Canon 500D (Rebel T1i, Kiss X3)

[VVFF]

While I'm personally waiting on a 50D replacement now, the rebel series has a new entry with the T1i. Here are the differences between it and the 50D...which is actually quite similar:

- Single cross type AF sensor(50D has all cross type)
- Video mode (50D has none)
- No AF Microadjust
- No top LCD screen
- Slower FPS and smaller buffer (3.4 vs. 6.3)
- No option for smaller RAW formats
- No silent shutter mode
- Pentamirror viewfinder w/ less magnification(vs. pentaprism)
- Cheaper build quality/no weather sealing

Looks like a strong product:

News Release:

http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/20090325_t1i.html

Summary:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1237953601.html

Hands on and comparison to popular models:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/T1I/T1IA.HTM

 

[jann1033]

interesting results vs the 50d at high iso. if they could just get the speed up i could save a bunch of money on the d series

 

[boBQuincy]

It is disappointing to see Canon continue to increase pixels while not bothering with things that might actually improve the image. To me the high res LCD and video are cute but not really worthwhile features, while the AF microadjust that they left out would actually be useful. Not to mention wider range/more exposures for bracketing...

There is no reason for me to upgrade to this from my 6 month old Xsi.

 

[jann1033]

It is disappointing to see Canon continue to increase pixels while not bothering with things that might actually improve the image. To me the high res LCD and video are cute but not really worthwhile features, while the AF microadjust that they left out would actually be useful. Not to mention wider range/more exposures for bracketing...

There is no reason for me to upgrade to this from my 6 month old Xsi.

the last link mentions they did upgrade the exposure bracketing and the sensor is different. the photos they posted in that link show a definite improvement over the 50d as far as noise in higher iso which of course is a big deal to me with my "under 400 iso usable range" camera

 

[VVFF]

the last link mentions they did upgrade the exposure bracketing and the sensor is different. the photos they posted in that link show a definite improvement over the 50d as far as noise in higher iso which of course is a big deal to me with my "under 400 iso usable range" camera

Took the words right out of my mouth. They quite obviously improved the noise reduction available in camera. I looked at some pictures and I would say ISO 6400 is IMO usuable in good light now...where I think for the 50D I would want to stop at ISO 3200.

 

[bnorm27]

I am currently an XTi user. I am very happy with the performance of my camera, however, there are a few things that are pushing me towards an upgrade. First, higher ISO capability, which this new camera has. Second, more speed! Why not increase the fps? This camera actually lowers the fps, although just slightly. I cannot imagine that they couldn't get this to the 5 fps capability of some of the lower end D models. I would certainly sacrifice some MP's to get increased speed. While they have been churning out new cameras at a good clip lately, they need to ask the current customers what they want or need in a consumer grade DSLR. I guess 15.1 MP's and HD movie recording are sexy things right now, and they hope that sexy will sell. Just my two cents.

 

[jfinke]

If you want a faster shutter you are going to have to upgrade to their prosumer line. The Rebel is their entry level model. They need to keep some separation between the lines or no one would ever buy the low end ones.

 

[PoohJen]

I am frustrated that Canon comes out with so many "upgrades" so quickly. I felt particularly burnt when they came out with the 50D just months after I bought the 40D. Yes, great that they continue R&D, but maybe they shouldn't rush a product to market if they're so close to the next "upgrade"?

 

[boBQuincy]

the last link mentions they did upgrade the exposure bracketing and the sensor is different. the photos they posted in that link show a definite improvement over the 50d as far as noise in higher iso which of course is a big deal to me with my "under 400 iso usable range" camera

It turns out Canon added a little clarification to using exposure compensation with bracketing, but it is something I already figured out (it was not that difficult). AEB still gives three exposures at up to +/- 2 stops, not enough for serious HDR work.

The noise improvement over the 50D appears to come at the expense of detail and could be done better with a noise reduction program anyway. Iow, I am still not impressed.

I *am* impressed by how quickly Canon can come out with new models but this was really just importing the sensor and processor from the 50D. I guess the biggest question is why, do they really think an entry level camera needs 15 MP when most of their intended market has an A size printer?

 

[Groucho]

I *am* impressed by how quickly Canon can come out with new models but this was really just importing the sensor and processor from the 50D. I guess the biggest question is why, do they really think an entry level camera needs 15 MP when most of their intended market has an A size printer?

Well, the entry level buyer is looking at 12mp PnSs and doesn't know anything about sensors (because the camera companies would rather keep them in the dark) so offering 15mp sounds more impressive, and it's more than Nikon offers in a comparable camera. Hey, why not, if they can have 3mp camera phones... Besides, what's the alternative? They have the bigger sensor, people would be complaining more loudly if they didn't put it in than if they did.

A quick glance at Imaging Resource's article makes me roll my eyes a few times but I will bite my tongue on that.

 

[boBQuincy]

Well, the entry level buyer is looking at 12mp PnSs and doesn't know anything about sensors (because the camera companies would rather keep them in the dark) so offering 15mp sounds more impressive, and it's more than Nikon offers in a comparable camera. Hey, why not, if they can have 3mp camera phones... Besides, what's the alternative? They have the bigger sensor, people would be complaining more loudly if they didn't put it in than if they did.

A quick glance at Imaging Resource's article makes me roll my eyes a few times but I will bite my tongue on that.

Yes, I am afraid you are right. It was a rhetorical question I suppose, most people need a number they can use to compare products, and for cameras megapixels is still that number. ISO too, who cares that it is either too noisy to be used, or so smoothed out that all the detail is lost? It's enough to make one want to go back to rangefinder with B&W film!
Well, not yet...

