[Review] Rebel T4i/EOS 650D Most Comprehensive Hands-On Review So Far

image courtesy of digitalcamerainfo.com

digitalcamerainfo published what is the most comprehensive first-impressions review of the Rebel T4i/650D I saw so far. I would almost dare to say this is a review (though they were using a pre-production model). The review goes over eight dedicated sections covering everything from handling to usage modes and controls, photo gallery included. The overall impression is pretty positive, the new Rebel didn’t miss most of the expectations people had. The highlights are the AF improvements (live view shooting and video recording), the touchscreen, 1080p video recording, a new 18-megapixel image sensor and the faster shot to shot rate (click here for more specs, or click here for a series of videos). Not to forget the greater ISO range. From the conclusion:

In shooting with the T4i, it’s clear that the sum of all those spec upgrades is a camera that truly feels new. That’s a good step for Canon, as we felt the T3i was a lackluster, marginal improvement on the massively successful T2i that preceded it. With the T3i staying in the line as a mid-level option (above the T3 and below the T4i, for now), that separation was necessary for the T4i to be relevant.

In our time with the camera, we loved the snappiness of the new autofocus and more responsive shutter. The camera itself is very familiar, as its body is almost identical to the T3i, with only some minor handling differences. On the inside, the new Digic 5 processor chugs through bursts much quicker than the T3i did, and the autofocus is a hair sharper.

If you are looking for a detailed insight in all of what this camera has to offer, then digitalcamerainfo’s review is the one you should not miss.

Below are pre-order links for the Rebel T4i/650D (and the 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens).

image courtesy of digitalcamerainfo.com
image courtesy of digitalcamerainfo.com

 

image courtesy of digitalcamerainfo.com

[iOS] Snapseed (Nik Software) Photo-editing App Went Free

My favorite photo editing app (Snapseed, click here, $3 $5 usually) on the iPad (click here) went free today. No word about how long it will stay free (act quickly!). The app is made by Nik Software, well known for their professional Photoshop plug-ins (Silver Efex Pro and Color Efex Pro, just to name some). The technology used in their desktop products has been implemented in the iOS app, first of all the patented U-point technology. I tried a lot of different photo editing apps on the iPad and this one is my very favorite. It’s intuitive to use yet powerful thanks to the U-point technology, which makes a real difference. Various filters are also provided. And it has a great black&white mode. It’s a professional tool imo. Best of all: RAW format is supported (and TIFF and clearly JPG). The usual sharing options (FB, Twitter, Instagram etc) are available. If you have an iDevice you really should try out this app. You won’t regret it. Works on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad with at least iOS 4.2.

UPDATE (snapseed still free): for a review of snapseed by DPreview click here. They write: In terms of sheer versatility, Snapseed is one of the best photography apps that I’ve used on any mobile platform, and treads the line between professional and amateur-focussed functionality very well.

[via heise.de]

World-wide iPad3 price check:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

 

[Hands-On] EF 24-70 f/2.8L II & EF 24 f/2.8 IS Lenses

This new lenses finally got a quick hands-on review at canonrumors. First impressions are rather good. About the EF 24mm f/2.8L IS:

It’s small, light and feels well built. The AF was fast and it appeared as sharp as any other Canon non-L prime on the surface. This would be a great prime to walk around with on a small body. A mirrorless with an EF adaptor?

About the 24-70mm f/2.8L II:

The new lens feels quite solid in your hand. Though I didn’t find it felt that much lighter, even though it technically is. If I had a version 1 beside it, along with its massive hood, I think I’d probably notice the weight difference then.

The zoom ring is quite smooth, and the lens now extends in telephoto and not at 24mm like the current version.

I tried it out on the 5D Mark III and found the autofocus to be silent and nearly instant to acquire initial focus.

Both lenses are available for pre-order:

EF 24mm f/2.8 IS for $849.99:

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II for 2,299:

[via CR_1, CR_2]