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Rebel T5i Review (Canon EOS 700D )

Rebel T5i Review (Canon 700D)

Canon introduced the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US), which replaces the 650D, at the same time as the ultra-compact Rebel SL1 (EOS 100D).

We have an article that compares both of these cameras, the Rebel T5i and the Rebel SL1 that you can read here.

At first glance, the new 700 resembles its predecessor like an egg to another – only on closer inspection do a few interesting innovations reveal themselves. In particular, Canon has improved the Live View function; in conjunction with the likewise new EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6 IS STM set lens, the EOS D700 (Rebel T5i in the US) is expected to provide noticeably faster focus.

Pros And Cons Of The Rebel T5i

Pros

  • Fast-tracking AF for video recording with STM lens
  • Good image quality (typical Canon crisp)
  • A practical range of functions
  • Easy operation thanks to movable touch display

Cons

  • AF-Assist by flash salvo only
  • Exposure bracket only with three levels
  • Set lens shows strong color fringes
  • Live View AF very slow

Canon renews its entry-level DSLR class with the two new models EOS 100D and EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US). While the latter is the successor to the EOS 650D, which is no longer produced, the EOS 100D complements the entry-level class, being located between the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) and 1100D.

There aren’t any great new features in the EOS 700D, the most outstanding of which, according to Canon, is probably the higher-quality case. For the EOS 100D, however, the Japanese manufacturer claims that it is currently the smallest and lightest DSLR on the market.

 

The rear touchscreen of the Canon EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) measures 7.7 centimeters in diagonal and can be conveniently swiveled and rotated

The EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) also uses the 18 megapixel CMOS sensor in APS-C size with hybrid technology, which supports contrast autofocus with phase autofocus sensors integrated on the sensor.

The pentascope viewfinder covers 95 percent of the image field and magnifies 0.87 times. Alternatively, you can also use the 7.7 centimeter rear screen using the Live View function. Thanks to the folding and swiveling mechanism, the screen can be used flexibly.

In addition, the display complements the mechanical buttons with its touch function so that the DSLR can be operated intuitively. New in Live View mode is the ability to judge the effect of the built-in creative filters directly in the live image, which was not yet possible with the 650D.

The autofocus in the Live View is also said to have undergone slight optimizations; it lags behind the phase autofocus, which is only available when using the pentascope viewfinder but still lags behind in speed. The recording program is set as usual using the program selector wheel on the top of the camera, with the possibility of turning the wheel 360 degrees without a stop.

Also new should be the case material, which according to Canon is now much handier and of higher quality than with the 650D. With its automatic functions, the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) is aimed at beginners, but can also offer advanced users plenty of leeway thanks to completely manual adjustment options.

Sensitivity can be adjusted between ISO 100 and 12,800 in standard mode. If the integrated flash unit with its guide number of 13 and a cover of 17 millimeters wide-angle (equivalent to 28 millimeters in 35mm) is not enough for you, you can use the system flash shoe to access Canon’s extensive flash program.

The EF-S lens bayonet also offers compatibility with a wide range of lenses. New is the EF-S 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS STM as standard zoom. It covers a range from 29 to 88 millimeters in 35mm. The image stabilizer is designed to allow up to four f-stops longer exposure times without blurring. The STM motor is optimized for video recording and contrast autofocus. He should be whisper quiet, fast, and precise.

Technically, the beginner who chooses the much more compact and lighter EOS 100D instead of the 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) does not have to do without so much, but he also saves only 50 dollars on the purchase.

The EOS 100D’s 7.7-centimeter touchscreen is firmly installed, and it also lacks some buttons that the 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) offers. The flash, with a guide number of 9.4, is also about less powerful and illuminates a maximum of 18 millimeters wide angle (29 millimeters corresponding to 35mm).

But the contrast autofocus of the 100D should be somewhat more fixed, especially for tracking the sharpness of video recordings. Instead, it records only four instead of five frames per second.

Since the EOS 100D is even more aimed at beginners than the 700D (Rebel T5i in the US), it offers more shooting modes or scene modes, including one for children, one for food and one for candlelight. In addition, helpful instructions are included to explain the settings to the user.

Ergonomics and Workmanship

Unlike its little sister, the EOS 100D, the new 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) presents itself as a DSLR with quite generous housing dimensions. This may be a bit annoying in the photo bag, but when it comes to photography and filming, the full-grown case can play off its advantages: The 700D fits perfectly in your hand.

