There was a mixed response from fans when the Rebel T4i was launched. Some were excited by the features that made movie making easier, others were disappointed that Canon had chosen to focus on these areas in what was supposed to be a top entry-level offering. They hoped for a camera that might offer more for the stills photographer. But the T4i does deliver on both fronts. It offers some great new features, like the touch screen interface, and the hybrid Auto-Focus system, which are both inherited from the CSC ranges of cameras which have revolutionized how we view general photography. Are these included in order to make the T4i more attractive to enthusiasts who have outgrown their compacts? If so, does it matter?

Other great features for the stills photographer are the increased burst speed to 5FPS, a couple of useful modes (hand-held night shooting and HDR) and the DIGIC 5 processor. The DIGIC 5 claims to be up to six times faster than the DIGIC 4, analyzing 4x more image information per pixel and reducing noise significantly. For videographers, there are the auto-focus while videoing and the stereo Mic. Here is a comparison of the T4i with Canon's other entry-level DSLRs.

The Canon Rebel T3i
The Rebel T3i is a great combination of features and capability at a very reasonable price. Users looking to update or upgrade their current DSLRs will find that this camera is crammed with the kind of technology that Canon has excelled at over the years. Whilst it doesn't have a touch-screen, the resolution is excellent and the screen is articulated, which is very useful for high or low shooting. Still using the DIGIC 4 processor, it performs extremely well, with quick processing, improved handling of RAW images and life face detection. It also allows full HD video recording. It offers the same size files (18MP) with good saturation and strong definition, even on low light. However, normal ISO only extends to 6,400 as opposed the T4i's 12,800. Apart from the T4i's stereo Mic and Af during shooting, the T3i offers the same stats for Video, shooting full HD and having the same frame rates. It also has built-in wireless flash control. The Rebel T3i is a feature-rich, reasonably priced camera that is fun to use and takes great pictures. If not particularly innovative, it is at least well planned and thought out.

The Canon Rebel T2i
Canon pulled out all the stops when it introduced the Rebel T2i and it was easily the most highly Spec'd Rebel at the time. It is to its credit that, nearly three years after launch, it is still regarded as a credible buy. It gives excellent performance, and can be relied upon in most situations to produce good quality images, though is does suffer a little at the higher ISO settings. Fitted with the DIGIC 4 processor with an 18MP file size, image quality can be excellent, especially when shot RAW. Sadly though, it has no RAW conversion function in-camera. Whilst the technology inside the T2i is superb, it can't help but feel less substantial than it's more expensive siblings. The general feel is plasticky, and the buttons on the back are a little too close together and easily pressed accidentally. Burst rate is a very respectable 3.7FPS and most other Specs are pretty close to the T4i. In fact, if you had no interest in videography, didn't feel the need to explore low light or high-end ISO picture-taking and weren't going to use it every day, the Rebel T2i might be the camera for you. But with the prices of the T2i, T3i and T4i so close, wouldn't you want as much as your money could buy?

The canon Rebel T3
It is perhaps unfair to compare the T3 to the T4i, but they are both entry-level cameras and the t3 certainly has a place in the category. The Rebel T3 is Canon's budget model. A beginner should be perfectly happy with it as it gets all the important stuff right - metering is very good and focusing is quick and accurate. The T3 has picked up much of its technology from previous, higher Spec cameras, so there are no surprises. It manages to take good pictures with minimal fuss and is very beginner friendly. It has step-by-step instructions for novices and pre-set scene modes and the Basic+ option. If you were a beginner on a limited budget this would be an ideal camera for you. Whilst it has the same DIGIC 4 processor as the T3i and the T2i and the same normal ISO range, it shoots a smaller 12MP file and has a slightly reduced burst speed of 3FPS. The screen quality is also lower. Video is not full HD, but 720 - which is fine for the internet. It can be fitted with an eye-fi card that allows you to transfer pictures straight to your PC. The Rebel T3 is by far the cheapest Canon DSLR, but it stands up well to its competitors and is a great choice if you are looking for a camera that will help you to grow as a photographer.

Jeremy Bayston has worked in the photography industry for two decades. He has a particular interest in digital photography and Canon cameras. Learn more about the Canon Rebel T4i from his website, http://www.rebel-t4i.com/. It is regularly updated with news and reviews of the T4i and Canon's latest accessories.

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