Canon EOS Rebel T1i

It's impossible to draw valid conclusions about the quality of a new model working with a pre-production sample, of course. However, we're very familiar with the Rebel family, and when it comes to size, handling and feature set, the Canon Rebel T1i. That's a good thing: both the Rebel XSi and Rebel XS were winners of our 2008 Select awards. This is a very different camera, though, with a new sensor and movie capability that's far removed from the $2700 Canon 5D Mark II that scored highly in our video testing. Based on our initial shooting experience, we have high image quality expectations for stills, and a wait-and-see atittude about the video mode. As for a buy/don't buy recommendation, that will wait for a final camera and lab-tested analysis.

• Brings high-def video to sub-$1000 market
• High-res 3-inch LCD
• Accommodates point-and-shoot and advanced users
• Lightweight and portable
• Handsome Live View display

• Live View focus can't keep up with fast action
• Single dial complicates manual exposure control
• Lightweight body lacks rugged feel
• Video frame rate at 1080p limited