Canon: 15mpix Rebel with HD video, new Speedlite

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Canon: 15mpix Rebel with HD video, new Speedlite
By Mike Tomkins
(Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - 00:00 EDT)

Canon U.S.A. Inc. has today announced its latest Rebel-series digital SLR, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i.

The Canon T1i will be known overseas as the Canon EOS Kiss X3 (Japan) / Canon EOS 500D (other markets). It features a number of firsts for a Rebel-series camera, and we've just published our Canon Rebel T1i preview to offer a closer look at this interesting model.

Based around a variation on the sensor used in the company's mid-range EOS 50D digital SLR, the Rebel T1i bests the resolution of the previous top-of-the-line Rebel XSi, offering 15.1 megapixels rather than the XSi's 12.16 megapixels. Where the 50D's version of the sensor used speedy four-channel readout though, the Canon Rebel T1i opts for two-channel readout that yields 3.4 frames-per-second shooting. That's rather more modest than the 6.3 fps of the mode expensive 50D model, but it does almost equal the 3.5 fps offered by the predecessor Rebel XSi, despite the ~11% increase in linear resolution. Burst depth is significantly improved over the Rebel XSi, with the Canon EOS T1i able to shoot bursts of nine Raw or 170 JPEG images.

The Canon T1i also includes a DIGIC 4 image processor - the first time this latest generation of DIGIC has been featured in a Rebel-series camera, with the 50D and 5D Mark II the only other Canon DSLRs in which it has previously appeared. As in the 50D, the combination of image sensor and processor yield a sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 3,200 equivalents, expandable to a maximum of ISO 12,800. The faster processor versus the DIGIC III of the Rebel XSi also brings an improvement in startup time. Where the XSi took a manufacturer-claimed 0.2 seconds to start up, the T1i is rated by Canon for a swift 0.1 second startup.

The Canon EOS 500D is also the first Rebel-class camera to offer video capability, capable of shooting high definition 1920 x 1080 pixel movies at 20 frames per second using H.264 compression. At the lower resolutions of 1280 x 720 or 640 x 480 pixels, the Canon 500D's video frame rate increases to 30 frames per second. There's also a built-in microphone with which the Canon 500D captures the audio component of its movies, stored as linear PCM. There's a separate movie-mode shutter button, and the regular shutter button can be pressed during movies to trigger capture of a still image, albeit with a brief interruption to the video. Movies are limited in length to anywhere from twelve to 24 minutes depending on the recording resolution.

As you'd expect on a camera with high-def video capabilities, the Canon Rebel T1i includes HDMI high-definition video output, as well as a standard-definition audio / video connection. Some other noteworthy changes from the Rebel XSi include a much-higher resolution 920,000 pixel LCD display (size is unchanged at 3.0" diagonal), as well as the T1i's addition of face detection autofocus in live view mode, a new Creative Auto shooting mode and Quick Control screen, four-level adjustment of the high ISO noise reduction, and three-level adjustment of the auto lighting optimizer. The Canon T1i also has newly added automatic lens vignetting correction, user-configurable "author" and "copyright" EXIF fields, and the ability to shoot in RAW or RAW+JPEG when using basic-zone modes. All these changes have come at somewhat of a cost to battery life, though - where the XSi was rated as good for 500 shots on a charge with 50% flash usage, the equivalent figure for the Canon T1i is approximately 400 shots.

Also announced alongside the Canon EOS T1i is a new flash strobe, the Canon Speedlite 270EX. As compared to the previous 220EX model which it replaces, the Speedlite 270EX includes a compact four-position bounce head, modeling flash and color temperature data functions, the ability to control flash settings from the attached camera, and a drop in both size and weight, no doubt partly due to a reduction in the number of AA batteries used - two instead of four. The preliminary specifications do suggest that the Speedlite 270EX takes longer to recharge than its predecessor though, with a figure of 4.5 seconds versus the 3.0 seconds of the 220EX.

