Canon EOS 700D/Rebel T5i Hands-on Preview: Digital Photography Review

Body & Design

The EOS 700D is based on the same body design as its predecessor, the EOS 650D, with minimal changes. This isn't a bad thing at all - you get a decent complement of external controls for all the major shooting functions, and a fully-articulated LCD screen. The body is made of plastic, but it still feels pretty solid with no flexing or creaking, and the grip makes the camera easier to hold.

Despite being 'entry level', the 700D has plenty of buttons and dials - scarcely any of the body surface is left clear. There's also a full range of connectors, including USB and HDMI ports, sockets for a cable release and an external microphone, and a receiver for an infrared remote control. It's difficult to see what Canon could add without infringing on the EOS 60D's territory.

Top of camera

The top of the EOS 700D plays host to the main controls. The power switch juts out from beneath the new mode dial, and also serves to enter movie mode, allowing a quick switch to video from any exposure mode. The main control dial and ISO button are both positioned behind the shutter release for operation by your index finger. The stereo microphone is also visible here, just in front of the hot shoe.

Looking at the 700D and 650D from the top tells the whole story of the cosmetic differences, with the slightly longer lens and new mode dial.

In your hand

The EOS 700D shares the 650D and 600D's grip, which is enlarged compared to previous entry-level Canons making it more comfortable to hold for extended shooting. The back of the camera offers a sculpted 'channel' that provides positive grip for your thumb.

Articulating LCD Touchscreen

The EOS 700D has a similar swivel-and-tilt screen to the EOS 650D and 60D, which offers a wide range of movement and unlike tilt-only screens can still be used to shoot stills in portrait format at waist level or overhead. This is great for live view and working off a tripod, as well as for video shooting, and in concert with the new live view AF system promises to be particularly useful. The screen now has a new trick, of course, being touch-sensitive.


	The EOS 700D's side-hinged screen offers a wide range of movement - when folded out (as above) it can be rotated downwards for overhead shooting, upwards for waist-level shots, or forward for self-portraits. It can also be folded flat against the camera's back, pointing inward when not in use to protect the screen against scratches or merely getting covered in nose grease.

Viewfinder

The EOS 700D uses the same viewfinder as the EOS 650D, which means it's of the pentamirror type with 95% coverage of the image area and 0.85x magnification. As we've said before, it's one of the better pentamirror finders out there, but obviously is not as big or bright as the pentaprism finders generally found in more expensive cameras.

Comments

Total comments: 154

Bill Stewart seems to think DIGIC processor/processing and sensor are the same thing, don't believe so, thats why we have those 2 diff words.

Processing the same sensor (or a diff one) differently will 'probably give diff results, me thinks that is the point!

DIGIC generations always seems to be a faster processor allowing more things done, in the case of the DIGIC 6 in the sx280hs, the AF is certainly faster than sx260hs, as well as other claims.

Same must be said for DIGIC 4->5 change, more is done, enough for you, only you know.

0 upvotes

"With the EOS 700D/Rebel T5i, Canon's made an early move to replace last year's 650D/Rebel T4i, though one with only very minor refinements..."

Shocker! A Rebel camera virtually identical to its predecesor? I did not see it coming

0 upvotes

People complaining about it not having a new sensor seem confused: It has the NEW Canon DIGIC-5 Image Processor, which is clearly superior to the older DIGIC-4 sensor in every other Canon except for the T4i. The T4i was dropped and this was added... it's a REPLACEMENT, not an upgrade.

An upgrade would be to another line altogether like a 60D or 7D. Rebel -to- Rebel is NOT an upgrade.

Too many people are missing the point that these are ENTRY level... WHY would you upgrade from 1 entry level to another? Just because the letters & numbers change, it is still the REBEL line, which is entry level.

When you upgrade your PC video card do you upgrade to the same level of card, or do you move up?

Think of it as replacing an NVidia GT550. Would you "Upgrade" to a 650? It's not an upgrade, it's a replacement, GT570 or GT670 would be the correct "upgrade".

