Digital imaging consumer goods manufacturer, Canon recently unveiled its latest offering to the world -- the EOS Rebel DSLR, the T4i - aka the EOS 650D. With the launch the Japanese multinational has put an end to all media rumors and has confirmed that the newly launched DSLR boasts spectacular additions, including a touchscreen display and continuous AF during video shoots.
Key Specs
Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR comes with an 18 megapixel APS-C sensor, DIGIC 5 Image Processor and an ISO range topping out at 25,000. It is the first Canon DSLR to sport a 3-inch, 1.04m dot LCD touchscreen, complete with the rotate-and-swivel mount, that have been witnessed in previous Rebels. Further, the T4i supports pinch-zoom and swipe navigation, similar to an iPhone.
Continuous shooting of up to 5fps is supported, and there is a new autofocus system with a nine-point all cross-type sensor array. The T4i also gets a new Hybrid CMOS AF mode which can be used when shooting either stills or video in Live View mode. The touchscreen can be used to tap subjects in Live View, and optionally set to instantly shoot off a frame as soon as they're touched.
As for video, it is recorded in HD with a new, quieter AF servo for less noise in the shot. Canon expects that to work well with a new lens targeted at videographers, the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, with image stabilization that the company promises can even smooth out footage shot while walking. The other new lens, the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM, is a super-slim pancake less than an inch thick, targeting those who want to be able to slip the T4i into a (large) pocket.
Other features include in-camera HDR like the larger EOS D5 Mark III, support for Canon's GPS dongle accessory, an intelligent auto mode, and multi-shot noise reduction, which can be used to combine multiple photos to reduce grain.
Price and Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel T4i will go on sale at the end of June, priced at $849.99 body-only. It will be available as a bundled with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens kit for $949.99, while a Movie Kit bundle will be $1199 with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.
Meanwhile, the new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens and the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM will each be sold separately at the end of June, priced at $199.99 and $549.99 respectively.
Worth A Purchase?
According to USA Today reports, they got the privilege of hand-on with the device and suggests that the camera has got a commendable focus for both stills and video. The camera focuses just by looking at its subject - with face detection and scene detection.
Not only does it work as advertised, but the focus will continue to adjust just by pointing the camera at the subject - without having to press the shutter button down halfway.
Their reports also noted that the advantage of shooting video with a DSLR is the cinematic, greatly improved look of the image, which is shot on a sensor chip some 20 times larger than those found in most traditional video cameras. The main drawbacks include not being able to zoom in and out smoothly and sound.
The recent cameras by Nikon and Sony that have improved their video autofocus have a problem, which is, the audio of the lens motor is clearly audible while the camera is autofocusing.
However, Canon addresses with this problem and with the introduction of new Stepping Motor (STM) lenses, the camera focuses silently.
Hence, it can be said, that the new Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR, can make to be worth your extra dollar. A gorgeous new touchscreen, continuous autofocus in video mode, on-board stereo microphones, and improved photos thanks to a new image processor, makes it better than its predecessor.
