Time for a Rebel T4i/EOS 650D reviews and comparisons round-up. There are at least two big innovations that Canon carried out with the Rebel T4i/650D: the touchscreen interface (same as on the EOS M) and the hybrid auto-focus system. The AF system allows for full auto-focus while you are in video mode, a very quiet AF when you use STM (Stepping Motor) lenses. The hybrid AF and the full AF in video mode are a primer for Canon: The Rebel T4i/EOS 650D is the first Canon ever that comes with this feature. The Rebel T4i/EOS 650D kit with the 18-135mm IS STM kit lens has a price tag of $1200. The Rebel T4i/EOS 650D acted as a sort of testbed for the technologies Canon later implemented on its first mirrorless system camera, the Canon EOS M (see here for price and specs). Rebel T4i/EOS 650D specifications:
- STM Lens Support for Quiet AF in Movies
- 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 5 Image Processor
- 3.0″ 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
- Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S Lenses
Let’s start with digitalcamerainfo. They compared the Rebel T4i/EOS 650D with its predecessor, the Rebel T3i/EOS 600D. The new Rebel is definitely a more powerful video-making gear. However, if you are not particularly interested in video, then the Rebel T3i/EOS 600D (click here for price and specs) may be your best bet. Virtually same image quality at a concretely lower price (it’s the last year’s model). The same guys at digitalcamerainfo also made a comparison between the Rebel T4i/EOS 650D and the Nikon D3200 (which is almost half the costs of the Rebel).
There’s little question that the T4i is a better camera in every respect, aside from pure image quality. It’s better built, more feature rich, has a more logical and full-featured control scheme, and boasts neat party tricks like touchscreen control and continuous video autofocus. This is stuff the D3200 can’t hope to match.
I know a lot of people who are unsure if they should prefer the Rebel T4i/EOS 650D or the more feature rich EOS 60D. The following video by Dave Dugdale may help take a decision.
Some more Rebel T4i/EOS 650D reviews. PCPro UK‘s verdict:
Clever use of a touchscreen display and a vast improvement to autofocus performance on video and stills makes the 650D the best all-rounder for amateurs.
Photographyblog‘s conclusion:
In summary the new 650D / Rebel T4i is the most complicated yet friendly mid-range Canon DSLR yet, truly a camera that you can grow into as your photography skills develop. It only misses out on our highest Essential award because of the still slow Live View auto-focusing and a small price increase over the 600D, but is more than deserving of our still-coveted Highly Recommended award.
I will come back to the Rebel T4i/EOS 650D when there are new reviews.