To T4i, or not to T4i, that is the question

I'm back after a long time from being absent in this forum! I had the T2i in my hands for a while, but then I had to sell it, and besides my main reason, I didn't like not having a swivel screen.

Anyways, i'm back and ready to fully invest in equipment. I ORIGINALLY really wanted the 60D, but when I held it in my hands, it felt too big/heavy for my small hands . In my mind i'm currently between the Canon T3i, or the (dare I say it in this forum...) Nikon D5100.

But then the T4i came out... I haven't heard any really "amazing" things about it, nothing that sets it apart from the T3i besides video AF, but I've been hearing it's not that great anyways. But my partner has become that little subconcious voice in the back of my head and keeps telling me to get the T4i, because "newer technology is always better".

What are your opinions on these cameras? Is the T4i a good buy? Is there another camera that compares to the 60D but is lighter? Is there something I need to consider that will make it easier for me to choose?

i'd grab the t3i and spend the rest on good glass.

I have not played with the T4i but I feel that you maybe better off with the T3i. Reason is that the AF in video mode is really slow to focus.

Grab a t3i and use magic lantern if you need video focus.

Does the T4i have anything new to bring to the table at all besides the AF?
And should I get the camera with the kit lens to start? Or jump right in to 50mm f/1.4 and such?

Naraly wrote in post #15166085
Does the T4i have anything new to bring to the table at all besides the AF?
And should I get the camera with the kit lens to start? Or jump right in to 50mm f/1.4 and such?

newer processor on the t4i

Not sure if thsi will help, but here is a comparison by Dave Dougdale:

http://youtu.be/s2EtxQ​6Obik

usdm wrote in post #15166151
Not sure if thsi will help, but here is a comparison by Dave Dougdale:

http://youtu.be/s2EtxQ​6Obik

I was just watching that video the other day:thumbs up: It's a really great video and comparison. But it left me thinking the 60D as a little better, but I still don't like how it felt in my hands (too big).

If you're going to be using this primarily or exclusively for video, then the T4i's autofocus will be an improvement if you use it with a Canon STM lens.

If you're going to be using it primarily for still shots then the T4i's autofocus will be an improvement all around, as it uses cross-type points everywhere, and that is a significant advantage for both servo tracking work and for still shots, because it allows you to keep the subject located where you want in the frame while retaining autofocus.

The bottom line is that aside from the additional controls the 60D provides, the T4i is essentially its equivalent, and is actually better in some respects. Since the 60D is too big for your hands, the T4i is the logical choice here. It's far more important that the camera feel comfortable than that it be a little more advanced. If it's not comfortable to carry, hold, and use, then you'll be less inclined to use it at all.

The only reason you might consider the T3i instead of the T4i is so that you can put the difference towards other things. However, that difference is about $170. If that price difference is going to be difficult for you to recover over a relatively short period of time, then the T3i is probably the thing to get. However, if that price difference can be recovered relatively quickly, then I'd go for the T4i. If you're planning on keeping the camera for a long time, then I'd go for the T4i in that event as well.

Bottom line: go for the T4i if you can.

I bought the 650D (T4i) for the wife when it was first released and I really rate it highly. I had a 60D as a backup to my 5D3 at the time and when I compared the 650D to the 60D the features of the 650D were better. It has a good burst speed and buffer size due to its Digic5 processor, the ISO ability is great, the AF ability is very good (fast and accurate) and the touchscreen is very responsive and easy to use.

The only thing the 60D was better for is the ergonomics. The 2 dials and 2 screens make it easier to handle for someone who is used to it. If you are used to handling the Rebel bodies then that isn't an option. Compared to a 600D the 650D is the better by far.

kcbrown wrote in post #15166400
If you're going to be using this primarily or exclusively for video, then the T4i's autofocus will be an improvement if you use it with a Canon STM lens.

If you're going to be using it primarily for still shots then the T4i's autofocus will be an improvement all around, as it uses cross-type points everywhere, and that is a significant advantage for both servo tracking work and for still shots, because it allows you to keep the subject located where you want in the frame while retaining autofocus.