0 upvotes

I just upgraded my Xsi with the T5i and am thrilled! I had the older 18-135 lens but struggled with the sharpness and the new 18-135 STM lens is the perfect solution. I am very happy with performance and IQ. May not be worth the upgrade from the t4i but definitely worth every penny for me!!

1 upvote

I just got it. I have recent experience with Sony A380, Pentax Kr, and Nikon D3200. The T5i is far superior to those cameras. Finally I have a camera that can produce the combination of sharpness, colors, contrast, and zero noise I want without having to spend time post processing. I don't think this is because I got lucky and got an exceptionally good copy and other cameras were bad copies. This camera with the 18-135STM may not be the cheapest DSLR on the market right now, but it is definitely the best investment without having to break the bank. The better build quality makes it worth the few dollars more over the t4i.

0 upvotes

Good review, all I need to know!

0 upvotes

Thinking of getting the T5i but the SL1 is great for women and for entry level. It is the lightest and smallest dslr today. http://runningshoereview.hubpages.com/hub/Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL1-Review

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

The last cameras that I have are the Canon 1D MK IV’s. I bought the Canon T5i/700D for its compatibility to use the group feature for my 5-600 EX-RT Speedlites coupled with the Canon ST-E3-RT transmitter. This little camera just works great for when I want to use the group feature, a lot cheaper than updating to the Canon 1DX, or the Canon 5D MK III although I will probably update at a later date this year depending if Canon releasing anything new.

Comment edited 9 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I've read a lot of great things about the Canon T5i, but those who already got the T4i are complaining that it only has a few enhancements. I've seen a great review about it at http://runningshoereview.hubpages.com/hub/Canon-Eos-Rebel-T5i-Review

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

i'm not getting a lens with a plastic mount!

3 upvotes

Unless maybe you have the 650D, it is worth it to buy the 700D. There are only few upgrades from its predecessor but the quality is still great. I think it is officially available to the public for purchase: http://www.squidoo.com/canon-eos-rebel-t5i-review

1 upvote

is it worth to buy 700D?

0 upvotes

Judging from samples (flickr.com and dpreview.com) this camera has very good IQ.

0 upvotes

I thought 700D will hv a built in WIFI n DUAL CARDs, larger screen, and 7fps? Its not happening... Perhaps the next one 750D, hv all the features i mentioned.

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

700D has 9 point AF Cross Focusing. On my 550D only the centre AF is cross. Using servo focus to photograph (for example) birds in flight having 9 point Cross focus is a distinct advantage.

1 upvote

:::: anyone know what is the maximum Continuous Shooting Time? is true that is about 30 minutes? ::::::anyone know for sure if the camera have plug for headphones and plug for microphone ? :::::: Thanks a lot people ::::::::

0 upvotes

Way to open the door a little wider for Sony, Canon.

2 upvotes

The T5i spec is very similar to T4i. T5i is coming out about 1 year after T4i, it may imply that T4i has possible hardware problems which it cannot be fixed easily. Remember, T4i's price cut very often when it just came out. There is no better than T3i in Canon entry DSLR as of today - my opinion.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

My school offers a voucher for the T3i. I was worried that I was getting ripped...not so sure now. LOL

0 upvotes

The 700D is a marketing product... I bought a 650 D four months ago and the swivel-and-tilt screen is peeling, and I have only taken studio pictures and a few in the field... I have a 400D for years, and is impeccable. Canon launched 650D full of problems and using cheap quality materials; a camera that cost 750 €, is not cheap and compared to the 400D looks like a plastic toy ... I have been a Canon customer for years, but if I can sell my Canon lenses, I’ll go for Nikon and I advise those who are considering to buy a SLRD, to compare similar cameras and feel the differences. In high-end products Canon cameras are excellent... with entry or mid level cameras, Canon wants to make money and face competition, using cheap materials. It’s my opinion and I’m very disappointed with Canon.

