T3i focusing better than T4i

Hello, I have those 2 cameras at the moment, before sending one back to the shop.

I made some focusing tests using AF center focus point and got those results :

Out of 5 images taken with each camera, using the same target, same settings :

T4i :

2 sharp

3 out of focus

T3i

1 super sharp

3 sharp

1 slightly out of focus

T3i images are much sharper in general and show much more information in the image. For instance, when shooting batteries, you can perfectly see the shape of each letter on the cover, while on the T4i image, some parts of the letters (the serifs) are smoothed out. However, colors on the T4i images looks a bit more saturated. But that's all !

I did that test many times and even swapped their lenses and always got those kind of results. T4i jpg images are less noisy (probably thanks to the DIGIC V) but T4i RAW images seems a bit more noisy than the T3i RAWS... Really, I'm disappointed by the T4i.

If that doesn't help you, try using the bottom of each camera to crack some nuts, preferably walnuts. Analyze the results on a scale of 1 to 10. Just remember, whatever you do, DO NOT actually use the cameras to take real-life pictures! That's the last thing a camera should be used for...

Did you carry out the test using a tripod ?

No I don't have a tripod at the moment but used a pile of books and used the "2 seconds" shot mode (so there was no vibration while taking the picture). I aimed at the exact same target, from the same distance, same light, same settings, then superposing the two pictures taken by the two different cameras !

Don't trust the AF during self time as the camera may try to refocus just prior to exposure.It would be better to focus then throw the AF switch on the lens to manual.Problem is you need a tripod for this, a pile of books won't do.Your test is possibly flawed.

No I'm sure it's not refocusing before taking the shot, I hear the bip from the camera telling me it's focused, then I press the button, then 2 seconds later, the picture is taken without any movement from the front element of the lens.

Maybe I just got a bad T4i but from my tests, it's clear that my T3i delivers more sharpness and catch more details in the image. (all noise reduction off in both camera).

I will try to post crop samples here !

Fair enough but I've known it to happen though.Perhaps you have got a lemon,it happens.My 650 focuses fine as have all my previous Canon's going back twenty years.Look forward to seeing the test pics,perhaps that may help throw some light on what's happening. ( pun not intended )

I have a T2i and a T4i.  If you ask me, and without testing, I would say that the T2i focus is more accurate than the T4i.  However that has not prevented me from getting some great shots with the T4i.  I don't shoot charts for tests.  I shoot other targets, mailboxes, street signs, etc.  In my case, I haven't tested the T4i yet and I probably never will.  I'm happy with it.

If you think the T3i in your hands is best, keep it.  If you really want have a T4i, and to feel that you have a great T4i, exchange the one you got and check out a second one.

You don't want to start out with a camera that you feel is not the way you want it to be, whether you are right or wrong.  

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Olga

Did you turn of the IS.

This is similar to using a tripod and the IS should be turned off when using a tripod as it could work against you.

What AF points are you using?  Center on both cameras?

Are you using the same lens on both cameras?

IS of the kit lens should not make a difference.

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Olga

He swapped the lenses between cameras, same results.

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You don't TAKE a photo, you MAKE a photo.

I know it's looks like pixel peeping but fact is T3i got more information in its image... (Same kit lenses, taken at 55mm with ISO 1600 1/100s f/5,6

NO EXIF info... Is the first one the T3i?

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You don't TAKE a photo, you MAKE a photo.

I can send the original files but you'll have to align them together yourself !

Yep, first one is T3i, and second T4i !

T3i (600D)

T4i (650D)

Do you have filters on the lenses?  If so, remove them for testing.

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Olga

No they are in their boxes.

http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/8394922056/photos/2171364/lightroom_compare

I can't determine if the statement about the focus is true or false, but the t4i focuses faster, whether it's more accurate, I don't know. But the t4i takes a better picture.

My own experience almost exactly mirrors LensRental's findings...

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/08/autofocus-reality-part-3b-canon-cameras

But there certainly may be some miscalibrated bodies floating around out there.

R2

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Good judgment comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgment.
http://www.pbase.com/jekyll_and_hyde/galleries

Yes my T4i is faster focusing in Live view, faster continuous shooting mode but that's about it, I really don't see any image improvement, noise is more present on the T4i raws at same ISO, and my T3i focus is more accurate. Maybe I got a bad T4i, but I'm not gonna swap it again... I only have 5 days left to send my t3i for refund, so I'll keep my t3i and eventually upgrade to the next rebel next year !