 

[boBQuincy]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos500d/

As expected, there is little difference in image quality between the T1i and the Xsi. In fact, the Xsi came out ahead in some tests!
For those looking for an entry level SLR the extra $$ for the T1i could buy another lens instead, so if video, a few more megapixels, and a very optimistic ISO range are not important the Xsi might be a better choice.

Canon's T1i is a very good camera but the newest may not always be the best. Now what does this do to CAS (Canon Acquisition Syndrome)?

 

[jann1033]

that is kind of what i figured between the 40 and 50ds as well. the 40 had slightly better iq even though there were more bells and whistles on the 50d( ie the lens profiles would be nice if i had any of the lenses)

 

[Ellen]

I had a canon EOS film camera, when that broke down I bought a canon elph 700IS which is great for thrown in my pocket and go but I really miss getting those low light and distant shots. My daughter is graduating high school in 2 weeks, indoors, and I would like to get something by then. My son plays college baseball and I would like to get some of those shots as well as Disney fireworks and a little macro.
I started with wanting the Xsi then the T1i came out then I started looking at the Nikon D90. I am reviewed out.
Canon still has the $200 rebate if I buy the Xsi kit with the EF-S 18-55 and the EF-S 55-250 f/4-5.6 lenses total $849. If I get the T1i it will be $899 with one lens.
So are those lenses decent for what I want and a good deal or would I be better off with the T1i the latest equipment and get a different lens at another time. I will be paying two tuitions in Sept yikes
Sorry so long Thanks for any advice,

Ellen

 

[boBQuincy]

I had a canon EOS film camera, when that broke down I bought a canon elph 700IS which is great for thrown in my pocket and go but I really miss getting those low light and distant shots. My daughter is graduating high school in 2 weeks, indoors, and I would like to get something by then. My son plays college baseball and I would like to get some of those shots as well as Disney fireworks and a little macro.
I started with wanting the Xsi then the T1i came out then I started looking at the Nikon D90. I am reviewed out.
Canon still has the $200 rebate if I buy the Xsi kit with the EF-S 18-55 and the EF-S 55-250 f/4-5.6 lenses total $849. If I get the T1i it will be $899 with one lens.
So are those lenses decent for what I want and a good deal or would I be better off with the T1i the latest equipment and get a different lens at another time. I will be paying two tuitions in Sept yikes
Sorry so long Thanks for any advice,

Ellen

I don't know that i would be considered an expert but I have been serious about photography for many years and recently "upgraded" from a Canon 30D to a Rebel Xsi, so there are my qualifications.

The extra pixels of the T1i are not a big deal, and the high ISO is *very* noisy, so it really comes down to whether you consider the video to be worth the extra $$$. I would rather carry a Flip instead so I am not replacing my Xsi with a T1i.

Canon's entry level lenses are not bad (not great but not bad). The sharpness is actually quite good, the build quality and feel of the lenses is kinda' cheap though. I have the 18-55 and use it occasionally, the clarity of the images is surprising from a lens that usually costs less than $100.

From what I read there is nothing nearly as good as the 55-250 in that price range so that is a good complement to the 18-55. Of course neither of these is a low light lens but for that we have Canon's nifty fifty (50mm f/1.8) for under $100.
I think Canon's Xsi rebate deal is a good way to go. Here are some examples of photos taken with a Xsi (but not a 18-55):

http://www.suzieandbob.com/wdw/feb_09/HTML/
http://bob.suzieandbob.com/racing/vir_june09/

 

[ColleenG]

I have been wanting to get the XSi too and then when I saw the T1i thought maybe I would get that. The reviews I read said pretty much what Bob said, unless you want to spend the extra money to have the video, go with the XSi. Bob, after looking at your photos I want my new camera NOW and a plane ticket to Orlando!

 

[jann1033]

the latest isn't always the greatest, it depends on what you find most important. i have read the image quality is a little better with the xsi, i think the speed and noise levels are about the same( if i am remembering right). those are things which really impact your photos so i'd go with the xsi and 2 lenses.
you may want a little more versatile low light lens at some time but that is a good starter kit for anyone.
i recently upgraded from a broken rebel xt( so no choice) to a 40d( love it so far) but although imo the xt focus was soft, the newer cameras i think have better focus systems. the body is plastic but mine looked like new still ( except a few scraps where the tripod plate slipped on the very bottom and the hot shoe was painted black, the chrome was showing in a few places there but minor)

 

[Frantasmic]

XSi offers the best deal right now. From what I've read (the other posters are spot on, btw), the T1i offers slightly better images due to the new processor. The reviews I've read suggested that the T1i did have better/higher ISO numbers, but the noise was grainer. If you prefer a crisper picture, go with the XSi. If you prefer a nostalgic look, go with the T1i.

I'd suggest the XSi, the nifty fifty, and then either the 85mm f1.8 or the 100mm f2.0 for clean indoor shoots.

I've recently shot indoor, sports, and a graduation with my cadre of lenses and would be happy to show you any if you'd like to see them.

 

[ColleenG]

I've recently shot indoor, sports, and a graduation with my cadre of lenses and would be happy to show you any if you'd like to see them.

Please share! I'm hoping to get the XSi with 2 lens kit soon and love to see what it can do!

 

[Ellen]

Thanks for all the advice. I am not that interested in the video but I did think that option on the T1i for newbies with some creative control mode sounded like something I would use. I think I will stick with the xsi and get the 2 lenses. I would love to see your graduation pictures.

Thanks
Ellen