0 upvotes

I bought a 650D within 30 mins it froze with liveview, replacement body did the same Canon said they had no knowledge of a problem. Maybe they have fixed the freeze fault on the 700D or maybe it was the STM 18-135 that had the problem. Canon just said get a refund. I am not sure if it would be wise to get a 700D just yet. As regards video its the large sensor that gives that film look which you cant get with a semi-pro camcorder you would have to go for C300, and some very expensive glass.

0 upvotes

Most of the sony NEX range of camcorders have a larger sensor than this Canon SLR. The range includes camcorders aimed at advanced amateurs through to professionals. The mount, through inexpensive converters, allows for a large range of glass to be used.

0 upvotes

Save yourself some cash. Buy a used Canon Rebel XT for $100. If you want to spend more invest in some high quality lenses that you can keep and use when you upgrade to a Canon 40 D. Both the XT and 40 D are great cameras and very well reviewed (read the DP Review archives). Both set the bench mark.

A true entry level camera should not cost nearly $1,000 with a basic lens. They offer more features than most consumers need. More mega pixels are not practical for best picture quality (high MP = too much noise). If you own a previous Rebel model and want to upgrade step up and get a used 40 D. If you buy the latest Rebel you are dropping a lot of dough and getting about the same thing as what you already have. Most folks who buy one will never use it and end up reselling it. They will be shocked at how little it is worth on the resale market.

If people want a video camera why are they shopping for a DSLR in the first place? Don't true video cameras take better video anyways?

1 upvote

I have the XT as my main camera and I can say that it produces perfectly good IQ for my needs. BUT the AF in this cameras is not very good if you have fast lenses. I find the AF unreliable and this is the main reason why I want to upgrade. I am using the Sigma 30mm f1.4 and Canon 85mm f1.8 - both produce great images but I can't trust the AF every time. Of course some skill is needed when focussing such fast lenses, but even taking account of the need to develop the experience and skills to use them, you don't want to be second guessing the camera's AF. And the low resolution LCD viewer is not up to the job of confirming focus accuracy in the field.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

The T5i seems pointless. What was wrong with the T4i? Canon has not stuck with it for long at all. The Canon XT was and is a great camera. Look at the DP Review archives. Check out Ken Rockwell's blog posting on it. 6 MP is sufficient for great photo quality, the 8 MP that the Rebel XT offers is more than enough to take great consumer/hobby level photos. Camera companies are cramming more MP's into cameras in an attempt to keep up with the competition. Save some money and invest in high quality lenses. if you want to get a semi pro camera go out and buy a good quality Canon 40 D with a 28-135 or 17-85 lens. It has better image quality than the 50 D (see DP Review of 50D) and used versions sell for half what iused 50D 's are selling for.

If you really need a consumer level DSLR that shoots video buy a T2i save some money and get a good lens. No need to get a T5i. If you don't need a DSLR to shoot video save money and buy an old XT. You can always buy a video camera.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

canon are really Joking

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

3 upvotes

i am surprised to see canon 700d
there is no much time between 650d and 700d !!!!!
there are no differences between them and i think 650d is better than 700d and i don't know why????
canon just make many camera during short time with no much differences not like Nikon and others
compare between Nikon D5000 and Nikon D5200
you will see much differences during just 2 generation
while in canon 500d till 700d
4 generations with no much differences !!!!
i am really shocked

Comment edited 5 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

I think Canon should have come with a better sensor but Sony have been using their 16MP sensor on too many models, too. and different from Nikon, Canon fab the sensors themselves which makes them less flexible.

0 upvotes

I think that this Joke of Canon called the new 700D came from the first 650D production which had a problem with body material used.
So 650D is linked to bad body material so asking canon for a replacement.
But since at least August 2012 all the 650D are perfect!

So if ever you have a doubt, don't buy that Joke 700D buy the 65OD. same camera but soon much cheaper.

0 upvotes

I am sorry, I'm late... what is upgraded? I have 650D and I can't find the difference. Just objective, viewfinder and firmware?

1 upvote

There is no difference , but the label 700D in place of 650D and the molette, unlocked now, allowing 360° to choose your program!
That dad been more usefull on a 550D or a 600D than on the 650D which already had the Video program apart of the molette.
A Marketing joke job

Comment edited 14 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

There are very few noticeable differences but apparently the T4i had something wrong somewhere. I don't know where but since it was so short lived there had to be something pretty serious. I'm glad I didn't buy a T4i though.

0 upvotes

Good grief you people are seriously spoiled.

I'm still shooting quality shots with a 40D and a 400D. If you have a 650D, then this camera wasn't for you anyway. It's for new customers, and people with older cameras like mine. Companies don't make milestone cameras (smartphones, cars, etc.) every year for a reason. That kind of R&D takes a much longer view, so that when the truly revolutionary models come out, they actually ARE milestones. In the meantime, they can put out a refreshed model so that their 'latest' isn't three years old.

8 upvotes

Canon It's a Joke with the T2i with Service Pack 3

5 upvotes

Right and the 100D is T2I service Pack 1.5 (3/2) as it has to be less heavy lol

1 upvote

Would be nice to see something that is innovative or exciting. Don't be afraid Canon. We'll wait and see what you do with the 70D and 7D MKII. Hopefully you increase performance and resolve movie making issues such as moire, rolling shutter, and focus. Try adding something useful that sets the cameras apart from their predecessors. Don't be boring.

In this day and age, by releasing camera bodies with these calculated, incremental upgrades will eventually alienate your customers. We know there's better technology out there, so quit holding back.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

surprised it doesn't have wifi as other like the fuji and the canon sx270 have then built in. or maybe even GPS like the 6d, doesn't seem much of an upgrade from a t4i.

0 upvotes

Oh, you should buy a $200 dongle I assume! (while my <$100 and < 100 grams phone has both Wifi and 3G)

2 upvotes

700D have 'Hybrid CMOS' sensor' Or ''Hybrid CMOS' sensor II' ???????????

0 upvotes

Canon and (what's the name of the other fellow? Aah, Nikon) are very good at:

Re-arranging the buttons and switches on an otherwise SAME camera...

...and here ladies and gentlemen, the 700D: the latest Musical Chair control bot.

3 upvotes

I don't know about that. The button arrangment is pretty similar to my 600D.

0 upvotes

This quick replacement of the 650D appears to vindicate my personal assessment the the 650D was actually far worse at focusing than the 550D.

http://www.videometry.net/650D_vs_550D/650D_vs_550D.jpg

Whether this was general, or the manufacturing process was unstable, and I got a one of the bad ones, I guess I'll never know.
Certainly if you were coming from anything other than a 2Meg phone, the results were not impressive. The touchscreen was great though, and the only thing I missed when I returned it.

1 upvote

Reading through the majority of comments i can just see this scenario:
DPreview to Ansel Adams: hey Mr A, please try out this new model from Canon...
Ansel to DPreview... Oh my God! It still only has 18 megapixels! What a piece of junk! And hey it costs a whole whopping 20 bucks more then the 650D! Jeesh canon are ripping us off..I couldn't take a picture with this thing!!! The last model was amazing but this thing only added like real time view of creative filters...toss the junk! Shoot the bastards!

0 upvotes

Ansel: d5200 is much better

11 upvotes

For what reason do YOU need more than 18mp?? DR improvements would be welcome, no need for more pixels!!

We are NOT talking about your manhood, this is for taking pictures!! :)

Better to have a great 18mp than a mediocre 24mp ?!

0 upvotes

BTW, suspect NO Ansel Adams on this forum!! :)

0 upvotes

>DR improvements would be welcome, no need for more pixels!!

Actually, the Nikon D5200 and D3200 have more DR than the 650D, (just check the results right here or DXOMark), and until you have actually shot these higher megapixel cameras, one might want to reserve judgement - they produce stunning detail.

