Color depth refers to the number of unique colors that a sensor can faithfully capture. Cameras with better color depth will demonstrate smoother transitions from one color to the next, and avoid "banding" in areas with subtle shading. (Blue skies are an example of where you might see color banding.)
More color depth is generally better, but you'll struggle to notice a difference between two cameras with less than 1 bit of difference. Color depth above 22 bits is considered excellent.
Want to learn more? Head over to our full glossary entry on color depth
Color depth test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
T1i test data on DxO Mark P7100 test data on DxO MarkMaximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.
Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.
You can learn more at our glossary entry.
Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
T1i test data on DxO Mark P7100 test data on DxO MarkFaster overall; Very good image quality; Generous 7.1x zoom range; Good controls; Tilting VGA LCD; RAW support.
Video limited to 720p24; Other cameras are still faster in some areas; LCD tilts only up or down, not side-to-side; Sub-command dial turns too easily.
