Foreword:

The 15.1-megapixel Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i DSLR is the first Rebel camera to feature Full HD 1080p video capture as well as 720p. It features a Digic 4 image processor, a 14-bit A/D conversion, an Auto Lighting Optimiser, a 3-inch 920,000-dot rear screen, Live View and Creative Auto Mode. Continuous shooting mode is available at 3.4 fps and ISO can be set with an amazingly wide range from ISO 100 up to ISO 12800 in whole increments. The camera also features Live View with three settings – Quick, Live and Face Detection Live. It also has a Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit to combat any dust particles that may settle on it.

+Ves:

• Compact and easy to transport
• Very accurate color, especially greens
• Good extended ISO range
• Acceptable distortion and chromatic aberration
• Fine tuning of white balance presets available
• PictBridge support is surprisingly full-featured
• 920,000-dot LCD, proximity sensor next to viewfinder
• Plenty of shooting modes, easy for beginners
• High resolution and clear menu system
• 1920 x 1080 footage is very sharp
• Colors are accurate and strong
• Good interface for making adjustments in video mode

-Ves:

• Small size requires many buttons to serve multiple purposes
• Mediocre long exposure result
• Slightly higher than average noise levels
• Slightly worse than average white balance capabilities
• Very few in-camera editing tools
• Limited flash controls
• Narrow exposure compensation range
• Poorly laid out manual
• Color accuracy was only average
• Only records at 20 frames per second in 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Terrible low light sensitivity, image is dark
• Aperture, shutter speed and ISO cannot be controlled in video mode

Final Word:

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i is a good buy in its class if the price is the issue. You get the best value for your money considering the capabilities of the camera. The camera is easy enough to operate for those who are new to photography and yet also configurable for advanced users. Its HD video recording function is a bonus if you’re not into serious videography. And if you do not need the video feature at all, you can settle for the lower-priced XSi model.