The Canon EOS 12000D (T5) vs the 700D (T5i): Who Won?
| Rank | Product | Our Review | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Rebel T6i Canon |
Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |  |
Rebel T6 Canon |
Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |  |
Rebel T5i Canon |
Buy on Amazon | |
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Rebel T5 Canon |
Buy on Amazon |
Canon Rebel T5 versus T5i: The Quick Consensus
If you have invested any time into researching entry-level DSLRs, then you know that Canon makes great ones. Their Rebel line is extensive and high quality, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, as the line now extends from the T1 all the way up to the T6.
For this review, we wanted to take a deeper look at the Canon T5 (sometimes referred to as the 12000D) and the Canon T5i (sometimes referred to as the 700D) and compare and contrast the two.
If you are impatient and just want to know which one of the two we prefer, we'll cut to the chase and tell you that it is the Canon T5i. The exception to this recommendation would be if you are on a budget, in which case the T5 is going to be the more sensible purchase.
Note: Click the following link if you want to read our Rebel T5i vs T3i Comparison instead. Otherwise, read on for our comparison of the Canon Rebel T5 vs T5i!
Video
Both the T5i and T5 perfect excellent when it comes to video and are able to create sharp video that will get a lot of praise from any photographer and continue the company's tradition of creating camera bodies capable of excelling in capturing video. On the other hand, there are quality differences between the video quality of these cameras, especially when you look at the video specific technology.
For instance, while the T5i does come with a stereo microphone, the T5 doesn't. And while this does mean that video sound is captured well, you may, at times, realize that the sound of the lens motor at work can be difficult to tolerate. On top of that, there's no continuous autofocus capability in the T5 and as a result, you're going to get blurry videos when adjusting to your new camera.
The T5i does actually excel when it comes to flexibility and sound quality and that's because it comes with an external microphone port which allows you to use an external microphone and record high quality audio. This is a very useful feature that you won't find in the T5.
If you're a novice photographer though, then you may not likely care too much about these differences, yet if you're a videographer and would like to delve into the world of DSLR video, then you're certainly going to prefer the T5i to the T5 any day.
Kit Lenses
Whether you prefer the T5i or the T5, you should know that both are actually cropped body cameras, so when you're going to fit a lens on them, they won't stay true to their focal measurements. This isn't something to worry about though, since this is completely normal when it comes to amateur and semi-professional photography. A cropped camera, compared to a full frame camera, has a smaller sensor and while this may initially sound like a con, if you take a look at how much a full frame camera costs, you'll find that it's a lot easier to just get used to it instead of considering an upgrade.
T5 Lens:
In terms of the lenses you get with the T5, they're the 18 - 55mm 3.5-5.6 IS from Canon and as you may already know, they're not really new, having been launched in 2007. That's not to say that they won't help you take amazing shots. In fact, when paired with the T5, you'll get a very effective focal length of twenty nine to eighty eight mm and given the fact that they also include image stabilization technology, you can say goodbye to blurry pictures. In terms of quality, the kit lenses are made of plastic, yet despite that, they're actually very durable.
T5i Lens:
The kit lens on the T5i marketed by Canon was the 18 - 55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. The lens was launched in 2013 and it's a significant upgrade from both the lenses offered with the T5 and the T5i's predecessors. It includes Stepping Motor Technology, STM, but also better optical performance. Because of these features, this lens is perfect for those who love to shoot video, because the STM lens is a lot more silent when recording video.
However, the T5i also got the 8-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens from Canon and it's perfect for photographers who are looking for an all-round lens. In fact, it also saves you about 200 dollars if you get it with the kit, which is a very good deal, indeed. If you're a beginner, then the nineteen - one hundred and thirty five mm lens is going to make for a great start in the world of zoom photography.
Our Conclusion
From our comparison, there's no doubt that in many respects the Canon T5i is better than the T5, especially if you're interested in getting a better lens kit. Therefore, if you're looking for an entry level camera and have a low budget, then the T5 is a great buy and since it's so cheap, you can use the extra cash to buy a better lens. On top of that, when fully charged, the T5 can capture about sixty extra photos compared to the T5i and it's also about twenty percent lighter than the T5i.
However, if we look at the overall features and technology, the T5i is the clear winner. Its screen resolution is 2.5x higher than that of its counterpart and the touch interface makes using it a lot easier. Given the fact that it also comes with an articulated screen is a major plus many will appreciate. There are also other notable features to mention, such as the external microphone port, the built-in stereo microphone, continuous autofocus and better video technology.
In conclusion, the Canon T5i is the better camera of the two and while it's indeed more expensive, it has vastly improved technology and features which make it a pretty great overall deal.
BONUS: A Bit of History on the T5 and T5i
Once upon a time, there was a popular entry-level DSLR known as the Canon EOS 650D. This was essentially upgraded by Canon when it released the T5i in 2013. In all honesty, the names might be the biggest difference between the two cams, and owners of a 650D are probably best off keeping their cam or upgrading to a mid-level DSLR.
The Canon EOS 1100D was the predecessor to the Rebel T5, which was released in mid Feburary 2014. Unlike the evolution from the 650D to the T5i, there actually was a substantial difference between the 1100D and the Rebel T5. The most notable difference was Canon's choice to feature an all-aluminum exterior in the Rebel T5, which provided a significant upgrade from the EOS 1100D's plastic body.
