Canon T4i Hands on Review

U

unadog

Well-known member
Hello folks,

I finally got my Canon T4i this afternoon. I put up a quick Word Press blog with some first thoughts about the camera:

http://blog.mtkalin.com/


I am going to head out now to take some pictures and test out the features, including the ISO and some dynamic range tests.

Feel free to ask questions here or at the blog. Samples soon.

Thanks!

Michael
 
I saw that before I went out yesterday. Very disappointing.

If I had to **guess** - and it is only a guess - I'd say it is basically the same sensor, with better Digic 5 processing?

Even if the ISO's are better, that could come down to better in camera processing, or improved algorithms. That is still TBD by teh way - I can't say one way or another.

I am still figuring out the best strategy for autofocus in Movie mode. It seems best to turn off the always changing "Movie Servo Focus" for most subjests. Then use a process that is like a "lock, recompose, and shoot" strategy for stills - first lock focus on a subjset, and when you want to move focus, you can touch the screen exactly where you want the focus to move to.

The focus shift moves a bit fast, but hopefully that will work well with the STM lenses with a nice, smooth float into focus.

The Phase Detection focus in still mode that the T4i inherited from the Canon 60D is great! Fast, accurate, just nails the focus in most cases with no hunting for stills.

The combination Phase Detection and Contrast Detection focus in Live View and Movie modes is much, much improved over the T3i. With a non-STM lens, you can hear it step and pause, step and pause through the range as it looks for a focus lock. It locks quite well, and shows the sensor point taht is locked in large, green squares on the screen.

One BIG disappointment - all of the "Creative" modes - P, Av, Tv - use autoexposure that includes shutter, aperature, AND auto ISO!! I haven't found a way to turn off auto ISO yet! Sucks for auto exposure mode.

Manual exposure works fine, and you can set the ISO there with no problems.

I am pretty disappointed, because the "Movie" switch is now on the power on switch. I was hoping that would allow us to have "P" mode as fully programmed exposure, and "Tv" as Shutter Priority, where you set the shutter speed and the camera sets the aperature, and "Av" as aperature priority (possibly with a stepped override.)

No such luck as far as I can tell. This is a job for - Magic Lantern! :)

More later.

Michael
 
unadog said:
I...
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Unfortunately most on this forum don't (and shouldn't) care about the things you are talking about here - for cinematography, autofocus and automatic exposure of any kind should never be used. Things may be different for some who shoot ENG or event videography (I don't do any of that myself, but I'd still use full manual) but DSLRs are not the best cameras for those kinds of shooting anyway.

One thing I do care about with regards to the T4i that you haven't addressed at all is the 3x-10x zoom mode from the T3i - is it present on the T4i or has it been eliminated?
 
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I talked to a shop who called the Canon rep and there is no 3x-10x zoom function anymore it appears. It doesn't document it anywhere if it is.

Cheers,
Pete
 
nothing said:
Things may be different for some who shoot ENG or event videography (I don't do any of that myself, but I'd still use full manual) but DSLRs are not the best cameras for those kinds of shooting anyway.

One thing I do care about with regards to the T4i that you haven't addressed at all is the 3x-10x zoom mode from the T3i - is it present on the T4i or has it been eliminated?
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Well, I do both. And sometimes things change in unexpected ways while you are shooting.

I'm working on a fictionalized documentary for example, based on a friends experince cutting, trying to commit suicide., being institutionalized at 12. It is a film that looks like a documentary. It uses a lot of run & gun type features, and the auto focus, face tracking, and auto exposure will be very useful.

I'd rather go from 1/60 to 1/120 on a big sensor than on a 1/3" for look. I just wish I could lock the shutter at 1/60 and have the aperature vary, but not the ISO. Or lock teh aperature when needed, and vary shutter or ISO. That will be a very usefull firmware enhancement, either by Canon or through ML.

I have used the T3i on pure documentaries - a homeless encampment, etc. And for music gigs for my son's group, with 15+ memebers on stage, dance, etc.

It has a look that is useful in many areas. If you can extend that look to an additional percentage of images, that is all good. It gives us more choices. No matter what categories we put things in, or how we work, there is always bleed over from one arena to the other.

On the digital zoom - no, the function is no longer there.

Michael
 
c3hammer said:
I talked to a shop who called the Canon rep and there is no 3x-10x zoom function anymore it appears. It doesn't document it anywhere if it is.

Cheers,
Pete
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That is a shame. That was the only compelling reason to upgrade to the T3i from the T2i. If there are no improvements to IQ either (aliasing, moire, resolution) then there is no good reason to upgrade to the T4i, IMHO - in fact, without Magic Lantern, there is a big reason to NOT upgrade.
 
