650D: AF for videos, do I really need that? (vs 60D?)

Marco HG wrote:

I'm still a bit doubtful about the buffer. FPS is a great thing both for the "cheap stabilization" (:-D) and for HDR and stuff, but a 6 RAW buffer means 1.2 seconds before the camera starts slowing down.

I've found with action shots that I'm just a bit more judicious with the timing now. Shooting short bursts of 3 to 6 frames, interspersed with single frames. The fast card helps, letting me shoot at 2 fps until the buffer clears. Time will tell though once I start shooting eagles again this winter.

I would have probably lost several nice shots, with just a 1.2 seconds window. Of course, in those occasions I could use burst mode with JPEG, or shoot leaving a bit more time between the shots, but... I don't know, it's not that bad of course, but I suppose this small "inconvenience" leaves a bit of a strange taste in my mouth if you know what I mean.

I know exactly what you mean. I come from the old Film days! Focus, Compose, Shoot, Crank, Focus, Compose, Shoot, Crank...

Is there anything, regarding the controls on the 650D, that isn't there but that you'd really like?

Compared to my 50D, I do miss the top info screen sometimes (but it doesn't actually affect my shooting/operation). I don't miss the back secondary control wheel (which I thought I would). I like the direct access buttons, and the touchscreen. The smaller viewfinder has no impact. I do like the lighter weight. And handling with bigger lenses isn't an issue at all.

Have you tried AF'ing on videos using a "regular" lens? How did it behave?

I've tried it in Live View mode and Video mode using the 18-55 IS kit, the 40mm STM, the 24-105L, the 100L Macro, and the 300 f4L IS so far. The camera behaves pretty much the same with all of them. Rack In, Rack Out, Fine Tune, Fine Tune (takes about 1-2 seconds). And the noisier AF'ing lenses are definitely loud on playback. Buzzz Buzzz Buzzz. The 40 STM is pretty quiet though.

I disabled the "Continuous AF" in all modes from the start, in order to keep the AF from straying and then refocusing... (you know, Rack In, Rack Out, Fine Tune, Fine Tune). And I really do like focusing 100% manually (you get the hang of it pretty quickly). 'Course I come from those days (decades) before there was any AF at all!

Thanks for your help. And, holy cow, the pics look great! Especially the one with the wet bee, incredibly sharp! Very well done!

Thank you very much for the kind words Marco. I truly love this little camera (was shooting with a monster of a 1D Mk III this morning... Ouch!). The T4i still does really really well.

(Also, I'd give a leg for your 400mm :-D)

Well it cost me an arm and a leg, LOL! It was my first L prime, and is still my favorite. It just behaves so well and is simply a pleasure to shoot with. Was out at the marsh last weekend...

Well good luck with your search Marco, and thanks again for looking,
R2