Touchscreen Canon T4i SLR, two new lenses unveiled, previewed!
posted Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 11:00 PM EST
2012's less than half gone, and it's already been quite a year for Canon so far. It's launched three new SLRs: a professional 1-series model, an enthusiast full-frame 5-series, and a special edition enthusiast APS-C model aimed at astronomers. It's also debuted an entirely new concept, with the first large-sensor compact zoom camera. Today, Canon reveals its fourth new SLR of the year, with the unveiling of a new consumer Rebel-series flagship. We've just published a hands-on preview of the brand-new Canon EOS Rebel T4i (aka EOS 650D / EOS Kiss X6i), a model that follows in the footsteps of last year's Rebel T3i. (That camera, and it's sibling the Rebel T3 will both remain in the company's lineup, while 2010's Rebel T2i has now been officially discontinued.)
Externally, the Canon T4i looks pretty similar to the T3i. Size and weight are little changed, and most controls are in the same places, although the Movie mode jumps from the Mode dial to the Power switch, and the Display button vanishes.
Inside, the changes are much more significant. Key among these is a new image sensor. At 18 megapixels, it's similar in resolution to that of the T2i and T3i, but it has an interesting new feature: on-chip phase detection autofocus capability. This isn't intended to replace the dedicated phase detection sensor, and indeed the Canon T4i newly inherits the same dedicated sensor previously used in the EOS 60D. Instead, the on-chip PDAF function is used to supplement autofocus in Live View and Movie modes. The area covered is quite a bit smaller than that of the dedicated sensor, but since it can provide an indication of focus direction and distance, it reduces the hunting typical of video / live view AF on an SLR.
With two simultaneously-announced STM lenses, the Canon T4i will still allow contrast-detection autofocus over the remainder of the sensor area, letting the focus point seamlessly move between phase-detection and contrast-detection types as it roams the frame. This capability isn't available with non-STM lenses, which are limited to PDAF at the center of the frame only. The new lenses are the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM zoom, and the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake prime. The former is a variant of the existing 18-135mm, and is optimized for video use. The latter is optimized for size, and so doesn't offer quite the same level of focus speed, smoothness and silence of the 18-135mm, but should still stand head and shoulders above existing Canon lenses in these regards, in terms of video / live view performance. Both lenses will also work on existing cameras, but without the advantage of phase-detect AF during live view / movie capture.
There are quite a few other important changes, as well. The Canon EOS T4i is the first Rebel-series model to receive a new DIGIC 5 image processor, said to be around five times faster than the previous DIGIC 4 chip. This extra performance is harnessed to allow both faster burst shooting performance of up to five frames per second, and a wider ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 12,800 equivalents (expandable to 25,600 equivalent; movie capture is limited to a maximum of 6,400 equivalent, however).
The T4i still features a side-mounted, tilt/swivel articulated LCD panel, but for the first time in a Canon DSLR, it now includes a touch screen overlay. Unlike past Canon compacts which featured a plastic, resistive touch screen, the Rebel T4i's touch screen is a glass, capacitive type with multi-touch capability. This is the same kind of touchscreen typically used on smartphones, and proves a much more pleasant, accurate experience. Touch functions include shutter, autofocus, swiping between photos in playback, and pinching to zoom into captured photos.
There's also now a stereo microphone on the top deck in front of the hot shoe, and support for high-speed, high-capacity UHS-I SDXC storage cards. Other changes include some new shooting modes including Handheld Night Scene, Multi-Shot Noise Reduction, and HDR Backlight Control; some new autofocus modes including face detection tracking, and new post-capture creative filters including watercolor painting and art bold.
The Canon EOS Rebel T4i and both new STM lenses are set to ship from the end of June, 2012. Body only, the Canon T4i will retail for around US$850. Two with-lens kits will be offered: one with a standard 18-55 kit lens at a price of US$950, and the other including the new 18-135 STM lens for US$1,200. (That represents a $200 discount over the retail price of US$550 for this lens, which in turn is priced $50 above the existing, non-STM version.) Finally, the 40mm STM prime will retail for about US$200.
More details on the camera and new lenses can be found in our hands-on Canon Rebel T4i preview.
