Canon Rebel T1i Review
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The T1i inherits the same technology as the higher-end 50D, packing the same-sized image sensor and DIGIC 4 processor, and giving a reviewer like myself reason to draw comparisons between the two cameras. Although technologically similar, the T1i and 50D are different in size, features, controls – and, of course, price. But it is interesting to see just how much of the 50D has made its way into the affordable T1i.
The T1i is similar in design to the traditional Rebel series consumer DSLR, like the XSi or XS, but trumps these cameras's features with more resolution and high-def video recording. The T1i is designed to offer any photographer, regardless of shooting experience, an easy-to-use camera that is capable of total control or just pointing and shooting. The original Rebel series was originally built around 35mm film cameras that featured fully automatic modes, and today's Rebels still carry on this same tradition with digital models.
The T1i feels larger in the hand than most Rebel series DSLRs I have shot with, giving it a more professional feel than I am used to from a consumer camera. However, the T1i has the classic SLR look and feel, and a little more hand room on the right hand grip with both a thumb grip on the exterior and also a rubber handgrip for the middle through pinky finger. The T1i has a solid construction that appears to be a mix of hard-cast rubber and aluminum alloy. The camera is well built and has a good construction, which is neither too cumbersome nor too small to comfortably carry around with you.
One of the T1i's strong suits is the shooting information that is displayed on the LCD. When using the optical viewfinder (as opposed to live view mode) you can view shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, flash exposure compensation, Picture Styles, white balance, metering, image quality settings, AF mode and drive mode all in one place. By clicking on the Set button you can change all of these settings directly from this screen. Note that not all of these functions are accessible, depending on your shooting mode; if you're in an automatic mode, you have less control, but if you're completely manual you can change all of these settings.
