Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1MP Review

By Rimesh Patel

I've had the T1i for about almost week now and after some extensive use, here are my thoughts:

1. 15.1 megapixel sensor. Yes, the high megapixel count is impressive, but keep in mind that, as you approach higher resolutions, you need to ensure the lens on the SLR can resolve that much detail. Sadly, the included 18-55mm IS lens is functional, but the high resolution really shows the so-so quality of the lens. Even if taken at the proper focus, pictures can appear soft with this kit lens. Shots I have taken with Canon EF-S 17-85mm and EF 70-200mm L lenses are crisp. I don't have any gripes on image quality. There are some issues with noise on the higher ISOs that don't seem to show up on the Nikon digitals, but overall, the quality is amazing for the price. Skin tones, textures, colors are reproduced very accurately.

2. Digic 4. The Digic 4 processor appears to process/save the 15 megapixel images in the same time (if not faster) than the Digic III processor on the XSi (even in RAW+Jpg mode). I have also noticed that at higher ISOs, the sensor and the Digic 4 produce images with less overall noise compared with its predecessors.

3. LCD. The 920,000 pixel LCD screen is large (3"), crisp, vibrant and fully visible even in bright sunlight. In comparison, the Canon XSi SLR (which the T1i replaces), also has a 3" LCD, but with 230,000 pixels. The viewing angle is great as well and the LCD can easily be seen nearly 180 degrees around.

4. ISO 12800. Canon and Amazon are correctly identifying that the T1i maxes out at ISO 3200. Some less reputable dealers are listing an ISO 12800, which you should disregard. The ISO 6400 and 12800 settings are expanded ISO settings. The pictures taken on these two settings are ISO 3200 images pushed to ISO 6400 or 12800 by the Digic 4 chip before saving to the memory card. These pictures are extremely grainy and contain a lot of noise to the point of only being usable as for snapshots or adding an artistic effect to certain compositions.

5. Penta-mirror. That Canon is still using one in the T1i is disappointing. The penta-mirror viewfinder image is functional, but still noticeably darker than that of the penta-prism viewfinder in the Nikon D90 (which is the T1i's main competitor). I really would have preferred if Canon had kept the XSi's 12.2 megapixel sensor, forgone 1080p video altogether, and maybe upped the cost of the camera slightly to cover the production cost of using a penta-prism in the T1i. Honestly, unless you are massively cropping your images, or creating large photos, the difference between 12.2 and 15.1 megapixels really is negligible.

6. Size. This is the same body as the XSi, and therefore a bit on the smaller side compared to other digital SLRs. I have small hands, so the T1i is comfortable for me. If you have big hands, I can see this being a very difficult camera to use over an extended period of time. If you haven't handled a Canon XT, XTi or XSi, I would suggest you go to a store and hold the T1i yourself before purchasing it online. (I will upload a picture of the T1i in my hands to the user gallery for a size reference.)

7. HD Video. Yes, the Canon marketing department made a horrible marketing decision and pushed the T1i onto shelves limiting the 1080p recording to 20fps (frames per second). Recognize this as a marketing gimmick that allows them put a 1080p sticker on the camera box. The 1080p @ 20fps is fine most times, but seems a choppy if you have a lot of action in the frame or are panning quickly. The T1i's 720p video is recorded at 30fps and is clean, smooth, and sufficient for all but the most discerning consumers. One major criticism though is that the sound is recorded in mono, AND there is NO input for an external microphone.

A lot of pre-production reviews of the T1i criticize its inability to automatically autofocus while recording. I wouldn't put much weight in this criticism, mostly because neither of the other two SLR cameras with HD recording capabilities (Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D90) can automatically autofocus while recording either. What you can do with the T1i is pan/zoom the lens and then press the AE lock (*) button to make the camera autofocus on the new subject (all while recording). A problem with using the AE lock button to have the camera autofocus is that the microphone for the camera is on the front upper left of the body near the lens mount. Therefore, the lens motor noise is picked up just as much as ambient sounds. Even with my quietest Canon USM (ultasonic motor) lenses, this lens motor sound is pretty loud in video playback. Although, remember, you can always manually turn the focusing ring on the lens to get your subject back into focus. It's not easy, but after a little practice, it's not all too hard, either.

Ultimately, you shouldn't let the HD recording limitations sway you one way or the other. This is an SLR camera -- not a video camera. The HD video is a great feature, but if you're looking for something primarily to take video, look elsewhere. There are much better, cheaper VIDEO cameras out there which can record true 1080p.

8. Record button. For some reason, the record video button is next to the LCD screen (the same button used for direct printing). The first few times you take video, you'll intuitively find yourself using the shutter release button used to take pictures. The reason for this switch is that you can take a still picture while recording video, although, doing so will interrupt the recording.

