Canon T5i vs Canon 70D

[Donald Duck888]

Title pretty much states the basis of my dilemma. I currently shoot a T2i and really like a lot of things about it. I would however like the additional focus points (especially on the 70D) as well as the expanded ISO, Swing out touch capable lcd screen.

I have seen posts on photography forums and people seem to be of the opinion that the 70D is the way to go as it offers so much more of an upgrade vs the T5i. In fact a lot say the T5i is not even enough of a difference to bother stepping up from the T2i.

So I guess I have 2 questions would going from T2i to T5i offer many benefits? and would going all the way to the 70 justify the difference in cost (t5i around $600 and 70D around $1100)?

Thanks for input

 

[photo_chick]

It really comes down to why you are updating. To me? No, its not enough difference for either one for those specific reasons. But to someone else it might be. Now the ability to utilize STM lenses with video and a few other things have put the 70D on my Christmas list even though I already own a 6D. But then I'm spoiled and love my toys. My point though it it comes down to how important those things are to you.

It's not going to be a huge ISO gain over what you have. Keep in mind that your T2i uses a nearly identical sensor to the 7D. It's no slouch in the ISO department despite it's age. Yes, the 70D is improved, but its not a quantum leap like the 6D is.

I'd also seriously look at what you hope to gain with the extra focus points. If you have AF issues are you sure they're because of your AF system and not the lens you're using? Are you sure they're not user error? The AF system is only one component. I'm not saying it's not a valid reason to upgrade, just make sure that it's going to yield the results you're looking for.

 

[Luvscrappin]

I am also very interested in hearing what others have to say about this as I find myself considering the same thing.

 

[SkaGoat]

I personally think the 70D is worth the increase in price, It's got a more ergonomic body, faster max shutter, faster burst rate, bigger image buffer, better AF, WiFi.

And that's before you add in the better sensor, and better image processor which gives you more dynamic range, less noise, and more megapixels.

At it's heart, the T5i has a 5 year old image sensor. The 70Ds is brand new.

 

[nbaresejr]

Really depends on your needs. I have a t2i also and want to upgrade. I am considering the 6d but I would need to sell my Sigma 10-20 and 17-50 2.8.

The 70d while having a newer sensor then the t5i it does not add enough for me in the IQ department to spend $1100. I am looking for improvement in RAW files not in camera JPEG.

Things I would look for when upgrading are being able to set a minimum shutter speed when in AV. Lets just say i want 1/150 as a min the camera would automatically raise my ISO to get my shutter speed to that number given my set aperture. I have ruined many shots because i dont have this feature. I believe the t5i and the 70d both have this.

I am going to see if the 7d mkii has a new sensor and maybe 1 stop better ISO performance. Crop will never match Full Frame ISO but I am hoping for some gains in this department

 

[SkaGoat]

The 70d while having a newer sensor then the t5i it does not add enough for me in the IQ department to spend $1100. I am looking for improvement in RAW files not in camera JPEG.

sure, just a a little increase in IQ isn't worth almost double the cost, but the better IQ, with all the other improvements is worth the extra cost.

 

[Skywise]

Unless you're into videoing there really isn't going to be much difference between the T2i and T5i. The T5i has some better processing of the sensor results (when converting to JPEG in camera) but the sensor is the same as the T2i's with some minor enhancements so if you do all your shooting in RAW you're not going to see much difference and you're basically paying $600 for a flip out screen.

The 70D OTOH is going to give you the better focusing system and better responsiveness/sensitivity from the sensor.

It was at this point that I bit the bullet and went with a 6D instead.

 

[photo_chick]

The T4i and T5i actually have a different sensor than the T2i/T3i/60D/7D do. It's the newer "hybrid CMOS" and it does in fact have an ISO stop on the older 18MP sensor. Whether or not this stop is worth it is pretty subjective though.

 

[SkaGoat]

The T4i and T5i actually have a different sensor than the T2i/T3i/60D/7D do. It's the newer "hybrid CMOS" and it does in fact have an ISO stop on the older 18MP sensor. Whether or not this stop is worth it is pretty subjective though.

The additional ISO stop has nothing to do with the sensor, it's the upgrade from Digic 4 to Digic 5 that gave you the extra ISO.

The hybrid sensor is the same sensor, with some phase detect AF pixels added.

 

[photo_chick]

The additional ISO stop has nothing to do with the sensor, it's the upgrade from Digic 4 to Digic 5 that gave you the extra ISO.

The hybrid sensor is the same sensor, with some phase detect AF pixels added.

Explain please in more detail how the processor gives you an extra ISO stop when shooting RAW. Because what I've read on it says otherwise, but I'm more than willing to concede that what I've read could have been wrong if you can give me an accurate explanation otherwise. There is so much misinformation on the internet that it's hard to tell sometimes what's accurate.

 

[SkaGoat]

Explain please in more detail how the processor gives you an extra ISO stop when shooting RAW. Because what I've read on it says otherwise, but I'm more than willing to concede that what I've read could have been wrong if you can give me an accurate explanation otherwise. There is so much misinformation on the internet that it's hard to tell sometimes what's accurate.

Even though it's RAW, it is still digital data that was converted from an analogue source.

The sensor in your camera is an analogue device, when light hits the pickups on the sensor, it creates an analogue signal which is converted into digital information so it can be stored on your memory card. Pre-Digic 5 Canon's had this Analogue to Digital converter built into the imager, and it sent digital data on to the Digic processor to either be converted to JPG, or to be stored as RAW data on the memory card.

For Digic 5, these Analogue to Digital converters were moved into the processor to increase speed. The improved converters have allowed them to open up another stop of sensitivity (which no photographer would actually use).

