How would you change Canon's T1i DSLR?

Last week all the Nikon fanboys supporters were out in full-force critiquing the D5000, so we couldn't let another week slip by without giving Canon advocates (and haters, we don't discriminate) a similar chance with the T1i. Hitting the market at just about the same time, this well-specced entry-level DSLR packed a few niceties than alternative units simply did not: 1080p video, a 15.1 megapixel sensor and a price tag below $1,000. That said, there are still some areas that we reckon Canon could've improved upon, and if you feel the same way, we'd love to hear about it. Are you kosher with the 20fps 1080p mode? Is the image quality up to snuff? How's that stock lens treating you? Cut loose, won'tcha?

[ernie Posted Jun 13th 2009 1:13PM]

The nice thing is at least we can get an Eye-fi to replace the GPS/WiFi (Assuming you wanted bluetooth for wireless transfers)... whereas we can't add 4 extra frames with an add on.

[sanu29 Posted Jun 13th 2009 6:47PM]

Well I would love it if they can cut back the pixel numbers 10 or 12 MP and actually increase the size of their APS-C sensor to match the size of nikon and sony. Also another thing will be to iron out their software so it wont loose sharpness at high iso.

[ernie Posted Jun 13th 2009 1:10PM]

4 Things

1. 24p (1080 preferable)
2. AUDIO INPUT (Even one of those hot shoe inputs)
3. Manual Controls
4. Auto Focus

The Panasonic Micro 4/3s G1 got them pat down, your turn Canon!

[AniMill Posted Jun 13th 2009 2:29PM]

1080|24fps with LIVE output from HDMI so I can capture directly into my BlackMagic card in HD. The 20fps is STUPID. Otherwise, I want it to replace my aging 300D.

[dhlt25 Posted Jun 13th 2009 4:56PM]

as a nikon fanboy i have to say this is a very capable camera for the price. In fact aside from the 20fps 1080p( i bet they could easily make it 24fps with a firmware update) any other meaningful changes that would make the camera better would increase its price to the 40d and 50d range.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 13th 2009 5:58PM]

$1000 for something that feels like a fisher price toy? Do people just look for cameras that have a big CANON on them, pick the cheapest, and take it home? Do they not care what it feels like in their hand or that it's made of the same plastic as sporks?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 13th 2009 6:14PM]

I would add geotagging...tha'ts it.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 13th 2009 6:31PM]

I really like my t1i but it is at the higher end of the entry level DSLR market. Manual exposure in video mode like the 5D MK II would be great as well as metal construction. I may be stretching it with the metal construction but really? How much more could that possibly drive up costs?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 13th 2009 8:56PM]

add a side swivel screen. Just for competition's sake.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 14th 2009 1:11AM]

1080P

[Aceyriot Posted Jun 14th 2009 2:54AM]

make it an ipod

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 14th 2009 7:23AM]

- 25 & 30 fps option for compatibility with international video standards.
- Bring back the 8 mpix sensor. 15 doesn't make sense.
- Remove 1080p alltogether (sensor doesn't read fast enough. But maybe an 8 mpix sensor would?)
- Manual video settnings.
- Faster sensor "sweep time" to avoid the horrible "leaning jelly effect" or whatever the term is, the result of reading slowly from the sensor.
- Full 720p capture resolution. Not interpolated.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 14th 2009 7:59AM]

I would add
- manual exposure on video as 5d mII
- bigger pentaprism viewfinder
- timelaps options in firmware

[BuzzMega Posted Jun 14th 2009 5:24PM]

The major feature that sucks is the 20 fps 1080p mode. This produces files that can be edited simply with something like QuickTime Pro, but many HD edit programs simply produce horrible results trying to deal with the 20 frames, because they're optimized for 30 fps and/or 24 fps.

A good for instance: iMovie '09 works with 30 fps files just fine, but even 24 fps files cause motion artifacts. In some scenes you won't notice them, but anything moving perfectly smoothly has a couple of motion hiccups every second. With 20 fps material, the result is constant, annoying judder.

Some programs WILL handle odd frame rates. Final Cut Pro will, and all you have to do is shell out $1300 for the fix.

