Basic Specifications
Full model name: Canon EOS Rebel T5i (EOS 700D)
Resolution: 18.00 Megapixels
Sensor size: APS-C
(22.3mm x 14.9mm)
Kit Lens: 3.06x zoom
18-55mm
(29-88mm eq.)
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD
Native ISO: 100 - 12,800
Extended ISO: 100 - 25,600
Shutter: 1/4000 - 30 sec
Max Aperture: 3.5 (kit lens)
Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.9 x 3.1 in.
(133 x 100 x 79 mm)
Weight: 27.9 oz (791 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Availability: 04/2013
Manufacturer: Canon
Full specs: Canon T5i specifications
18.00
Megapixels
Canon EF/EF-S APS-C
size sensor
image of Canon EOS Rebel T5i (EOS 700D)
Front side of Canon T5i digital camera Front side of Canon T5i digital camera Front side of Canon T5i digital camera Front side of Canon T5i digital camera Front side of Canon T5i digital camera

T5i Summary

The Canon T5i might not be significantly different to the T4i, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It retains everything we loved about its predecessor, comes with a better lens, and yet costs even less.

Pros

Excellent image quality; 9 cross-type AF points; Stereo microphones; Built-in touchscreen; Multi-shot modes; Improved kit lens; Even more affordable.

Cons

Little-changed from the earlier T4i; Slow Live View and video autofocus; High ISO performance is unimproved; Below-average battery life; No dedicated AF illuminator.

Price and availability

The Canon Rebel T5i started shipping from April 2013 in the U.S. market. Estimated retail pricing is set at US$750 for the camera body alone, 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. Our review kit included the 18-55mm lens.

Imaging Resource rating

4.5 out of 5.0

  • Amazing Capture
    Amazing Capture and Processing Power

    The incredible image quality and performance of Canon's new flagship EOS Rebel T5i starts with an 18 megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon's superb DIGIC 5 Image Processor. The sensor employs many of the same technologies that Canon uses in its class-leading professional cameras. Gapless microlenses funnel more light onto the sensor surface, letting the sensor gather light more efficiently. The highly optimized layout of the pixel circuitry also increases sensitivity, reducing noise and improving low-light performance.

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    Capturing light with the sensor is only the beginning of the process, though. From there, the EOS Rebel T5i 14-bit A/D conversion captures and records remarkable gradations and detail in subtle tones and colors, resulting in more realistic and detailed images. By recording up to 16,384 colors per channel, the EOS Rebel T5i ensures that the fine detail found in subjects like foliage, sky and water are preserved and recorded with a tremendous level of accuracy, ensuring gorgeous results.

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    Few people realize how important image processing is for producing excellent images. The enormous processing power of Canon's fifth-generation DIGIC 5 Image Processor performs much more sophisticated computation than is possible with lesser chips. One result is an expanded ISO range of ISO 100-12,800 (expandable to 25600 in H mode) that makes shooting possible in situations previously unthinkable without flash.

    The advanced DIGIC 5 processor also enables up to 5.0 fps continuous shooting, and can even perform advanced functions like HDR Backlight Control, art filters, lens correction and much more. Bottom line, the DIGIC 5 processor supercharges every facet of still and moving image capture.

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  • High Speed
    Continuous Shooting
    High-speed Continuous Shooting

    The EOS Rebel T5i is designed for speed. An enhanced shutter mechanism, fast mirror drive, the high-speed readout capabilities of the image sensor itself, and the incredible throughput of the DIGIC 5 Image Processor all work together to deliver up to 5.0 frames per second of blazing performance. And high-speed continuous shooting isn't just about sports; anyone with a squirmy toddler knows that the difference between capturing the perfect moment or missing the mark is a matter of tenths of a second. Whether a fleeting expression, the game's winning goal, or the bride walking down the aisle, the EOS Rebel T5i delivers the speed and performance to capture your special moments.

