Canon announced a series of new cameras earlier this week which include a new long zoomed point & shoot that looks to replace their popular SX260HS, a new Rebel (the T5i) and a curious new intro, a very compact DSLR that Canon claims to be the "the world's smallest and lightest DSLR camera". Hmmmm...let's go to the video tape (I mean the press release).
The EOS Rebel T5i provides amateur and advanced photographers looking to hone their creative and technical skills with a range of features that allow for crisp, clear images. The incredible image quality and performance starts with an 18 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and Canon's superb DIGIC 5 Image Processor. Combined with an extensive ISO range of 100-12800 (expandable to 25600 in H mode), the EOS Rebel T5i boasts crisp, detailed images, even in low-light conditions. With a continuous shooting speed of up to 5.0 frames per second (fps) united with 9 all cross-type AF focus points, the new EOS Rebel T5i allows photographers the opportunity to shoot with ease, even in challenging shooting situations.The EOS Rebel T5i offers easy-to-use professional video capture. When users switch to EOS Full HD Movie mode, the EOS Rebel T5i offers the ability to shoot in 1080p Full HD video in a number of recording sizes and frame rates. With Canon's Hybrid CMOS AF System and Movie Servo AF, the camera provides continuous AF for focus tracking of moving subjects by helping to reduce the camera's need to "hunt", resulting in a quick and smooth continuous AF. While shooting with one of Canon's Stepping Motor (STM) lenses, such as the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, the camera will only capture the stereo sound of the scene being recorded. For added flexibility, the EOS Rebel T5i also features a built-in stereo microphone with manual audio level adjustment to enhance sound quality.
On the other hand, the world's smallest and lightest DSLR camera, the EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera features a newly developed 18.0-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and high-performance DIGIC 5 Image Processor for exceptional image quality and speed. With its combination of lightweight size, ease of use and outstanding image quality, the EOS Rebel SL1 is perfect for users looking for the ideal camera to bring sightseeing on vacation or to capture the everyday.
As the world's smallest and lightest DSLR, the new camera body is 4.6" (w) x 3.57" (h) x 2.74" (d), and weighs only 14.36 oz.** In comparison, the EOS Rebel SL1 is approximately 25 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than the EOS Rebel T4i digital camera.( Below is an illustration showing the SL1's size in relation to their EOS M mirrorless camera and the T4i)
The EOS Rebel SL1 features an 18 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor that performs exceptionally well in both bright and dimly lit shooting environments with an ISO range of 100-12800 (expandable to H: 25600) for photos and ISO-6400 (expandable to H: 12800) for video. Canon's DIGIC 5 Image Processor technology allows for exceptional image quality and shooting speed up to four frames per second (fps).The camera includes a new nine-point center cross-type autofocus (AF) system to help achieve fast, sharp focus. The new AF system also includes a new Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor, which provides a wider focus area when shooting photos or video in Live View mode, and a continuous AF speed that's increased from previous EOS models.
To help capture video with ease, the EOS Rebel SL1 features Canon's Movie Servo AF, which provides continuous AF tracking of moving subjects. When shooting video with one of Canon's new STM lenses, such as the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM (available in the standard lens kit), Movie Servo AF takes advantage of the lens' stepping motor for smooth and quiet continuous AF. The camera is capable of Full HD shooting in a number of recording sizes and frame rates, and enables easy manual control of exposure, focus and Live View features. The combination of Canon's new Hybrid CMOS AF system II and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is ideal for shooting video helping to ensure only the sounds of the scene are recorded. Allowing for clear and easy viewing even in bright environments, the Touch Screen three inch Clear View LCD monitor II provides a rich and expansive display as well as providing intuitive touch panel operation. Two finger touch gestures (multi-touch) can be easily used for zooming or changing images, accessing menu and quick control settings, and activating focus point and shutter release while shooting.
Combining portability with high-quality image technology, the new PowerShot SX280 HS Digital Camera is presented with built-in Wi-Fi® technology and an impressive 20x Optical Zoom lens. Amazingly compact, the PowerShot SX280 HS digital camera is the first Canon camera to feature Canon's DIGIC 6 Image Processor, the most advanced processor to date, delivering incredible detail and fast continuous shooting performance.The PowerShot SX280 HS digital camera is packed with a variety of impressive imaging features that help ensure moments are preserved in stunning quality. In conjunction with the PowerShot SX280 HS digital camera's 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor, the DIGIC 6 Image Processor creates the Canon HS SYSTEM. This system is responsible for the PowerShot SX280 HS digital camera's improved low-light performance up to ISO 6400, with minimal noise and maximum detail. Adding to the camera's diverse feature-set is High-Speed Burst HQ which allows for continuous, fast-action, high-resolution shots at up to 14fps. With incredible zoom capabilities, fast and responsive AF, stunning resolution and easy-to-use features, the PowerShot SX280 HS digital camera is the perfect camera for vacationing or capturing a morning soccer game.
Further advancements attributed to DIGIC 6 Image Processor can be experienced in movie mode, which records in MP4 format. For added flexibility, the PowerShot SX280 HS digital camera allows you to shoot video in a selectable frame rate of up to 60 fps or up to 30 fps resulting in smooth and rich 1080p Full HD video. Users will also notice improved image stabilization with Dynamic IS, which detects and can compensate for tilt and parallel movement (shift blur) to help create improved video clarity.
Availability? Mid To Late April. Prices TBD soon. A very interesting set of introductions with rumors of more to come (perhaps a 70D?) Stay tuned!
(Camera Images & Illustration Courtesy Of Canon USA)