9. Battery life. My first fully charged battery only lasted about 250 shots (no flash), but all charges since have given me in the range of 500-700 shots per charge. I'm guessing the first charge had such a short life because I spent quite a bit of time learning the camera, its menus, and settings.

10. Live View. I honestly can't review this as I haven't used it too much yet -- I prefer using the viewfinder. One feature I can say is nice is that, on the LCD, you can digitally zoom in (up to 10x) on a section of your shot to ensure it is properly focused. This, and the fine focusing, can really help if you're into macro-photography.

11. HDMI cable. The T1i has an HDMI Type C output on the body to allow you to directly display pictures and video on an HDTV. A minor criticism is that the HDMI Type C cable is not included in the box. You have to buy it separately. It would have been nice if it were included, as it's not an expensive cable.

Conclusion. The T1i is a bit on the light end, yet the construction still feels solid. For the camera's price point, you'd be hard pressed to find any digital SLR out there which gives you all the capabilities and growth range of the Canon T1i. The camera is intuitive enough for those new to photography to pick and learn easily, yet configurable enough for advanced amateurs. If video is not a big deal for you, then get the Canon XSi. There is very little the T1i has (other than ISO 3200 and a sharper screen) that the XSi doesn't. Plus, with the release of the T1i, you can probably pick up a used XSi for a great price on eBay. My wife recently gave birth, and I'm not looking to record endless (never to be watched) tapes of video footage of our son, but I do want several minute clips of him as he grows through the years. I've always been more inclined towards photography, so this camera gives me a very versatile digital SLR that I need with the wonderful capability of recording HD video that I want.

About the Author:

You can get your Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP at the best value at Amazon.com! Click Here

Some Brief Hollywood Movie Reviews To See

By Penelope Weaver

It wasn't that long ago that a trip to the corner video shop was the most convenient way to get a movie. As technologies have advanced, downloading dvds off movie download sites is becoming very common. Just about any movie every made can be attained through a movie download site now. Check out these samples.

Sleepy Hollow: It is the year 1779, and a young policeman from New York has been sent off to the small town of Sleep Hollow to investigate the disturbing deaths of three men, who were found with their heads chopped off, and the heads all missing. There is a legend of an axe carrying, headless horseman that roams the woods of Sleepy Hollow. Does he really exist?

No Minor Vices: Arrogant comedy in which stereotypically off beat performer Jordan tries to come between pediatrician Andrews and spouse Palmer. Starts off well however slows down. Cast includes Lewis Milestone, Dana Andrews, Lilly Palmer, Louis Jordan, Jane Wyatt, Bernard Gorcey, and Man Bridges. (96 minutes, 1948)

Pearl Harbor: This epic movie looks at the devastation of that eventful day, December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. This story follows the incredible courage of a nurse and two daring pilots, who bravely move forward, all the time trying to deal with the overwhelming catastrophe before them.

Buffalo Soldiers: In 1989, the peacetime U.S. Army stationed in Germany is largely manned by men who had an option of penitentiary or time in the service. One of them (Phoenix) is a salesperson who wheels and deals, Bilko-like, under the nose of his naive commander (Harris) till a new top sergeant shows up (Glenn) who's decided to clean things up. Cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, Anna Paquin, Elizabeth McGovern, Michael Pena, Leon Robinson, Gabriel Mann, and Dean Stockwell. (98 minutes, 2003)

Jackie Chan's First Strike: Hong Kong's most visibly agile cop finds himself in a James Bond like struggle engaging the CIA, Russian mafia, an atomic weapon, and obviously, an excellent-looking girl scuba diver. The dubbing here is normally a negative, yet in a lark like this it seriously doesn't matter. The movie is basically a nonstop action film showcasing Chan's martial arts skills. Cast includes Jackie Chan. Chen Chun Wu, Jackson Lou, and Bill Tung. (110 minutes, 1996)

Catch Me If You Can: This movie tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who was a master con man. By the time he was 21 years old, he had been a doctor, a co-pilot for a major airline, and a lawyer. Check fraud is where he excelled the most, and he had swindled companies out of millions with this skill. F.B.I. agent Carl Hanratty becomes obsessed with finding and capturing Frank.

Hannah Takes The Stairs: This film is every bit as unfocused and self-indulgent as its eponymous heroine. It's a Chicago production organization wage earner gratingly played by Gerwig who drifts through a succession of short-lived relations that aren't romances so much as one night stands. Cast includes Greta Gerwig, Kent Osborne, Andrew Bujalski, Ry Russo, and Mark Duplass. (83 minutes, 2007)

Sex, Lies And Video Tape: Anne and John are married, but John is having an affair with Anne's sister Cynthia. When an old friend of theirs, Graham, shows up, everything changes. John likes to videotape interviews, especially with women.