Finally, if you want to get serious about DR and color depth, go full frame and shoot raw.

0 upvotes

@Coyote_cody

Exactly what improvements have been made from 550D to 700D to make it better or great?

The sensor is the same outdated one which is 2-3 years behind competition (D5200 and even D3200) , not in pixels but in DR, Color Depth and low light performance.

Comment edited 55 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

DPReview Editors: On your spec sheet under Connectivity please note whether a camera has a mic connection. This is missing from your reviews and adds confusion until one zooms in on a photo of the camera to reveal a mic jack or not. You guys do a great job and are proud of the amount of detail in your reviews....please include all of the details in the spec sheet. Thank you for your kind consideration !!

2 upvotes

Correction: The EOS M had a stereo mic first. It has not been reviewed here.

0 upvotes

BORING….

Oh, sorry.. I was referring to the whinny-ass comments, not the camera….

Why do we have to hear from the gadgetographers every time a new camera is announced? Does a camera have to have more mp and speech recognition to be of benefit? Do we need 36mp to get great 2-8mp downsampled images? Is high-mp high-gain noise ok because it can look like 'grain'? The industry does not need film-like 'grain' at ISO-640 so some gadgetographers can have more mp - especially when 95% of everything they produce ends up a ~2mp image on a computer screen.
Why do people complain what the newest model 'needs' when they are not even capable of using the camera they have...?

What we - need - is better performance from current technology.
We need ISO-100 IQ up to ISO-6400.
We need less expensive better quality lenses.
We need people to stop buying these toys and force the manufacturers back to producing the most efficient, capable, digital photography tools they can for a reasonable price.

11 upvotes

I'm with you on the lens comment!

1 upvote

Tough competitor for Nikon D5100!

6 upvotes

or D5000!

3 upvotes

Perhaps Canon's Next model will innovate by having a Sony sensor...

2 upvotes

What he said...

1 upvote

I wish they finally give up if they cannot play in sensor game.

They have good bodies and good software. The outdated sensor ruins all that.

0 upvotes

Press 1 for ENGLISH.

1 upvote

Next stop - EF-S 55-250/4-5.6 STM ?

1 upvote

I was planning to buy the T4i/650D, now I've changed my mind and I'm getting this one instead. Why not get the latest model right?

1 upvote

Actually save your money and get a 550d because in the context of Canon's inability to innovate that too would also be considered the latest model.

3 upvotes

Zigadiboom what a pile of absolute junk your comment is. What on earth do you expect from this line of camera? Go back and think about what you want from a camera...this is their budget retail line and it does that job very well...

2 upvotes

But for the same amount of money NIKON does the job better...and I am a Canon user!

0 upvotes

550D does not have some video capabilities & adjustments 650D has, now the 700D has 60p full HD & hopefully even more adjustments, so if you want a still/video cam, the 700D IS the better cam, stills only, only if AF is better.

0 upvotes

I don't get it. Why doesn't this new model incorporate the upgraded hybrid image sensor found in the 100D?

0 upvotes

Simply because Next year the 750D will come out with that Sensor! Canon is working with the Concept Milk your own customer until he is dry!

Look at the cheap entry to the full frame field, another joke called 6D when compared with the Nikon D600 (Same Price Range)

Now I almost regret I didn't get a NIKON!!!

2 upvotes

Your comment will probably confuse people. They both have the same DIGIC-5 IMAGE Sensor, the the SL1 (100D) has the new CONTRAST AF sensor.

0 upvotes

yaWNNN ! ! !
z z z z z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

4 upvotes

wake up also me when something happen!!

0 upvotes

This kind of responses are stupid responses, don't you think!!!!!!!

Comment edited 30 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

" (Note: these last two images are of the Canon 650D.)"

Right, why even bother with a preview? The list of new features, with pictures, would take half a page.

0 upvotes

Come on Canon, show us a new sensor for once, or have you lost your mojo?

2 upvotes

The samples are not really what I'd call awe-inspiring.

Maybe they should have posted one or two images, that were taken with a good lens.

0 upvotes

I am thrilled with the release of the T5i, it should hopefully bring down the cost of the T4i so I can get one. ;-)

Comment edited 21 seconds after posting

1 upvote

This camera should be called the EOS 650D Firmware Update Edition™

13 upvotes

Why not 550D-Sp3

2 upvotes

Canon
Recycled
Another
Product
!

5 upvotes

I like how the "Compared to Previous Model" chart has been omitted from this preview. That would be a really short list.

7 upvotes

Really strange, this mini-upgrade.

I hope the dpreview team will check whether the firmware has been improved; there certainly are some areas which deserve attention, such as f.e. the fact that on the 650D the continuous burst rate drops to 1 image per second after three images if the chromatic abberation correction is turned on. (This is documented nowhere, I had to figure it out myself.) I wish Canon added features like a digital ND filter or recording sound notes to the firmware, but I fear that's not the case - otherwise they would have mentioned it.

3 upvotes

Disappointing - at least!

What is wrong with Canon ?

Still the same sensor as in my good old EOS 550D (T2i)?!? So with the 700D you'll get the same image quality as in February 2010... Wow, Canon - respect!

CANON now has clearly fallen behind NIKON. It's a shame...

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

9 upvotes

its not totally disappointing , this camera still represents a good "upgrade" for those with older cameras like the T1i, XT,XTi etc

0 upvotes

Technically the T2i sensor was the highest rated APS-C sensor Canon has ever produced. Everything after the T2i has gone downhill.

8 upvotes

I have had no inclination to upgrade from my T2i. I am not into video so maybe that makes a difference. The only lens I have bought in 3 or 4 years is the 40mm 2.8. I hope I am not indicative of the Canon base because if i am.. they are in trouble.

0 upvotes

Nailed it on the t2i head. The image quality from the 550 still stands tall today- and i swear by it, guaranteed!

0 upvotes

So what is wrong with the IQ of feb 2010... are you just buying a camera because it is the best blah blah and is better then a Nikon...for goodness sake go take a great pic with an old twin-lens reflex...get a photographic life...jeesh it only has 18MP what a crisis!

0 upvotes

Nothing is wrong with my 3 years old EOS550D. But newer Nikons with SONY sensors have a much better dynamic range! And this is by far the most important difference in todays sensors.

And 3 "real" years are 30 years in camera development...

0 upvotes

Unbelievable.... As a 650D owner I am relieved that my camera has not been surpassed by the 'latest and greatest' flagship model, but I cannot understand why Canon would launch such a non-upgrade. For a camera company that was so innovative in bringing us affordable digital SLRs, this is really a disgrace. My heart goes out to the poor employees of their marketing department who were forced to promote the 'wonderful' creative filters and non-stopping mode dial as the only unique selling point this body has. What a flop! I hope this is not an indicator of poor upgrades of the 60D and 7D and that Canon will learn their lesson and put more effort into a 70D/7DII/800D.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

5 upvotes

They cant just keep bringing out innovative improvements all the time because there really arent that many innovative ideas left they could bring , its not just Canon a similar thing happened on the iPhone when they announced the 4S version.

I think sooner or later this will start to be the norm with most camera makers ( and smartphones), if they keep bringing out "new" models almost yearly then we will reach points like this were the next model will hardly have much to distinguish it from the previous one.

Similar stuff is also happening with software which gets yearly releases .....

2 upvotes

I am really struggling here...unless the manufacturer doubles their whizz-bang factor on a new release it's crap??? take the canon G11 vs the G12... according to your standards the G12 is a rubbish upgrade as effectively all they added is that little finger wheel on the front? As an owner of both trust me, that little wheel turns the G11 into a spectacular improvement in every day use. It is a granular improvement on an exceptional product. Oh hang on...they didn't double the megapixels! oh no my new G12 will take crap pictures!!!

0 upvotes

Total comments: 154