Canon Rebel EOS T1i DSLR Gets Official

It didn't take long, barely few hours into the leak, Canon has let the cat out of the bag — the Rebel EOS T1i is official. The successor to Rebel XSi is now packed with 15MP CMOS image sensor, extended 128,000 ISO, 14-bit Digic IV image processor and a large and high Res. 920,000 dot pixels 3-inch LCD enter-level DSLR that's capable of capturing HD video of up to 1080P at 20fps.

The 22.3mm x 14.9mm 15Mp CMOS sensor is identical to ones that's featuring in EOS 50D, that including the Live view features and functionality from two grid overlays and three AF options: Quick Mode, Live Mode and Live Mode with Face Detection. For shooting speed, it's rated at 3.4fps, capable of capturing 170 Large Fine JPEG or 9 RAW CR2 in a fast shooting sequence. Sadly, there's no micro AF adjustment on the new Rebel.

Of all the new features, the main attraction here is probably the video mode. But unfortunately, Canon is not given up the best of 5D Mark II has to offer, at least not at $799. The new Rebel tops at 720 30fps but does offer full HD option with 20fps constraint. RG's preliminary report on the full HD feature is rather disappointing.

"For all but static scenes, the stutter of the 20fps 1080p mode in the Rebel T1i will be unwelcome"

Though offers similar video functions and limitations like the 5D Mark II, the Rebel's Full HD capture at 20fps stuttered while the 720P is great but not as sharp as downsizing-720p video capture from 5D sequel. Also, at nearly $2000 less, they took away the external stereo mic. Additionally, in comparison, the build-in microphone from the new Rebel appeared "slightly muffled".

In addition to the Rebel T1i, Canon has released a new compact flash – the 270EX, which replaces the 220EX runs on two AA batteries. The EOS Rebel T1i is expected to ship in early May 2009 at suggest retail of $799.99 in the U.S, or $899.99 in a kit with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens.

• 15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Full HD movie recording with HDMI connection for viewing and playback on an HDTV
• ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800)
• 3.4 frames per second continuous shooting
• Max. 170 large JPEG images in a single burst
• 3.0" ClearView LCD with Live View mode
• 9-point wide area AF with cross type centre point
• High speed DIGIC 4 performance and superb image quality
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 95% coverage viewfinder
• 35-zone metering
• 1/4000s shutter speed.
• Power options, including Battery Pack LP-E5 and AC Adapter Kit ACK-E5
• Accessory options, including Battery Grip BG-E5
• $799, or $899 with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens