Canon Rebel T4i Pro Reviews

I liked shooting with the T4i and think most people who get it will probably love it. But that's true of a lot of the cameras in this class -- you really have to try hard to make a bad camera for about $1,000. Comparatively, though, it falls a little short. While some improvements in the camera benefit photographers with older lenses, you really need the new STM lenses to take full advantage of the camera. On one hand, I really like the 18-135mm lens as a kit option. It offers a good focal range for everyday shooting and it's sharp through the middle aperture ranges. Plus, it's faster at 55mm (f5) than the smaller lens. But if you just want a decent still Canon dSLR, the T3i still fills the bill, and is cheaper, if a little slower. With better buffer processing, the 60D remains better for continuous shooting, though the T4i's AF may be more accurate if you're willing to accept a slowdown. For video, the T4i is a great relatively inexpensive Canon pick, but there are comparable alternatives available, like the Sony Alpha SLT-A65, if you're willing to sacrifice an optical viewfinder.

Canon EOS 650D 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

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.

The upper entry level DSLR market is a tough environment and companies have to be bold, but also cautious in order to succeed. Canon is a canny operator in this respect, maintaining a clear distinction between its budget, upper entry level and mid-range models. The risk in this approach is that competitors who don't operate under the same constraints can outmaneuvre you by providing features that you can't for fear of cannibalizing sales from your own line up. Canon's upper entry level models have come under increasing pressure of this kind not just from Sony's SLT range, but from the rapid inroads that mirrorless compact system cameras have made into DSLR sales. With the Rebel T4i / EOS 650D Canon has neatly addressed these issues. The Hybrid CMOS AF sensor improves AF capability in Live view but, more importantly, makes this the first Canon DSLR to provide truly effective continuous AF during movie recording, putting it on a par with Sony's SLT models and touch-screen mirrorless CSC's like the Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix GX1.

Big improvements to video capture make this a strong contender for both still and moving images

Video is improved thanks to stereo sound and continuous AF, although this is still generally quite slow compared to mirrorless cameras, and the noise of the lens focussing is easily picked up by the internal microphones. In fact, the manual recommends the use of an external microphone if this is something you want to avoid. The touchscreen implementation is very good, being easy to use, quick and responsive, as well as allowing precise selection of options in the menus, and like the previous model, the high resolution 3 inch screen with 1040k dots looks excellent. If you don't record video and aren't a fan of touch screens, then the 650D still makes a compelling case for itself thanks to improved continuous shooting speed, additional high ISO settings, and improved shooting features, such as HDR and handheld nightshot. The Canon EOS 650D also goes a step further than the Canon EOS 600D, with noticeably improved image quality thanks to the DIGIC 5 processor, allowing higher ISO settings to be used confidently. While live view focusing may not be as quick as Canon would like you to believe, the 650D is an excellent all-round Digital SLR, that should keep the keen amatuer, enthusiast and perhaps even professional photographers happy.

The Canon EOS Rebel T4i delivers top speed along with excellent image quality, and supports smooth video autofocus when paired with the right lens. It's a laudable performer, but doesn't quite edge out the Nikon D5100 as our top pick for under-$1,000 D-SLR.

The Canon EOS 650D combines very good image quality with easy access to shooting parameters and extensive manual control. Its touchscreen interface brings a new level of operational efficiency to the DSLR market. Added to this is a fast 5fps shooting rate and quick phase detection AF.

Combining a touchscreen into a DSLR would always be controversial, but DSLR LCDs have, for some time now, been much more than simply devices for viewing images post-capture - and this would always be the next logical move. Not only has Canon implemented the technology well, but it hasn't sought to make it obligatory for general operation. It's unlikely this will remain unique to the EOS 650D. Most of the other changes may not in themselves be significant, but collectively they make the EOS 650D a more enjoyable camera to use than the EOS 600D. With live view and video recording still not universally embraced, it's perhaps the changes to the focusing system that have been the most important. In summary, it's an interesting and logical progression for the EOS line, and once the price falls a little it will be a decent upgrade option for users of previous Canon DSLRs.

Canon's EOS 650D is for users who want fast speed out of an entry-level digital SLR camera. It can pump out photos to the tune of five frames per second, making it perfect for budding sports and action photographers who don't want to spend more for an enthusiast-level body. It's an easy camera to use and get the hang of and Canon has included a touchscreen so that you can have more choice as to how you control the camera's settings.

The 650D's improved autofocus system (as per the 60D) is a big step forward and the HD movie mode makes best use of the new touchscreen technology. The camera's 18-megapixel sensor produces great quality shots direct from camera, but the limitations at higher ISO settings and small buffer when shooting raw files in burst mode are sticking points. The hybrid AF system is a definite leap forward, but it's still not as smooth or quick as the likes of the Sony SLT system or that found in many compact system camera. If you’re brand new to the DSLR market then the Canon EOS 650D will make a sterling purchase. Future-proof features such as the built-in Speedlite transmitter escalate the camera up a notch, while vari-angle screen is highly resolute and looks great. The touchscreen won't be for everyone, but as it's optional to use we reckon it's on the money when it comes to making autofocus point adjustments. As a whole, this is one solid DSLR. It might be a little pricey at its initial launch, but it's the kind of camera that will last you for years to come.

We have to admit, we're pretty excited about the Canon EOS 650D. It seems that Canon has decided to stick with existing pixel counts (or close to them in the case of the 5D Mark III) and concentrate on making its DSLRs more user-friendly by improving ergonomics and adding new features. Though those who don't like touchscreens can still use direct controls, but we think the implementation of Canon EOS 650D's touchscreen will persuade doubters to try it, and once you try it you'll find it very useful. One of the great things about using a touchscreen on a camera is that you are able to focus on the image, rather than having to look to the body for the controls. Although we want to do plenty of testing with a full-production sample, the early signs for Canon's Live View and video Hybrid AF system are good. Judging by our experience with the 40mm f/2.8 lens, videographers will find that it works particularly well with the new STM lenses. Although the EOS 650D sits below the EOS 60D in the Canon lineup, the new model is a pretty enticing option, with an impressive feature set that really gives the 60D a run for its money. At £699.99 (about $1,085) body only and £799.99 (about $1,238) with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II, it is a little more affordable than the 60D, which can be found for around £750 in the UK or $999 in the US, for the body only. Those who balk at the price and who really don't want the touchscreen or Hybrid AF features will be well served by the 600D, which can be bought for around £535/$750 body only.