The Rebel T1i follows Canon’s normal product development path where advanced features introduced in their high-end models trickle down to their cheaper models. Part of this process is the deliberate crippling of these features to maintain the price value of the original camera.
Canon took the sensor from the 50D and put it in a smaller Rebel body creating the T1i, and canon then added the video capability introduced in the 5D Mk II.
Convergence of Video and Still Cameras
"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." said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
This convergence is evident as more manufactures add video capability to their DSLRs, and of course, it has been common in the more modest point & shoot compact digital cameras. The video clip length is limited to 12 min in High Definition resolution and 24 min in Standard Definition and requires 4GB of space on the memory card.
Autofocus
There are issues over autofocus in video mode and these are shared with Live View operation as well. The sensors for Canon’s excellent DSLR autofocus system are located in the optical viewfinder and use the reflection off the mirror to operate. In video mode the mirror is up blocking the autofocus sensors view of the image, so autofocus does not work. Canon came up with a number of solutions. Firstly there is manual focus, then there is quick mode where the mirror is dropped down momentarily to allow autofocus and then flips back up out of the way.
Finally, and this will be the most used mode, they have installed an extra autofocus system in the sensor area for autofocusing during video and live view operation. The drawback here is that it is a less sophisticated system than the one normally used in DSLRs so do not expect the same fast pin sharp focusing available when the conventional viewfinder is used for still pictures.
15 Megapixel Sensor
The Rebel T1i gives Canon the lead in the numbers game for entry level DSLRs and this easy to compare specification is very valuable as a marketing tool , although less so in real world imaging. The extra resolution is handy for large prints, but largely irrelevant for most common print sizes and web display. The price is larger image files placing greater demands on memory, both in camera and on the computer.
One big hurdle to overcome in increasing the megapixel count for a sensor is smaller pixels that tend to produce more noise in the image. Assuming the Rebel T1i’s sensor is the same as the 50D then this should not be a problem. In lab testing* the 50D performs well in noise tests and holds its own against the Pentax K20D, the other 15megapixel DSLR with an APS-C size sensor. The question is how good does Canon want to make the T1i? Will they give it the same, or better, noise reduction processing power than the more expensive 50D?
50D vs T1i
Although the new Rebel is very similar in performance to the 50D there are a number of subtle differences in specification.
- The shutter speed has a maximum of 1/4000s not 1/8000s.
- The shutter speed for flash synchronization is 1/200, not 1/250
- Only one RAW mode
- Fewer exposure and white balance modes
The most important here is the RAW options, particularly regarding the larger file sizes resulting from the increased sensor resolution. The 50D gives the option of producing smaller images in RAW format when the full 15 megapixels are not required, or when storage space is an issue. Perhaps the assumption is that Rebel users will shoot mainly JPEG and only occasionally use the RAW format , where more experienced 50D users prefer the greater control offered by saving their images in RAW format.
Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR Camera is scheduled for delivery in the US by early May and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $799.99. Canon will offer 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.
*Test data supplied by DxO Labs
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