With the T1i, you're better off shooting 720p30 files, so that "full HD" advertising claim is a real crock.

[Trekkie Posted Jun 14th 2009 11:43PM]

quit dinking around with the 1.6x CMOS/CCD whatever they use these days and go 35mm frame size, or larger.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 15th 2009 12:08AM]

I hate the lack of substantial handgrip on the new rebels. That's why I still keep my 6 MP first generation rebel. I really don't understand why they keep it so small. What's the point of making it small? THERE IS A BIG HONKING LENS NEXT TO IT!! No matter how small you make the grip, you won't make it fit in a pocket because of the lens. Stupid really. Besides, EF lens mount is way too big anyway, so Canon will always lose out in the race for compact size. Forget the size, concentrate on ergonomics.
Another thing that really bothers me is canon insistence on using flash as AF assist. It really destroy a lot of photo opportunities because the subject flee while you focus on them or suddenly realize that they are about to be photographed. I missed the big AF assist light on my old EOS 50E.
And please quit the megapixel race. Most rebel shooters won't have the money to buy lenses that will justify a 15 MP sensor. 12 MP is good enough, but make it usable up to ISO 6400. Boy, won't that make me happy (though I'll be even happier if they include a swivelling LCD like the old G series).
That's pretty much it. I don't really care about video.

[jkenny23 Posted Jun 15th 2009 12:16AM]

Mono sound with no option for external mic.

[stansell Posted Jun 15th 2009 2:05AM]

I have one, love it. Wouldn't change a thing for the photo modes.

Video is a great feature and nice to have as an option when you are carrying around a DSLR. I put that to good use in Yellowstone. I could get great pictures of the colorful springs, and cool video of the geysers while only carrying one camera.

I'd bump 1080p video to 24fps. 720p 60fps would be a bonus - but I won't get greedy at this price point.
Add AVCHD as a video format option and allow for adjusting the bit rate.
Stereo mic input

[ebotee Posted Jun 15th 2009 12:11PM]

An external microphone input would be nice.

[sublog Posted Jun 15th 2009 2:54AM]

Also, add micro lens adjust. Increase low light performance (may require new/larger sensor)

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 15th 2009 10:45AM]

Change the Canon camera?

1. Change the sensor.
Put a sensor in there that has the option of extended light range sensitivity. Drop in a 21 MP sensor. Give the user the option of using all 21 MP for a standard image, or to split the sensor pixels in half so half are "low-light sensitive" and the other half are "strong light sensitive", or to split the sensor pixels by 3 so you get 1/3 "low light" + 1/3 "normal light" + 1/3 "strong light" sensitive. Incredible dynamic range! This is probably more easily accomplished using a Foveon-style sensor, but since this is a wish list...

2. Extend the ISO range.
100 to 1600 is OK ("nice", "good", "fine"), but there are times when I'd LOVE to have 25, 50, 100, ..., 1600, 2400, 3200, 6400.

-- Steve G.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 16th 2009 5:14PM]

I just bought the 500D and I love it . For the price what more can I ask for? I usualy only work with 35mm film cameras. This is my first venture into the realm of DSLR and I like it !!!!! =D

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 18th 2009 8:49AM]

If you are looking for an inexpensive Sony camera you should check out http://www.slrlist.com/sony/
There are several options to choose from along with accessories and lenses. This was the most helpful website for me when I was looking for a solid digital camera.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 18th 2009 9:54AM]

If you are looking for an inexpensive Sony camera you should check out http://www.slrlist.com/sony/
There are several options to choose from along with accessories and lenses. This was the most helpful website for me when I was looking for a solid digital camera.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 29th 2009 10:45PM]

I picked up the T1i two weeks ago Sunday, and while I do not claim to be anything more than a "beginning hobbyist" when it comes to taking pictures, I am very very happy with my purchase

This is a pic I took on Thursday of the Hubbard Glacier, and this was from a moving ship

http://www.flickr.com/photos/morningz/3673288519/meta/

I find the only thing big time lacking for me is the ability for an external stereo mic