Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i Digital SLR

The Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i is the 6th generation of Canon's highly regarded entry-level DSLR camera series and it is an improvement on earlier Rebels by adding many features that up until now could only be seen on Canon's pricier mid-level DSLRs. Among the 500D/Rebel T1i's key attributes are a 15.1Mp CMOS sensor (similar to the sensor on the EOS 50D) for detailed, full volume prints, Live View for accurate pre-focusing and editing, continuous burst-rates of up to 3.4 fps, a DIGIC 4 image processor, and a scratch and glare-resistant hiagh-resolution (920,000-dot) 3" Clear View LCD that allows for simple 100% image viewing from angles up to 170° off centre from the screen.

The big news about this camera is the 500D/Rebel T1i's ability to record a choice of full HD 1080p, 720p, and VGA video capture, which places it among the few DSLRs currently available that can capture true high-resolution video that beats or meets the image quality of far costlier pro camcorders.

To advice reduce retouching time the 500D/Rebel T1i includes an EOS Integrated Cleaning System that combats dust through the use of high-frequency vibrations that free dust from the sensor's front-mounted IR filter every time you power up and power down. There are also anti-static coatings on the low-pass filter to keep it dirt-free, and a body cap designed not to 'shed' particles that can possibly find their way into the mirror chamber.

To better enable successful imaging under the most arduous of lighting conditions, the camera's DIGIC 4 Image Processor allows you to set the ISO rating from ISO 100 through 3200 in standard mode, and from 6400 to 12,800 in expanded mode. Once the 9-point wide-area AF system (with cross-type center point) nails the focus you can increase up to 3.4 fps for up to 170 exposures, allowing you the option of capturing best image sequences.

• 15.1Mp APS-C Format CMOS Sensor

The Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i contains a 15.1 megapixel APS-C Format CMOS Sensor capable of producing stunningly detailed poster-sized prints

• HD 1080p Video Capture

High-Definition 1080p video capture (1920x1080 @ 20fps) from a quality DSLR is now priced within the reach of beginners and serious amateurs alike. Depending on your needs, the 500D/Rebel T1i can also be programmed to capture 720p (1280x720 @ 30fps) and VGA video (640x480 @ 30fps). For high-quality image playback the T1i features an HDMI connection that enables you to watch stills and video on any HDTV

• DIGIC 4 Image Processor

Canon's powerful DIGIC 4 Image Processor makes it possible to quickly (and accurately) process large volumes of 14-bit image data for output in the form of high quality, noise-free still and video imagery

• RAW and/or JPEG

Still images can be captured as RAW, JPEG, or RAW-plus-JPEG in a choice of 3 compression ratios to best meet your output needs

• 3" Clear View LCD with Live View

Live, real-time 100% reflex viewing from a large 920,000-dot scratch and glare-resistant LCD allows you to critically focus the camera lens while composing your images as well as carefully edit the final results

• ISO Sensitivity Expandable to 12,800

Starting from a base of 100, the sensor sensitivity of the EOS 500D/Rebel T1i can be 'pushed' to ISO 3200 in standard mode, and up to ISO 6400 and 12,800 in expanded (H1, H2) mode enabling picture taking under the most pressing of lighting circumstances

• Picture Styles

The Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i allows you to match the color (or monochrome) quality of your pictures through the use of 6 pre-set scene modes, each of which can be easily modified in terms of tone, color, saturation and contrast to fit your needs and preferences

The Nikon D90: A Digital SLR Camera Review

The D90 is a mid-level DSLR that is aimed at the enthusiast photographer. It sits comfortably in between the entry-level cameras, and the pro-level cameras. The D90 would be ideal for photographers who are looking to move up from an entry-level DSLR like the D40, D60, or D3000.

