topic Re: comparing digital SLR camera in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

comparing digital SLR camera

Jillian — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:22:18 GMT

Hi. I am looking to buy my boyfriend a SLR. We have had several canon point and shoot cameras but are ready to upgrade. I am not sure which is the best model to go with. We would be taking pics of scenery, kids playing sports, and our dog mostly. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I am comparing the T3i T4i and T5i

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Skirball — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:48:07 GMT

Canon releases a new Rebel every year now, usually with some small improvements (some years bigger than others). All the way back to the 550D is all using the same sensor.

The 700d (T5i) is a big fat joke. They added some embossed logos on the mode selection dial and made it spin 360 degrees. I would get a 650D (T4i) and save some cash.

The 650D added all cross-type points over the 600D, which in short, is more sensitive auto-focus. It'd be worth the cost to me, but maybe not to everyone. To be fair, my new $2000 6D only has one cross point, like the 600D.

The main difference between the 550D and 600D is the flip out screen on the 600D. I believe the 550D is a bit smaller and has less shutter lag as well.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Jillian — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:24:41 GMT

Thank you so much for responding. As you can tell I do not know much about cameras and am really tooking toward others for advise. So thank you!

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Skirball — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:39:28 GMT

No problem. They're all good cameras, there's just little features that get added to try to increase sales. I used an old 400D for 7 years, and I loved the camera. I still think it's a fine camera. Whatever one you choose will be enjoyed I'm sure.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

7D5D — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:41:43 GMT

Here is a good link to help research: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9566705626/buying-a-digital-slr

I agree with Skirball that the T4i will probably be you best value. In the long run put your money in lens. The best advice I can give is don't let the salesperson sell you a bunch of gear. Buy your body and kit lens, get experienced with that then you will better know what you need/want next.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Skirball — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:48:39 GMT

@7D5D wrote:
Buy your body and kit lens, get experienced with that then you will better know what you need/want next.

This is really good advice and worth restating. Salesmen and internet forums can lead people to thinking they need a lot more gear than they do.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Jillian — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:00:35 GMT

So if you dont mind me asking why the 4i over the 3i? Is it because it is a newer model or has better features?

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Skirball — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:18:03 GMT

@Jillian wrote:
So if you dont mind me asking why the 4i over the 3i? Is it because it is a newer model or has better features?

The main feature of the T4i over the previous is that they added all cross-type sensors for the autofocus. In brief: when you look through the viewfinder you’ll see 9 red dots spread across the field, these are the autofocus points. Cross points can detect contrast differences that are both vertical and horizontal, as opposed to regular points that can only detect one (for others, yes, I know it uses phase detection). So in essence it’s more accurate. The T4i has all 9 in this cross type, where as the T3i has 1 cross point in the center and the rest are normal.

Now, a lot of people who use Rebels (and more expensive cameras) use the recompose technique – focusing on the subject on the center, holding the button, and then recomposing. So they’re only using the center point anyway. More advanced shooters will use those out points more, so it’s nice to have all cross points. I consider it a ‘nice to have’. So I’d weigh the price of the two and see if the difference is worth it to you. To me, an extra $100 wouldn’t make me even flinch. But I know I didn’t feel that way when I first got into photography.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Jillian — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:24:09 GMT

Great info thanks so much!!! ... I have heard the 4i had a recall is that true and if so do you know if the issue was fixed?

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Skirball — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:34:55 GMT

I don’t know much about it, other than it had something to do with the outer coating and allergic reactions in some people. As stated in my first post, the jump from the T4i to the T5i was almost non-existent in upgrades. One of them was a different texture to the plastic. Between that change, the recall, and the fact that Canon no longer manufactures the T4i, many have speculated a connection – Canon in essence reissued the 650D with new coating and called it a 700D. Personally, I wouldn’t worry about it if I could save some money getting a 650D. The recall affected a specific set of serial numbers, it’s unlikely a reputable dealer would sell one to you.

Edit: just looked around a bit, I might have mispoken. I don't know if Canon has officially discontinued the 650D. Also, it looks like they did fix the issue and they tainted batch hasn't been sold (by official dealers) since summer of 2012.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

cicopo — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:05:39 GMT

I'll say I agree with the info provided already & the T4i is the smarter buy but to help with the decision I recommend reading the full review of the T4i and the condensed review for the T5i here. It clearly explains the few updated features (or lack).

http://www.imaging-resource.com/MFR1.HTM?view=Canon_reviews

Just scroll down to the area where they are listed.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

ebiggs1 — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:13:46 GMT

My granddaughter asked me the same question yesterday and I told her I would get the T5i. Because a fast look at B&H shows them to be the same or nearly the same price. The T5i and the EF-S 18-55mm lens which seems to be the most popular is $899 for either the T4i or T5i. So I would advise to go with the most current model as the specs do seem to be nearly exactly the same for each model.

