Camera Body Advice - Rebel Series

Hey guys. Looking for some advice.

I'm making an investment into a camera body and lens. Looking to do both still photography and video with this combo. I've had experience with the rebel family and I really like them alot.

Option 1: The new T4i seems like an awfully nice camera, and I'm attracted to the new autofocus features with the STM lens. If I were to go that route, I guess I would buy the 40mm pancake and the 18-135 STM lens. Those two lens seem to be getting respectable reviews, and it seems like it they would be a no brainer if video was going to be a priority.
Option 2: I'm also thinking that an older T2i or T3i would provide me the some wiggle room for a nice fast lens, like say a used 17-55. I like the speed, autofocus, aperture and build features of that lens alot! I've not used it, but it seems to be "THE" crop walk-around lens for these bodies.

I know the video quality of the t2i and t3i are on par with the t4i, but are lacking in the newest features (autofocus, stereo microphone, adjustable audio levels, etc.) But, I've read that magic lantern provides a bit more video control for the t2i/t31. Having said that, I'm leaning towards option 2. I don't need stereo, and I could always invest in an external microphone, but that auto feature and touchscreen of the t4i does look attractive.

I'll be using this set-up mostly for personal use, but will probably carry it over to some professional use as I build up my chops (talking video here).

Any thoughts/opinion/ideas​/experiene are very much appreciated. Thanks so much!

If I was interested in video, I would definitely pick the T4i over the other Rebel bodies.

I have not played with the T4i yet and I can't find it right now but there is a youtube review, believe is DigitalRev, that does shows the lack of usefulness of the AF on video mode. Basically the new STM which allows the T4i to auto focus in video mode moves too slow and a bit cumbersome since it goes off focus, then in focus, then off focus again then back on focus.

I went from XTi to T2i to T3i.

I am perfectly happy with T3i for both the video and photo.

I will probably upgrade to whatever body there is that offers a camcorder-like autofocusing of fast moving objects (which T4i isn't).

Otherwise, T3i is more than acceptible for videos.

i would probably just manual focus for video until they come out with something faster, i think the t3i is plenty, but haven't really ever messed with the t4i.

if i need more for video then i can get out of the t3i, im going to go full video recoreder

IMO:
1. If you are serious about video, then you'll be pulling focus manually anyway. Just takes a little practice.
2. Magic Lantern will indeed open up a MASSIVE amount of functions on your camera (including focus peaking) if you get a T3i.
3. The video AF of the T4i is better on paper than it is in practice. Research and watch some videos to make sure that its AF is what you really want to spend money on. (It's not camcorder AF quality). Maybe a firmware update will improve it.
4. Reviews on the 40mm STM are that the drive makes noise even when manually focusing and the sound gets picked up by the onboard mic and can get picked up by on-camera mics. Not good. Don't know how the zoom will be.
5. The touchscreen of the T4i is a good perk. Not a necessity, but I think its a good call on Canon's part.

The T4i is pretty well video focused, but I haven't been as impressed seeing it in actual use as I have with the on paper specs. If it did a much better job of moire/alias control than the T3i, I'd def say it was worth the extra. Just my 2.89 cents

kanonshooter wrote in post #15175542
Hey guys. Looking for some advice.

I'm making an investment into a camera body and lens. Looking to do both still photography and video with this combo. I've had experience with the rebel family and I really like them alot.

Option 1: The new T4i seems like an awfully nice camera, and I'm attracted to the new autofocus features with the STM lens. If I were to go that route, I guess I would buy the 40mm pancake and the 18-135 STM lens. Those two lens seem to be getting respectable reviews, and it seems like it they would be a no brainer if video was going to be a priority.
Option 2: I'm also thinking that an older T2i or T3i would provide me the some wiggle room for a nice fast lens, like say a used 17-55. I like the speed, autofocus, aperture and build features of that lens alot! I've not used it, but it seems to be "THE" crop walk-around lens for these bodies.

I know the video quality of the t2i and t3i are on par with the t4i, but are lacking in the newest features (autofocus, stereo microphone, adjustable audio levels, etc.) But, I've read that magic lantern provides a bit more video control for the t2i/t31. Having said that, I'm leaning towards option 2. I don't need stereo, and I could always invest in an external microphone, but that auto feature and touchscreen of the t4i does look attractive.

I'll be using this set-up mostly for personal use, but will probably carry it over to some professional use as I build up my chops (talking video here).

Any thoughts/opinion/ideas​/experiene are very much appreciated. Thanks so much!

You always could judge a T2i by the pictures it can take, such as these.

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T3i. The price on that camera is way down this holiday season. Get that and some glass and/or a flash and you will be much better off. If you really want the 17-55, that and even a 55-250 are a good combo, or consider the 15-85 and a flash.

Definitely the 650D. buying an older rebel now is, IMO not the smart thing to do. Why? All cross type AF on the 650D. That alone is worth the price difference.

Sirrith wrote in post #15177103
Definitely the 650D. buying an older rebel now is, IMO not the smart thing to do. Why? All cross type AF on the 650D. That alone is worth the price difference.

I had not thought of this before, but I think you're right about this one...plus it has slightly better frame bursts as well. I'm not afraid of buying used either. Chances of finding one in mint condition are excellent I imagine.

Thanks for all the input guys. I really appreciate it. We'll see what happens.

kanonshooter, where are you located? If you are in the States you might consider the Canon Loyalty Program, although the T4i likely won't appear there until after the holidays. Go to https://photography-on-the.net …ght=canon+Loyal​ty+Program for the details on the Canon Loyalty Program if interested.

What type video are you planning on doing? Is the maximum duration of a video clip any kind of a consideration? Because DSLR's are not classed legally as a video camera they will not take a clip longer than approximately 29 minutes. You can then start another clip but a secondary considerstion is sensor temperature in the camera body. If you hit the temperature limit (I have) you might have to wait several minutes to start taking video again. If this would seriously impact what you plan on doing, a dedicated video device might be worth considering.

Last thing, definitely stay in the models that have the flip screen. It makes shooting overhead and at low angles a piece of cake.

If you're going to get serious about video, consider that you will probably want to use something other than the camera audio.

You may also want to consider a lens (or lenses) that are manual focus with a large throw (for better/finer focus control). Some of the older Pentax M42 mount lenses are simply wonderful for this. And, if you get the aperture ring "de-clicked", you can have infinitely variable aperture. The old Pentax lenses (built circa 1965) have some of the finest optics out there. Those in the five years following are also multi-coated to better control flare.

Best of all, these lenses tend to be quite inexpensive!

And, Magic Lantern is very well suited to work with these manual focus/manual aperture lenses.

Anyway, just a thought.

There are a lot of things improved on the T4i- over the previous Rebels.. Some is touted.. Some is not.

AF during video- maybe useful to some.. Higher ISO capability.. More fun modes to play with in camera ( which you could do with other cameras- in say, photoshop. All cross type AF points (boon for tracking in AI servo mode- also a bit more accurate ). Improved AF accuracy .. I have 3 DSLR's- the T4i is more accurate than the 7D- I am not the only one to notice this either. Digic 5 processor... 5 FPS.. For video or for pictures- the t4i is a clear winner over its brethren. Oops- forgot the touch screen tilt/swivel screen..

The only thing that the t3i has over the t4i- imo, other than lower cost- is the 3x digital video zoom.

I would look for a used T4i given the cross-type AF sensors. Either that or a 60D. You may want to go in a store and see which feels better to you in the hand.
As for lenses, you might want to investigate the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 and see if it might get you more mileage for your dollar since the price difference would let you buy an extrenal microphone, lighting, etc.

kfreels wrote in post #15179126
I would look for a used T4i given the cross-type AF sensors. Either that or a 60D. You may want to go in a store and see which feels better to you in the hand.
As for lenses, you might want to investigate the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 and see if it might get you more mileage for your dollar since the price difference would let you buy an extrenal microphone, lighting, etc.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Yeah, I'm in the states so I will look into that loyalty program for sure.

The sigma is the lens I am considering over the canon as I've read it's a good all-performer for less cost. You're right, I could stretch the dollar a little more for some accessories. I plan on shooting mostly home movies, so quick clips. No more than a few minutes here or a few minutes there. If it leaks into professional work, again, I can't imagine I would ever need a continuous shot over fifteen minutes, so over-heating shouldn't be a problem. I am sold on the T4i, that's for sure.