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| Canon EOS Rebel T4i |
Canon EOS Rebel T4i 18.0 MP - Canon updates its Rebel series with a new more video-friendly model, the EOS Rebel T4i. Friendlier, that is, as long as you also spring for the new STM line of lenses designed to work with the updated autofocus (AF) system. Together, the camera and the lenses do promise smoother, more accurate AF performance during video shooting than we see from typical dSLR systems.
The T4i's introduction naturally impacts the price of sibling dSLRs. It's likely the EOS Rebel T3i will slowly become more affordable and the EOS 60D will become an even less compelling purchase. Right now, the only advantages the 60D has over the T4i are better burst performance -- meaning a slightly faster rate plus a deeper buffer -- a better-constructed body, and better battery life.
While I welcome the potential improvements to the aspects of the camera that use the contrast-detection AF, I suspect there will be some confusion among buyers. Notably, only users of the STM lenses will see any benefits, and then only in Live View and movie capture. Those who opt for the sub-$1,000 18-55mm kit will essentially be paying at least an extra $150 for a touch screen.
It's a nice touch screen, though, responsive and with an updated user interface and the usual capabilities like touch focus that streamline Live View shooting. That said, I don't think the camera supports peaking (edge detection), which I think is an essential feature for LCD-based shooting.
The great thing about Canon EOS Rebel T4i is that you aren't forced to use the touch screen... you can navigate via the buttons just like any of the other canon dslrs. But owning a T4i myself I can say that the touch screen is very nicely implemented (responsive) and designed (for better of for worse) so minimize accidentally changing the settings. Whether it lasts in the long-run..we'll see, but like I said, you wouldn't be screwed if it stopped working.
Canon EOS Rebel T4i 18.0 MP Product Features
- Style: with 18-135mm EF-S IS STM Lens 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, ISO 100-12800; expandable to 25600 (H) for shooting from bright to dim light and high performance DIGIC 5 Image Processor for exceptional image quality and speed.
- High speed continuous shooting up to 5.0 fps allows you to capture all the action.
- Improved autofocus performance with a 9-point all cross-type AF system (including a high-precision dual-cross f/2.8 center point), and new Hybrid CMOS AF increases autofocus speed when shooting photos and movies in Live View.
- Enhanced EOS Full HD Movie mode with Movie Servo AF for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects, manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 30p (29.97) / 25p).
- New 3.0-inch Vari-angle Touch Screen Clear View LCD monitor II (approximately 1,040,000 dots) with smudge-resistant coating features multi-touch operation and Touch AF for an easy and intuitive experience, flexible positioning, and clear viewing even when outdoors.
