The Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D) is the 6th generation of Canon's popular entry-level DSLR camera series and it improves upon earlier Rebels by incorporating many features that up till now could only be found on Canon's pricier mid-level DSLRs. Among the Rebel T1i's key attributes are a 15.1Mp CMOS sensor (similar to the sensor found in 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 high-resolution (920,000-dot) 3" Clear View LCD that allows for easy 100% image viewing from angles up to 170° off-center from the screen.
The big news however is the 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 help reduce retouching time, the Rebel T1i features an EOS Integrated Cleaning System that combats dust through the use of high-frequency vibrations that shake dust loose 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 challenging 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 fire up to 3.4 fps for up to 170 exposures allowing, allowing you the option of capturing longer image sequences.
Other image-improving controls include Auto Lighting Optimizer that optimizes shadow details when shooting in contrast lighting conditions and a Creative Auto mode that allows you to personalize pre-set shooting modes.
And regardless of whether you plan on shooting stills or HD video, Canon offers over 60 EF and EF-S lenses and a selection of EX-series Speedlites to satisfy all of your visual and creative needs.
The included Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens is a lightweight, compact all-purpose "standard" zoom lens that has been designed specifically for digital photography. Ideal for travel, mid-range nature/wildlife and general photography, the lens is equivalent to a 29-216mm lens in 35mm format. It features Canon's optical Image Stabilizer technology, which provides up to a 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds.