Why The Canon T1i Video Mode Isn't Good for Train Videos

I went railfanning with Justin (Trainmasterkreks) near Watertown the day after Christmas. I had been experimenting with the idea of retiring the standard definition DV camcorder and using my Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR's 720p HD movie mode for videos.

On this day I discovered why that isn't a good idea in two words. MOTION BLUR. I need a camera that will take video that I can freeze-frame and clearly read the unit numbers of a train passing by at 40-50 MPH or more. This train is Canadian Pacific eastbound manifest #484, crossing County Highway Q at Richwood, Wisconsin.

CP 8785 (ES44AC)
CP 6250 (SD60) Ex-Soo 6050
CP 9576 (AC4400CW)
SOO 4401 (GP38-2)
SOO 2057 (GP40)

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• train
• railroad
• railway
• railfan
• Canadian
• Pacific
• CP
• Rail
• GE
• ES44AC
• locomotive
• Canon
• EOS
• Rebel
• T1i
• DSLR
• motion
• blur

[b4rn1k4]

download magic lantern firmware and bump up the shutter speed. in broad daylight you'll have no exposure problems. you can go as high as 1/8000. cheers.

[HighIronofWisconsin]

@b4rn1k4 Thanks! I will have to give that a shot.

[HighIronofWisconsin]

@b4rn1k4 Thanks! I've installed ML and figured out how to adjust the video shutter speed. Now I'll have to try some shooting with it!

[SuperStarRendon]

Great video, you should try a different settings. Do you have it manual or auto?

[HighIronofWisconsin]

@SuperStarRendon 720p/30 manual focus, auto iris (all that's available for video on the T1i).

[gumball469]

The AC44CW in the middle is #9576

[HighIronofWisconsin]

@gumball469 Thanks! How'd you know?

[gumball469]

@HighIronofWisconsin I took a picture of it with my new T3i lol

[HighIronofWisconsin]

@saintjohnrailfan Not really. I was in 720p/30. It also shoots in 1080p/20 but I would think the lesser framerate would just make things worse.

[pursuitwolf]

I love the video. We get a lot of CN in Manitowoc. Keep up the videos.

[DelayInBlock]

Not horrible, just alright I guess. Still a good video dude.