Indeed, it seems it's not there. The only reason I can think of is that the in-sensor-plane phase-detect creates image issues on a 1:1 crop, but if so then you'd have those issues in stills too.
 
nothing said:
That is a shame. That was the only compelling reason to upgrade to the T3i from the T2i...
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The T3i's 3x zoom was the only reason I got into the dslr game so heavily. I looks like I might have to pick up a GH2 for it's 2.7x ETC crop zoom to make sure I'm future proofed. I think I'll give it a try before I buy another T3i for a back up.

I use it for wildlife work and with a 600mm lens there has never been anything like it. Previous to these two camera's the only way to get this kind of reach was to use a point and shoot attached to a spotting scope. As you can imagine the results while providing excellent content, was less than desirable image wise.

Another option is the new D4, but it's a $6000 camera. It only has a 2.4x crop from full frame and only provides a 1440mm equivalent focal length. The T3i with 3x and the 600mm is 2880 equivalent. The GH2 with a 600mm has the most reach with a 3050 equivalent.

I was really looking forward to Canon improving this feature along with video quality in general on the T4i. Looks like they dropped the ball all the way around :(

Cheers,
Pete
 
Can you please give us some impressions of low(er) light performance? This is what I was mostly looking for to improve due to a new(?) sensor and a new chip. I´m not expecting miracles but one more usable stop extra, would be nice. Thanks!
 
I will Mr Spartacus after I get some sleep! I have been up all night, it is 7 am and it looks like a rough day if I don't sleep some! :)

I shot a set of ISO tests on Saturday night. I used flash inside. Unfortunately, I had to put on 5 stops of neutral density at 800 ISO to bring the levels down (I closed my studio, 3200 Ws pack in the laundry room.)

That degraded the images a bit, so I didn't want to put up the whole series. I will go back and shoot the same tests with the T3i today to compare.

Based on other tests and the look of the images, I think the sensor is not much changed. But, I think two things have changed that improve image quality. I think the image processing with Digic 5 is much more sophisticated and much cleaner. And I think the way Canon is offloading the sensor and down sampling **may** also be more sophisticated with the additional compute power.

So if I can see straight after sleeping I'll have a look. I also need to post some firmware requests/complaints for Canon &/or Magic Lantern. (I've been meaning to email ML to ask how they think the T4i might handle the existing code.)

Cheers!
Michael
 
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Samuel H said:
Indeed, it seems it's not there. The only reason I can think of is that the in-sensor-plane phase-detect creates image issues on a 1:1 crop, but if so then you'd have those issues in stills too.
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I was thinking about this today while shooting.

The 3x and 10x magnifications are still there in Live View mode, and they look stunning, as usual. Incredibly good considering you are only looking at a small section of the frame at 10x.

But the magnification goes away as soon as you start to record The only thing that makes sense to me is that Canon has changed the way that they are offloading and downsampling the chip. With the extra processing power, if they have the capability to read and average every row, that might explain why they can't just "grab" the rows and columns from the magnified areas and maintain the same quality?

Although they do still allow the selection of different ratios in Live View mode, for both stills and video. Which really amounts to the same thing.

It would be nice of Canon to clarify some of these technical details when they release a camera so that we didn't have to reverse engineer everything to figure out how to adapt the tools!

Michael
 
Quick questions:

1) When recording, does the HDMI-out maintain 1080i or at least 720p?

2) When recording, can you refocus by touching the screen?

3) What is the "updated firmware" that you speak of that will allow for auto-restart when the 4GB limit is reached? Where did you hear about this?

4) And to confirm, when using the servo auto-focus, the exposure must be set to auto?
 
nothing said:
Unfortunately most on this forum don't (and shouldn't) care about the things you are talking about here - for cinematography, autofocus and automatic exposure of any kind should never be used. Things may be different for some who shoot ENG or event videography (I don't do any of that myself, but I'd still use full manual) but DSLRs are not the best cameras for those kinds of shooting anyway.
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nothing, sharing your personal opinion is allowed and even encouraged around here. But please try to refrain from speaking on behalf of the forum, especially if your comments are laced with a disrespectful tone.

Truth be told, there are plenty of times these features are advantageous to have on a DSLR in the world of video. For example, steadicam, jib/crane shots, etc, often benefit from the size of a DSLR as well as a good autofocus.
And I've seen far too many documentary / live event shoots using DSLR bodies because they can fit into tight places, such as the middle of a crowd.

And that's not even mentioning the myriad users who chose a DSLR because they also dabble in photography versus a strictly video-only camera. I think more than the OP would be interested in hearing what merits the camera DOES have, even if not pertaining to video use.

Granted, these features may not appeal to you, and you are welcome to voice your opinion and feelings on the matter, just as the OP did. But please don't say things like "most on this forum don't (and shouldn't) care". Its not appropriate, and quite frankly not even true.
 
Disagree. Yours is only an opinion, as well. Everybody who reads the forum can make up their own mind, really. I will continue to share my knowledge and experience, and anybody who wonders where my opinions were formed can look at my signature link to find out.

