Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i Announced


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Canon has unveiled the EOS 500D (Digital Rebel T1i), the latest addition to its compact DSLR series. The upper-entry-level camera features include a 15.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor with full 1080p HD video recording. It also offers a 3.0 inch LCD with 920,000 dot resolution and an ISO sensitivity range expandable up to 12800 equivalent. It includes a faster Digic 4 processor offering better noise reduction at higher ISO's and continuous shooting speeds of up to 3.4 fps delivering 170 large JPEG images in a single burst.

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 25 March 2009: Canon announces the new 15.1MP EOS 500D which offers photographers an outstanding combination of features. Following the launch of the first Canon EOS camera to shoot movies ? the EOS 5D Mark II in September 2008 ? Canon now brings Full High Definition (HD) video capability to consumers in a compact and lightweight DSLR.

The new EOS 500D features a 15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor ? ideal for large detailed prints or enormous cropping possibilities. For shooting in near-dark conditions, the EOS 500D offers a high ISO sensitivity up to 3200 which is expandable to 12800, giving photographers the power to shoot in the dimmest light conditions. Outstanding noise reduction is made possible by Canon?s DIGIC 4 processor.

The EOS 500D heralds a new way for photography enthusiasts to capture their world. It pairs outstanding still image capture with Full HD 1080P video recording. For longer video shoots, users can also choose lower shooting resolutions of 720P or VGA.*

Every detail revealed

Exacting image preview and review is provided by a 3.0? Clear View LCD screen.The same screen as used on the acclaimed 5D Mark II, it features a 920,000 dot count ? for ultra-detailed image review, accurate focus checks, and clear access to the EOS menu system. As well as aiding shooting from awkward angles, Live View mode includes contrast based and Face Detection AF options. Ideal for newcomers to digital SLR photography, these allow compact-camera style auto focus, with a real-time image displayed on the LCD.

Fast processing, fast focusing

Canon?s DIGIC 4 processor drives continuous shooting speeds of up to 3.4 fps in bursts of up to 170 JPEGs**. Using Canon?s wide area AF system ? which features 9 individual sensors, including a central cross type point with a high precision sensor for f/2.8 or faster lenses? makes capturing split-second action sequences possible.

DIGIC 4 works in conjunction with the CMOS sensor to deliver exceptional noise reduction and 14-bit image processing for smooth gradation of tones and natural-looking colours. In addition, DIGIC 4 enables the ultra-fast start-up times and near-instant image review after shooting that photographers demand.

Distinctive EOS quality

Despite its compact, lightweight body, the EOS 500D includes all the hallmarks of the EOS system. Every detail of the EOS 500D ? from the large, bright viewfinder to the famously intuitive EOS menu system ? is designed to provide users with a world-class shooting experience.

Image quality is protected by the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which reduces, repels and removes unwanted dust from the sensor. Stubborn particles can be easily removed in post-production by using Dust Delete Data ? which can be added to the image in-camera ? and Canon?s included Digital Photo Professional software.

Digital Photo Professional software offers a comprehensive RAW editing package, with functions such as a quick check tool, a cropping tool, and a stamp tool ? plus the ability to change brightness, White Balance and Picture Styles in RAW images. The software suite is included with EOS Utility and Picture Style editor for unrivalled versatility.

Compatibility with the full range of Canon?s EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites ? including the exceptionally compact, powerful new Speedlite 270EX, which features a bounce and zoom head, plus fast recharging from just 2 AA sized

batteries ? allows the creation of a shooting system as unique as the photographer using it.

?The EOS 500D pushes the boundaries of what photographers can demand from their cameras, combining exceptional images with full HD video,? said Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. ?Photography enthusiasts can now capture their most significant moments in a manner that matches their creativity.?

Any Canon photographer can register for the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY service, which allows access to the latest EOS information, useful updates and exclusive EOS content ? plus tools that allow users to create the15.1 megapixel APS-C DSLR with ISO100-3200, to 12800 expandable, full 1080p HD recording, and the new, high resolution 'Clear View' LCD as found on the 5D MKI:)and the 50D. Quite nice for a consumer model. :)the 50D. Quite nice for a consumer model. :)

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0903/09032504canoneos500d.asp

Also announced - Speedlite 270EX flashgun. Not much to write home about, it's a small, compact, E-TTL II flashgun with GN of 27, silent recycles.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0903/09032503...edlite270ex.asp

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Well, not to defend Canon's actions as it's an entirely artificial restriction, but the xxxD line is for consumers, they don't want to enroach on the 5D MKII's video capability, or the upcoming 60D which will likely feature 1080p@24/30fps. It does however do 720p @ 30fps, and the 720p video will look fantastic.