Overview and Specifications
Rating - Excellent

The Nikon D90 has a 12.3 mega pixels APS-C sensor that has a built-in cleaner. The D90 is compliant with SD or SDHC memory card, it can shoot at 4.5 frames per second, and was the world's first DSLR to include a High Definition video recording mode. It has an 11-point auto focus system, live view capabilities, and a high resolution, 3-inch LCD screen. The D90 includes in-camera editing, active D-lighting to balance shadows and highlights, and a shutter that is tested to 100,000 shots, and beyond. Unlike lesser cameras in the Nikon range, it will also auto focus with all Nikon AF lenses, due to its built in focus motor. So, although specifications like this are bettered by Nikon's pro-level cameras, there is still plenty on offer here to satisfy even the most demanding photographers.

Features
Rating - Good

HD Video Mode

When the D90 was launched, the headline feature on the spec page was the High Definition movie ability. Although this has since been replicated in other cameras, the D90 was the first camera to have it. In practice it works well, but is not without its drawbacks. Press the Live View button, and then the 'OK' button to start recording. The D90 records at 720p and 24 fps which is good, but not quite as smooth as the 30 or even 60fp fps you will find in many point and shoot cameras these days. The much-publicized flaw you may encounter is known as the jello effect. You experience a wobble or 'jello' effect in your videos when you quickly pan horizontally while shooting a movie. Also worth noting is that the D-movie mode is manual focus only on the D90, regardless of what lens you have on. However, all that aside, you can get great results with some practice. Check out the D90 channel on Vimeo for some great examples of what can be done.

In-Camera Editing

The 3-inch LCD is great for reviewing images, and even doing some in-camera editing. There are a whole variety of effects you can add to your photos, like red eye correction, fisheye effects, distortion correction, black and white conversions, various filter effects, picture straightening, and a RAW to JPEG conversion facility. Although I do many of these things in Photoshop, it is often good to see what it would look like before you get back to your computer. The D90 saves the retouched photos as separate files, so you will always have your original to go back to.

Active D-Lighting

Nikon's Active D-Lighting is a feature originally borrowed from the D3, and D300. It helps ensure your highlights are not too bright, and your shadows still have detail. You can apply D-Lighting in a variety of strengths, turn it off altogether, or just leave it on auto to let the camera pick the best settings. I have mine on auto, and almost always get the results I want.

Design
Rating - Excellent

The D90 is a great fit for your hands. The grip is comfortable and reassuring. There is a control wheel at the back of the camera where your thumb rests, and also one at the front for your index finger. The body is bigger than the D40, D60 and D3000, but not so big that you will have trouble reaching the controls. The main settings can all be accessed without diving into menus on the LCD screen, as they almost all have buttons of their own. If you have used Nikon DSLRs before, you will definitely feel at home with the layout and design of the D90.

Performance
Rating - Excellent

The D90 is ready the second you turn it on, and can quickly churn out 4.5 JPEGS every second on its continuous shooting mode. Shutter lag, like most DSLRs, is so small that you would have to have professional equipment to even begin to measure it! So, you will rarely miss that fleeting expression, walking toddler, or shot on goal. The 11 point auto focus system is quick, and accurate. It can be set for auto, single point, dynamic area, or a new 3D tracking mode. All perform, as you would expect in the situations they are designed for. Digital noise is well controlled up to ISO 3200, and that makes this a great camera for low light situations. CIPA rate the battery as good for 850 shots when fully charged, so you can easily go weeks between charges under light to normal use.

Price to Value
Rating - Good

At the time of writing this review, the D90 body can be bought for around $795, and the D90 with the 18-105mm kit lens is just over $1000, so you are getting a lot of camera for your money. It is packed full of features and may very well be the last camera you ever need. Ironically, however, the biggest competition for your money might be another Nikon camera - the D5000. The reason for this is that the D5000 offers many of the same features as the D90, but for less money. A D5000 can be bought for about $675, and that includes the 18-55mm kit lens. So, what are the differences? With the D5000 you don't get the high resolution LCD screen, the built in focus motor that will work on all Nikon AF lenses, the larger pentaprism viewfinder, the tougher body, or the top mounted LCD screen. If those things are important to you, then get the D90. You won't regret it.