Europe: EOS 650D
Japan / Other: Kiss X6i
(133 x 100 x 79 mm)
APS-C (approx. 1.06 in. diagonal)
18.50 megapixels (total)
18.00 megapixels (effective)
4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
5184 x 2912 (15.1 megapixels)
3456 x 3456 (11.9 megapixels)
3456 x 2304 (8.0 megapixels)
3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3456 x 1944 (6.7 megapixels)
2304 x 2304 (5.3 megapixels)
2592 x 1728 (4.5 megapixels)
2034 x 1728 (3.5 megapixels)
2592 x 1456 (3.8 megapixels)
1728 x 1728 (3.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1280 (2.5 megapixels)
1696 x 1280 (2.2 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1280 x 1280 (1.6 megapixels)
29 - 88mm (35mm equivalent)
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Modes: E-TTL II: Auto, Manual flash, Integrated Speedlite Transmitter; Red-Eye Reduction; Second Curtain Synchro
Range: Lens aperture dependent
Max. clip length: 1,799 seconds (1920x1080)
Press Release
The New EOS Rebel T4i DSLR Camera Puts The Power And Creativity Of DSLR Stills And Video At Your Fingertips
Silent and Continuous Autofocus in Video, The EOS Rebel T4i Lets People Re-Live Magic Moments Through Stunningly Crisp Video and Incredible Stereo Sound
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., June 8, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced a new flagship model in its most popular EOS Rebel line, the Canon EOS Rebel T4i Digital SLR Camera. The new EOS Rebel T4i features incredible image quality with an 18-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, DIGIC 5 Image Processor that helps capture all the action with high-speed continuous shooting of up to five frames per second (fps) and an extended ISO range of 100–12800 (expandable to 25600 in H mode)that gives photographers the opportunities to take the EOS Rebel T4i into more shooting situations than ever before.
The camera includes a revolutionary new autofocus (AF) system to help achieve fast, sharp focus and smooth HD video. The new AF system includes a nine-point all cross-type sensor array, and new Hybrid CMOS AF which achieves fast focus when shooting stills or video in Live View mode. Much to the pleasure of aspiring student filmmakers and parents everywhere, the Rebel T4i features Canon’s new Movie Servo AF providing a quiet, continuous AF during HD video recording when using one of Canon’s newly introduced Stepping Motor (STM) lenses. The silent continuous autofocus when shooting HD video helps ensure the camera only captures the sounds of the scene being recorded. When combined with the camera’s new Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II and intuitive “fingertip” controls, touch-menu and advanced still and video capabilities, the EOS Rebel T4i stands as Canon’s most “consumer-friendly” DSLR to date.
“Our Rebel line of cameras bridges the gap between the casual photographer and someone looking to advance their photography and capture moments in new and creative ways. The EOS Rebel T4i boasts full HD video with AF and touch-screen navigation, inspiring even more photographers and videographers to explore the creative options made possible with DSLR cameras and lenses,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.
New AF Capabilities
One of the most significant upgrades to the EOS Rebel T4i is a dramatically upgraded AF system including a nine-point all cross-type AF array, with a high-precision dual-cross f/2.8 point at center. The EOS Rebel T4i is the first Canon camera to feature the new Hybrid CMOS AF system which increases AF speed by reducing the camera’s need to “hunt” for focus. The result is fast continuous AF when shooting photos and movies in Live View. Because the camera’s cross-type AF points have two-dimensional contrast detection, the EOS Rebel T4i provides highly accurate focus regardless of your shot composition and ensures great focus no matter where the subject is located in the frame. The addition of the dual-cross point in the center allows for much faster and precise focusing for photographers using high-speed f/2.8 lenses.
Using the touch panel, parents can select their child on the LCD screen and the camera will remain focused on that child while they stay in-frame, ensuring sharp focus in crowds and group shots. The new AF system enables Touch Focus for shooting photos and movies in Live View. To make capturing photos even easier, a Touch Shutter function can also be enabled, whereby selecting a subject on the LCD screen, the camera will instantly take a photo, once focus is locked.
Continuous AF during HD Video Recording
For the first time in a Canon EOS DSLR, the EOS Rebel T4i includes Canon’s new Movie Servo AF for recording video. When used with Canon’s new EF and EF-S STM lenses, the camera can provide smooth and quiet continuous AF while recording video. This technological breakthrough enables the new EOS Rebel T4i to achieve AF while still retaining a DSLR camera’s signature background blur and image quality, producing stunning videos of parties, events, summer vacations or graduations.