This is also due to the fact that Canon has strongly shaped the thumb cavity and pulled the handle on the camera front far forward. On the tip of this handle, the trigger is perfectly under the index finger of the right hand.

If the finger just moves back a little, it comes to rest on the adjustment wheel, which is moved with clearly defined locking points – this can hardly be done any better! Also within reach of the index finger is a button to select ISO sensitivity.

The metering value memory, the AF selection button, and the switch for exposure compensation are easily accessible for the thumb.

Thus, the most important options can be controlled on the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) while looking through the viewfinder. It shows neither a very large nor a very bright viewfinder image – as it is usual in this camera class.

The touch quality of the 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) is not quite as pleasing as the successful key layout. Although plastic housing makes a robust impression, nothing crackles or creaks. The case of the 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) doesn’t look as high-quality as a metal body.

Canon has also made significant savings on the buttons and knobs on the back.

Although they have a well-defined pressure point, they appear somewhat rickety. However, this doesn’t detract from its functions, especially as the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) is easy to operate via the touch-sensitive display.

This capacitive touch display reacts to even the slightest touch, allowing the camera to be operated as quickly as a smartphone.

Canon has attached the display to the left of the case with a swivel and folding hinge, so the monitor can be brought into practically any imaginable position.

But that’s not all: the display offers a very fine resolution of over one million pixels with a diagonal of three inches. Even in the glistening midday sun, it is just bright enough. It’s just a pity that its brightness doesn’t adjust automatically to the ambient light, it has to be adjusted manually. Nevertheless: The display is well suited for image control, in Live View mode even before recording.

The memory card compartment is concealed under a solidly closing flap on the right of the camera, the battery is inserted from below. Its flap, however, is so large that at best it is not blocked by a small tripod plate.

The tripod thread of the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) is made of solid stainless steel and sits where it belongs – in the optical axis. USB and HMDI interfaces, as well as the connections for the remote control and microphone, are protected by somewhat fiddly but quite common rubber flaps.

 

The new EF-S 18-55 mm 3.5-5.6 IS STM set lens features a 4-stage image stabilizer and a quiet autofocus drive optimized for video recording. [Photo: Canon]

Equipment And Features

Anyone who compares the equipment list of the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) with that of its predecessor will hardly find any differences in it.

Perhaps the most important: If a creative filter (image effect) is selected, the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) shows its effect already in Live View mode – and not after the shot. This makes it possible to judge in advance whether a specification such as fish-eye effect or watercolor effect promises the desired result – or not.

If you prefer to take classic pictures with the view through the viewfinder, you can also add the desired effect to your pictures afterwards in playback mode. Otherwise, the 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) follows the philosophy of its predecessor: the 700D may not be overcrowded with functions either, but everything important is on board.

If you want to concentrate completely on your subject and don’t want to worry about the shooting technology, leave all camera settings to the automatic scene control. There is no possibility to intervene here, only the flash can be deactivated.

The creative automatic offers a little more control options with functions such as “background blurry/sharp”, continuous shooting, and specifications for color reproduction such as “cold” or “warm”. Alternatively, you can set the desired shooting mode program such as “Portrait” or “Landscape” directly using the handy mode dial.

 

 

The 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) can also handle special functions such as multiple shots. With the “Night shot without tripod” program, for example, she can convert four photos into an image that is much less noisy than a single shot.

If the subject contrast is high, the automatic backlighting function helps: it combines three differently exposed photos in such a way that depths and highlights are well-drawn through.

It’s just a pity the strength of the effect can’t be adjusted. The automatic backlighting delivers very nice results, but sometimes you might be happy about a more powerful HDR look.

If you don’t want to leave everything to the automatic systems, the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) can be largely adapted to your own ideas and the respective scene situation. If desired, the exposure can be controlled completely manually or semi-automatically with preselection of the aperture or exposure time.

The ISO sensitivity can be increased up to a high ISO 25.600 – but if this makes sense in practice, see the section on image quality for more information.

The ISO automatically selects a maximum of ISO 6,400, the upper limit can be limited to lower values, but the lower limit cannot be set.

On the other hand, it is nice that the ISO automatic also works with manual exposure and can thus ensure correct exposure with a fixed time and aperture combination (within certain limits). If desired, the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) can also record a series of exposures, but only with three different stages and a maximum spread of 2 EV.

