Canon today announced the new Rebel T1i HD Video DSLR Camera. The good news is that it follows the Rebel line as a solid DSLR with even more megapixels – it packs a 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor.
The bad news? Canon crippled its HD video capability to just 20 frames per second (30fps would have been more desirable for a decent movie). Plus, it followed the Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 5D Mark II in their underwhelming lack of full-time autofocus during a video shoot. You have to pre-focus the camera on your subject who is expected to keep still in one place the whole time.
It also lacks a microphone input jack where you could attach an external mike for better audio. (What? You expect me to speak into that teeny weeny mike on the camera?)
OK, Canon now has a video capable DSLR. But sadly, it did not improve on what the Nikon D90 and the 5D Mark II have to offer in the video department. But it’s still a good DSLR.
The Canon Rebel T1i (maybe they hired the same guy who came up with name Pentax *ist D) will be available in May, $800 body only, $900 with an 18-55mm IS kit lens.
[Site: Canon USA]