When shooting video with Canon’s STM lenses, AF also remains silent, helping ensure you only capture the sound of the scene being recorded. The EOS Rebel T4i features a built-in stereo microphone, a first for the Rebel line, that includes an attenuator function to reduce audio distortion in extra loud situations.
Canon’s First Touch-Screen DSLR
Another Canon first, the EOS Rebel T4i includes a best-in-class Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II featuring 1.04 million dot resolution for unparalleled, clear viewing. The electro-static touch-panel screen is the most advanced that Canon has released to date with multi-touch capabilities allowing photographers to use familiar gestures such as “pinch-to-zoom” and “swiping” to scroll between pictures. Camera operation has been simplified through this feature allowing for Touch Focus or Touch Shutter controls via the vari-angle touch-screen. The vari-angle touch-screen flips out to the left and rotates 180 degrees forward and 90 degrees backward, making tough above-the-head and low-to-the-ground shots easy, and allowing improved views during photo or video capture. That means the overhead shot taken in a crowd or at a graduation march just got a little easier to shoot.
Improved Imaging Performance Features
The EOS Rebel T4i helps novice photographers capture great images and video, even in low-light with a range of new and upgraded modes:
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Handheld Night Scene
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HDR Backlight Control
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Multi-Shot Noise Reduction
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Video Snapshot
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Scene Intelligent Auto
Canon’s new shooting modes (Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control and Multi-Shot Noise Reduction), take multiple pictures, and combine them – in camera – to help capture a wider dynamic range, minimize the image grain or noise, and produce more vivid colors so landscapes and city scenes are as breathtaking as when seen in person.
Families have enjoyed coming home from a vacation or outing with a fun, short Video Snapshot highlight reel shot on their Canon camera to share the full story of their adventure. Now with the EOS Rebel T4i users will also have the option to delete, cut or re-order the clips before exporting the Snapshot album to post or share.
Canon’s Scene Intelligent Auto mode – the “green” mode on the dial – analyzes the scene being shot, taking into account faces, colors, brightness, movement and contrast, to select appropriate camera settings and help produce the best possible image. This mode has been enhanced to deliver the best possible exposure, particularly when shooting in low-light.
New STM Lenses and Accessories
To leverage the unique, new shooting functions of the EOS Rebel T4i, such as EOS Full HD Movie with continuous AF, Canon is introducing two new unique lenses, the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens. Both new STM lenses includes Canon’s new Stepping Motor technology, which allows the lenses to smoothly and silently focus, and when used in combination with Canon’s new EOS Rebel T4i Movie Servo AF feature, achieve continuous AF while recording video. The new stepping motor technology in both lenses quietly focuses allowing the EOS Rebel T4i’s stereo microphone to only record the sounds of the scene being shot.
The versatile EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens offers the right combination of size, weight, image stabilization and focal length, allowing photographers to capture wide-angle or telephoto photographs and video. This lens is a great option for photographers who may only want to carry one lens with them for both wide landscapes, and close-ups. Appearing for the first time in a Canon EF lens is Dynamic IS (Movie Shooting Mode only) that uses a wide image stabilization correction range to help ensure steady video even when shooting while walking.
The new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens offers an ultra-slim, lightweight design that helps photographers avoid overwhelming their subjects with a large lens and to remain discreet in sensitive shooting situations without compromising performance. The “pancake-style” lens boasts an aperture of f/2.8 making it an ideal lens for capturing portrait stills or stunning video. The lens is under an inch thick when attached, making it easy to carry and fit conveniently into a purse or pocket.
The EOS Rebel T4i is also compatible with Canon’s previously introduced GP-E2 GPS Receiver that can be mounted to the camera’s accessory shoe. The GPS unit was created to serve outdoor photographers; it records shooting locations including latitude, longitude and altitude, as well as camera direction. A Logging function can tell how far a photographer has traveled as well.
Availability
The EOS Rebel T4i Digital SLR camera will be available at the end of June for an estimated retail price of $849.99 for the body alone; $949.99 bundled with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens kit and a Movie Kit bundle for $1199.00 with the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.
The new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens and the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM will also be available separately at the end of June at an estimated retail price of $199.99 and $549.99 respectively.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With approximately $45.6 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents registered in 2011† and is one of Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies in 2012. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.
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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
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