The Pink Panther: Steve Martin tries to duplicate the magic that Peter Sellers put into the part of Inspector Jacques Clouseau. This bumbling French detective seems to make a mess out of any situation he finds himself in. In spite of this he always ends up putting the criminals behind bars.

Remember, be creative and use phrases like "Legal Movie Downloads". When one search fails to succeed just change things and try again. You might find what you are looking for with a search like "Downloading Movies Internet".

About the Author:

Oh yeah we have our computer and TV hooked up so we watched it that way. Bo Bice Downloads You also should check out all that there is to offer and compare movie download sites before selecting one to go with. In addition to getting higher quality picture and sound, you also have the peace of mind that you are doing the right thing.

Sharp Outlines Of A Unique Selection Of Films

By Luis Everett

Look below if you came to see motion picture reviews. You can get to a good film download site through the search engines. You can find good results with by searching "Downloadable DVDs", "Downloadable Movie Sites" and "Unlimited DVD Rental".

Close Your Eyes: Scotland Yard investigator Henderson draws hypnotherapist Visnjic into a difficult case concerning a serial murderer and a little gal who's been shocked from being held hostage by him. Mixing occult factors with a whodunit, this unique, sincerely scary thriller stays on target right to the end. Cast includes Goran Visnjic, Shirley Henderson, Miranda Otto, Paddy Considine, Claire Rushbrook, Fiona Shaw, Coon Redgrave, and Sophie Stuckey (103 minutes, 2003)

The Sensuous Nurse: Voluptuous Ursula is employed as a nurse and is actually helping the demise of a prosperous man with a heart problem by keeping his pulse speeding in this titillating, sex comedy. Ursula does look awesome in the nude, nonetheless. Cast includes Ursula Andress, Jack Palance, Duilio Del Prete, Luciana Paluzzi, Lino Toffolo, and Mario Pisu. (78 minutes, 1976)

Play it as it Lays: Film rendition of Joan Didion's best-seller in reference to the neglected spouse of a selfish film director is helped by Weld and Perkins. Cast includes Tuesday Weld, Anthony Perkins, Tammy Dirties, Adam Roarke, Ruth Ford, and Eddie Firestone. (100 minutes, 1984)

Down to You: Prinze and Stiles futilely try to buddy us up by talking straight away into the camcorder, clarifying how their once idyllic college romance went bust (albeit not as bust as the film). In some way, this film manages to find room for subplots in reference to a Television show and a friend who has a try as an adult-film entrepreneur with a sort of bohemian knowledgeable porn actress. Cast includes Freddie Prinze, Jr., Julia Stiles, Shawn Hatosy, Selma Blair, Zak Orth, Ashton Kutcher, Rosario Dawson, Henry Winkler, and Lucie Amaz. (91 minutes, 2000)

The Fourth Protocol: An excellent thriller adjusted by Frederick Forsyth from his most popular novel. Caine plays a British agent who's designated to foil a Russian plot that could obliterate relationships between the U.S. and England by setting off an atomic bomb near an American air base in the U.K. Brosnan does well as a Russian representative. Cast includes Michael Caine, Pierce Bronson, Joanna Cassidy, Ned Beatty, Betsy Brantley, Peter Cartwright, David Conville, Matt Frewer, Ray McAnally, and Ian Richardson. (119 minutes, 1987)

Each Dawn I Die: Journalist Cagney is framed, and sent to the penitentiary where he meets a tough inmate, Raft. There is excellent acting all around. Cagney hits a white-hot summit with his role, however last half of film becomes outrageously implausible. Music score by Max Steiner. Cast includes James Cagney, George Raft, George Bancroft, Jane Bryan, Maxie Rosenbloom, Stanley Ridges, Louis Jean Heydt, Abner Biiberrman, John Wray, Victor Jory, and Thurston Chamber. (92 minutes, 1939)

Sudan: Monarch Montez flees wicked prime-minister Zucco with help of Chamber and Bey in vibrant however vacant venture-romance. This was Montez and Chamber's last pairing. Cast includes Maria Montez, Jon Chamber, Turhan Bey, Andy Devine, George Zucco, and Robert Warwick. (76 minutes, 1945)

Double Wedding: Loy's orchestration of her sis's marriage ceremony is upset by the presence of free spirited bohemian Powell. The megastars are the entire show in this alternatively disheartening adaptation of the play Incredible Love. Cast includes William Powell, Myrna Loy, Florence Rice, John Beal, Jessie Ralph, Edgar Kennedy, Sidney Toler, and Mary Gordon. (87 minutes, 1937)

Delta Fox: An unremarkable action-based opus in regards to a smuggler on the run from Miami to L.A. Cast includes Richard Lynch, Priscilla Barnes, Stuart Whitman, John Ireland, and Richard Jaeckel. (92 minutes, 1977)

Remember, nearly any film you can think of can be downloaded off the web these days. As we said before, search with "Download Tv Shows", or "New Movie Rental" to find good information on downloading. Another good term might be "Download Movies Online For Free".

