Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Body Only): Customer Reviews & Product Details

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i/500D/Kiss X3 is the third EOS to offer HD video capture, and utilizes the DIGIC 4 processor. One of the advantages of the camera is if one uses a 600mm or less lens with a maximum aperture of f4 or less, there is no vignetting like previous ASP-C imaging devices.

The camera is suited to photographers eager to enter dSLR photography, but the T1i will be rather disappointing for videographers eager to break into dSLR HD capture; the T1i is not an affordable 7D alternative, but it could be if Canon releases a firmware update that allows for full aperture and shutter speed control and a 1080p/24fps mode. Also, if using the T1i for digital filmmaking, use a flash recorder like the Marantz PMD 661 to capture audio (which uses the same sd/sdhc cards as the T1i) as the camera does not have a mic input like other EOS dSLRs. Marantz PMD661 Portable SD Recorder

Image stabilization is a good feature to have, but it is best suited on a better lens due to the chromatic aberration and low light noise inherent to the 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 kit lens.

Pros: - great pictures, even on AUTO
- kit lens is great for starting out!
- not as big or heavy as prosumer cameras
- awesome camera for those new to photography
- can be used to practice with auto mode/creative auto mode if you are new to SLRs and are more used to point-and-shoots
- VERY affordable! i got the kit for 724 with the 55-250mm lens (from another retailer of course) and for the money, this camera CANNOT be beat (sorry D5000)
- same image sensor as the one in the more expensive prosumer Canon 50D

Cons: - ef-s lens may rack up in your collection and can only be used by aps- cameras such as the rebel series, 50D, etc. (may not be a con, newer models probably will be backward compatible)
- rebel t1i logo looks a little cheesy on the camera
- the kit lens is rather limited once you get more into photography (average in low light settings, low shutter speed, cheap plasticy feel, etc.)
- can only use fast SDHC cards to record movies

As you can see, these cons are not even REALLY cons if you don't care for things like ergonomics, aesthetics, and video-recording (I don't really care either, but this is a CONS section, had to find something lol)

This is an AMAZING camera! It is my second DSLR ever owned and I have not regretted anything. It has changed my perspective on picture-taking and catapulted me into the ever expansive world of photography and I can never go back to using point-and-shoot cameras (canon sd1000 and canon sx200 were my loves...).

The first cameras I have used is a Nikon D40 and Nikon D3000 from photography classes and they were great starters, but the T1i still outperforms either of them. My first camera is a used Rebel XTi that I also love, but the color body, scratches, and just overall feel have become just too dated for me. I had rented a Canon 50D from a local shop and while it may or may not be slightly better than the T1i, the size of the thing is too big and bulky compared. Plus, the difference in price can buy another zoom or prime lens with your T1i!

Speaking of which, after playing with the 18-55 kit lets and familiarizing yourself, try out a prime lens. I highly recommend the 50mm 1.8 (~$90) or the 50mm 1.4 (~$300). You will be shocked to see what this camera can do with such lightning-fast lenses! I have a 50mm 1.4 mounted and have not put the 18-55 back on ever since my purchase back in early November

The Canon T1i is an exceptional camera. I own both the 50D and the T1i. I bought the camera for my wife as an introduction to DSLR and I find my self using it as much as she does. Although there is a great deal of work to be done on the focusing during video capture feature, Canon has raised the bar pretty high for an entry level unit.

After years of going through camcorders and point and shoot still cameras I can gladly say I have found my hybrid dream! I bought this camera mostly for video purposes so I can achieve that depth of field which is hard even with camcorders that cost up to $2,000. The only downside is for some reason canon decided to make the 1080p video 20fps instead of 24. I shoot at 720p at 30fps. As far as stills goes, shooting at 15.1 megapixels the photos couldn't come out any better. Pro photographers try to say this cam is "entry level" and isn't a "pro camera" but it's like the little brother of the 5D mark II just that the image sensor isn't as big and it doesn't take 21.1 megapixel stills. This video does what I want with video, and I'm still learning the whole photo aspect. I use the m42 screw mount lenses and an adaptor. I have a 35mm, 2x teleconverter and a 90-250mm lens which cost no more than $25 a piece!

OVERALL: This camera is a great and affordable hybrid for video/stills and you can easily get the pro look you've been wanting!

I received a T1i as a present for Christmas. I've had a lot of experience with SLRs and P&S cameras. This is my first DSLR. I had great difficulty with the camera focusing on an item and when it did the image was very fuzzy. Depth of field seemed restricted as well. Following search on line and the handbook, I still wasn't able to correct the problem. I called the Canon helpdesk and was advised to return the camera to the place of purchase. The Canon online support and phone support were exceptional. I then contacted Amazon to organize a replacement for my camera. They immediately responded and had a new camera to me in 2 days!!

I'm now working through the settings on the new camera. Focusing seems fine and photos soft with standard settings. Have modified the settings and am finding good photo quality with the kit lens and with the EF lenses from my old SLR. Excellent color balance! Very natural compared to the other cameras I've tried.

One of the main reasons I bought this camera was that I could use my old lenses. I bought the corrective dioptics online from Canon for the view finder and I don't have to wear my glasses! Love these features.

Will provide an update once I've been able to give it a better work out. Thanks for the excellent service Amazon. Thanks Canon for such a great online and phone support service.

Update: Unable to get good sharp photos without post processing. Found much contrast and color dynamics flat. Suspect this was due to noise reduction processing in camera. Returned camera.