[Review] Just Another Rebel? The T4i/650D As A Technology Sandbox

I have to say that I feel I am neglecting the Rebel T4i (EOS 650D in EU, Kiss X6i in JP). I am not part of the “just another Rebel” party, nor do I have an elitist approach to photographic gear. Nevertheless, I didn’t dedicate too much time to the latest Rebel (so far). That’s a shame, because Canon’s last iteration of the Rebel series (the xxxD series in EU) has a lot of advanced and cue-giving tech inside. So much that it should make us curios what it is about. I reported time ago that Canon may sandboxing and testing the technology (i.e. the touchscreen) that could possibly be used for its upcoming mirrorless system camera (expected for July 23). Now, there are more hints that the Rebel T4i/650D sports features and functionalities that would be more than just useful on a mirrorless camera.

Le me start saying that the T4i/650D is Canon’s first DSLR having full-time auto-focus in video mode. To accomplish this, you can use different focusing approaches, such as the contrast-detect method (used in previous Canon DSLR, slow and imprecise) or phase detection sensors in the camera (causes a blackout during live view, when the mirror flips down). But there is a third way to get auto-focus through phase detection: mixing phase detection sensors with pixels on the sensor itself. That’s what the folks at chipworks discovered when they tore down a T4i/650D. The cool thing is that such a technical solution would make up for a fast and reliable AF on a mirrorless camera. The technology is not new and was seen on Nikon’s Aptina sensor sported on the V1 and on the Fuji F300EXR. Differently from Nikon, which uses regular lines to implement the phase detection sensors, Canon uses an irregular pixel pattern. This is not totally new, as Canon two years ago published a patent for such a technology.

What are your thoughts?

Canon patent for phase detection AF

[via photographybay, chipworks]

Two Rebel T4i/EOS 650D Product Advisories

Right, two product advisories for the Rebel T4i/650D. First advisory concerns a phenomenon where the front rubber grips of some EOS REBEL T4i units produced in certain lots during the sixteen-day period between May 31st through June 15th, 2012 may turn white after a short period of time.

You can use the serial number to check whether your camera is affected by this phenomenon. If the sixth digit of the serial number is “1” please follow the procedure below. If the sixth digit of the serial number is “2” or higher, your camera is not affected.

Procedure:
1) Click on the link below to enter your serial number. 
2) Enter the 12-digit serial number (reference the image below) from your camera then click the Submit button
3) One of the following messages will appear.
            ·  “Your camera is NOT affected”   →  No further action is required 
            ·  “Your camera is affected”   →  Please see the Support section below

Click here to enter your serial number

Next, the second advisory: your Rebel T4i might be a little confused sometimes, believing it is a Kiss X6i. :-)

Thank you for using Canon products.We have identified a phenomenon in which the camera model name embedded in the EXIF data of captured images incorrectly shows “EOS Kiss X6i”, which is the model name for the EOS Rebel T4i in the Japanese market. Even if this occurs, however, the image taken is still captured correctly.Phenomenon
When using applications, such as Digital Photo Professional (DPP) or Image Browser EX (IBX) to view images captured with your EOS Rebel T4i camera, the camera model name in the EXIF information of the images shows the model name for the same camera in the Japanese market: the EOS Kiss X6i.

The camera model name that appears on the Camera Settings / Remote Shooting screens of EOS Utility (EU) also shows “EOS Kiss X6i”.

Affected Products
EOS REBEL T4i Digital SLR Camera
*Some units whose second digit of the serial number is “3” are affected.
For example: ”x3xxxxxxxxxx” ([x] represents any optional number.)

Support
Customers who would like to have the correct model name listed in the EXIF information of their camera are asked to contact Canon using the information below.

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only.  If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Please register your EOS Rebel T4i. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when service updates are available.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Contact Information for Inquiries:

Canon Customer Support Center

Phone:

1-800-OK-CANON1-800-652-2666

TTD:

1-866-251-3752

E-mail:

[email protected]

For additional support options: http://www.usa.canon.com/support

[via CR, IR]

[Review] EOS 650D/Rebel T4i Real World And Studio Sampe Images

Still unsure if Canon’s new Rebel T4i (EOS 650D in EU, Kiss X6i in JP) is the right camera for you? Maybe some sample pictures might help. DPreview updated its preview of the T4i/650D with studio and real world sample images (click here). The camera’s core specifications:

  • 18MP APS-C ‘Hybrid CMOS’ sensor
  • Phase detection AF from imaging sensor for Live View and Video
  • Continuous autofocus in movie mode with subject tracking
  • 14-bit DIGIC 5 processor
  • ISO 100-12800 standard, 25600 expanded
  • 5 fps continuous shooting
  • 9 point AF system, all sensors cross type, central sensor F2.8 (from 60D)
  • 63 zone iFCL metering
  • 1080p30 video recording, stereo sound with internal or external mics
  • 1.04m dot 3:2 touch-sensitive vari-angle ClearView II LCD (capacitative type, multi-touch support)

Btw, Adorama has various Rebel T4i/650D bundles in offer, click here to see them all.

EOS 650D/Rebel T4i/Kiss X6i price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

[Review] Rebel T4i/650D/X6i Studio Test Shots

imaging-resource published test shots made with a production Rebel T4i/650D/X6i. The whole ISO range is covered (up to 25.600), RAW files are also available, all samples can be downloaded in original resolution. These are studio test shots, i.e. test shots made in a laboratory setting. Btw, it seems that Canon was really fast to make the Rebel T4i/650D/X6i available: most shops are reporting that they have the camera in stock and ready to ship.

Rebel T4i/650D/X6i price and availability check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

[Review] Rebel T4i/EOS 650D/Kiss X6i Video Review

cinema5d just posted a review about the video-capabilities of the new Rebel T4i/EOS 650D/Kiss X6i. The was made using a EF-S 55-200mm IS lens (hand held), no color correction. For all available pre-order links (and more information, specs, reviews round-up) for the T4i/650D/X6i click here.

Automatic, world-wide Rebel T4i/EOS 650D/Kiss X6i availability and 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

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