by Jonathan Wylie

SLR Camera Advice

General.
Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras offer you great creative control over your picture taking. A SLR camera is camera that uses a semi-automatic moving mirror system which permits the photographer to sometimes see exactly what will be captured by the film or digital imaging system, as opposed to pre-SLR cameras where the view through the viewfinder could be significantly different from what was captured on film. SLRs allow you to use interchangeable lenses, control over aperture and shutter speeds, as well as giving you the opportunity to be creative with flash and filters. You also have the choice between manual focus and auto focus cameras. Although the modern camera can happily control a number of the key settings relating to the exposure and flash levels, these can normally be overridden

Typical Users.
The continued development of the SLR has lead to far greater ease of use of the camera. With the automation of many of the controls this type of camera can now provide a great deal of assistance when you take a picture, whilst still affording you overall control. Although still the domain of the serious amateur photographer the camera now has great appeal to any photographer who is attracted to the ideas of interchangeable lenses and a degree of control over aperture control and shutter speed control.

Pricing.
As ever the more you pay the more feature rich your camera will be. Entry level manual SLRs start at around the £70 mark whilst a fully featured autofocus SLR will cost you in excess of £1500. If you have around £300 to spend there are a number of very good autofocus SLR cameras to be found.

Second Hand Market.
There is an active second hand market for Medium Format cameras and accessories, although you may not get all the latest features there are some very good deals to be found. Always ensure that you get a guarantee for any used equipment.

Features.
Listed below are a number of features that you might look for when buying a SLR camera. Obviously not all the camera will have all the features. Normally the more features the camera will have, the higher the price.

Interchangeable Lenses.
One of the main attractions of the SLR is the ability to change lenses to suit the picture. A plethora of lenses are available with both manual and autofocus capabilities. As with any type of camera the quality of the lens is one of the most critical elements to consider when buying a camera. A poor quality lens equals poor quality photographs. Care should be taken when buying a camera as each camera manufacturer has it's own lens mount. This means that a Nikon lens may not fit another make of camera. There are a number of independent lens makers who produce lenses for a range of leading cameras.

Autofocus.
Autofocus lenses talk to the camera body and decide on the optimum focus for you.

Aperture Control.
The aperture is the lens opening. So the aperture control allows you to control how far you open the lens when a picture is taken. The further the lens is opened the greater the amount of light that is allowed into the camera and the lighter the exposure. The relationship between the aperture and shutter speed, which also controls the amount of light that is allowed into the camera, is often explained as that as a door and a darkened room. The aperture controls how far the door is opened and the shutter speed controls how long the door is opened for. The darkened room represents the camera.

Shutter Speed Control.
The speed of the shutter controls the amount of light that enters the lens when the picture is taken. The more light that you want to let in, the slower the shutter speed.

Exposure Compensation.
Exposure compensation helps you to get the perfect exposure. Whilst either you or the camera have worked out the theoretical ideal exposure settings, this feature provides additional frames, normally up to one frame above and one frame below the chosen settings. This then gives you three results from which to select the ideal image.

Light Metering.
Cameras come with reflective and spot metering. The light meters help you to decide the best exposure levels for the picture.

Viewfinder.
Always select a camera with the largest and clearest viewfinder you can find. This makes it easier for framing the picture.

Cable Release.
Cable release is available to be screwed into the camera. When the camera is set on a tripod, this allows you to take the picture without touching the camera, therefore eliminating any possible vibrations that may cause camera shake. This is especially useful for long time exposures when you are shooting with a slow speed film.

Motorwinder.
A motorwinder allows you to take a number of photographs quickly. The winder winds the film on automatically for you, allowing you to concentrate on the next shot.

LCD Panel.
The camera's LCD panel is really the information centre. It's gives you a whole range of details including film speed, frame number, aperture details, shutter speeds, exposure mode and battery levels.

Flash.
A number of SLRs come with built in flash. Red eye reduction can also be included. Built in flash does not always provide the power that you need to light up some scenes, so a hot shoe is normally provided allowing you to buy a separate, powerful flash gun that can be used with the camera.

Film Loading.
Advanced technology means that the latest releases have simplified film loading. Place the film next to a coloured indicator, close the camera and the camera does the rest. Threading the film through is now a thing of the past.