I do think the sales department sets the agenda for models to be created. To me another one is the 6D but, hey, Canon is a profit orientated business and that is how you make their money.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Skirball — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:46:39 GMT

A fast look at Amazon shows the T4i kit is currently $650, bought directly from Canon, with free 2-day shipping if you have Prime. That's with the 18-55II, not the STM version, but personally I'd prefer the non-STM.

Both version offer a kit with the 18-135 STM, it's $799 for the T4i and $1099 for the T5i.

Not worth $250+ for an embossed dial, IMHO.

And all businesses, with the exception of non-profits of course, are profit-oriented. It's the nature of business. I know you like to make statements without actually support the 'why', but the 6D is a great camera that fills a niche, even if the internet gearheads can't wrap their minds around it.

Edit: the T4i kit is $650 at B&H too.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

hsbn — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:54:30 GMT

Skirball already gave you the most helpful advise; so I'll just chime in to say go with the T4i. $250 different you can use to buy a bag, memory card, card reader, other accessories, heck, you can buy another lens.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

cicopo — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:02:56 GMT

Any business that isn't profit driven won't be there when the warranty repairs are needed. They also won't have the money to develop new products.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Skirball — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:58:49 GMT

This is worth a watch if you're still deciding between the T5i and T4i:

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

ebiggs1 — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:50:39 GMT

"Not worth $250+ for an embossed dial, IMHO"

And mine! But if you can get the newer model for the same price or very little more, why not?

“... but the 6D is a great camera that fills a niche ...”

Yes it is, as long as you declare it a “niche” camera. It is possible to create a need for anything, I guess? So see we do agree on some points.

IMHO, all Canon cameras a pretty darn good. That's why I have them.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Skirball — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:40:01 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:

Yes it is, as long as you declare it a “niche” camera. It is possible to create a need for anything, I guess? So see we do agree on some points.

Yes, and the niche it fills is 'a moderately priced full frame camera'. The same one the 5d2 held previously, there was no new market created. Would you prefer if I used the term 'market segment'? I know you like to think that the 5d2 is a superior camera, but until you're ready to back up the claim with some sort of rationale, it's all just hot air.

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

ebiggs1 — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:37:29 GMT

“I know you like to think that the 5d2 is a superior camera, but until you're ready to back up the claim with some sort of rationale, it's all just hot air.”

I am not a pixel pepper or data miner like you apparently are I rely on real world conditions and experience to judge relevance. On paper the 6D is “better” and it does fill a price gap between the 5D Mk II and MK III. Therefore it does fill a niche, I freely admit you have a point. Sorta like that “embossed dial” you mentioned. If the embossed dial is worth it to you than by all means buy one. That is what Canon is banking on.

I, on the other hand, am retiring from the photographic business and see the 6D as not worth it over my 5D Mk II and I don't want to invest the greater dollars in the Mk III. The 6D will produce nothing that my 5D2 doesn't. You don't need the latest greatest unless the latest greatest is giving you something in return. I still use a 1D Mk III and even my XTi. WOW!

So the bottom line, you are the winner, the 6D is a better camera than the 5D2. I'm out of “hot air” now!

Re: comparing digital SLR camera

Skirball — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:37:55 GMT

Stop being dramatic, that's a completely different situation and I agree with you. I don't understand you implication that Canon has done something devious with the release of the 6D. I would never recommend that someone who owns a 5d2 upgrade to a 6D. Nor have I ever suggested that the 5d2 is a poor camera. But for someone in the market to purchase a full frame, the 6D is the obvious choice.

I just don’t understand why so many 5d2 owners, who I’d assume loved their camera, can be so negative on the 6D, which is essentially a modern release of the 5d2. Nope, nothing profoundly new (that was in the 5d3, and the price is reflective of it), but there are some minor performance enhancements (centerpoint sensitivity, slight ISO performance, slight DR, slight FPS), a couple of extra features (WiFi, GPS, video autofocus), in a smaller package that costs less than the 5d2 was selling for new. Win, win.