The bottom line is that aside from the additional controls the 60D provides, the T4i is essentially its equivalent, and is actually better in some respects. Since the 60D is too big for your hands, the T4i is the logical choice here. It's far more important that the camera feel comfortable than that it be a little more advanced. If it's not comfortable to carry, hold, and use, then you'll be less inclined to use it at all.

The only reason you might consider the T3i instead of the T4i is so that you can put the difference towards other things. However, that difference is about $170. If that price difference is going to be difficult for you to recover over a relatively short period of time, then the T3i is probably the thing to get. However, if that price difference can be recovered relatively quickly, then I'd go for the T4i. If you're planning on keeping the camera for a long time, then I'd go for the T4i in that event as well.

Bottom line: go for the T4i if you can.

Very well put, makes sense. Thank you. I plan it to be a camera I keep for a long time, so I hope it stays that way. Really leaning towards the T4i with the STM lens.

modchild wrote in post #15166861
I bought the 650D (T4i) for the wife when it was first released and I really rate it highly. I had a 60D as a backup to my 5D3 at the time and when I compared the 650D to the 60D the features of the 650D were better. It has a good burst speed and buffer size due to its Digic5 processor, the ISO ability is great, the AF ability is very good (fast and accurate) and the touchscreen is very responsive and easy to use.

The only thing the 60D was better for is the ergonomics. The 2 dials and 2 screens make it easier to handle for someone who is used to it. If you are used to handling the Rebel bodies then that isn't an option. Compared to a 600D the 650D is the better by far.

Thanks for your input! Glad to hear the features on the 650D are better, so it really does have something more than just AF :thumbs up:

My list ranking as of now:
1. T4i
2. N. D5100
3. T3i

Cheers!

You'll hear a lot of staunch supporters for older Rebels.. I used to have a t1i- and I liked it- but it had its shortcomings... The t4i has a LOT of useful features that other Rebels have NEVER had.

Video AF is just one... One of the reasons I went from a T1i to a 7D- was AF- specifically all cross type AF.. The T4i has this- unlike its brethren. Focus accuracy.. Don't know where the link is to it- but I think it was Lens Rental that did a comparison of various bodies- and as far as accuracy is concerned- the T4i was more accurate than the other Rebels, and even more accurate than some of the more "Pro" bodies - like the 60D/7D.. ( I have a 7D- and I noted that the t4i is more accurate myself- with nearly every lens I own ). the Touchscreen kind of makes up for some of the missing controls that better bodies have. I love having the tilt-swivel screen for composition... Having a little higher ISO capabilities is also nice.

So, in the end- there's quite a bit of difference between the T4i and its earlier brethren... Enough to warrant the price- well, all things newer tend to be priced higher anyways..

Link to part of the lensrental series on focusing.. http://www.lensrentals​.com …ity-part-3b-canon-cameras

Yeah, I think the cross-type AF points would push the T4i over the hump past the T3i (for stills) if you're buying new.

Regarding differences with the 60D, keep in mind that there are more custom settings in the 60D, it's more weatherproof, and a much tougher (durable) body. Also, the rear dial can be used while shooting, but the touchscreen (T4i) can't. It's a better body for photography, during the actual shooting, even with fewer features (like if you need to change aperture and shutter speed without coming off the viewfinder). The 60D is a bit old now though, so I'd seriously consider a used one if you went that way ($600-$650) so you don't end up taking a big loss if it's replaced in the lineup.

Just make sure you do the proper "due diligence" on understanding the AF in video mode of the T4i. On paper it sounds great, but watch demonstrations to make sure you understand how good it really is. Would suck to spend more on the T4i and then find out it isn't the AF you were expecting. Just some forewarning. (Same goes for the burst rate of the T4i)
I thought it was awesome when seeing the spec sheet, but watching video reviews/demos I thought "good on paper, not quite the same in practice"

You seem to be really looking into options well, so I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you get