In the previous post I told you about the sites I use to help me evaluate a digital camera. The side-by-side comparison feature on the dpreview.com site was helpful in my look at this new camera and my current Rebel.
Since I haven't made a recommendation in a while, I thought I better take a minute to let you know about the latest Canon Digital Rebel. But first, the reason there hasn't been much from me about the latest Rebel is because I am very satisfied with the one I'm using right now. It is the 450D or XSi and has a 12MP sensor. I've known for some time that I could slow down in camera acquisition once 12MP was affordable since it allows me to take the cover photo for a magazine (roughly 9x11 inches) without enlarging pixels. So as long as my camera is working, it meets my office's needs.
The Canon EOS Rebel T1i, a.k.a., Canon 500D, has two main upgrades: a 15MP sensor and the ability to record video.
The still image quality is not significantly improved over the previous model. However, the LCD screen on the back, while the same 3" size as the 450D, has nearly 3x the resolution.
This camera will record HD video, but only at 20 frames per second (fps). It will do standard definition, wide screen (16:9) video at the preferred 30 fps. The video quality is considered good, but the audio is not as good as it should be or would be with a more video-oriented camcorder. At this point, I'm still a believer in using video cameras for video and still cameras for photos. The technology is closer to success in less affordable models, but not at the sub-$1,000 level.
Keep in mind, you'll be manually zooming if you have a zoom lens in use. It's not easy to do, if you haven't practiced a great deal. Chances are, every video camera you've ever operated has had a motorized zoom.
Compared to the previous model, most other specs are the same, weight, lens compatibility, battery type and size, etc. The price is the same debut price as all the Rebels have been, $799. That means the previous model (mine) is available for $200-300 less.
It's a toss-up. If you want a good camera and save some money, go for the 450D (XSi). If you want more pixels because you crop a lot and you want video, think about the T1i.
When I'm asked about a particular digital still camera, I check the specs and technical and user reviews at one of three websites.
The most comprehensive is http://dpreview.com. The analysis is in-depth with examples of the tests they run on every camera: color accuracy, resolution, lens errors, etc. There is an especially good Buyer's Guide utility where you select the features you are looking for in a new camera and it will provide the results in side-by-side comparisons. The prices listed here tend to be original retail prices which drop frequently.
http://www.steves-digicams.com is primarily focused on smaller cameras but they do review digital SLRs (DSLR). It doesn't go as in-depth on individual cameras, but it is generally more informative than the typical magazine review. It has a digital dictionary and side-by-side comparisons.
The third is http://DigitalCameraInfo.com which is riddled with advertisements but is very upfront with its two-column approach with The Good and The Bad listings for each camera they review.
My camera? Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, an ancient year-old camera with 12MP.
The Canon HF200 ($600) is versatile and with Adobe Premiere Elements v.7 ($60 with educational discount) editing software will let you produce video for the web and DVD with no additional software. It records to 32GB flash memory cards. Much more re-usable than tape, cutting down on supplies in the future.
We get our software through UCD’s discounter: http://www.ships.shi.com/go/ucdavis
Mike
Since November 2008, I've been using the Canon HV30, a high-definition (HD) camcorder. This unit is tape-based. I'm still hopeful there will be a hard disk drive (HDD) model that actually does what I need it to do, but they still lack quality and external microphone inputs that are available on tape-based camcorders.
It's in the $600 range now and will no doubt drop as the next model release occurs. As always, I recommend getting a spare battery, and by tape by the 5-pack. While this camera has HD capibility, your CE clientele may not need it yet. The camera does work very well in SD (standard definition) just fine. If you plan to use HD, then purchase HD mini-DV cassettes (DVC). The cost more than SD. So only buy them if you are planning to shoot in HD.
For about 3 solid months I've been using the Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 Webcam. It has a great 2MP resolution and can clip to the top of your laptop screen or rest on your monitor depending on your setup. It connects to your computer via a USB port. It also has a good quality built-in microphone so you can make sure you’re clearly heard. Dan Dooley used one for his town hall meetings in September 08.
It costs about $99 but I've been seeing it advertised with a $40 rebate.
Like most webcams, it is used for situations where the subject is 2-8 feet from the lens.
There is a Mac version called the QuickCam® Vision Pro.
