I bought this camera as an upgrade from my Canon XT when my workplace upgraded theirs.  I was looking for a better focus, and a bigger screen with a more modern menu setting.

 What I didn't expect was how well the pictures would really turn out in the end. I'm a fairly decent photographer as is, and I rarely use the AUTO functions but I am constantly using the "CA" function on this camera and getting great results with it. The photos come out with great clarity and color, and the focus is near perfect.

 The T1i also uses the SD card which is a step up from the older models which took the large CF cards. SD is standard now and cards can be purchased up to 64g making long trips or video easy to manage on this camera without switching cards.

 Battery life is decent. I don't use this camera every day for work, but probably about 1-3 hours a week regularly. I charge the battery about once a month, or every 3000 or so photos taken. I find that using the video mode and/or playback mode depletes the battery faster but not significantly. It is possible to shoot 1hr of video on this camera without running out of battery power.

 The only thing I dislike with this camera is the price range of other lenses. The 18-55 lens doesn't zoom in as far as I would like, but purchasing other lenses is nearly the same cost as the camera itself.

 Also, I'm not a fan of the way the settings revert back to "Default" when it hibernates to conserve energy - I am always having to turn the flash off when I'm in an auto mode or "CA" mode. Being a photographer who doesn't like to use the flash, instead relying on natural light, this is a major annoyance for me and something I would check into when I upgrade next time.

 Because Canon is a well-recognized brand, there are many guides and users online as well as in daily life who are happy to assist you and show you new functions and tricks in using this camera. The control panel and menu options are similar in all of the Rebel series cameras making it easy to upgrade and use other cameras when necessary.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 350
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts