Digital Camera World » Canon 650D

Canon EOS M vs T4i (650D): which camera is best for you?

jmeyer — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:16:40 +0000

Are you considering the Canon EOS M vs T4i / 650D? We pit Canon’s first compact system camera against its heralded entry-level DSLR to compare the handling and image quality of the Canon EOS M vs T4i / 650D.

Unlike some compact system cameras (CSCs) the Canon EOS M has an APS-C (22.3×14.9mm) format sensor. In fact it has the same large 18Mp CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 processor as the Canon EOS Rebel T4i / 650D, so in theory at least it could be capable of matching one of the new Canon DSLRs for image quality.

But as Canon’s first CSC gets a new mount and lens it’s not a given, so we’ve been testing the Canon EOS M vs T4i / 650D side by side to see how they compare.

Because it’s a compact system camera the EOS M doesn’t have a mirror or an optical viewfinder and, as Canon hasn’t given it an electrical viewfinder, images must be composed on the LCD screen.

Consequently, in a Canon EOS M vs T4i comparison, the M replicates many of the features that the Rebel T4i has in Live View mode, including the 31-point Hybrid AF system that was debuted by the Canon T4i.

This system is intended to combine the speed of phase detection with the accuracy of contrast detection AF.

The screen is also the same 3-inch 1,040K-dot touch-sensitive device as is found on the T4i, but it’s fixed rather than mounted on an articulating hinge.

This means that when composing photos on the Canon EOS M vs the T4i / 650D, it’s not quite so easy with the M at awkward angles – low down close-ups or shooting held high over people’s heads – as it is with the T4i.

Canon EOS M vs T4i / 650D: spec sheets compared

Want to know how the Canon EOS M specs compare vs the T4i / 650D? We put together this handy cheat sheet which shows both Canon cameras’ specs in a format that makes it easy to compare the EOS M vs T4i.

Simply click on the infographic to view the larger file, or drag and drop it to your desktop.

PAGE 1: Canon EOS M vs T4i / 650D specs and features
PAGE 2: Canon EOS M vs T4i / 650D flash
PAGE 3: Canon EOS M vs T4i / 650D build quality & handling
PAGE 4: Canon EOS M vs T4i / 650D performance
PAGE 5: Canon EOS M vs T4i / 650D verdict

Canon EOS M vs Canon EOS 650D: the same sensor, but which body is best?

jmeyer — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 05:00:53 +0000

Our testing team has had the privilege now of using both the Canon EOS 650D and Canon EOS M. As both new Canon cameras use the same sensor, our team ran an in-depth comparison of the two over on our sister site TechRadar. They compared all the key features and specs to help those looking for a new camera to decide which body is most suitable for their needs. Here’s what they found…

Canon is that latest manufacturer to join the compact system camera market after what feels like years of speculation.

For the Canon EOS M, the company elected to use the same 18 million pixel APS-C size CMOS sensor as found in its recently announced DSLR, the Canon EOS 650D.

With RRPs currently being around the same, making the choice between the two cameras can be a tricky one, especially if you are buying your first interchangeable lens camera.

We’ve had a look at the key similarities and differences to help make things a bit clearer.

Canon M vs Canon 650D lens mount and range

As the Canon M is not as deep as a DSLR, a new mount had to be created for the lenses. This EF-M mount is currently only directly compatible with two EF-M lenses, an 18-55mm zoom lens and a 22mm f/2.0 pancake lens.

If you own any Canon EF or EF-S lenses, and you want to use them with the M, you will need to purchase the mount adapter, which comes with a not-inconsiderable £123 ($203) additional price tag. Bear in mind that Canon will be selling the M with the 22mm f/2.0 pancake lens and mount adapter as a kit package.

On the other hand, the 650D of course has the standard EF mount, meaning all Canon EF and EF-S lenses are compatible with the camera.

Canon EOS M vs Canon EOS 650D handling

There’s quite a significant difference between how these two cameras will be handled, especially as the M strives to keep size to a minimum.
For those wanting quick access to certain functions and modes, the 650D may make more sense as it includes the traditional mode dial favoured by other Canon DSLRs.

Canon has stripped this dial right back to the bare minimum for the EOS M, with most of the controls needing to be accessed through the menu system or touch screen navigation.

With its larger size, the 650D also comes with a bigger grip, which some may feel more comfortable using.

You can read the full Canon EOS M vs Canon EOS 650D comparison over on TechRadar.

Alternatively, click here if you just want our testing team’s conclusion on the Canon M vs Canon 650D.

Canon EOS 650D review

jmeyer — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 01:00:04 +0000

Our testing team was one of the first to get their hands on the new Canon EOS 650D. They’ve posted their full, scientific Canon 650D review over on our sister site TechRadar. So go there for all your image quality analysis, noise charts and more. If you want some of the review highlights and the verdict… well, find out below what our in-house experts thought.