About the Author:

However, you should be able to download high definition movies at the same or better quality than DVD. Downloads Monkey This can add up to quite a bit of money for the average movie watcher. Have a look at friend film activities, watch and download Festival films and share content.

UFC 103: Belfort Blasts Franklin In Main Event

By Ross Everett

Vitor Belfort made his first appearance in the UFCs iconic octagon in five years, headlining the main event of UFC 103 in Dallas, Texas. Just over three minutes later, he had already become a top contender in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Belfort dominated veteran Rich Franklin en route to a devastating knockout victory, and following the bout talk quickly shifted to The Phenom as a potential future opponent for both Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida.

The pace of the bout was tactical and deliberate until the very end"Belfort landed a few leg kicks, but for the most part it was several minutes of the fighters circling each other. Belfort was clearly measuring Franklin for a big power shot, and he found it after a brief flurry in which neither man gained an advantage. Out of nowhere, Belfort floored Franklin with a nasty uppercut and quickly mounted a ground and pound assault on his fallen adversary. It only took three or four big shots to Franklins head before the referee jumped in to call a halt to the proceedings.

At the post fight press conference, Dana White quickly endorsed the prospect of a matchup between Belfort and UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva"either for the title or at a 195 catchweight. Silva has only three fights remaining on his UFC contract, after which hes insisted that hell retire (although he continues to toy with the idea of boxing against Roy Jones, Jr.). Obviously nothing has been signed, but White clearly wants to get his moneys worth out of the fights remaining on Silvas deal and from that standpoint alone a matchup against Belfort makes perfect sense.

A changing of the guard was in evidence in the co-main event, as Junior Dos Santos defeated former PRIDE Open Weight GP champion and MMA legend Mirko Cro Cop by verbal submission. Cro Cop appeared to be moving much better on his surgically repaired knee than in recent fights, though he still demonstrated an overreliance on his counterpunching. Still, through the early part of the fight he was doing well with his straight left hand counter. As the fight wore on, however, Dos Santos began to pick Cro Cop apart and in the third round began to use his Muay Thai knee strikes to good effect. It was a knee strike to Cro Cops head followed by an uppercut that ended the fight"Cro Cop suddenly indicated to the referee that he couldnt see and was unable to continue. Ironically, he may have suffered a broken eye socket similar to the one he famously inflicted on Bob Sapp in a 2003 K-1 bout.

Earlier in the card, Paul Daley made the most of his role as a late substitute for injured Mike Swick as he stopped Martin Kampmann by second round TKO. Kampmann complained of an early stoppage, but Daley gave him trouble throughout with his sharp strikes and fast hands. The end came after a brutal left hook knocked Kampmann to the canvas, after which Daley followed up with some ground and pound until the stoppage.

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and widely regarded sports betting expert. He is also a staff handicapper for Sports-1 Sportsbook and is in charge of setting NFL lines. He has written extensively on sports betting theory along with a wide range of other topics including fencing, self defense and falconry.

Getting Affordable Health Insurance Is A Child's Play

By J.D Theis

There was a time when the term "affordable health insurance" existed only in the dictionary of the elite and if ever a person of simple means was able to come across it, it was only through numinous intervention. But now, it is a reality, accessible to one and all independent of caste, creed, race or sex.

Anybody with reasonable means and income can now fulfill his desire of being covered under an affordable health insurance plan and face bravely any unforeseen circumstances that may befall him or any member of his family. There are many public and private health insurance companies that offer cheap health insurance quotes for basic indemnity plans as well as much customized HMO plans.

You just have to decide which one of them addresses your needs and suits your circumstances the best. After that getting an affordable health insurance plan that fulfills all your health insurance needs is as simple as ABC.

ICD helps you get it in three easy steps. Just visit www.insurancecaredirect.com and as the first step generate the health insurance quotes for the kind of plan desired by you by just entering your zip code. Don't blink; it can indeed be as easy as that!! For more customized search, you can fill in the health insurance quote generation form on the site.

The next step is to choose the quote that satisfies your requirement the best. Go through the plan properly and decide for yourself the pros and cons of the plan. For any assistance, contact the health insurance experts as ICD who will call you within minutes of your submitting an online query.

Once you are satisfied with all the features and details, you can subscribe to the plan immediately and sigh a breath of relief because now no catastrophic accidents or ailments will go without timely treatment or threaten to ruin your hard earned savings. Now surely the God will heal and Doctor will indeed take the money, with the only exception that your health insurance provider will pay a major part of it.

About the Author:

Just follow the three easy steps to get an affordable health insurance and we will make sure you get the best health insurance quote from us.