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    Review: Canon EOS 700D

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    The Canon EOS 700D is the top of the entry-level DSLR lineup. As 650D owner, I was keen to get hands-on with this camera and test the differences between the two. There’s no doubt the 18.0 MP CMOS sensor, paired with the DiG!C 5 processor produces stunning images. The biggest question is how easy it is to configure the camera across a variety of environments.

    Interface

    One of the most substantial changes you’ll notice on the 700D isn’t the hardware (very little has changed there), but on the software side. The interface on the rear LCD panel draws from what we first seen on the EOS M. Navigating and configuring camera settings is a breeze when using the touchscreen, particularly the new scenes modes.

    700D-2

    STM Lens

    One of the big complaints I have about the 650D and earlier models, is the audio when recording video. Unless you use an external microphone like the Rode video mic, the sound of the lens focusing was virtually unusable. Thanks to the new technology in the STM lenses, they are now a must have on a Canon camera if you want to shoot video.

    Of course your lens still has a manual focus if you need, but the way the autofocus works with STM is seriously different compared to the old versions. At first I wasn’t sure the autofocus was working as I didn’t hear any of the typical grinding of the lens moving in and out as it seeks focus. Instead it’s like the STM lens does everything digitally.

    Tech Specs

    Imaging Sensor/Effective Pixels
    CMOS / 18.0 MP

    Storage support
    SD/SDHC/SDXC/UHS-I

    Photo
    Approx. 17.90 megapixels (5184 x 3456)

    Video
    1920 x 1080 (FULL HD)
    30/25/24 fps, 22min @ 330MB/min

    Shutter Speed
    1/4000 sec – 30, bulb, X-sync 1/200 sec.

    ISO Speed Range
    ISO 100-12800 (expandable to ISO 25600)

    AF Points
    9 AF points

    Shooting Speed
    5 fps

    LCD Display
    3” Vari Angle TFT Colour Liquid Crystal (Approx. 1,040,000 dots)

    Live View
    Yes (Live View Shooting, Movie Servo AF, Remote Live View Shooting, Face Detection, AF Mode, Manual, Magnified View, Multi Aspect Ratio, Exposure Simulation display)

    External Interface
    Hi-Speed USB/ HDMI / Stereo Audio OUT/ External Microphone IN / Remote Control Terminal (RS-60E3)

    Dimensions (W x H x D) mm
    133.1 x 99.8 x 78.8 mm

    Weight excl. battery (g)
    525

    Gallery


    Below are some sample photos from a mixture of environments. One of particular importance is the photo of the glass in the dark. One of the key improvements in the 700D is it’s low-light performance. Given indoors / night time makes up a decent part of the time and environments we’re taking photos in, it is an important element to a great camera. I think you’ll agree, the 700D does a great job.

     700D-12700D-11700D-10700D-9700D-8700D-7700D-6700D-5

    Price and Availability

    The Canon EOS 700D is available now. You can pickup the camera and the 18-55mm STM lens as a kit for between $950 online, and as high as $1,150 in retail stores.

    Overall


    The upgrades to the 700D are mostly software and lens related. Other than the slight tweak to the dial, the external body is almost identical. The changes are very welcome, but if you have a 650D it’s a very hard case to warrant an upgrade.

    I would say if you have a 550D or earlier and looking for an upgrade, the EOS700D is a great option.

    techau
    techauhttp://techAU.com.au
    This post is authored by techAU staffers. Used rarely and sparingly when the source decided to keep their identity secret, or a guest author who isn't seeking credit.

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