    This content provided and sponsored by Canon
  • Exceptional
    Auto-Focus
    Exceptional Auto-Focus Performance

    Of course, you need a world-class auto-focus system to take full advantage of a class-leading 18.0 megapixel sensor, and the EOS Rebel T5i excels here as well. When shooting through the viewfinder, the EOS Rebel T5i advanced auto-focus with a 9-point, all cross-type AF system (including a high-precision dual-cross f/2.8 center point) delivers accurate focus whether the camera is oriented in portrait or landscape position. An AI Servo AF system achieves and maintains consistent focus for moving subjects, with an exceptional degree of reliability.

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    The EOS Rebel T5i also features Canon's amazing Hybrid CMOS AF System, perfect for shooting photos and video in Live View. By integrating phase-detect AF elements directly on the CMOS image sensor, this system combines the best of both phase and contrast detection systems, for faster and more accurate focus.

    With Hybrid CMOS AF, specially-configured pixels on the CMOS image sensor itself help track and predict subject motion across the frame. Thousands of pixels spread across the sensor's surface provide unprecedented resolution and accuracy for predicting subject position and distance. The result is quick and accurate continuous focus tracking in video recording, and improved focusing speed.

    This content provided and sponsored by Canon
  • True HD
    Performance
    True HD Performance, Rebel Simplicity

    Full HD Movie Mode, your choice of frame rates

    The EOS Rebel T5i makes it easy to capture true professional-quality video. Choose from full 1920 x 1080 HD video at 30 fps, or record at 24 fps for a more cinematic look. Or, switch to standard 1,280 x 720 HD at 60 fps for super-smooth action. You can even shoot PAL video at rates of 50 and 25 fps for use outside the US.

    This content provided and sponsored by Canon

    The EOS Rebel T5i gives you video exposure options ranging from fully automatic to fully manual, including ISO adjustment from 100 all the way to 6,400 (12,800 if ISO expansion is enabled) - your creative vision no longer has to end at sunset. Have as much control as you want, when you want it; professional-level features at an affordable price.

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    Continuous Focusing with Movie Servo AF

    Canon's Hybrid CMOS auto-focus system enables Movie Servo AF, a breakthrough in AF and subject tracking for movie recording. Phase-detect and contrast-detect AF work together to continuously and precisely track subjects as they move through the frame. With the camera handling focus, you can concentrate on getting the shots you want. The stepper motors in Canon's new STM lenses make continuous AF tracking smooth and quiet. The EOS Rebel T5i with an STM lens attached is the standard for SLR movie-making performance!

    This content provided and sponsored by Canon
  • Pro-Grade Audio
    Professional-grade Audio

    The EOS Rebel T5i has audio abilities to match its stellar video skills. For quick and easy recording, just use the built-in stereo microphone (with wind filter) and let the camera set audio levels automatically. Or, you can take full control, with 64 levels of manual adjustment, and a 3.5mm jack for an external microphone.

    This content provided and sponsored by Canon
  • Vari-Angle LCD
    Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD

    The EOS Rebel T5i comes with a Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II. Displaying fine detail (at approximately 1.04 million dots), this screen is perfect for composing and reviewing images. Thanks to a new, solid construction between the monitor's resin-coated cover and the liquid crystal display, reflections are minimized, and the display can be viewed, without glare, from any number of angles. The LCD's surface is treated with a smudge-resistant coating to minimize fingerprints and maintain a bright, clear image display.

    This content provided and sponsored by Canon
  • Touch Screen
    Multi-touch operation and Touch AF

    The EOS Rebel T5i comes with a Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II. Using capacitive technology similar to today's popular mobile devices, this screen is touch-sensitive and intuitive to use, with familiar two-finger touch gestures for zooming or changing images. Menu and quick control settings can be accessed, and both focus point and shutter release can be activated with the touch of a fingertip using Touch AF. The LCD's surface is treated with a smudge-resistant coating to minimize fingerprints and maintain a bright, clear image display.