Hardly a gap can be found in the flash functions, on the other hand: The camera controls external flash units wirelessly, offers flash exposure correction, long-term synchronization, and synchronization to the second curtain – to name but a few.

 

Even with the video functions of the 700D (Rebel T5i in the US), everything stays the same – except that the frame rate now increases to a maximum of 30 full frames per second at full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels).

The EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) automatically adjusts the focus during video shooting if desired, which doesn’t happen very quickly with the new set lens EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6 IS STM, but mostly without annoying focus pumping.

Above all, however, the STM drive works almost noiselessly, focus noises can hardly be detected on the soundtrack even in very quiet surroundings.

As nice as this improvement may be when shooting movies, the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) is still very slow when shooting photos in Live View mode: it takes just under two seconds to focus and release.

If Live View is not used, the recording is already focused and in the box after a very short 0.2 seconds. The new STM lens is, by the way, a good deal longer than the old 18-55, but hardly heavier, and thanks to its focus ring it can also be manually focused quite well.

Image Quality Of The Rebel T5i

Canon still leaves the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) with a fairly high resolution of around 18 megapixels on an APS-C sensor. Whether it is good that Canon resisted the temptation to put more pixels even closer on the sensor was shown quite acceptably by the 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) in practical use.

 

Despite its quite high pixel density, image noise is not an issue with the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) up to about ISO 3,200. Only at even higher ISO sensitivity does good-natured brightness noise push itself into the foreground, but it only disturbs the 100% view, but not the printout.

The EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) has the much more annoying color noise under control practically across the entire sensitivity range. However, Canon buys this good noise behavior by decreasing the texture sharpness already beyond the basic sensitivity – an indication that noise suppression intervenes early.

But up to ISO 1,600, the texture sharpness remains within the green range, up to ISO 6,400 acceptable. ISO 1.600 is also the upper limit, up to which the input dynamic is always slightly more than ten f-stops. The sensor and internal image processing thus deliver good results up to ISO 1,600, and just as acceptable up to ISO 6,400, but the ISO number should only be increased in extreme emergencies.

 

The simple set lens EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6 IS STM impresses with a very high-resolution capability on the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US).

At short and medium focal lengths it even cracks the mark of 50 line pairs/mm (lp/mm) – an excellent value! It’s also nice that the sharpness decreases only slightly towards the edges of the image – we’ve already seen much worse set lenses there. However, the set lens is not at all convincing in terms of “chromatic aberration”.

Color fringes with a circumference of five pixels at the edges of the image are particularly pronounced in the wide-angle range. The wide-angle range is also the problem child when it comes to measuring distortion, which is quite strong at 2.5 percent of a ton. However, there are no problems to report with edge darkening, vignetting does not occur.

 

Canon has tuned the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) rather crisply: The colors are strong in the standard configuration but mostly correct.

Together with the high-contrast tonal value curve, this ensures a rather brilliant picture impression. When sharpening, the camera also grips the subject, somewhat pronounced sharpness artifacts are the downside of this medal.

The bottom line is that the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) delivers powerful, balanced images that can be printed without post-processing. If you prefer to adjust your recordings exactly to the point, you should rather take back the standard defaults – or record in raw format.

Conclusion: Is The Rebel T5i Worth It?

Compared to its predecessor, Canon has only marginally changed or further developed the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US). This may well be a sign of how mature today’s DSLRs are.

The EOS 700D scores with a very good operating concept; the camera is also easy and safe to operate thanks to its excellent touch display. The scope of equipment and features is not overwhelming, but the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) has everything important on board.

The biggest advance is made by the Set Lens, whose STM technology provides a precise and whisper-quiet focus for video recordings. AF performance in Live View mode continues to be a problem child, with other cameras focusing much faster.

The image quality of the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) is up to ISO 1.600 it also meets high demands, but ISO 6.400 and more are only suitable for snapshots. On the other hand, the impression left by the imaging performance of the set lens is ambivalent. Its resolution is far above the class average, while color fringes and distortion in the wide-angle range are too pronounced.

Specifications For The Rebel T5i

Fact sheet
Manufacturer Canon
Model EOS 700D (Rebel T5i)
Price approx. 670 dollars
Sensor Resolution 18.5 megapixels
Max. Image resolution 5.184 x 3.456
(aspect ratio) (3:2)
Lens Canon EF-S 3.5-5.6/18-55mm IS STM
Filter threads 58 mm
Viewfinder Pentas mirrors
Field of vision 95 %
Enlargement 0,87-fold
Diopter compensation -3 to +1 dpt.
LCD monitor 3″
Disbandment 1.040.000
rotatable yes
swiveling yes
as seeker yes
Video output PAL/NTSC – HDMI
Program automation yes
Aperture priority yes
Aperture priority yes
manual exposure yes
Bulb long-term exposure yes
Scene mode programs Yes, see below
Portrait yes
Children/Babies yes
Countryside yes
Macro yes
Sports/Action yes
more 5 additional scene mode programs
Exposure metering Multi-field, center-weighted Integral, Center, Spot
Flash yes
Flash connection System flash shoe
Remote release Cable, Infrared
Interval shooting
Storage medium SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video mode yes
Size MOV
Codec AVC/H.264
Resolution (max.) 1.920 x 1.080
at frame rate 30 images/s
Sensitivity
automatic 100-6.400
(upper limit adjustable)
manually ISO 100-25.600
White balance
Automatic yes
Sun yes
Clouds yes
Fluorescent lamp yes
Light bulb yes
Other Shadow, flash, manual color temperature selection
Manual yes
Autofocus
Number of measuring fields 9
AF auxiliary light Flash salvo
Speed approx. 0.2 s
Languages Yes
more 25 languages are available
One-hand operation
(zoom and shutter release)
Weight
(Ready)
525 g (housing only) 785 g (with lens*)
Zoom
Zoom adjustment manual on lens
Battery life approx. 440 recordings (without LiveView)
– = “not applicable” or “not available
“* with lens Canon EF-S 3.5-5.6/18-55mm IS STM

This test of the Canon EOS 700D (Rebel T5i in the US) with Canon EF-S 18-55 mm 3.5-5.6 IS STM was done with DxO Analyzer.

Short evaluation

Pros

  • Fast-tracking AF for video recording with STM lens
  • Good image quality (typical Canon crisp)
  • Practical range of functions
  • Easy operation thanks to movable touch display

Cons

  • AF-Assist by flash salvo only
  • Exposure bracket only with three levels
  • Set lens shows strong color fringes
  • Live View AF very slow

Datasheet Of The Rebel T5i

Electronics

Sensor CMOS sensor APS-C 22.5 x 15.0 mm (crop factor 1.6) 18.5 megapixels (physical) and 18.0 megapixels (effective)
Pixel pitch 4.3 µm
Photo resolution
5.184 x 3.456 pixels (3:2)
5.184 x 2.912 pixels (16:9)
4.608 x 3.456 pixels (4:3)
3.456 x 3.456 pixels (1:1)
3.456 x 1.944 pixels (16:9)
3.072 x 1.728 pixels (16:9)
2.592 x 2.592 pixels (1:1)
2.592 x 1.728 pixels (3:2)
2.592 x 1.456 pixels (16:9)
2.304 x 2.304 pixels (1:1)
2.304 x 1.728 pixels (4:3)
1.920 x 1.080 Pixel (16:9)
1.728 x 1.728 pixels (1:1)
1.696 x 1.280 pixels (4:3)
1.280 x 1.280 pixels (1:1)
720 x 400 pixels (16:9)
640 x 480 pixels (4:3)
480 x 480 pixels (1:1)
Picture formats JPG, RAW
Color depth 24 bits (8 bits per color channel), 42 bits (14 bits per color channel)
Metadata Exif (version 2.21), DCF standard (version 2.0)
Video resolution
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 30 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 25 p
1.920 x 1.080 (16:9) 24 p
1.280 x 720 (16:9) 60 p
1.280 x 720 (16:9) 50 p
640 x 480 (4:3) 59 p
640 x 480 (4:3) 25 p
Maximum recording time 29 min 59 sec
Video format
MOV (Codec H.264)
Audio format (video) WAV

Lens

Lens mount
Canon EF-S

Focusing

Autofocus mode Phase comparison autofocus with 9 cross sensors, autofocus working range from 0 EV to 18 EV
Autofocus Functions Single autofocus, Continuous autofocus, Area autofocus, Tracking autofocus, Manual, AFL function, AF Assist Light, Focus Magnifier
Focus control Depth of field control, dimming button, Live View

Viewfinder and Monitor

Reflex viewfinder Reflex viewfinder (95 % image coverage), 19 mm interpupillary distance, diopter compensation (-3.0 to +1.0 DPT), replaceable focusing screens, grille can be faded in
Display 3.0″ TFT LCD monitor with 1,040,000 pixels, brightness adjustable, swivels 180°, rotatable, with touch screen

Exposure

Exposure metering Centre-weighted integral measurement, matrix/multi-field measurement over 63 fields, spot measurement (measurement over 4 % or 9 % of the image field)
Exposure times 1/4,000 to 30 s (automatic) 1/4,000 to 30 s (manual)
Bulb function
Exposure control Fully automatic, Program automatic, Aperture automatic, Time automatic, Manual
Bracketing function Bracket function with maximum 3 shots, step size from 1/3 to 2 EV, HDR function
Exposure compensation -5.0 to +5.0 EV with step size of 1/3 EV
Sensitivity to light ISO 100 to ISO 6.400 (automatic) ISO 100 to ISO 25.600 (manual)
Remote access Remote tripping
Scene modes various scene modes, landscape, night scene, close-up, portrait, sports/action, fully automatic, 1 additional scene modes
Picture effects B/W filter in yellow/orange/red/green, B/W tinting effects in blue/violet/green
White balance Auto, Cloudy, Sun, White balance bracketing, Fine-tuning, Shadow, Flash, Fluorescent lamp, Incandescent light, Manual
Color space Adobe RGB, sRGB
Continuous shooting Continuous shooting function max. 5.0 frames/s at highest resolution and max. 22 stored photos or 6 RAW images
Self-timer Self-timer at intervals of 2 s, special features: or 10 s (optional)
Shooting functions AEL function, AFL function, live histogram

Flashgun Of The Rebel T5i

Flash built-in flash (hinged) flash shoe: Canon, standard center contact
Flash range Flash sync time 1/200 s
Flash number Guide number 13 (ISO 100)
Flash functions Auto, Fill Flash, Flash On, Flash Off, High-Speed Sync, Slow Sync, Flash On Second Shutter Curtain, Red-Eye Reduction, Flash Exposure Compensation from -2.0 EV to +2.0 EV

Equipment And Features

Image stabilizer no optical image stabilizer
Memory
SD (SDHC, SDXC)
GPS function GPS external (wired or plug-on receiver)
Power supply Power supply connection
Power supply 1 x Canon LP-E8 (lithium-ion (Li-Ion), 7.4 V, 1,080 mAh) 440 CIPA standard images
Playback Functions Image rotation, Protect image, Highlights / Shadow warning, Playback histogram, Playback magnifier with 10.0x magnification, Image index, Slide show function with music and fade effects, Zoom out
Voice memo Voice memo (WAV format)
Face recognition Face recognition
Special functions Grid display, orientation sensor, Live View, user profiles with 1 user profile and 24 options
Ports Data interfaces: USB – USB type: USB 2.0 High Speed
AV connectors AV output: HDMI output Micro (Type D) Audio input: yes (3.5 mm jack (stereo, 3-pin)) – Audio output: no
Supported direct printing methods Canon Direct Print, PictBridge, PIM
Tripod socket 1/4″
Features and Miscellaneous built-in low-pass filter with dust protection functionHybrid AF
when recording video – DIGIC 5 signal processor HighlightTone PriorityAuto Flash Optimizer Simultaneous
JPEG and RAW recording possiblePTP supportAdjustableimage parameters (6 Picture-Style-Preferences 3 custom settings)
8 Personalization function with 24 settings7x
lossless digital zoom through crop in VGA video recording Automatic
vignetting correctionMulti-recording (four) for noise reductionNight recording without tripod (combination of four recordings)

Size and weight

Dimensions W x H x D 133 x 100 x 79 mm
Weight 580 g (ready for operation)

Other

included accessories Canon LC-E8E Charger for Special BatteriesCanon
LP-E8 Special BatteryCanon
RF-3 (Housing Cover)
Video Connection CableUSB Connection CableBajonet CoverBelt Image Editing SoftwareZoomBrowser EX Image Editing Software
Digital Photo Professional Camera Software
EOS Utility / Remote Capture Camera Software
Photo StitchTwain
Driver 2000Image Viewing
and Management Software Zoom Browser EX (PC) or Image Browser (Mac)
optional accessory Canon ACK-E8 Power SupplyCanon
LP-E8 Special BatteryCanon
RS-60E3 Cable Remote Control Removable Memory CardCanonEF and EF-S Removable Lens SystemCanon
Speedlite EX System Flash UnitsOcular Extension
EP-EX15IIEyecup
EF, IR Remote Control RC-6

 

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