Not that the OP really cares, the old 18MP sensor was never terrible for noise (when compared to other APS-C sensors), but does lack for Dynamic Range when compared to sensors built by Sony.

 

[photo_chick]

I already understand how the red, green and blue photo sites collect the light and send it to be recorded in a digital format. My understanding was that ISO settings happen because of a change in signal gain on the sensor. Not because of how the camera processes the data. Though I can see how a refinement in processing can yield a cleaner image and expand ISO range because we all know that RAW isn't really straight from the sensor but rather minimally processed from the sensor. i still question whether it could give you a whole stop though.

It's interesting because since I first asked the question I've been reading some and I've found like 5 explanations that contradict themselves at least a little bit. All from "reputable" sources. Makes it hard to find accurate information. Then again in the end an extra stop is an extra stop so does it matter how it happens?

 

[Donald Duck888]

Thanks to all for the replies. I feel I have learned a bit more about the workings of a digital camera and for that I also say thanks.

It seems the more I learn about photography the more I find out there that I want to find out more about with it.

As to my decision process I am really starting to lean toward the 70D it just seems that there is a lot to gain for the price difference between that and a T5i. Plus I have been told that if I trade in my T2i I can get $200 off the70D. Considering when I just for the heck of it went online and checked on what best buy would give in trade for the T2i ($65) I think $200 is a pretty good deal (on trade in). Plus the price is the same with local place and I would rather buy from the local shop as well.

One side question though. I saw some places advertising "imported" versions of the 70D for about $200 less than the best prices on the "USA" models. My gut says to go for the "USA" model even if it is a bit more in price but if anyone thinks otherwise please let me know.

Thanks again for the info.

 

[havoc315]

Thanks to all for the replies. I feel I have learned a bit more about the workings of a digital camera and for that I also say thanks.

It seems the more I learn about photography the more I find out there that I want to find out more about with it.

As to my decision process I am really starting to lean toward the 70D it just seems that there is a lot to gain for the price difference between that and a T5i. Plus I have been told that if I trade in my T2i I can get $200 off the70D. Considering when I just for the heck of it went online and checked on what best buy would give in trade for the T2i ($65) I think $200 is a pretty good deal (on trade in). Plus the price is the same with local place and I would rather buy from the local shop as well.

One side question though. I saw some places advertising "imported" versions of the 70D for about $200 less than the best prices on the "USA" models. My gut says to go for the "USA" model even if it is a bit more in price but if anyone thinks otherwise please let me know.

Thanks again for the info.

Yes, get the US model if you want to make sure the US warranty will be honored, and if you want to make sure the video is compatible with American televisions.

The 70D is a great choice. By far, the best dSLR video autofocus is in the Canon 70D and the Sony dSLTs (the Sony A58, A65, A77, and A77ii). All other consumer dSLRs either rely on manual focus or on contrast detect AF.
Only the Canon 70D and the Sony models truly allow for full time phase detect AF using live view.

Not to throw in a wrench, but any interest in also considering the mirrorless models? Or even fixed lens cameras.. the Panasonic FZ1000 is the only camera that can do 4k video, for under $1,000 --- $900. And the Sony RX10 is a phenomenal camera for video, at $1000.

At least you don't lack options!

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Take a look at www.canonpricewatch.com

ALWAYS the best prices on Canon.

Some of the "non-US" models are being fully warranted by their respective vendors. Have I ever done it? No. I usually wait it out and find a competitive US warrantied model and negotiate a deal. That's what I did on both my 70D and my 6D. That doesn't mean I wouldn't do it, though. Most of these non-US models are sold on eBay by vendors with 99.5% and better feedback and most of them with 10k+ feedbacks. It can't all be bad.

 

[SkaGoat]

My understanding was that ISO settings happen because of a change in signal gain on the sensor. Not because of how the camera processes the data.

My guess, with no proof to back it up, is they made the circuitry more efficient when they added the AF pixels, and removed the ADC.

 

[mom2rtk]

Any news on anything else in the Canon pipeline? I'm dying for an upgrade, but want more jump in ISO performance than the 70D is offering. I was really disappointed that so many of the benefits of the 70D are tied to things I don't care about, like video.

I have a great selection of lenses, but not for full frame, so I'm not ready to go that direction. Yet.

 

[nbaresejr]

Any news on anything else in the Canon pipeline? I'm dying for an upgrade, but want more jump in ISO performance than the 70D is offering. I was really disappointed that so many of the benefits of the 70D are tied to things I don't care about, like video.

I have a great selection of lenses, but not for full frame, so I'm not ready to go that direction. Yet.

The next Canon camera should be the 7d mkii (or whatever they are going to call it). It was in testing at the World Cup. The announcement should take place according to canonrumors.com. What it will have is unclear but there have been several patents that have been discovered recently. The hope is a better focusing system (similar to the 5d mkiii) better ISO performance. This could be my next camera.

 

[mom2rtk]

The next Canon camera should be the 7d mkii (or whatever they are going to call it). It was in testing at the World Cup. The announcement should take place according to canonrumors.com. What it will have is unclear but there have been several patents that have been discovered recently. The hope is a better focusing system (similar to the 5d mkiii) better ISO performance. This could be my next camera.

I should have specified..... I'm looking for something in a crop sensor. Honestly, if I was looking at FF, I'd have a 6D in my hands already.

 

[Skywise]

I should have specified..... I'm looking for something in a crop sensor. Honestly, if I was looking at FF, I'd have a 6D in my hands already.

There's a 7D Mark II rumored to be announced in early September -

CanonRumors.com