CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THE EOS REBEL T1i DIGITAL SLR CAMERA THE FIRST REBEL DSLR TO FEATURE HD VIDEO CAPTURE
This is the complete text of a news release I just received from Canon.
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., March 25, 2009 – 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.[i] Video clips are recorded in .MOV format using an MPEG-4 video compression and sound is recorded using linear PCM[ii] 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[iii]. 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[iv].
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[v]. 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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Sounds very very cool
Sounds very very cool
That’s quite a package for $799.99. It’s enough of an upgrade that I will be selling my XSi and purchasing the T1i (what’s up with the name?). The video of a Mark II, the image quality of a 50D, and the small size of a rebel, loving it.
Seems like this will cut into the 50D sales, no?
Seems like this will cut into the 50D sales, no?
More like cut into the D90 sales.
50D is for a different market with its more rugged construction and AF etc…and there are plenty of photogs that would consider video a bug and not a feature, I think, as well.
More like cut into the D90 sales.
50D is for a different market with its more rugged construction and AF etc…and there are plenty of photogs that would consider video a bug and not a feature, I think, as well.
Sounds nice but I think I would have been happier with 12MP. Those 15MP RAW files will require a lot of disk space.
Sounds nice but I think I would have been happier with 12MP. Those 15MP RAW files will require a lot of disk space.
Looks like I had better give my LX3 some love until May…
Ahh marketing speak: “Peripheral Illumination Correction” “Auto Lighting Optimiser” stupid names for what sounds like some interesting technologies. I can see it being useful for the happy snaps shot as jpg, but I wonder how this data will be baked into the RAW image?
Ahh marketing speak: “Peripheral Illumination Correction” “Auto Lighting Optimiser” stupid names for what sounds like some interesting technologies. I can see it being useful for the happy snaps shot as jpg, but I wonder how this data will be baked into the RAW image?
Does seem like this’ll end up cannibalizing 50D sales, doesn’t it? The only real diff that i can see is the slower continuous shooting rate (and perhaps the tougher build quality on the 50D).
Does seem like this’ll end up cannibalizing 50D sales, doesn’t it? The only real diff that i can see is the slower continuous shooting rate (and perhaps the tougher build quality on the 50D).
this is so cool. I don’t have any money, and now my rebel is 5 generations old, not 4, but it’s great that canon is coming out with this stuff. It started to seem like the nikon bodies were pulling away, but those specs at that price is great. cant wait for the dpreview.
thanks for sharing so promptly scott.
I love following twipphoto.com
Stephen
I am just starting to get into the video capabilities with my 5D. Maybe I should buy my daughter this Rebel and have her teach me…lol.
I am just starting to get into the video capabilities with my 5D. Maybe I should buy my daughter this Rebel and have her teach me…lol.
Wow I might trade in my XTi for this camera. Does it accept compact flash too or is it just Secure digital and Secure Digital High Density? You mention full HD but in the specs just above where it mentions it you do not list 1080 video. Anyways, I love it for a great entry level camera. I have not used SD cards in a while. How many GB do SD cards go up to? Can’t wait to hear everyones comments on the podcast. But does this mean that canon is fighting back against Nikon and finally producing better cameras. One more question. How will those extended ISO look for low light? But I might wait till they fix the dark spots problem that has come out with every camera for the past year. Thanks for the post. I will be following this camera closely.
Wow I might trade in my XTi for this camera. Does it accept compact flash too or is it just Secure digital and Secure Digital High Density? You mention full HD but in the specs just above where it mentions it you do not list 1080 video. Anyways, I love it for a great entry level camera. I have not used SD cards in a while. How many GB do SD cards go up to? Can’t wait to hear everyones comments on the podcast. But does this mean that canon is fighting back against Nikon and finally producing better cameras. One more question. How will those extended ISO look for low light? But I might wait till they fix the dark spots problem that has come out with every camera for the past year. Thanks for the post. I will be following this camera closely.
Well, in true RAW files NOTHING gets “baked in.” It ‘s the information straight from the sensor with some additional metadata. If you’re using Canon’s software to process your RAW files, you will probably see those corrections, but they *should* be fully reversible. If you use Aperture or Lightroom, you probably won’t see the *benefits* of those features in your RAW files, since they probably won’t be able to read the specific metadata tags associated with those settings.