    This content provided and sponsored by Canon
  • Amazing Effects
    Amazing Effects for Dramatic and Gorgeous Results

    Great night-time photography, without a tripod: Accessible right on the EOS Rebel T5i Mode Dial, Handheld Night Scene mode captures nightscapes with bright highlights and detailed dark areas, delivering results previously impossible without the use of a tripod. By shooting, micro-aligning and combining four consecutive shots at a shutter speed fast enough to avoid camera shake, the EOS Rebel T5i Handheld Night Scene mode makes dramatic nighttime photography simple.

    This content provided and sponsored by Canon

    Also accessible right on the EOS Rebel T5i mode dial, HDR Backlight Control mode ensures that backlit subjects are not recorded too darkly. By shooting three consecutive shots at different exposures (underexposed, correctly exposed and overexposed) and then combining the images, the final result maintains detail in both the shadow and highlight areas, ensuring the backlit subject is properly exposed. All this happens automatically, producing a nicely balanced image straight from the camera.

    This content provided and sponsored by Canon

    To add to the fun and creative possibilities available with the EOS Rebel T5i, the camera has seven different creative filters that can dramatically alter the mood and visual effect of any scene. Creative Filters include Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Fisheye Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect, Art Bold Effect and Water Painting Effect. Each effect can be applied in three different levels (low, standard and strong), and easily previewed on the LCD panel in Live View. Since the filters can also be applied to an image after shooting, it's easy to try several effects on the same shot during post-processing.

    This content provided and sponsored by Canon
  • Learn more about
    the Canon EOS Rebel T5i
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Canon T5i Review

by Mike Tomkins, Dan Havlik and Roger Slavens
Preview posted: 03/21/2013
Review posted: 09/03/2013
Last updated: 01/25/2017

- - -

Review update:
Canon's T5i was one of three winners in our Best DSLR for $1,000 article, so it's certainly a solid entry-level DSLR. However, Canon's since updated this model line with a pair of higher-resolution 24-megapixel models: the stylistically similar Canon T6i and a more advanced Canon T6s that offers a top-deck LCD and controls that are similar to Canon's higher-end DSLRs. Read our Canon T6i and Canon T6s reviews for more information!

- - -

The 18-megapixel Canon Rebel T5i is essentially almost the same DSLR camera as its predecessor -- the Rebel T4i that was launched early last summer -- but with a few key changes.

There's a new kit lens, real-time viewing of creative filter effects, an improved Mode dial and a revamped rubber grip. All of which might not sound like enough to warrant a brand new model name -- 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.

Canon's T5i was one of three winners in our Best DSLR for $1,000 article. Check out our Best DSLR for $1,000 article to see what other DSLR cameras got our nod!

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. Canon assures us that the new grip of the T5i does not have the same issue.

Design and build. Seen from any angle, the Canon T5i is a dead ringer for the T4i. From in front, the only noticeable difference is the new model name badge. The new T5i grip looks and feels just the same as that on the previous model: ergonomic, reasonably comfy, and surprisingly robust for a consumer camera.

In addition to the slightly-tuned grip material, Canon has also upgraded the overall texture of the T5i's camera body with a coarser, almost gritty feel that makes it a little easier to grip. It's somewhat reminiscent of the finish on Canon's professional DSLRs.

The most apparent change in the design is to be found on the top deck. The new, improved Mode dial rotates 360 degrees and adds a new Scene mode option in place of the T4i's Night Portrait, Handheld Night Scene, and HDR Backlight Control modes. Switch to the Scene mode and you find just three options: the same three modes that have been demoted from the dial.

With fewer positions and no gaps between them, the dial looks nicer, and the icons larger and easier to read. They're also embossed, standing proud of the dial's surface just slightly, and the Program, Priority, and Manual modes are surrounded by a thin border line that helps call attention to them.