The Canon EOS 500D Rebel T1i is set to ship early this May priced at $800 body-only, or $900 with an EF-S 18-55mm stabilized kit lens. For more details on this interesting digital SLR, read our Canon 500D preview!

Pricing and availability for the Speedlite 270EX have not been disclosed at this time.

Canon EOS 500D Rebel T1i

General
Camera Type	SLR
Manufacturer	Canon
Model Number	Rebel T1i
Dimensions	5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4" 128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm
Weight	480.0 g 16.8 oz
Planned Price	$899.99
Planned Availability	2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type	APS-C Canon CMOS 15.60 megapixels (total) 15.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type	RGBG
Focal Length Multiplier	1.60
Aspect Ratio	3:2
Image Dimensions	4752 x 3168 (15.1 megapixels) 3456 x 2304 (8.0 megapixels) 2352 x 1568 (3.7 megapixels)
Capture Speed	Standard: 2.5 frames per second with unlimited burst depth Continuous: 3.4 frames per second for 170 JPEG frames or 9 Raw frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder	Yes, SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.87x mag., 19mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter 100% field of view
LCD	3.0", 920,000 pixels 95% field of view
Playback Zoom	10.0x max
Lens
Lens Type	Interchangeable Lens 3x optical zoom 58mm lens thread
Lens Mount	Canon EF / EF-S mount
Image Stabilization	Yes
Focal Length	18.0 - 55.0mm (actual) 29 - 88mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range	f/3.5 - 22 / f/ 5.6 - 38
Focusing System	9-point, wide-area, phase-detection AF system with f/2.8 cross-type center point with AF assist lamp Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity	Auto (100-1600), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800
Shutter Speed	30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes	Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes	35-zone evaluative, 8% partial, 3.5% spot, center-weighted
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance	Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Manual
Internal Flash	Guide Number: 13 Modes: E-TLL II auto-popup with red-eye reduction Range: Lens dependent
Creative
Scene Modes	Creative Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night portrait, Flash off, Auto Depth-of-field
Self Timer	Yes, 10 or 2 seconds
Movie Format	.MOV (H.264, Linear PCM) with audio Max. clip length: 720 seconds (SD) / 1,440 seconds (HD)
Storage
Recording Medium	SD/MMC
File System	FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format	CCD-RAW, CR2 RAW (14-bit), JPEG (EXIF 2.21)
Connectivity
Video	Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer	USB 2.0 High Speed
Other	Wired remote, HDMI-mini
Power
Battery Type	Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor	Proprietary LP-E5
Product Bundle
Software	Zoom Browser EX / ImageBrowser, PhotoStitch, EOS Utility, Digital Photo Professional
Battery / Charger	1 x Proprietary LP-E5 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory	0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant	Yes
PictBridge Compliant	Yes
Internal Microphone	Yes
Internal Speaker	Yes
Tripod Mount	Yes, Metal
Remote Control	Yes, Wired: RS-60E3, IR: RC-1/RC-5
More Photos







(cutaway view)
(cutaway view)
(shown with optional BG-E5 Battery Grip attached)

Canon Speedlite 270EX

Coverage Angle
Standard	28mm
Telephoto	50mm (Fixed for Bounce Flash)
Guide No. (ISO 100)
Standard	72 ft. / 22 m.
Telephoto	89 ft. / 27 m.
Flash Mode
Setting Mode: TTL	ETTL II
Setting Mode: FP	Yes
Setting Mode: Manual	Yes (Set on Camera)
Flash Related Functions
FE Lock	Yes
Flash Exposure Compensation	Yes (Set on Camera)
Rear-curtain sync.	Yes (Set on Camera)
Red-Eye Reduction Flash	No
Modeling Flash	Yes
Color Temperature Data	Yes
AF-Assist Beam
Assist Beam	Yes (using FP Flash)
Bounce Flash
Angle: Up	0º, 60º, 75º, 90º
Angle: Down	No
Lock Release Button	No
Data Input
Settings Controls	No
Information Display	LED
Test Firing	No
Set Using the Camera Interface	Yes
Power
Internal Batteries	LR6, (Ni-cd), HR6, FR6 -- 2
Charging Time	Approx. 4.5 sec. (TBD)
Other
Accessories	Soft Case
Dimensions (mm)	64 x 65 x 72
Weight (oz / g)	5.0 / 143 (TBD)
More Photos




