Initial Impressions
At first glance, the rebel t4i does seem to be a great improvement upon the design and functionality of the rebel t3i, although the design looks quite similar. The Hybrid CMOS sensor is truly a wonderful technological advancement, which can help users to have a greater degree of control for video and live view, as it offers phase detection autofocus. The system seems to resemble the system which is used in Nikon 1 system cameras. However, it has some marked differences from the technology that is used in Nikon cameras, as it utilizes contrast detection Auto Focus in order to provide a higher level of accuracy.
Phase detection Auto Focus also has some great potential, as it can help to determine how far out of focus the subject is and in which direction the subject is skewed out of focus within one single reading, and then allows the lens to automatically refocus so that users can expect high quality shots. This is truly advantageous when compared to normal contrast detection modes that require users to manually search for the correct focus by trying various lens distance settings and taking contrast measurements at each different setting. These two methods of focusing are vastly different, and utilize the lens in very dissimilar ways. For that reason, each method works best with a particular type of lens design and focus motor. The AF sensor in the rebel t4i utilizes PDAF, and all of the lenses in Cannon’s SLR type are able to work within this technology.
The 650D’s phase detection AF technology also provides the ability to track subjects. Unlike CDAF systems, PDAF technology does not require frequent readjustments of the lens in order to check focus. Nikon 1 camera models utilize a PDAF system that is able to track subjects even while shooting 10 frames per second. It remains to be seen whether the Cannon rebel t4i will receive as much praise from commercial photographers for its phase detection AF technology as the Nikon 1 series has.
It will take some extensive testing to determine how effectively Canon’s system works in real-world use. Current claims made by Cannon do not directly proclaim that they have solved the problems of live view auto focus, but do suggest that vast improvements have been made for subject tracking. Despite the need for further testing, we do believe that the t4i is worth a closer look, and that it may be a more remarkable camera than one may think at first glance.
New Touchscreen Interface
Canon includes touchscreen technology within the design for the rebel t4i is the touchscreen, and does so quite effectively. While most other cameras that have touch screens generally only have minimal functionality for the touch screen, on the rebel t4i all aspects of the interface can be controlled via the touch screen. The touch screen is very sensitive which makes it easy to utilize, and the option of using the touch controlled Quick Control menu makes things even simpler.
Users can still take advantage of the option of using the rebel t4i as a standard SLR, in which case the touchscreen may not be very helpful, as the user will control the camera by way of the dials and buttons. However, once you begin to use the live view function, the touch screen is extremely helpful. In particular, the touch focus option is quite unique, and enables you to tap the screen to choose the subject of your photograph.
Conclusion
In summary, Cannon has done an excellent job with the rebel t4i. The rebel t4i continues Cannon’s tradition of maintaining and improving upon the best elements of its predecessors, and also has some new and unique improvements to bring to the table. It possesses superb still photography capabilities, and introduces new movie functionality and greater live view capabilities. It remains to see if the SLR truly works as well in live view is it does when the optical finder is utilized. Only time will tell!
After just a short period of time to examine the rebel t4i, we cannot yet give a firm endorsement of the new sensor, live view versus movie autofocus, or the overall image quality that is provided via these new features. In order to assess the effectiveness and reliability of the new changes in this model, we are committed to further exploration of this great new Cannon model, and enthusiastically look forward to providing further comments in our full review.
