Canon Announces the Entry-Level Rebel T5i and the New 18-55mm Kit Lens
Canon’s special announcement today is the its tiny new Rebel SL1 DSLR, but it has a second new DSLR to show off. The Rebel T5i succeeds the Rebel T4i (AKA 650D AKA Kiss X6i) as the new flagship Rebel, and is geared toward entry-level photographers.
The improvements over the T4i are very minor. Not much has changed between that camera, announced in June 2012, and the new T5i announced today.
The sensor is still an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor backed by a DIGIC 5 processor. ISO still goes up to 12800, and is expandable to 25600. Continuous shooting speed remains at 5 frames per second. The autofocus is still a 9-point system with all cross-type points. There’s a 3-inch swiveling touchscreen on the back.
Live View autofocusing is still aided by the same Hybrid CMOS AF system.
One of the main improvements isn’t the camera at all, but the new kit lens that’ll be bundled with the camera and the new SL1. It’s the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, which is designed to focus quickly and silently for both stills and videos.
As with the T4i, the T5i offers special features designed for consumers. There are seven creative filters that can be previewed in real-time using Live View: ArtBold, Water Painting, Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera, Fish-Eye and Miniature.
Creative Shooting modes can help owners snap acceptable shots without having to deal with manual adjustments. Modes include Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Contro, and Multi-Shot Noise Reduction. The camera’s mode dial now features a special option for selecting Scene mode.
For video recording, the T5i can capture 1080p Full HD video footage. The camera’s Hybrid CMOS AF system and the Movie Servo AF can help lock onto moving subjects with minimal hunting.
The Canon EOS Rebel T5i will be available starting in April 2013 with a price tag of $750 for the body by itself, or $900 when bundled with the new 18-55mm kit lens. If you need more reach, you can also pay $1,100 for the kit lens to be the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM.
The new 18-55mm kit lens will also be sold separately for $250.