(shown mounted on the Canon EOS Rebel T1i for scale comparison)
(on-camera config interface demonstrated with the Canon EOS Rebel T1i)

Original Source Press Release:

Canon U.S.A. Introduces The EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR Camera - The First Rebel DSLR To Feature HD Video Capture

Canon Breaks the $1,000 Mark Again with the First EOS Rebel Camera to Feature HD Movie Recording Capabilities, DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor and 15.1 Megapixel Resolution

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 25, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a new addition to its Rebel lineup, the EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR camera, the first in the Rebel line to feature Full HD video capture. The new Canon Rebel T1i SLR incorporates some of the best technologies from the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II models into an entry-level juggernaut. With a 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and HD video capture, along with the DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, the Rebel T1i gives aspiring photographers plenty of reason to step-up to the latest and greatest model in the Rebel lineup.

The new Canon EOS Rebel T1i raises the entry-level bar with a host of enhanced Canon technologies now available in an entry-level DSLR. Along with the boost in megapixels and Canon’s most advanced imaging processor to-date, this latest Rebel camera has also been enhanced with HD video capture, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor and user-friendly functions such as Auto Lighting Optimizer, Creative Auto Mode and Canon’s Live View modes, all the right tools to open new doors for imaging enthusiasts. From high-resolution to high-definition, the new EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR camera helps to give creative consumers a jumpstart on the next evolution in digital imaging.

“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. This is truly a great time to be involved in digital imaging as the advent of online communities are helping usher in this next great era in imaging,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The muscle behind Canon’s new EOS Rebel T1i camera is the DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor with 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion and the ability to process full HD video. The Canon EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR offers continuous shooting at 3.4 fps for up to 170 large/fine JPEG images or up to nine RAW images in a single burst when using a class 6 or higher SD or SDHC memory card. Whether capturing wildlife on the run or a child mid-stride on the soccer field, users will appreciate the fast shooting capabilities of the Rebel T1i Digital SLR camera.

With the combination of its 15.1-megapixel APS-C size CMOS image sensor and the powerful new DIGIC 4 image processor, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in whole stop increments, along with two additional high-speed ISO settings – H1: 6400 and H2: 12800.

The EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point Autofocus (AF) system and AF sensor for enhanced subject detection. The new EOS Rebel T1i DSLR provides a cross-type AF measurement at the center that is effective with all EF and EF-S lenses, while providing enhanced precision with lenses having maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. The cross-type AF measurement reads a wider variety of subject matter than conventional single-axis AF sensors and thus increases the new camera’s ability to autofocus quickly and accurately when shooting still images.

The EOS Rebel T1i camera is compatible with Canon’s complete line of over 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, to help provide an incredible variety of visual effects to both still and video imaging capture, including ultra-wide-angle and fish-eye to macro and super-telephoto. This includes all of Canon’s large-aperture EF L-series professional lenses.

HD and SD Video Capture
After the introduction of the EOS 5D Mark II in September 2008, the Company’s first HD video DSLR, Canon has integrated this must-have feature into the new entry-level flagship EOS Rebel T1i camera. The camera features 16:9 720p HD video capture at 30 fps as well as a Full HD 1080p video capture at 20 fps, and a third option to record 4:3 standard TV quality (SD) video capture at 640 x 480 pixels and 30 fps. The video capture mode is part of the camera’s Live View function, using the Picture Style that has been set for Live View still image shooting. The camera allows skilled photographers and enthusiasts to adjust image sharpness, contrast, color saturation and white balance, and have those settings apply to the movie image as well. When recording video, the camera’s rear LCD screen is letter-boxed by a semi-transparent border to match the aspect ratio of the movie recording size.

