Canon has released the EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR camera, the first in the Rebel camera line to offer full HD video capture abilities. The T1i is also equipped with a Digic 4 Imagine Processor and 15.1-megapixel resolution.
The T1i offers three video recording settings. In full HD mode, the camera records at 1080p and 20 frames per second (fps). Also in HD, but at 720p, the T1i records with 30 fps. In SD mode, the camera films at 4:3 standard TV-quality settings.
The camera can record up to 12 minutes of full HD video, 18 minutes of 720p HD video or 24 minutes of SD video. Video clips are recoded in .mov format with a MPEG-4 video compression.
The Live View feature works for both still images and video feedback and adjustments. With this feature, users can easily adjust the autofocus (AF) mode, drive mode, ISO speed, picture style, video image sharpness, contrast, color saturation and white balance.
The Creative Auto mode available with the T1i also permits easy on-site manipulation of exposure, aperture and shutter speed.
The nine-point AF system provides a cross-type AF measurement that reads a wider variety of subject matter, which increases the ability to autofocus quickly and accurately when shooting still images.
With the T1i, Canon has also upgraded to the Speedlite 270EX, a compact, lightweight external flash option. The 270EX uses two AA batteries and enables bounce-flash shooting with four position steps from 0 to 90 degrees.
The T1i is compatible with any Canon EF or EF-S lens, but is sold in body-only configuration for an estimated price of $799. The camera is also sold in a conversion kit with Canon's EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated price of $899.