Also See: 49 seriously good Canon DSLR tips, tricks, shortcuts & time savers

The Canon EOS 650D – or Canon EOS Rebel T4i in the US – sits above the Canon EOS 600D/Rebel T3i in Canon’s DSLR range, and has been designed for beginners and enthusiast photographers alike.

One of the key aims for the manufacturer was to make the new camera easier to use, so it has given the Canon 650D new automatic shooting modes as well as a touch-sensitive vari-angle LCD screen. There’s also a healthy smattering of more advanced features to keep experienced photographers happy.

Despite the headline features, a close look at the Canon EOS 650D/EOS Rebel T4i reveals it’s quite a bit more than just a 600D with a touchscreen LCD.

Although it has an 18-megapixel sensor like the Canon EOS 600D, for example, some of the pixels are dedicated phase detection tools – part of the new camera’s Live View and video mode Hybrid AF system (find out: What is Live View telling you?).

In a first for a Canon EOS camera, the Canon 650D can focus automatically during video recording. Let’s take a closer look.

Canon EOS 650D Features

At full resolution, the Canon EOS 650D produces 5184 x 3456 pixel images. This means they are big enough for A3 (16.5 x 11.7-inch) size prints at just under 300ppi.

While some may feel that’s not quite as good as the 24MP offered by the Nikon D3200, it’s enough for many photographers and, of course, it’s the quality of those pixels that’s important.

The Digic 5 processor in the Canon EOS 650D is six times faster than the Digic 4 processor found in the Canon 600D.

This has enabled Canon to boost the 650D’s continuous shooting rate to 5fps for approximately 22 JPEGs or six raw files – up from 3.7fps with the 600D for around 34 JPEGs or six raw files.

So you gain speed, but lose out slightly on the number of images you can record. To be fair though, how often do you need to shoot bursts of 20+ images?

The better specified, bigger Canon EOS 60D is only 0.3fps faster, at 5.3fps (although it will capture around 58 JPEGs and 16 raw files in one burst).

So having 5fps capability in a camera at the Canon 650D’s level is quite a bonus. It’s fast enough for most wildlife, action and sports photography.

When the Canon EOS 650D’s new Hybrid AF system is in action it uses the central pixels to inform the phase detection part and get the subject close to sharp. Then the contrast detection steps in to get it into full focus.

The aim is to make the Live View and video mode focusing quicker and more accurate. If this makes Live View usable when the camera is handheld, it could give the Canon EOS 650D appeal to those upgrading from a compact camera, even if it isn’t a hugely popular feature with enthusiasts.

As on the Canon EOS 600D, Canon EOS 60D and Canon EOS 7D, the Canon EOS 650D has an integrated Speedlite transmitter, enabling you to use the built-in flash to trigger external flashguns remotely.

You’ll need a flashgun with a slave option to use this function, but it’s a great way to take very creative, professional-looking photos by adding dynamic side lighting.

As on the Canon EOS 600D, Canon EOS 60D and Canon EOS 7D, the Canon EOS 650D has an integrated Speedlite transmitter, enabling you to use the built-in flash to trigger external flashguns remotely.

You’ll need a flashgun with a slave option to use this function, but it’s a great way to take very creative, professional-looking photos by adding dynamic side lighting.

Meanwhile, Handheld Night Scene mode is there to help you capture low light evening shots without the need for a tripod (check out these 3 ways to hold a camera steady when you don’t have a tripod).

It does this by taking four different images in rapid succession to achieve a longer total exposure. Again the images are auto-aligned and combined in-camera.

Other spec highlights on the Canon 650D include a sensitivity range of ISO 100-12800 that’s expandable to ISO 25600, 14-bit image processing and a new nine-point wide-area AF system with all cross-type sensors.

There’s also a new Multi Shot Noise Reduction option, which works in JPG mode only, in addition to the usual four High ISO Speed Noise Reduction settings (Off, Low, Standard and High). When this new mode is used, the camera shoots and combines four consecutive shots to create one low-noise image.

NEXT PAGE: The Canon EOS 650D Verdict

Canon EOS 650D / Rebel T4i may cause allergic reactions

jmeyer — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:26:11 +0000

Some models of the recently announced Canon EOS 650D / EOS Rebel T4i may cause an allergic reaction in some photographers due to an abnormality in the new Canon DSLR’s rubber grip.

The unusual Canon announcement states that early batches of the Canon 650D – produced between May 31 and June 15, 2012 – were produced with a higher quantity of rubber accelerator than usual. As a result, the rubber grips on these new Canon DSLRs may turn white “due to a chemical reaction with the rubber accelerator and other substances.”

Canon said it has identified the substance zinc bis is what causes the rubber surface to turn white, which could lead to allergic reactions in some people.

“The amount of zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate) detected during our testing was minimal,” Canon said in a statement.

“While Canon has not received any reports of injury or allergic reactions, depending on one’s health and physical condition, in rare cases when this substance comes into contact with skin, allergic skin reactions* may develop. In addition, if eyes are rubbed after contact with the substance, symptoms, such as red eyes, may develop.”

