Here are the basics: 15.1MP, HD video capture (full 1080p HD video recording at 20fps), a DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, 3.4 fps for up to 170 large/fine JPEG images or up to nine RAW images in a single burst, ISO speeds up to 3200 in whole stop increments (plus H1: 6400 and H2: 12800), a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA). The camera comes with Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer, Creative Auto Mode and Live View.

The T1i is scheduled for delivery by early May and will be sold in a body-only configuration for $799.99 and 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.

Initial Reactions to Canon Digital Rebel T1i / 500D

Joe Decker, a Photocrati contributor, talks about implications of the 500D / Digital Rebel T1i the “narrowing” of the market for digital slr cameras, and how the increased power and resolution of “entry” level cameras may soon reduce the size of the market for flagship pro models.

Digital Photography Preview says “this is most of a 50D stuffed into the familiar 450D body.”

Camera Labs says: “if the Beta unit’s quality holds up, … the Canon Rebel T1i’s image quality is at least as good as the Canon 50D, delivering more detail than most of the 12-megapixel cameras on the market for less money.”

Both the DPreview and Camera Labs comments above are based on preliminary use of beta models, so it’s a bit early to tell what the verdict will be. But it’s clear this is intended to be Canon’s new flagship model at the lower end of the market, and that it will be popular camera.

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EPIC Indeed.

 I could talk about the newly announced “SCARLET” and “EPIC” photo/cinema systems from Red Digital for a very long time I’m sure. I won’t though. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so instead of wasting all that time on writing what I think about the mass of information and photos that they just dumped into our proverbial lap, you should just head over HERE and see it for yourself. You probably wouldn’t believe the full description I’d have to give it anyway…just go look…trust me.

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According to TechCrunch a version of Picasa for Apple Macs will be coming along later:

I managed to pick the Google employee with the least amount of media training and immediately put her on the spot. Her response: Picasa for Mac is under-development and will be launched later this year.

This is great news, one of the applications I miss from the PC is Picasa. I had really gotten into the workflow and nothing I have found since works the same way. While iPhoto and Aperture are well loved by many, and I have Photoshop Elements which kinda does the job, Picasa was what I had gotten used to.

And it is free, which shouldn’t be overlooked!

You might say I am looking forward to this. Let’s hope they do a good job integrating into the mac experience rather than just port over a subset of the functionality.

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I’m thinking we should see a replacement to the 5D in the next couple of months. Not that I have any actual evidence or inside track, but it is my best guess (and hope). My thinking is based on the recent releases were consumer equipment, the 400D and 30D. This says to me changes are due at the top end. Both the EOS 1D MKII N and 5D are due an update, both were released August 2005.

Have you seen the price reductions on the 5D lately? This is usually a good signal that a replacement is coming. All the hot news of late has been in the APS-C area, suspiciously quiet if you ask me. You could say that would mean a new flagship is required but if I was Canon I would announce a 1D beating 6D, then top it with a new top end pro unit. The other way round makes less sense to me.

My guess is (putting myself way out there now) a 20mp, 5fps, full frame, big LCD, around £3k mark, probably the 24-105 IS as a bundle.

I haven’t been following the news as much recently due to pressure of work and new projects, perhaps I have missed some discussion on this already. Or perhaps I am just way off mark. We will see in a few weeks, eh?

Rumours are circulating about a 40D, I am still hoping for a 6D (4D?). Perhaps on show at PMA in March?

Technorati Tags: 6d, canon, camera, dslr, photography, rumours

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It’s not just a cheapo budget faux DSLR that you will quickly grow out of either

• 6 megapixel, same as D70s
• Same processing engine as D200
• 2.5fps, same as D50
• 2.5″ LCD as opposed to D50 2″
• SD card slot, same as D50, plus SDHC
• USB 2 (D70s is USB 1 I believe)
• 18-55mm DX kit lens

The main “low” points are stuff that a beginner wouldn’t consider anyway such as no ISO 100 and only 3 area AF. The high points make it a very attractive camera. Makes me wonder if there is any point to the D50 now …

See the press release at Nikon USA

Technorati Tags: nikon, d40, dslr, photography, news

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Canon still holds on to the top spot but only barely beating Nikon into second place. Should be real interesting to see these giants jostle for position once all three consumer-level cameras are out in the marketplace.

Vendor	July	June
Canon	33.3%	51.6%
Nikon	27.4%	32.6%
Sony	21.6%	2.3%
Pentax	14.0%	7.6%
Olympus	2.8%	4.8%
Matsushita	0.8%	0.1%

Data from Bloomberg.com.

Technorati Tags: sony, canon, nikon, dslr, sales, camera, news

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This is the teaser for the new Sigma SD14 DSLR. All we know is it will be announced September 26th at Photokina. From the small amount of text in the intro it seems it will be incorporating a sensor able to capture more colour data. Sensors such as the Foveon X3, used in their previous DSLR, are sensitive to all three primary colours per pixel as apposed to standard sensors that only capture one primary colour per pixel. Rumour has it the camera will have a 14mp equivalent resolution.

Technorati Tags: sigma, sd14, dslr, camera, news

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A thread over on Fred Miranda appears to contain convincingly genuine details regarding a “Canon EOS 3D”, said to be launched in around three weeks. The timing seems right, and photographers are drooling in anticipation with their wallets in hand, ready to buy. Rumored Canon 3D features:

• High performance AF system with 27 AF points, 11 of which are cross–type sensors up to f/4, with the center point cross–type up to f/5.6 and capable of AF up to f11. This performance is comparable or even better than the 1D series.
• ECF: Eye–controlled focus. A unique feature carried over from the Elan 7NE.
• 13.3 megapixel APS-H (1.3x) sensor with DIGIC III, capable of ISO 50 and 3200 plus ISO 25 and 6400 as expanded options.
• 6 frames per second continuous shooting speed, up to 40 JPGs or 18 RAW files.

Personally I was expecting an update to the 5D or a new DSLR in the 1D line. We will see …

Technorati Tags: canon, rumours, 3d, 1d, 5d, dslr, camera, news

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The release of the Nikon D80 in Japan is pushed back from September 1st to September 15th, due to “orders which exceed expectation.” (note: the link is in Japanese and we are relying on machine translation)

Well, it’s only a couple of weeks and anything good is worth waiting for right? You could always buy a 400D instead, or get a great deal on a D70s …

Technorati Tags: nikon, d80, dslr, delays, camera, photography, news

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