Video DSLR
by Wesley Fink on April 20, 2009 2:45 PM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
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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18 Comments
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cadetdrivr - Monday, April 20, 2009 - link
They are both going to be released in the coming months, and look designed to go head-to-head. I'll be looking forward to the comparison test.Wesley Fink - Monday, April 20, 2009 - link
We have added a reference to the Nikon D5000 announced a few days ago to the preview. Pricing will place these two head-to-head in the marketplace although Nikon has yet to announce an availability date for the D5000. On paper the Canon is much more impressive, but comparisons are never that simple when Canon and Nikon go head-to head.cadetdrivr - Friday, April 24, 2009 - link
FYI, D5000 available for purchase on Amazon and ships April 27.elfy6x - Monday, April 20, 2009 - link
The Nikon D5000 has been previewed on www.dpreview.com and seems less impressive than the canon. Only 12.3Mpix, 720p video at 24fps instead of 30fps on the canon, no 1080p video option. I'm personally more excited about the Canon at the momentaeternitas - Monday, April 27, 2009 - link
You realize this is a DLSR not a video camera. No one really buys this for the video capabilities as you can get much better from a HD video recorder.This is about photography, and the quality there is outstanding.
Thrawn - Monday, April 20, 2009 - link
Well the 1080p is nice on paper but at only 20fps it seems too slow to be of real value. Wouldn't video be noticeably jerky at that speed?illusionist - Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - link
it would, and it is.chuck232 - Monday, April 20, 2009 - link
And in the main criteria - image quality - Nikon seems to have Canon beat. The sample images of the D5000 show it to be on par or even slightly ahead of the already excellent D90, which has better image quality than the Canon 50D overall, which the T1i derives its sensor from.