Right up to the release date of the Canon
EOS 650D, I was already off the wall (literally bouncing, just ask my
colleagues) in excitement for the replacement of the camera maker’s EOS 600D
model. Speculations of the specifications had been disseminated across the
worldwide web with more rumors being made in our office about what will come
bundled together with this upgrade of sorts. Popular to contrary belief, the
EOS 650D is not a replacement for the EOS 600D. It is just a complementing
addition to its range of entry-level cameras. That said, the EOS 550D is
apparently being phased out in light of this launch.
1. Accurate Touch
Just like its predecessor, the EOS 650D
features a vari-angle LCD screen with an 18-megapixel sensor. However, the
camera is now equipped to address the shift in how we consume our multimedia,
meaning it now has more interactive functions thanks to the convenience of
touchscreens. Taking these shifts into consideration, the EOS 650D does not only
provide a Live View from its multi-angle screen, but also allows for most
functions and buttons to be accessed through the touchscreen LCD screen. This
makes it very easy for consumers to browse the myriad of features within this
relatively slim DSLR.
2. Intuitive Live View
While users can still look through the
viewfinder to take still photographs, the Live View provides a pretty accurate
representation of what is being taken. Also, instead of pressing the
traditional shutter release button, users can now use the touchscreen to take
stills by pressing the screen itself. The area pressed will be the focus area.
Indeed, a convenient way for a quick snap for those precious moments.
3. Auto Focus Fun
The much anticipated Hybrid CMOS AF
(auto-focus) system proved to be useful when using the EOS 650D by allowing for
quicker and more accurate focusing when the video mode is being used as well
during Live View. According to Canon, the camera uses a combination of
conventional Contrast AF and its new Phase Difference AF as well as continuous
AF, allowing users to quickly focus on the subject even before the shutter is
pressed. What this means for trigger happy individuals is an almost fool-proof
focusing mechanics, especially for those who find it difficult to keep their
hands steady during the video mode. I hope this will be the last of
nausea-inducing home videos. Maybe not, but one can hope.
4. Price Matters
Canon markets this particular model as an
entry-level DSLR. Priced at RM2599 (body only), RM2999 (kit with EF18-55 IS II)
and RM3899 (kit with EF S18-135 IS STM lens) respectively, the EOS 650D costs
slightly more than its closest competition (Re: Nikon D5100). It is
mindboggling that the prices of DSLR has gone lower and lower over the years.
Think about it; an entry-level DSLR prices within the same range as a high-end
smartphone!
5. Pro-Potential
At the risk of sounding gimmicky, I must
emphasise while the EOS 650D is marketed as an entry-level DSLR, it is possible
for enthusiasts to be interested in this camera; though the general interest
would most likely come from those wanting to upgrade their consumer or prosumer
cameras. Nonetheless, videographers who are looking to invest in a good video
DSLR can rejoice. I am not talking about a movie or TV series production crew;
I am talking about the many wedding and event videographers we have in
Malaysia. Instead of the usual EOS 5D or EOS 7D, which seems to be the industry
standard locally, videographers now have a more affordable Canon body -
allowing the money to flow more towards investing in good lenses.
6. Performance Lenses
The EOS 650D is capable of shooting 1920 x
1080 Full HD videos, with 5184 x 3456 pixel images. Couple this with the newly
launched STM lenses, namely the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM and the kit EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6
IS STM, with the former being a much anticipated pancake lens by Canon. These
STM lenses is said to provide quieter auto-focusing during recording, in
addition to using focus-by-wire manual focus. I didn’t really pay much
attention to these lenses because I was blindsided by the launch of the EOS
650D. I told you, I was very excited about the camera itself. My partner,
however, casually mentioned that the release of these lenses could mean more
efficient and smoother video recording for DSLRs. I took his word for it, since
he is involved in the video industry. If this camera piqued his interest, Canon
must be doing something right.
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Details
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Price: $852 (body only), $983.40 (kit with
EF18-55 IS II) and $1,278.6 (kit with EF S18- 135 IS STM lens)
·
Sensor: 18MP APS-C ‘Hybrid CMOS’
·
AF System: Phase detection AF from imaging
sensor for Live View and Video Continuous autofocus in movie mode with
subject tracking, 9-point AF system, all sensors cross type, central sensor
F2.8, 5 fps continuous shooting
·
Processor: 14-bit DIGIC 5 processor
·
ISO Rating ISO: 100-12800 standard, 25600
expanded
·
Hardpoints: 63 zone iFCL metering
·
Video: 1080p30 video recording with built-in
stereo mics
·
LCD: 1.04m dot 3:2 touch-sensitive vari-angle
Clear View II LCD (capacitive type, multi-touch support)
V: 9/10
F: 9/10
P: 8/10
D: 8/10
U: 9/10
Verdict: A wholesome package for beginners and intermediate
photographers.
8.6/10 Score
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