Canon T5i Hands-On Preview

by Dan Havlik and Roger Slavens
Posted 03/21/2013

The 18-megapixel Canon Rebel T5i is essentially the same DSLR camera as its predecessor -- the Rebel T4i that was launched early last summer -- but with a few key changes, including a new kit lens, real-time viewing of creative filter effects, an improved Mode dial and a revamped rubber grip. That all might not sound like enough upgrades to warrant a brand new model -- especially the rubber grip part -- but it's evident that Canon wanted to deal with an issue that plagued the T4i and effectively replace it with a new flagship Rebel model.

You might remember that the T4i had a strange issue where the handgrips on both sides of the camera could become discolored even after brief use and could potentially even cause an allergic reaction in very sensitive individuals. Evidently, zinc deposits left by an overuse of a rubber accelerator during production of the DSLR caused its grips to turn white. Canon issued a repair recall for T4i cameras that experienced the problem. During a pre-launch briefing with Canon where we got to try out a Rebel T5i prototype, we were assured the new grip would not have the same issue.

Design and build. The prototype Canon T5i we got to take pictures of and shoot with, was a dead ringer for the T4i except that it had no badge bearing its model name. We were told this was because the T5i was a pre-production model, and the North American version of the final camera would have eventually bear EOS Rebel T5i branding when it ships at the end of April 2013.

One of the most apparent changes in the design of the T5i is the new, improved Mode dial that rotates 360 degrees and adds a new Scene mode option. The dial looks nicer and is easier to read, with more recessed icons and sharper detail for the various modes.

The new T5i grip felt the same as the previous model: ergonomic, comfy, and surprisingly robust for a consumer camera. (And, thankfully, the grip did not change color or cause an allergic reaction in the brief time we tried it!) In addition to the grip, Canon also upgraded the overall texture of the T5i's camera body with a coarser, almost gritty feel that makes it easier to grip and puts it more in line with Canon's professional DSLRs.

The camera's weight felt about the same as last year's T4i, with the T5i tipping the scales at 20.5 ounces (580 grams) with the battery and memory card loaded. For comparison, however, the T5i weighs more than six ounces heavier than the small-and-light Canon Rebel SL1, which was announced simultaneously with the Canon T5i. The camera measures 5.2 x 3.9 x 3.1-inches, almost identical to the T4i.

Sensor and performance. The new camera functions the same as the older model, boasting an 18-megapixel, APS-C CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 5 image processor and the ability to fire off five frames per second in continuous shooting mode. The Canon T5i's sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 12,800 (and even higher, 25,600 in H mode), and its fast-focusing dedicated phase-detect AF system uses 9 all-cross-type points. The Rebel T5i prototype we shot with did indeed focus quickly and, it seemed, accurately using the conventional AF system. We did try the on-sensor Hybrid CMOS AF system using Live View mode, and it seemed better than we remember on the T4i -- especially with the new 18-55mm STM lens -- but we didn't spend enough time with it to make a fair evaluation.

The 3-inch, LCD touchscreen monitor is the same as the one on the T4i, offering 720 x 480 pixel resolution (1,040,000 dots) and the ability to flip out, side swivel, and tilt into different positions to help compose shots from difficult angles. In addition to still images, the T5i offers Full HD video recording at up to a size of 1920x1080 and frame rates as fast as 60 fps (1280x720 size).

Real-time viewing of creative filter effects. A nice, new touch on the Canon T5i is the ability to preview in real time what your image will look like if you chose to apply one of Canon's seven creative filters. We liked that you could do this before you take the shot, instead of having to apply them afterwards. The Canon T5i's creative filters include ArtBold, Water Painting, Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera, Fish-Eye and Miniature.

Other advanced shooting modes include Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control and Multi-Shot Noise Reduction which take multiple images and merge them in-camera to help create shots with the correct exposure or dynamic range, although (understandably) these modes cannot be previewed.

New kit lens. We tried the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard kit lens -- which is compact and lightweight -- and found that it focuses extremely quietly and smoothly, thanks to its silent Stepping Motor. The stealthy AF is great for shooting 1080p HD video with the T5i without the distracting background noise of a focusing motor. The 18-55mm STM lens also offers four stops of image stabilization. (Note: the lens will be available separately for an estimated retail price of US$250.)

Overall first impression. The Canon T5i doesn't feel so much like a replacement for the T4i -- although it is exactly that -- but a minor upgrade that has been released mostly to take advantage of the new 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens and to step away from the rubber grip problem of its predecessor.

Pricing and Availability. The Canon Rebel T5i starts shipping April 2013 in the U.S. at an estimated retail price of US$750 for body only, US$900 kitted with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, and US$1,100 with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.