From the rear and sides, there is really nothing to tell you that you're not looking at the T4i. You'd be hard-put to tell them apart in-hand, either. Both cameras have precisely the same dimensions: 5.2 x 3.9 x 3.1 inches (133 x 100 x 79mm).

Canon lists the T5i as a scant 0.2 ounces (5g; 1%) heavier body-only than that of the T4i, and we wouldn't be surprised if much of the difference is simply down to rounding off the numbers.

Add the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens, and the difference is still barely noticeable. The T5i with its STM lens tips the scales at 27.9 ounces (791g), up 0.6 ounces (17g; 2%) from that of the T4i with its EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II kit lens.

Sensor and performance. The new camera functions almost precisely 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 a lab-measured 4.9 frames per second in continuous shooting mode.

The Canon T5i's sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 12,800 (and even higher, to 25,600 in H mode). Its fast-focusing dedicated phase-detect AF system uses nine all-cross-type points.

Movies. In addition to still images, the T5i offers Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixel) video recording at up to 30 frames per second. A faster 60 fps rate is possible at a reduced 1280 x 720 resolution.

Display. 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.

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 in live view mode. The ability to do this before you take the shot makes it much easier to get the look you're after. Most of the filters do reduce the live view frame rate noticeably, but none does so enough to make framing difficult.

The Canon T5i's creative filters include Grainy B/W, Soft Focus, Fish-Eye Effect, Art Bold Effect, Water Painting Effect, Toy Camera Effect, and Miniature Effect. All are available only for JPEG shooting. Enable raw or raw+JPEG capture, and the creative filters are locked out in the menu system.

The Scene position. Other advanced shooting modes introduced in the T4i include Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control and Multi-Shot Noise Reduction. Curiously, all three are grouped under the Scene position on the Mode dial, although they're not the typical scene modes found on most cameras: These take multiple images and merge them in-camera to help create shots with the correct exposure or dynamic range. Understandably, these modes cannot be previewed.

New kit lens. The new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens is compact and lightweight, although slightly heavier than the non-STM version.

The 18-55mm STM lens offers four stops of image stabilization. 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.

If you just want the lens, but not to upgrade your EOS camera body, it's also available separately for an estimated retail price of US$250.

Canon T5i Tech Info

by Mike Tomkins |

At the heart of the Canon T5i is an APS-C CMOS image sensor, identical to that in the T4i. Resolution is 18 megapixels, with a native 3:2 aspect ratio. Maximum image dimensions are 5,184 x 3,456 pixels. As in the T4i, the sensor includes on-chip phase detection autofocus, or Hybrid CMOS AF in Canon parlance. The system, available during both live view and movie capture, uses a combination of phase detection and contrast detection when the subject is in the center of the frame, and contrast detection alone when the subject strays nearer the edge of the frame. The use of on-sensor phase-detect enables smoother autofocus, with less hunting.

The on-chip PDAF capability isn't used for still imaging when shooting through the viewfinder, though. In this case, the T5i uses the same dedicated sensor seen previously in the EOS 60D. Although there are still nine points as in the T1i, T2i, and T3i, like the T4i they're now all f/5.6 cross-types, with the center point being an f/2.8 high precision dual cross. Autofocus working range is EV -0.5 to 18 at 23C, ISO 100 equivalent.

Click to read detailed Canon T5i tech info!

Canon T5i Tech Info

Canon T5i Field Test

Dissecting the controversy

by Mike Tomkins |

As should be clear by now, the Canon T5i is very similar to its predecessor, the T4i. I didn't get to spend much time with that camera, though, so in that respect the T5i is actually new to me. (Our reviewer at the time liked the T4i though, and that gelled with my own limited experience with the model.)

Since the T5i was announced, I've heard more than a few complaints about the fact that it's a very minimal upgrade over its predecessor. I've also seen it slammed in reviews elsewhere around the web, for much the same reason. While I can understand the frustration from those who hoped for a big step forward, I think it's a bit of a storm in a teacup, and it does the T5i -- and readers -- a disservice to say it's not good simply because it's not a major update.

