Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D)
Announced March 25, 2009
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon EOS Rebel T1i is a capable mid-range DSLR that provides high-resolution 15.1MP still images and Full HD video recording. Although it offers significant performance improvements and a high-quality LCD screen, the camera's video features are hampered by a slow frame rate and limited manual control.
Weighted from 21 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-resolution 3-inch LCD screen
- Fast, responsive autofocus and overall performance
- Detailed 15.1MP image quality with strong low-light performance
- Improved ergonomics and intuitive physical button layout
- Full HD video recording capability
Cons
- Video recording limitations including a 20fps frame rate and lack of manual adjustments
- Difficult autofocus in video mode
- Poor audio performance due to a weak built-in microphone and no external input
- Fixed, non-articulating LCD screen
- Noise and image quality issues at high ISO settings
- Launch price $799.99 (USD)
- Sensor 15.1MP CMOS
- Video 1080p 20p
- Burst 3.4 fps electronic 3.4 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 21 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 74/100
Canon's popular consumer model takes another step away from the 'entry level' with an impressive spec sheet and consistently good performance, across the board.
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Our experience with the Canon T1i was excellent, and shows that Canon is taking its digital SLR challengers quite seriously.
- Cameralabs 88%
Canon’s EOS 500D / Rebel T1i is a feature-packed DSLR which boasts a wide variety of improvements over its predecessor, the best-selling EOS 450D / Rebel XSi.
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[T]he EOS 500D is another recommendable masterpiece from Canon. However, Canon EOS 450D users don't really need to upgrade unless there's a critical need for the movie mode functionality.
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The image quality the Rebel T1i offers with its 14-bit RAW capture, Digic 4 processing, and accurate 35-zone metering is astonishing given its price.
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This improvement once again creates a dilemma repeated with each new Rebel / xxxD DSLR release - The consumer-level Rebel delivers better image quality than the prosumer xxD.
- WIRED 5/10
In both still and video modes, the Canon's colors are comic-book oversaturated, so it's a good thing the menus are easy to navigate: A deep settings massage will slap them into shape.
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With the addition of full HD video, a greatly-expanded ISO range and a fantastically high-res LCD screen, the new Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i has graduated to the ranks of mid-range, prosumer DSLR.
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The Canon EOS 500D is a worthy successor to the popular 450D, and adds a number of useful features, including the must-have HD video recording, a more powerful sensor and a nice new monitor.
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Though initially the Canon 500D may seem like only a slight progression in the range, it offers far more than is expected. [...] It’s a truely deserving winner of our Gold Award.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The Canon EOS Rebel T1i is a solid mid-range DSLR with the added spice of HD video recording...
- CNET 7.8/10
A solid, slightly better-than-basic dSLR, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i delivers photo quality and performance that adequately compensates for most of its annoyances.
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The Canon 500D is a decent amateur camera, made in Japan, and can shoot video with autofocus.
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[...] I highly recommend the Canon Rebel T1i to anyone looking for a feature-rich and very capable DSLR on an entry-level budget. [...] However, this is the best Rebel yet.
- Photo Review 8.5/10
A capable DSLR for photographers who require a broad range of adjustable functions plus Full HD video recording.
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In general use, the Canon EOS 500D is an excellent point and shoot DSLR, for those who want an uncomplicated camera that offers greater potential than compact models.
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The reason to get this T1i is because of its greatly improved ergonomics. It just works better than earlier Canons.
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Colors were accurate and focusing was crisp.
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Canon EOS 500D (also known as the Rebel T1i) is my first DSLR camera to play around with and I’m totally sold.
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I think the Digital Rebel T1i is one of the best bargains in Canon's (or anyone else's) DSLR lineup. You get a high resolution sensor, ISO capabilities up to 12,800, HD video and most of the "bells and whistles" that the average photographer will ever need.
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The Rebel T1i may not be as much fun to use as some cameras in this size or price range, but it delivers plenty of bang for the buck.
