Canon Rebel T1i Digital Camera Review

Speed and Timing

There's only one speed for continuous mode, the aforementioned 3.4 frames per second, but if you use the flash or have high ISO noise reduction cranked all the way up, it will slow down. There is no limit to the number of photos that can be taken in this mode. While photographing in RAW, the camera maintains full burst speed for about five shots before slowing down.

Canon states the T1i can get 3.4 frames per second in continuous shutter mode, which is precisely we what we found in our timing test. This is a shade faster than the Rebel XS, and while it isn't the fastest camera we've seen, it's by no means the slowest.

The T1i supports three self timers: 10-second/Remote Control, 2 Second, and Continuous, where you choose anywhere between 2 and 10 photos, which are then taken after a 10-second delay.

Focus Speed

The T1i has nine autofocus points, arranged with eight as a rhombus, and one in the middle. The focusing generally feels fast, though it slows down a bit in low light. Even then, it generally does an admirable job of finding the right point in a timely manner. The focusing motor isn't too loud, though when if you autofocus while recording shooting video, its proximity to the microphone gives leads to a plainly audible, a very loud grinding noise in the recording.

Three focus modes are available: One Shot, AI Servo (AKA Continuous), and AI Focus, which switches between One Shot and Servo