Well, in true RAW files NOTHING gets “baked in.” It ‘s the information straight from the sensor with some additional metadata. If you’re using Canon’s software to process your RAW files, you will probably see those corrections, but they *should* be fully reversible. If you use Aperture or Lightroom, you probably won’t see the *benefits* of those features in your RAW files, since they probably won’t be able to read the specific metadata tags associated with those settings.
Here’s hands-on, video samples, high ISO shots, etc
Here’s hands-on, video samples, high ISO shots, etc
For the UK readers, the Canon UK site has this as the 500D
http://www.canon.co.uk/About_Us/News/Consumer_Releases/2009_News/EOS.asp
For the UK readers, the Canon UK site has this as the 500D
http://www.canon.co.uk/About_Us/News/Consumer_Releases/2009_News/EOS.asp
“Full HD 1080p video capture at 20 fps” – 20 frames per second at 1920×1080? Either this is a typo in their press release or the Full HD movie isn’t worth much and the marketing guys won the vote on what makes sense.
“Full HD 1080p video capture at 20 fps” – 20 frames per second at 1920×1080? Either this is a typo in their press release or the Full HD movie isn’t worth much and the marketing guys won the vote on what makes sense.
It’s actually a camera from the future sent back in time to kill John Connor. For $800 though I for one will welcome out new Skynet overlords (if they could bump up that full HD video by a couple of frames per second, wtf standard is 20?).
It’s actually a camera from the future sent back in time to kill John Connor. For $800 though I for one will welcome out new Skynet overlords (if they could bump up that full HD video by a couple of frames per second, wtf standard is 20?).
@Chris: It’s only SD/SDHC.
@Chris: It’s only SD/SDHC.
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I’m glad they finally added vertical bounce to their small flash.
I’m glad they finally added vertical bounce to their small flash.
As Scott would say: sounds good on paper, but let’s wait until people test the real production version.
As Scott would say: sounds good on paper, but let’s wait until people test the real production version.
From Kss [...]As Scott would say: sounds good on paper, but let’s wait until people test the real production version. [...]
Disappointingly, I suspect the latest trend of manufacturer bashing will have the various blogs complaining before the majority of people even get their hands on one. Canon is the new Microsoft of the camera world. It is in fashion to complain about them in particular.
From Kss [...]As Scott would say: sounds good on paper, but let’s wait until people test the real production version. [...]
Disappointingly, I suspect the latest trend of manufacturer bashing will have the various blogs complaining before the majority of people even get their hands on one. Canon is the new Microsoft of the camera world. It is in fashion to complain about them in particular.
I don’t think anyone should be forming judgments for or against this or any camera until they actually get their hands on one. I will test one as soon as they are available and report back here.
And Jack I made no commentary whatsoever about the camera. I posted the press release without comment so the blogs you are talking about – this isn’t one of them.
I don’t think anyone should be forming judgments for or against this or any camera until they actually get their hands on one. I will test one as soon as they are available and report back here.
And Jack I made no commentary whatsoever about the camera. I posted the press release without comment so the blogs you are talking about – this isn’t one of them.
Just the marketing people playing fast and loose with the “Full HD” label, 720p at 30/fps is “Full HD”, 1080p at 20 fps is NOT, and “Kinda Full HD” is not a good marketing term.
Also they don’t want to cut into 5D Mark II sales.
Just the marketing people playing fast and loose with the “Full HD” label, 720p at 30/fps is “Full HD”, 1080p at 20 fps is NOT, and “Kinda Full HD” is not a good marketing term.
Also they don’t want to cut into 5D Mark II sales.
Looks like a great entry level dslr, but it really speaks to how rushed the 50d seemed. I shoot with a 40d, and I can’t say I’ve felt one bit like upgrading to the 50d. Now the 5DM2, that’s the hot sauce :)
Looks like a great entry level dslr, but it really speaks to how rushed the 50d seemed. I shoot with a 40d, and I can’t say I’ve felt one bit like upgrading to the 50d. Now the 5DM2, that’s the hot sauce :)
These High Iso shots are very grainy. Not looking too good for myself buying one of these.
These High Iso shots are very grainy. Not looking too good for myself buying one of these.
720p (at any framerate) is not Full HD, but I get what you mean.
I’m a Nikon shooter and I think this is great. It’s nice to see these features make their way into entry-level DSLRs. It will be interesting to see how Nikon responds. An updated D60 perhaps? Either way the consumer wins. Yay us!