Yes, very little has changed in the new camera, but there's a reason for that: the T5i seems to have been created largely as a way to dissociate the model from the well-documented handgrip problems faced by the T4i. It's understandable that Canon would wish to distance itself from the problem, and important to note that the company moved quickly to fix the problem for T4i owners, for which it deserves kudos. At the same time the company had an opportunity to bundle a lens more appropriate to its target market, which it happily took.

Read our Canon T5i Field Test to see how it performed in the real world!

Canon T5i Field Test

Canon T5i Image Quality Comparison

Can the Canon T5i compete with other leading APS-C DSLRs?

by Dave Pardue

We compare the Canon Rebel T5i's image quality with our studio "Still Life" target at a number of ISOs to the Canon T4i, Canon SL1, Nikon D3200, Pentax K-50 and Sony A58. See for yourself how the Canon T5i compares with its predecessor, as well as to competing APS-C models.

It's okay, go ahead and pixel peep! Let your eyes be the judge!

Note that these images are best quality JPEGs straight out of the camera, at default settings including noise reduction. Each camera was shot with one of our very sharp reference prime lenses.

Read our Image Quality Comparison!

Canon T5i Image Quality Comparison

Canon T5i Conclusion

Better than you've been led to believe?

by Mike Tomkins |

The Canon Rebel T5i was always going to be a controversial camera. With so little changed, you can understand why photographers would react with some confusion. Seen in light of the handgrip issues Canon faced with its earlier T4i -- which the company was quick to fix, we might add -- the followup makes sense as a relatively straightforward rebranding, however. That Canon also took the opportunity to swap the 18-55mm kit lens for a newer STM variant is good news.

Being in essence a rebadged Canon T4i, released at a slightly lower list price less than a year after the model it replaces, it's not surprising that our thoughts on the Canon T5i are quite similar to its predecessor. We found much to like, and a few things to quibble with.

For the latter, perhaps our main concern was with its Hybrid CMOS AF, which simply doesn't live up to its billing. It's not much better than the contrast-detection system it replaced, but it's no worse either. The shame, though, is that rivals have been able to do significantly better with their live view / movie autofocusing, whether they're hybrid or based only on contrast detection.

Read the Canon T5i Conclusion for our final verdict!

Canon T5i Conclusion

 

In the Box

The Canon T5i retail box ships with the following items:

  • Canon T5i body
  • Body cap
  • Eyecup
  • 18-55mm or 18-135mm IS STM lens (depending on bundle and market)
  • Front and rear lens caps
  • LP-E8 battery pack
  • LC-E8 or LC-E8E battery charger (depending on market)
  • USB connection cable
  • EW-100DB IV Shoulder strap
  • EOS Digital Solution Disk CD-ROM
  • Software Instruction Manual CD-ROM
  • Camera Instruction Manual booklet

 

Recommended Accessories

  • Large capacity SDHC/SDXC memory card. These days, 16GB is a good tradeoff between cost and capacity for a consumer DSLR, but if you plan to capture HD movie clips or shoot in RAW format, look for larger cards with Class 6 or faster ratings.
  • Extra LP-E8 battery pack for extended outings
  • BG-E8 battery grip (and optionally, six long-life AA lithium disposable batteries if you want a backup when you're away from your charger, although it will also accept a second LP-E8 battery pack)
  • ACK-E8 AC adapter kit or DR-E8 DC coupler if you already have a suitable AC adapter (for studio shooting)
  • Additional lenses
  • External Speedlite flash, or other shoe-mount accessory flash
  • Dioptric lenses for viewfinder (if built-in diopter adjustment is insufficient for your prescription)
  • EP-EX15 II eyepiece extender (if you want to shoot while wearing your glasses)
  • External monaural or stereo microphone
  • HTC-100 or other Mini-HDMI cable
  • EH-19L or EH-24L semi-hard case
  • Medium size camera bag

 

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