Hasta La Gadget!

Last week all the Nikon fanboys supporters were out in full-force critiquing the D5000, so we couldn’t let another week slip by without giving Canon advocates (and haters, we don’t discriminate) a similar chance with the T1i. Hitting the market at just about the same time, this well-specced entry-level DSLR packed a few niceties than alternative units simply did not: 1080p video, a 15.1 megapixel sensor and a price tag below $1,000. That said, there are still some areas that we reckon Canon could’ve improved upon, and if you feel the same way, we’d love to hear about it. Are you kosher with the 20fps 1080p mode? Is the image quality up to snuff? How’s that stock lens treating you? Cut loose, won’tcha?

Filed under: Digital Cameras

How would you change Canon’s T1i DSLR? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’d heard it was coming and now it’s here — the just-released EOS 5D Mark II 1.1.0 firmware update adds a much-longed-for manual exposure control to the video mode. That ought to warm some budding filmmaker hearts our there — and the rest of us can enjoy a few other minor enhancements. Fun for the whole family!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Canon EOS 5D Mark II update with manual video exposure controls now available originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I was psyched when Sigma sent me an 18-250mm lens to test, because I am lazy and love the idea of a single lens that I can use to take most shots. At $530, it seemed like a decent price for that much range. But then I got to thinking…

It’s still a good price for all that it does. It’s not a super fast lens—a decent F3.5-6.3—but it has an optical image stabilizer, which does wonders at the outer zoom ranges. The only other 18-250mm I could find any cheaper was this $450 Tamron, but there’s no mention of stabilization. I spent a week or so taking all kinds of pictures—here’s a sampling for you to critique, marvel at or simply disparage.

The trouble comes when you start doing math. If you bought an entry-level DSLR camera from Canon, Nikon, Sony or Pentax—all compatible with the appropriate models of this lens—chances are you already have a lens, more than likely something in the 18-55mm range. That means that the chances of you being able to pick up a complementary lens in the 55-200mm or even 55-250mm range for under $200 are high. Suddenly, you’re outfitted exactly like you would be if you bought this 18-250mm lens, and you’d probably have saved money doing it.

And as I said, it’s not a fast lens, and many would probably recommend something with more performance. If you’re going to buy multiple lenses, why not buy ones that are dedicated to particular tasks? I call your attention to this Listmania list on Amazon, which shows nice budget-minded Canon “prime” lens selections. If you’re looking at the used pricing (which we highly recommend is the way to go if you’re not a pro), you can see that $530 would get you two, maybe three really nice fast lenses to augment your kit lens, in assorted focal ranges.

I’m not going to bash Sigma—I’m not pretending to be experienced enough to know a great lens from a crappy one of equal spec, but my time with this lens—paired to a Canon T1i—has been fruitful, especially out of doors and in locations where a little extra zoom could reduce the need for cropping and the inevitable lack of crispness that comes as a result. A pro photographer buddy I was talking to recently said that Sigma was a reliable maker of cheap lenses to go with Nikon, Canon and other DSLRs. He said among his collection of about 12 lenses, a few were Sigmas.

In the end, I have to face down my own laziness: The smartest thing to do is not to buy the single 18-250mm lens and hope for some decent light. No, the smartest thing to do is put money into multiple lenses, Sigmas or otherwise, and learn when to use which.

Now, if you more experienced shooters want to share your knowledge of Sigma, Tamron, any of the big camera makers, or the wisdom (or stupidity) of buying lenses used, this here’s your chance. Please, hit the comments below. [Sigma]

In Summary:
Excellent single lens for covering range from 18mm to 250mm in an entry-level DSLR from Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sony

Some camera kits already come with two lenses that cover 18-55mm and 55-200mm, or one that goes from 18-105mm or 18-200mm, making most of this lens redundant

Even though image stabilizer does allow for improved shooting in low light or at extreme zoom, there are better specialty lenses at each particular focal length, possibly cheaper when bought used

People are already using Canon’s groundbreaking 5D Mark II to shoot feature films, but we never thought we’d see the next Jaws captured with a DSLR. ‘Course, whether or not Mr. Spielberg will actually choose to use one remains to be seen, but at least the option’s there now. Famed underwater imaging company Sea&Sea has just outed its newest waterproof casing, promising to keep the 1080p-capable DSLR safe for up to 60 meters under the surface. The only issue? It’ll set you back almost as much as the camera body, or ¥283,500 ($2,998). Good thing you’ve got a Hollywood-sized budget, yeah?

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Peripherals

Waterproof 5D Mark II housing allows for 1080p under the sea originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 03:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet our latest D-SLR Editors’ Choice: The inexpensive, HD-video-capable Canon EOS Rebel T1i (http://tinyurl.com/rx27u6).