Canon EOS 650D Digital SLR User Review Updated

Prashant Meswani (pmeswani) gives us his opinion on the new Canon EOS 650D Digital SLR: Updated: 02/08/12 with low-light examples.



I have had the EOS 650D for a few weeks now and prior to purchasing the Canon EOS 650D, I had been using the Canon EOS 600D. The main reason for the upgrade was down to the following reasons:

• The Digic 5 processor
• The ability to create HDR images in camera
• Faster FPS rate: 5fps vs 3.7fps (the 1.3fps increase does make all the difference, but there again, I'm easily pleased)
• More sensitive ISO level (25k)
• A built-in Speedlite transmitter
• Improved movie recording

The ability to use the same batteries as the 600D (bought a couple of spare batteries with a dual charger prior to the upgrade) also helped in the decision to upgrade, but wasn't part of the main reason.

I won't deny that I am a geek and I do like new features. However, some of the features were things I have been looking for for nearly a year, but was either not available, or was in a camera that I couldn't afford.

I bought the camera with the kit lens, but decided to sell it as I had a 17-85mm USM EF-S lens which gave me the extra distance and speed I needed.


Canon EOS 650D Menus

I haven't had the opportunity to use some of the features (such as the Speedlite transmitter, Movie Recording and the Night time shooting mode), but hope to do so in the future, and will be happy to provide a further review in due course. I have used the HDR function, and despite the subject not being completely still, the processing was still good.


Canon EOS 650D Lens correction

Some of the features I like, which I didn't go looking for, included the cross-type AF, GPS tagging via a GPS adaptor (which I will buy in due course) and the ability to enable lens aberration correction in-camera.

One feature I haven't warmed to is the Touch Control, and have disabled it, simply because I am concerned that my face may accidently change something on the screen while looking through the viewfinder.

I'm in 2 minds about buying a STM lens (which is designed for the 5D Mk III and the 650D) as one of the Youtube videos, in my opinion, didn't reflect the 40mm STM Pancake lens in great light, so I don't know if I will be investing in these type of lenses until someone convinces me that they are a great addition to my kit.


1/200 sec | f/2.2 | 50.0 mm | ISO 200

The in-built HDR is impressive, but I have only used it a few times, including on today's shoot. Apart from the obvious issue of movement of the model, it does a good job. While I accept that HDR will always store the image in JPEG format, I would have liked the option to save the 3 RAW files as well, so that if the HDR images didn't work out, I would still have a usable image, but I can't have it all.


1/2500 sec | f/2.8 | 105.0 mm | ISO 400

One nice feature is that taking a shot with the 650D is noticably quieter than the 600D. It can be uneasy to accept at times, especially when you are used to the clunky noise of the 600D.


1/125 sec | f/5.6 | 80.0 mm | ISO 3200

One (big) annoyance, is that the image review doesn't always work after taking a shot. I have to turn the camera off and back on again to get it working again. I don't know if this is specific to the camera I own, or a bug in the software that affects all models. I wasn't paying attention to how I produced the fault, but it may be down to when changing modes from a set program (e.g. AV or TV) to Manual or vice versa. I can't remember the circumstance in which I was able to replicate it, but if I do, I'll be happy to let you know. However, compared to what I have achieved with this camera, it's a small inconvenience for me, but maybe a big bugbear for someone else.


1/50 sec | f/5.6 | 85.0 mm | ISO 12800

I have set (today) the AF method to Flexizone - Multi. This was set to Flexizone - Single, so it will be interesting to see the results.

The Custom Functions I have set are as follows:

• Exposure level increments: 1/3 stop
• Exposure ISO Expansion: enabled.
• Highlight tone priority: Disabled
• AF-Assist Beam Firing: IR AF Assist Beam only (I may change this in due course)
• Autofocus/Drive Mirror Lockup: Disabled.
• Shutter / AE Lock button: Default.
• Assign Set Button: Default.
• LCD Display when power on: Default.

Canon EOS 650D (Rebel T4i) Other sample images

The image quality is good at both macro level, close-up and mid-distance (17mm to 105mm). I hope to test the camera at a distant level in the near future, but I am confident that the quality of the images will be good.

This camera is ideal as an upgrade and for those who are looking for a high-end consumer level camera, and for those looking to get their foot into professional photography. Otherwise, the Canon EOS 550D and 600D are still reputable cameras.

By Prashant Meswani (pmeswani).

Canon EOS 650D (Rebel T4i) Specifications

View Full Product Details