Like the EOS 5D Mark II model, the EOS Rebel T1i camera will record video up to 4GB per clip equaling approximately 12 minutes of Full HD video, 18 minutes of 720p HD video, or 24 minutes of SD video depending on the level of detail in the scene.ⁱ Video clips are recorded in .MOV format using an MPEG-4 video compression and sound is recorded using linear PCMⁱⁱ without compression. The camera features a built-in monaural microphone to record sound. To help show off those fantastic movies as well as still photos, the EOS Rebel T1i camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV.

Live View Shooting
Much like the EOS 5D Mark II, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i camera features Live View for both still images as well as video. The Rebel T1i features the Company’s three Live View AF modes – Quick, Live and Face Detection Live mode – which can be used to capture still photos or video images. Quick mode automatically sets One-Shot AF using the camera’s phase detection AF system. It also allows users to select the AF point, even while the Live View image is displayed. Although the camera’s reflex mirror must be lowered briefly to take an AF measurement in Quick mode, it is the fastest way to set focus automatically when the Rebel T1i camera is set for Live View.

Live mode uses contrast-detection AF with the image sensor and here, as with Quick mode, users can change the location of the active AF point using the Multi-controller. Face Detection Live mode uses contrast AF to recognize human faces. When multiple faces are detected, the largest face closest to the center of the frame is targeted as the AF point. While Live View is engaged, users can still change settings including the AF mode (Quick, Live, Face Detection Live mode), drive mode, ISO speed, Picture style, White Balance and more.

Auto Lighting Optimizer
Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer technology helps ensure that the subject of each picture is clearly visible by analyzing image brightness and automatically adjusting dark areas in images so they appear brighter. This is ideal when shooting high-contrast situations that include harsh shadow areas, such as landscape images where the foreground is brightly lit and the background detail blanketed in dark shadow. In a scene such as this, the EOS Rebel T1i camera’s Auto Lighting Optimizer technology maintains exposure of the highlight areas while lightening shadow areas for a more enjoyable and evenly illuminated image. The EOS Rebel T1i also supports Peripheral Illumination Correction for up to 40 Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

Canon’s Creative Auto Mode
Canon’s “CA” Creative Full Auto setting available on the EOS Rebel T1i, EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II cameras allows users to make image adjustments such as exposure compensation, aperture or shutter speed through a simple navigation screen on the camera’s LCD screen, allowing them to “blur the background” or “lighten or darken the image” with ease. These easy-to-understand image options allow learning-photographers to experiment with image options while still shooting in an automatic mode.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
With the introduction of the EOS Rebel T1i camera, the entire Canon EOS system is now equipped with the highly acclaimed EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS Rebel T1i has been upgraded with a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR Camera is scheduled for delivery by early May and will be sold in a body-only configuration which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty at an estimated retail price of $799.99ⁱⁱⁱ. It will additionally be offered in 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^iv.

Canon Speedlite 270EX
The new Canon Speedlite 270EX, the successor to the 220EX Speedlite model, is a compact, lightweight external flash option for Canon cameras including select Canon PowerShot models. Ideal for use with the new EOS Rebel T1i, the new Speedlite 270EX uses only two AA batteries and enables bounce flash shooting with four position steps from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Like Canon’s high-end Speedlite flash models, the 270EX allows users to control flash functions and input settings using the camera’s LCD monitor^v. The flash also features a quick-lock mechanism and a metal mounting foot for secure and easy attachment and reliable contact.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number seven in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2008 list, and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei - - “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” - - Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/RSS .

# # #

†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

*Prices are estimated retail prices. Actual selling prices are set by dealers and may vary.

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

Prices, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.

According to Canon’s standard test methods.
A method of converting audio and other analog signals into digital data. It is recorded without any compression.
Prices are estimated retail prices and subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
Prices are estimated retail prices and subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
When using the EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS-1D Mark III, EOS 40D, EOS Rebel XSi, EOS Rebel XS, EOS Rebel T1i, PowerShot G9, PowerShot G10, PowerShot SX1 IS, PowerShot SX10 IS, PowerShot SX200 IS or PowerShot S5 IS.

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