MELVILLE, N.Y. — Canon introduced a pair of DSLRs and a new advanced PowerShot point-and-shoot with integrated Wi-Fi connectivity to its 2013 spring camera line.
The camera models include the new flagship of the consumer EOS Rebel DSLR line, model T5i; the Canon SL1, a compact entry-level DSLR; and the Canon PowerShot SX280 HS.
The EOS Rebel DSLR flagship T5i features an 18-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 5 image processor.
Features include a 100 to 12,800 IS range (expandable to 25,600 in H mode), for enhance lowlight capability. It shoots up to 5 fps in continuous shooting mode, united with all nine cross-type AF focus points.
In Live mode, the camera’s Hybrid CMOS AF system enables speedy and accurate autofocus for photos and video.
The camera is also compatible with a new Stepping Motor (STM) lens technology, which allows new STM lenses to smoothly and silently focus on the subject in motion of standing still.
Along with the T5i and SL1, Canon announced an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens ($250), which will be available in the T5i standard kit lens bundle.
The camera will be available in April for a $750 estimated retail (body only); $900 bundled with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens kit; and $1,1000 with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens kit.
The T5i includes a high-resolution Vari-angle touchscreen 3-inch Clear View LCD monitor II and intuitive touch controls.
The camera’s Creative Filters selection will be viewable on the camera’s LCD screen in Live View.
Effects include ArtBold, Water Painting, Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera, Fish-Eye and Miniature.
Shooting modes include Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control or Multi-Shot Noise Reduction.
The camera records FullHD 1080 video with stereo sound in a number of recording sizes and frame rates, and works with the camera’s Hybrid CMOS AF System and Movie Servo AF to provide continuous AF for focus tracking of moving subjects.
The EOS Rebel SL1 is billed as one of the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR cameras.
It ships in April at a $650 suggested retail (body only), or $800 for a kit bundling the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. The SL1 features a newly developed 18-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and high-performance DIGIC 5 image processor for improved image quality and speed. Canon is positioning the DSLR as a hybrid between its M compact system camera and full-sized Rebel DSLRs.
Canon said it is well suited for sightseeing on vacation or everyday photo opps.
“The EOS Rebel SL1 digital-SLR camera represents a new era in DSLR versatility: ultra-portable, full-featured DSLR cameras,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, Canon imaging technologies and communications group executive VP. “The EOS Rebel SL1 combines the high speed, high image quality and expanded shooting range of a DSLR camera, with the easy and fun usability of a point-and-shoot camera.”
The SL1 measures 4.6 inches wide by 3.57 inches high by 2.74 inches deep. It weighs 14.36 ounces.
In comparison, the EOS Rebel SL1 is approximately 25 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than the EOS Rebel T4i digital camera.
It has an ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable to H: 25,600) for photos and ISO 6,400 (expandable to H: 12,800) for video and includes Canon’s DIGIC 5 image-processor technology.
The camera includes a new ninepoint center cross-type autofocus (AF) system and a new Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor, which provides a wider focus area when shooting photos or video in Live View mode. The continuous AF speed was increased from previous EOS models, Canon said.
FullHD 1080p video is captured using Canon’s Movie Servo AF, which provides continuous AF tracking of moving subjects. This is compatible with Canon’s new STM lenses.
The SL1 includes a 3-inch LCD Touch Screen monitor II, offering an intuitive touchpanel operation.
Two-finger touch gestures (multitouch) can be can used for zooming or changing images, accessing menu and quick control settings, and activating focus point and shutter release while shooting.
The PowerShot SX280 HS digital camera (shipping in April at a $330 suggested retail) offers a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 20x optical zoom and includes built-in Wi-Fi technology. The compact camera is said to be the first Canon camera to feature the DIGIC 6 image processor, offering the company’s best detail and fastest continuous shooting performance to date.
Users can connect to both iOS or Android smartphones and tablets using a free Canon CameraWindow app. The SX280HS has the ability to connect directly to social networking sites and to Canon’s Image Gateway, in addition to computers, select PowerShot wireless cameras and wireless PictBridge compatible printers.
The camera has an ISO sensitivity range to 6,400, with minimal noise and maximum detail, and new AF system with improved AF times and reduced lag; High-Speed Burst HQ speed of up to 14 fps; and FullHD 1080p video capture at frame rates of 60 fps or 30 fps.
