Is Canon Testing Its Mirrorless Technology On The Rebel T4i/650D/X6i?
Techradar had this pretty smart intuition: The T4i/650D/X6i features technologies that are needed in mirrorless cameras, and that, therefore, the T4i/650D/X6i could be Canon’s testbed for its upcoming mirrorless system cam. Well, there is something in that. As techradar writes:
[...] the EOS 650D [Rebel T4i/Kiss X6i] is Canon’s first DSLR to feature full-time autofocusing in Live View and video mode. Both of these modes require the reflex mirror to be lifted out of the way, so the camera in effect emulates a mirrorless model.
Right. The T4i/650D/X6i sports a new Hybrid AF system, combining phase detection and contrast detection. Hybrid AF system are already featured on mirrorless cameras such as Nikon’s J1 and V1. techradar again:
[...] the technology [...] doesn’t have to be DSLR specific. In Live View and movie mode, the camera’s reflex mirror is lifted, and Canon uses a dedicated AF system on the image sensor instead of the independent AF sensor in the camera’s mirror box. It’s a hybrid system that uses both contrast and phase detection to get superfast, precise autofocus. That’s important because it means Canon has built a sophisticated AF system that already works without a mirror.
Next, it’s the touchscreen that captures our attention. Mirrorless cameras are smaller than DSLR yet delivering all the advanced features of the latter. In other words: little room for buttons and controls. A touchscreen would solve that problem.
What do you think? Is the Rebel T4i/650D/X6i showing technologies that are perfectly suited for a mirrorless camera, and could this be a hint that Canon’s mirrorless system camera is really around the corner?
See here for more information (and pre-order links) about the new Rebel T4i/650D/X6i, here for hands-on videos, here for a comprehensive first impressions review.
Canon Mirrorless Concept by D. Riesenberg
janH
12 months ago |well all that mirrorless stuff does not interest me much to be honest.
i have a nex, i have a e-pl2 but i use my DSLR 90% of the time.
the new 24-85mm nikon lens and the leaked D600 pictures are way more intersting to me.
because that means a cheap FF is coming from nikon.
canon has to answer this. the D800 is already a thorn in canons side and now a entry level FF camera for 1500-1800$. after all i know with a sony sensor that beats all canon sensors (sure beats the 5D MK2 sesnor). WOW
until now it´s just a rumor.. but the D800 was only a rumor too.
agwani
12 months ago |The first mirrorless Canon is indeed around the corner …
Canon7sz
12 months ago |Why do you think they’re releasing the 4ti with the 40mm pancake? Some say it is senseless for a DSLR, but is it for a mirrorless? I feel it’s around the corner… Any day now Canon…