I am blunt. My work makes me get to the point and not waste time with niceties. Some can't handle it and I apologize to those (but respectfully advise that they learn to deal with it if they want a career in this industry).
 
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M. Gilden said:
nothing, sharing your personal opinion is allowed and even encouraged around here. But please try to refrain from speaking on behalf of the forum, especially if your comments are laced with a disrespectful tone.

Truth be told, there are plenty of times these features are advantageous to have on a DSLR in the world of video. For example, steadicam, jib/crane shots, etc, often benefit from the size of a DSLR as well as a good autofocus.
And I've seen far too many documentary / live event shoots using DSLR bodies because they can fit into tight places, such as the middle of a crowd.

And that's not even mentioning the myriad users who chose a DSLR because they also dabble in photography versus a strictly video-only camera. I think more than the OP would be interested in hearing what merits the camera DOES have, even if not pertaining to video use.

Granted, these features may not appeal to you, and you are welcome to voice your opinion and feelings on the matter, just as the OP did. But please don't say things like "most on this forum don't (and shouldn't) care". Its not appropriate, and quite frankly not even true.
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I took a look at his post and all he is doing is expressing WHY he is only interested in the digital zoom feature of the T4i. It really gave perspective as to WHY he is interested only in this feature. Had he only asked about the digital zoom feature, the post would have been unrepresentative of his thoughts and feelings towards the camera.

As an aspiring film maker and artist, we always strive to gain full understanding of whom we are talking to/about.

I understand that dvxuser is a business that has to play nice to it's sponsors (I'm guessing that is a big motivator for having forum policies like that) but it is important to understand that as a community of artists, it is in our best interest to not limit individual expression of opinion. To limit us is to dehumanize.

WHO we ARE as PERSONS is HOW WE EXPRESS ourselves.
 
nothing said:
Disagree. Yours is only an opinion, as well. Everybody who reads the forum can make up their own mind, really. I will continue to share my knowledge and experience, and anybody who wonders where my opinions were formed can look at my signature link to find out.

I am blunt. My work makes me get to the point and not waste time with niceties. Some can't handle it and I apologize to those (but respectfully advise that they learn to deal with it if they want a career in this industry).
Click to expand...

I'd rather you be YOU than someone that you are NOT via censorship.
 
ectobuilder said:
Quick questions:
Click to expand...
ectobuilder said:
1) When recording, does the HDMI-out maintain 1080i or at least 720p
2) When recording, can you refocus by touching the screen
3) What is the "updated firmware" that you speak of that will allow for auto-restart when the 4GB limit is reached? Where did you hear about this?
4) And to confirm, when using the servo auto-focus, the exposure must be set to auto?
Click to expand...

Ok

1) The HDMI out does not appear to change. It stays at 1080i with no change in size or look on the LCD. It is a really big, beautiful image on a 35" Sony LCD TV! I could see using that in the studio

One negative is that you lose the HDMI on the rear screen, and also lose the touch sensitivity on the screen as well. That is also an issue in the field that I will post more about later.

For example, I need too use my Hoodman, as usual, to see the rear LCD screen at all. But I had to constantly move it to use the touch sensitive screen for autofocus (a feature which I really, really like!)
The other controls are just as easy to use with the buttons, although when I don't have the Hoodman on I do tend to use the touch screen - when I can see it. I need to get a Hoodcrane for the Hoodman – I have been using a Redrock Adapter for it
I also have an EVF on the way, and I have a 7: Marshall monitor for bigger rigs. It would be great if you could keep the rear LCD on when using HDMI out


2) Yes, touch sensitive focusing is active when recording. I used it a few times to pull focus. It moves a little fast with my 25-70 L and 50 mm 1.8 I am going to try to slow it down and see what it looks like in Premiere Pro. I understand - and really, really hope - it is a little slower on the STM lenses


3) The auto restart is documented in the Canon manual and is a standard feature. I just meant updated from the Canon T3i.

4) The auto focus and auto exposure are completely separate functions. So no - you can use auto focus in manual exposure mode

I was frustrated with the auto exposure mode itself, in that there is no way to control WHAT values are changed in ANY of the auto exposure modes, as far as I have found yet.

For example, the camera will vary shutter speed, aperture, AND ISO. Even in a bright daylight shoot, at 1/100 at f/16, it seems to PREFER to vary the ISO rather than the shutter or aperture. I saw the ISO bounce from 100, to 200, 400, and 800 in a matter of a few seconds when panning across a backlit scene.

It is possible to lock the ISO by holding the <*> key after taking exposure while recording. I have to experiment to be sure, but I think it only stays in
effect while you are holding the key.

More later.

Cheers!
Michael
 
When using an external monitor via HDMI, when you hit record, does the external screen still flash/delay? Or does it transition to/from "record function" seamlessly now?

Also is there a way to dial-in white balance manually by selecting kelvin in 100K increments?
 
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