Canon T5, G1 X Mark II: Big C updates entry-level EOS, top-of-the-line PowerShot camera
posted Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 12:00 AM EDT
Canon's previous entry-level DSLR and large-sensor enthusiast compact offerings have been looking to be due for replacement, and today their replacements arrive. Beginner and entry-level DSLR users, meet the Canon Rebel T5; enthusiasts, take a gander at the Canon G1 X Mark II!
Sitting below the Rebel T5i in their product lineup, the aptly-named Canon T5 provides some notable upgrades to the T3 both inside and out. While not as significant an upgrade as when Canon jumped from the Rebel XS to the Rebel T3 in 2011, the T5 does offer improvements to both still imaging and HD video recording capabilities.
The most significant upgrade to the Canon T5 is the boost in resolution thanks to an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, up from 12.2 megapixels. Combined with the same DIGIC 4 image processor as the T3, the T5's improved sensor is said to produce better images in low-light situations. The ISO range has been expanded from 100-6400 with a new extended high ISO of 12,800. The second significant upgrade to the T5 are the improved HD video recording capabilities that now include Full HD 1080p resolution at a variety of frame rates (30p, 24p and 25p), while the T3 was limited to 720p.
The other specs and features of the Canon Rebel T5 remain largely unchanged from its predecessor, although there are a few minor button placement tweaks in this newer camera. The T5 carries over a similar 9-point AF system with one central cross-type AF point, and a 3fps continuous shooting burst performance spec. The Canon T5 does however provide both a size and resolution boost to its LCD monitor with a 3.0-inch 460K-dot panel, up from the 2.7-inch 230K-dot LCD in the Canon T3.
The Canon Rebel T5 is set to be available in March 2014 as part of a kit configuration only with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens at an estimated retail price of about US$550 ($50 less expensive than the T3's initial MSRP).
Check out all the details of Canon's latest entry-level EOS DSLR over in our Canon T5 preview.
Alongside the Canon T5, the company has also unveiled the new PowerShot G1 X Mark II, a follow-up to the first large-sensor compact to feature a zoom lens. The new model has some pretty significant upgrades throughout, accompanied by a few points one might consider downgrades.
Perhaps the most significant new feature of the Canon G1 X Mark II is its uprated image processor, which allows a significant step forward in terms of burst-shooting performance, and is also said to improve AF performance. There's also a brand-new 5x optical zoom lens which is at once both wider, and quite a bit brighter -- especially towards the telephoto end of the range.
And as if that weren't enough, there are now twin control dials around the lens barrel -- one stepless for smooth manual focus control, and one with step detents that help to mentally reinforce your adjustments. Canon has also overhauled autofocus in the G1 X Mk II, and switched to a default 3:2 aspect ratio, although this comes accompanied by a slight decrease in active sensor area and pixel resolution.
Nor is that all: the company has also added support for an optional electronic viewfinder accessory, added touch-sensitivity to the LCD panel, and gifted the Canon G1 X Mk II with in-camera Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, complete with remote control capability. There's also UHS-I flash card support, and all of this comes accompanied by a slight reduction in camera size.
Now, for the not-so-great news: the optical viewfinder is gone, and with it the huge savings in battery life that it could bring. And gone, too, is the tilt/swivel Vari-Angle LCD screen, replaced with a tilt-only type. And battery life has decreased a little, too.
Still, the Canon G1 X Mark II looks to offer a much better-rounded overall package than its first-gen predecessor. Available from April 2014, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II is priced at around US$800.
For much more details, read our Canon G1 X Mark II preview!
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