Canon says you can use the serial number of your Canon EOS 650D / EOS Rebel T4i to see if your new Canon DSLR is affected.

If the sixth digit of your serial number is ’1′, Canon advises photographers to

1) Click here to enter your serial number.

2) Enter your 12-digit serial number (as seen above) from your Canon DSLR then click the Submit button .

3) You will then either receive a message stating that your camera is not affected or one advising that your camera is affected, with a link to a further support section.

If the sixth digit of your serial number is ’2′ or higher, your Canon DSLR is not affected, the company says.

Via: PetaPixel
Source: Canon

Canon 650D: has Canon revealed its mirrorless technology?

jmeyer — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:00:28 +0000

Amid persistent rumours of a Canon mirrorless camera in the works, could the technology in the new Canon 650D hint at what’s to come? Angela Nicholson, our head of testing, asks the question over on our sister site, TechRadar.

The Canon EOS 650D/Rebel 4Ti debuts a couple of new technologies for Canon that could be used in a mirrorless compact system camera (CSC).

For a start, the EOS 650D 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.

Full-time focusing is enabled by the new Hybrid AF system that combines the benefits of phase detection and contrast detection, using information drawn from the imaging sensor. It also enables the Live View AF to be much faster than normal.

We have seen hybrid AF systems before in mirrorless compact and compact system cameras such as the Nikon J1 and Nikon V1.

Dedicated pixels
Like other Canon DSLRs, the Canon EOS 650D has a separate dedicated autofocus sensor that works when the reflex mirror is down and reflecting light towards it. However, when the mirror is lifted for Live View or movie recording, the camera uses dedicated pixels on the imaging sensor to facilitate hybrid autofocusing.

According to Canon UK’s David Parry, in Live View and video mode the Canon EOS 650D uses the phase detection part of its hybrid AF system to get the subject close to being sharp, and then the contrast detection part to get the focus spot-on.

Phase detection AF systems are generally faster than contrast detection systems, not least because the camera knows which way to adjust the lens to achieve focus.
Contrast detection systems adjust the lens to find the point of highest contrast but they don’t know which way to move the lens, and as a result, although more accurate than phase detection systems, they are usually slower.

Combining phase and contrast detection should enable faster, more accurate autofocusing than using either method alone. Both of these points would benefit a mirrorless camera.

Touchscreen
One of the major benefits of a mirrorless camera design is that they can be made smaller than the average DSLR. However, this can make finding room for large control buttons and dials tricky. One solution is to use a touchscreen that enables camera settings to be adjusted via the screen.

The Canon 650D is the first DSLR to have a touchscreen, and our experience with a pre-production sample indicates that it has been implemented extremely well.
Although the Canon EOS 650D’s screen is accompanied by the usual array of DSLR direct controls, just about every feature can be controlled by touching the screen. It’s even possible to use pinch-to-zoom control when examining images.

Could Canon be testing the water before it launches a mirrorless camera with touchscreen control later in the year?

Read Angela’s hands-on Canon 650D review over on TechRadar.

Canon unveils EOS 650D touchscreen DSLR

jmeyer — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 04:01:46 +0000

Canon has launched the EOS 650D, a beginner level DSLR, which is the first camera of its kind to feature a touchscreen LCD.

The Canon EOS 650D also features a newly designed 18 million pixel APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor, which enables hybrid autofocus, a first for any Canon camera (see the hands-on Canon EOS 650D review over on our sister site TechRadar).

Our testing team got an exclusive sneak peek at the Canon 650D. Below you can watch their hands-on video review of the new Canon camera.

A Digic 5 processor can also be found onboard the Canon 650D, which is the same sensor found on several of Canon’s higher level models. Sensitivity runs from ISO 100-12,800 and is expandable up to 25,600.

Full HD video recording is available, which features continuous autofocus, another first for any EOS camera (find out how to set up your DSLR for video recording). The camera is also capable of shooting at up to 5fps.

Nine autofocus points can be found on the camera, for use in reflex mode, all of which are cross-type sensors for added accuracy. The sensor also incorporates dedicated pixels for autofocus to enable the hybrid autofocusing.

On the rear of the camera is a 3-inch/7.7cm vari-angle Clear View LCD II touchscreen. The camera’s menu operations can be accessed via the touchscreen, as well as other functions, such as touch shutter and touch to focus.

All of the buttons from the Canon EOS 600D remain on the camera for those who prefer not to use a touchscreen.

Aimed primarily at beginners, the Canon 650D includes a number of functions designed especially for novices. Scene Intelligent Auto promises to detect the scene for the most appropriate scenes, while Handheld Night Scene enables you to take blur-free evening shots without needing to use a tripod.

HDR backlight control merges three images shot at the time, and is a fully automatic feature to help tackle brightly lit scenes.

The Canon EOS 650D price will be around £800 in the UK and €950 in Europe (about $1,180) with a kit lens.

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