The latest in the Digital Rebel line from Canon sees a small resolution bump over the Rebel XSi (15 vs. 12 MP), a higher resolution 3" LCD screen (920,000 vs. 230,000 pixels) and the introduction of an HD movie clip mode.
The Rebel T1i is the first comsumer level Canon model that can shoot 1080p HD resolution video clips (1920 x 1080 @ 20 fps). Canon states in their user guide that you need a "class 6" SD memory card to capture 1080p HD video clips. You can also capture video at two lower resolutions: 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps, 640 x 480 @ 30 fps. Call us if need help understanding the different modes.
If you plan on shooting 1080p HD quality video, you will need a faster memory card. Canon states that HD video requires Class 6 memory cards. We stock 8GB Class 6 cards (see below).
This table shows the evolution of the Canon Digital Rebel models:
| Model |
Date Announced |
Resolution |
LCD Screen |
Live View? |
Video? |
| Rebel |
8/2003 |
6.3MP |
1.8" |
No |
No |
| Rebel XT |
2/2005 |
8.0MP |
1.8" |
No |
No |
| Rebel XTi |
8/2006 |
10.1MP |
2.5" |
No |
No |
| Rebel XSi |
1/2008 |
12.2MP |
3.0" |
Yes |
No |
| Rebel XS * |
6/2008 |
10.1MP |
2.5" |
Yes |
No |
| Rebel T1i |
3/2009 |
15.1MP |
3.0" hi-res. |
Yes |
Yes |
| * the Rebel XS is technically the start of a sub-class of the Rebel series but it is included due to the Rebel name. |
Live View Continues to evolve and become more useful. Live View allows you to use the LCD screen as a viewfinder, although it is mainly designed for use in manual focus mode. Canon has upgraded autofocus capability while using Live View with three different autofocus options including a Face Detection autofocus mode. There may be uses for Live View outside the office, but we don't see it being used very often for clinical photography.
Canon Battery Grip and Hand Strap for the Rebel T1i
One highly recommended accessory is Canon Rebel T1i Battery Grip. The Rebel T1i is smaller than their other cameras and may be a bit too small for larger hands. The optional Battery Grip adds an additional 1.5 inches to the height of the camera as well as offering three different ways to power the camera. The Battery Grip will accept either one or two rechargable lithium-ion batteries or (6) AA (alkaline or rechargable) batteries. The optional Hand Strap attaches to the Battery Grip and your hand slips in between the strap and the camera body.
Macro Flash Options for the Canon Rebel T1i
Sigma's EM-140DG macro flash is the first of three flash options for TTL flash control on the T1i. The EM-140DG is a dual point flash that is compatible with the Canon ETTL flash control system. It is a more "universal" flash as it can take the full range of dental views.
The Canon MR-14EX macro flash is the second flash option. The MR-14EX's flash head is shaped like a ring flash, but it is actually "split" into two arced tubes. This gives you the even illumination of a ring, but still allows you to vary the power from side to side. This affords you more creative control over the lighting.
The third option is the Metz MS-1 wireless macro flash.
The Metz MS-1 is a wireless macro flash and it requires the use of Canon's Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2. The ST-E2 is a small transmitter that sits on the camera's hot shoe and controls the flash output of the Metz MS-1. This combination is lighter than the other two flashes and there is no cable from the camera to the flash.
Macro Lens Options for the Canon Rebel T1i
There are four lens options for the T1i: the Sigma 105mm macro lens (16.5oz.), the Canon EF-S 60mm macro lens (11.5oz.), the Canon EF 100mm macro lens (20.5oz.) and the Canon EF 100mm L macro lens (22oz.). All four lenses offer very similar optical quality while the Canon EF 100mm L macro lens adds Canon's Image Stabilization (IS) system. The IS system makes focusing easier - a sophisticated system measures movement and counteracts the movement by shifting lens elements. If you are taking a mirror shot and you have the mirror in one hand and the camera in the other, you will be amazed how much more stable the image is in the viewfinder.
The Canon EF-S 60mm macro lens is recommended for orthodontic offices as most ortho practices take a specific series of photos: portraits along with anterior, buccal and occlusal intraoral views. The working distance (the distance from the lens to the subject being photographed) with the 60mm is less than the 100mm and 105mm lenses which makes taking ortho views easier.
For all other dental practices, a 100mm or 105mm macro lens is recommended to allow shooting smaller fields, especially in the posterior. These lenses have enough working distance to allow 1:1 closeup magnifications anywhere in the mouth. If you have any questions about which lens is best for your needs, please call us.
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