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.

[techradar via gizmodo]

Canon Mirrorless Concept by D. Riesenberg

[Deals] Rebel T4i Kit With Lots Of Accessories

Adorama has a cool Rebel T4i (650D/X6i) kit available on pre-order for $998.02 (click here). Included accessories:

  • Rebel T4i body
  • EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens
  • 32GB SD Memory Card
  • Camera Bag
  • Spare LP-E8 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
  • Cleaning Kit
  • Screen Protector
  • FREE: Red Giant Adorama Production Bundle for PC/Mac a $599 00 Retail Value

Alternatively, you can get the same kit without the EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens for 899.94 (click here). More about the T4i: a bunch of hands-on videos, specifications and a previews round-up. Finally, a detailed first impression review.

[In-Stock] EOS 650D/Rebel T4i/Kiss X6i In Stock At Digitalrev

DigitalRev has the brand new Canon Rebel T4i (or EOS 650D in Europe and Kiss X6i in Japan) with the EF-S 18-55 IS II (and more kit options) in stock and ready to ship (click here). The price depends by your check-out location. For more pre-order option (and specifications, information and reviews) of Canon’s new Rebel click here. For a series of hands-on videos click here. The 650D/T4i/X6i core specifications:

  • STM Lens Support for Quiet AF in Movies
  • 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 5 Image Processor
  • 3.0 inch Vari-Angle Touch Screen LCD
  • ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600
  • Full HD Movie Mode with Continuous AF
  • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • 9-Point All Cross-Type AF System
  • Multi Shot Noise Reduction

[Pre-Order] EOS 650D/T4i/X6i And EF-S 18-135mm STM IS Available For Pre-Order At Amazon Germany

Looks like Amazon Germany is the only one of Amazon’s European branches that has the new EOS 650D (T4i/X6i) and EF-S 18-135mm STM IS lens (both announced yesterday) ready for pre-order. The following kits are available:

  • EOS 650D & EF-S 18-55 IS II for EUR 899,00 (click here)
  • EOS 650D & EF-S 18-135mm STM IS for EUR 1.149,00 (click here)
  • EOS 650D body only for EUR 799,00 (click here)
  • EF-S 18-135mm STM IS for EUR 499,00 (click here)

[Pre-Order] Kiss X6i/Rebel T4i/650D and EF 40mm STM Available For Pre-Order At Amazon Japan

Amazon Japan has the Kiss X6i (Rebel T4i in America, EOS 650D in Europe) available for pre-order (click here to see all offered kits). The following options are available:

  • X6i/T4i/650D & 18-135mm STM IS for ￥ 129,800 (click here)
  • X6i/T4i/650D & EF-S 18-55mm IS II & EF-S 55-250mm for ¥ 129,800 (click here)
  • X6i/T4i/650D & EF-S 18-55mm IS II for ￥ 99,800 (click here)
  • X6i/T4i/650D body only for ￥ 89,800 (click here)

As far as I understand, they also have the EF 40mm STM pancake available for pre-order (￥ 20,530, click here), and the 18-135mm STM IS too (￥ 60,690, click here).