Featurewise, this thing is packed and it really is a cut above competing offers. For the moment at least. Nice move :)

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I guess they didn't want to spring for 3.5 FPS lol

The only camera announcement I'm looking for these days is a SB600 and 70-200 VR replacements!

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Canon got busted for this on the 40D - they rounded it's frame-rate to 6.5 fps, but under testing, it apparently only does 6.3 fps...or something like that. Since then, the 50D's fps was listed more accurately (at 6.3fps), and I think it's a general Canon thing to be more accurate. FPS can vary though, I've clocked my 40D doing 6.9-7fps. But you're right, that 0.1 frame per second isn't going to matter too much :p

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i don't see why people here are so "mad" at the 1080p@20fps?

i think it's great that Canon took the 50D sensor - which is GREAT for a prosumer cam, i have one - and added video recording at [Full|Half] HD!

i'm eager to see more detailed reviews of this camera.

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Given the size of the 500D's photosites compared to the average P&S offering 1080p@30fps, or even low end HD camcorders...you can probably upsample the 720p@30fps to 1080p@30fps and still have it looking better. There are the other huge benefits it has over standard camcorders - low light performance, lens selection, depth of field.

Yeah, the 1080p @ 20fps sucks, but people really are getting far too hung up about it, it's not a main feature of the camera...and the 1080p video will put enough of a stress on consumer computers regarding to splitting/editing, making 720p a much more sensible and viable option.

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So is this the future of DSLR now? Including video recording capabilities? Am I the only one who doesn't like this? What's the point? Leave it out and lower the price!! I wonder how much cheaper the 5D mkII would be without the HD VR.

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It's essential the same sensor as the 50D, so think of it as the 50D plus video?

True, but that's not the fairest assessment for ISO performance - Canon probably put lower grade noise-suppression circuitry in the 500D. The EOS 400D and the 40D both share exactly the same 10 megapixel sensor and Digic III processor...the 40D has significantly better noise performance due to it's NS circuitry.

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So is this the future of DSLR now? Including video recording capabilities? Am I the only one who doesn't like this? What's the point? Leave it out and lower the price!! I wonder how much cheaper the 5D mkII would be without the HD VR.

i dont think that vid recoring is a bad feature. i think its a good thing to have just in case. after all you dont want to caary 10's of devices at once.

no matter the video recording capabilities, primary focus should still be on picture taking.

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i don't see why people here are so "mad" at the 1080p@20fps?

i think it's great that Canon took the 50D sensor - which is GREAT for a prosumer cam, i have one - and added video recording at [Full|Half] HD!

i'm eager to see more detailed reviews of this camera.

I'm pretty sure people aren't buying these specifically FOR video. It's just a nice additional feature to have.

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I bet you it is over 600. It's closing the gap between the rebels and the 50D. The only thing that previously did that was the D90, and I'm sure canon was losing out to nikon in that price range.

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From dpreview:

List price (US)

? Body only: $799

? Kit: $899 (with 18-55 mm IS lens)

List price (EU)

? Body only: ?799

? Kit: ?899 (with 18-55 mm IS lens)

? Kit: ?1299 (with 18-200 mm IS lens)

List price (UK)

? Body only: ?869.99

? Kit: ?969.99 (with 18-55 mm IS lens)

? Kit: ?1399.99 (with 18-200 mm IS lens)

Bear in mind these are list prices, and don't reflect street or online retail prices.

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Why don't you people go buy a top of the range video camera instead then? I'd use my DSLR to take ... uhm pictures, not shoot video footage.

I agree, I've yet to even come close to mastering how to take still images... let alone moving image :s

So is this the future of DSLR now? Including video recording capabilities? Am I the only one who doesn't like this? What's the point? Leave it out and lower the price!! I wonder how much cheaper the 5D mkII would be without the HD VR.

Agreed.

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Im only messing really but 20fps is kinda laughable. Im just being a Nikon fanboy hehehe. HD video on a DSLR is remarkable IMO!

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Well after the megapixel race was dumbed down, the next would be on the noise control and features, and video capability is one of those things. DSLR video mode is well above video recorders for that price, cinema grade, neglecting feature considerations. It's safe to say that though consumers don't need it, it's a selling point nonetheless.

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