Canon EOS Rebel T1i HD Video Misses the Mark

March 25, 2009
Ron Risman, Cameratown

Canon released today their first Rebel dSLR with HD video recording, putting an emphasis on its ability to capture HD video recording at resolutions up to 1080p.   The EOS Rebel T1i was an important camera for Canon as they were forced to play catch up to Nikon's 2008 release of the D90.   The D90 was the first dSLR to ship with HD video capabilities AND it came in under the $1000 mark.  Canon has since released the ($2700) EOS 5D Mark II, a professional dSLR with HD video capabilities, but definitely needed a model with video capabilities under $1000.

Canon has had a few months to tweak their offering and has leapfrogged over the D90 with the new Rebel T1i thanks to a higher-resolution sensor (15.1-megapixel vs 12-megapixel) and higher resolution video (1080p* vs 720p).  

* 1080p is limited to a frame rate of just 20fps

HD Video for the Consumer?

While the EOS Rebel T1i does indeed capture HD video, it does so with lackluster monaural sound.  If that isn't bad enough, Canon decided NOT to add an auxiliary audio input, making the video mode on the Rebel T1i less useful to virtually anyone interested in capturing high quality footage.   Canon also didn't place any emphasis on getting full-time AF working in video mode, so the average dSLR user who might buy this camera in hopes of capturing precious family moments in HD will be disappointed when they realize that they'll have to set up focus prior to recording.   This was barely acceptable on the professional 5D Mark II and is unacceptable for a second generation model aimed at the consumer market.  

It is also surprising that Canon crippled the video mode of the Rebel T1i knowing that Panasonic will start shipping their Lumix DMC-GH1 this summer. The DMC-GH1 promises cinematic 24fps 1080p video, 60fps 720p video, a more advanced auto focus system, internal stereo microphone, AND an auxiliary microphone input.  

It seems that Canon was more focused on getting the phrase 'HD video'   into their literature and less on actually creating a usable HD video mode.    Wouldn't it have served them better to have left out the crippled 1080p mode all together in lieu of adding stereo sound, an auxiliary microphone input, and possibly adding a continuous AF mode to video mode?   Of course.  So why didn't they?  Probably because Canon is mindful of the fact that a killer hybrid at this point could start to cannibalize their higher-end camcorder business, something that will eventually happen, but they'll go kicking and screaming before they let it.  The other reason, of course, would be to leave room for more advanced functionality in upcoming releases (EOS 60D?  Rebel T2i?  EOS 5D Mark III?).

Like the Nikon D90, the limited usefulness of the Rebel T1i's video mode shouldn't hurt sales of the camera - especially for those that could care less about video to begin with.  As a camera, the Rebel T1i is priced very aggressively at $799 (body) and $899 (with 18-55mm IS Lens) and takes many of the new features of the more expensive EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II and adds them to the Rebel series.  The 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 processing, and superior HIGH ISO performance - that should match that of the more expensive EOS-50D - along with Peripheral Illumination Correction (for up to 40 lenses) and Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer technology will provide consumers with an advanced photographic tool that is unrivaled at a price under $1000 - at least for now.

I want to add that I have been a big fan of Canon cameras and camcorders for well over 10 years and take no pleasure in pointing out some early missteps they seem to be making with the convergence of photo and video.  I do realize that we are at a very early stage when it comes to hybrid dSLR's, but I also know that early mistakes often open the door to competitors (RED?) that are willing to do it right,  rather than waiting for others to force their hand.