I’m a Nikon shooter and I think this is great. It’s nice to see these features make their way into entry-level DSLRs. It will be interesting to see how Nikon responds. An updated D60 perhaps? Either way the consumer wins. Yay us!
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20fps is an odd beast. It’s such a bizarre choice that I wonder what was going on if it’s not a typo. I suppose they had to have 1080p something for marketing purposes, but couldn’t let the thing upstage the 5DII by allowing it to have a frame rate that’s useful. 720p is a pretty good resolution too though.
However, I am interested, it’s an easier price to take, and the Gizmodo preview images look pretty hopeful to me. Now it’s time to wait for more aggressive testing and comparisons.
20fps is an odd beast. It’s such a bizarre choice that I wonder what was going on if it’s not a typo. I suppose they had to have 1080p something for marketing purposes, but couldn’t let the thing upstage the 5DII by allowing it to have a frame rate that’s useful. 720p is a pretty good resolution too though.
However, I am interested, it’s an easier price to take, and the Gizmodo preview images look pretty hopeful to me. Now it’s time to wait for more aggressive testing and comparisons.
I wish Canon would have included add-on geotagging either via a hotshoe like the D90 or via bluetooth.
I wish Canon would have included add-on geotagging either via a hotshoe like the D90 or via bluetooth.
To all the people saying this will cannibalize 50D sales, the Rebel and xxD ( 30D, 40D, 50D etc…) cameras are not in the same ballpark. Build quality, shot quality, size, ergonomics, fps and other things all make the xxD series Pro level ( albeit low end pro level ) cameras while the Rebels maintain a pretty consistent enthusiast/amateur base. Try holding a Rebel and then a 50D, you’ll see what I mean.
To all the people saying this will cannibalize 50D sales, the Rebel and xxD ( 30D, 40D, 50D etc…) cameras are not in the same ballpark. Build quality, shot quality, size, ergonomics, fps and other things all make the xxD series Pro level ( albeit low end pro level ) cameras while the Rebels maintain a pretty consistent enthusiast/amateur base. Try holding a Rebel and then a 50D, you’ll see what I mean.
I was going for a 450D…and talked my friend into getting one. Good feature set, but OMG does it have a super cheap plasticy build and feel. (Even makes my 350D seem robust by comparison.)
Since the 500D is the same build, I’ll be paying the couple hundred extra for a 50D to get a more solid cam…(and I also like the larger, easier to grip feel of the 50D).
The feature list of the T1i is very nice, but my sense is that Canon is packing too much tech into this camera (and the 450D), and maintaining an entry price point at the expense of build quality.
Just my 2¢… ;)
I was going for a 450D…and talked my friend into getting one. Good feature set, but OMG does it have a super cheap plasticy build and feel. (Even makes my 350D seem robust by comparison.)
Since the 500D is the same build, I’ll be paying the couple hundred extra for a 50D to get a more solid cam…(and I also like the larger, easier to grip feel of the 50D).
The feature list of the T1i is very nice, but my sense is that Canon is packing too much tech into this camera (and the 450D), and maintaining an entry price point at the expense of build quality.
Just my 2¢… ;)
Btw, I am basing MHO on the preview of the 500d on DPReview.com…the photos look very similar and reviewers commented that it uses the same build as the 450D, but I suppose it could be different than the 450. Have to wait til it hits the shelves… :)
I don’t think one can get wrapped up in build quality very much. I know people who are still shooting with original Rebels – which are what, five or so years old now? At least four I think. I myself am still shooting with an XTi that is in its third year (and probably over 30k clicks at this point) – the Rebels can take a licking and keep on ticking in my (admittedly limited) experience – I have a friend who’s had her XT for longer than I have and it too is still ticking!
I don’t think one can get wrapped up in build quality very much. I know people who are still shooting with original Rebels – which are what, five or so years old now? At least four I think. I myself am still shooting with an XTi that is in its third year (and probably over 30k clicks at this point) – the Rebels can take a licking and keep on ticking in my (admittedly limited) experience – I have a friend who’s had her XT for longer than I have and it too is still ticking!
Well, seems very nice. The frame rate at 1080p seems low, but given the price that’s a nice compromise. I’m in the market for my next camera and was going to save my pennies for the 50D Mk II because I have a lot of Canon glass. I was actually thinking of a Nikon D90, but this thing seems to be a direct assault on that camera. I’ll stay tuned, but if it performs as advertised my investment in lenses may drive me to this rather than the D90…we’ll see.