T5 vs T5i OR 1200D vs 700D

Someone (new to DSLRs) asked me about the difference between the canon 1200D (t5) and the 700D (t5i). I put together some info & sent it off to them, then thought "this might be of interest to other people"  so I turned it into a blog post. 

 

 

Basics & Recommendation

The 1220D (t5) will take perfectly good photos and not bad video.

But you'll have to work harder and take more to get the shots you want & you might be look for an upgrade a bit sooner.

The 700D(5ti) will take great photos and good video and make it easier to get the shots you want.  It's got more flexibility in how you use it, & a bit more you can do as you learn. It can also get some shots that the other just can't get, especially with low light, fast, bursts and videos.

As far as I'm concerned, if you can afford it the 700D(t5i) is definitely worth the extra money.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Explanation

T5 is one class lower than the other.

t5 & t5i are sort of marketing names for them. 
the real model names are 1200 D (5t) & 700D (t5i) with canon model numbers , lower is better.*

They have a lot of the same stuff so I 'll just list what the700D (t5i) has that the other doesn't or when it has improved versions of the same stuff.

700D (t5i) has:

- better screen resolution (almost double the pixels)

- swivel screen (doen't sound like much til you try to get shots from interesting angles. it's much easier to twist the screen towards you than twisting yourself to see the screen.

- Touchscreen.  you can use the menus by touch , you can also focus by touching the screen

- better auto focus. has more and better focus points than 1200d and an entirely different & better auto focus system making it faster & more accurate.

- auto focus during video (with the right lenses)

- better processor.  helps with the higher shooting speeds etc.

- higher FPS.  shoots more photos (frames) per second. 3fps for 1200, 4.8 fps for 700d

-Higher ISO. (25600 vs 12800)  which means it can take photos in much less light. theoretically it should be able to take see stuff in 1/2 the light of the other one. In practice , if you push them to their limits the phots will be grainy & pretty ugly, but you have the extra ISO what would have been an grainy shot that pushed the 1200d, could be a usable shot with the 700d, because it's not at it's limit. - has mic jack.  internal mics are pretty bad so being able to add a mic means you can make a video that people can listen too without cringing.

- better kit lens 18-55 STM (takes advantage of new auto focus system & can do auto focus in video.

Details

Links to canon for more info
1200D
700D


*Over view of model numbers
4 digit model (called XX00 ie 1200)  are 'consumer' models for basic snapshots & for your own social media.

3 digit models (XX0 ie 700D) are 'pro-sumer' models for people who want a step up from basic or for people becoming pros or starting out small. like selling photos to other people for their social media,  portraits etc.

2 digit models (X0 ie 80D) are solid pro models. better than the lower models but not as rugged  as the higher end models. sometimes new features are released here 1st to make sure they are dependable enough for the high end models.

single digit models (7d, 6d, 5d, 1d) are higher end pro-models for he big kids.  they have top of the line specs and are very dependable.

What will canon do in 2014?

What will canon do in 2014?

Here's my predictions for what canon will release in 2014 & when.  Maybe predictio is not the right word, more like a possible & wishful accumulation of rumours.


MARCH -APRIL
An entery level body (rebel)
Maybe T6i? What ever it's called it's un likely to be mirroless. Lots of people abelieve mirrorless is the future, but canon has sworn off  mirrorless in north america. They have already said m2 is not going to North America, they could still announce realase dates in march and leave North america to choose from the 5 current flavours of sonsumer APS-C bodies avalable (yes I know two have been discountinued)


APRIL
There is supposed to be cinema EOS announcement @NAB in April. Possibly a new body (with 4k?)or maybe dual pixel upgades for more miodels and/or dates the upgrades will be released.

Heres an intersting thought. Canon could release a 4k aps-c body for around 1000-1200, heck eventhrow in dual pixel AF, to give them something like the GH4 that is making headlines.
That would be cool.
That is almost definately NOT happening.


AUGUST
7Dmkiii or Replacement with a new name.
The rumours are saying this will be released in Germany at Photokina.
Hey, why not there where spec lists for the 7mkii almost since the original hit the shelves.
There are many spec lists but most agree on 24mp sensor, dual pixel AF, good weather sealing, and other 'advanced video features' which no one ever seems to explain.  Predicting when the 7mkii will eb realsed and what it will be like has become a bit of an anual tradition, eventually canon will realse it (or replacement) and Someone will be right about the date.

Well those are my musings on what canon might be up to this year or at least the first half of it.

*Note: I didn't mention lenses as I really don't follow lens annoucements that much.

Link of The Day - C100 gets Dual Pixel AF

The C100 ($5000ish) is being upgraded to include Dual Pixel AF (like the 70D).

It's a $500 upgrade for curerent owners. Not sure if will be standard or an option for future purchasers.

One commenter made a point I like.  They said (something like) I'm more interested that they are putting work into upgrading cameras they already have  than what the upgrade actually is.  

I also like the idea that when you get a camera in that range they will release upgrades, not just realse a new model every year and expect you to keep buying new.  

Lets hope it's a trend not just a one time thing.

Link of The Day - 70D Hands on test

The 70D is in stores and in the hands of people who want to be the first to use what has been touted as a reveloution in DSLR auto focus, especially for video.

Ok,  the hype hasn't been as big as the 5Diii,  but there ahs been a fair bit of talk about the new auto focus systwem, bigger sensor, and general improvments over the 60D.

Mitch at Planet 5D has done a  Hands on test test & "unboxing"  (never quite got unboxings).

I'm going to be watching for more info and waiting for "hello World" (magic lantern compatibility).

If things work out I could see this being my next body.