The Canon Rebel T5 is Canon’s current budget oriented DSLR camera. Featuring the same 18mp CMOS sensor of other recent Canon DSLR’s from the Rebel series and up to the 7D, the image quality is excellent. Because of the budget price, there are some features that the camera will be lacking when compared to the Rebel T5i, but when compared to some of the other cameras in the same price range it competes quite well.
Size and Handling
The Rebel series of cameras have long been among Canon’s smallest and lightest DSLR cameras. The Rebel T5 is very similar in the ergonomics of the other Rebel series cameras, but Canon has obviously reduced the build quality to help bring it down to a price point. Some people will argue that the grip is too small while those coming from a point-n-shoot may feel it is too big. The T5 does feel quite “plasticky” and not as solid as the upper Rebels, but given the current pricing this is understandable. I am not a fan of the feel of the REbel in my hands, but your mileage may vary. It is worth holding the Canon Rebel T5 and other cameras in the same price category and pick the camera that is most comfortable to you.
Image Quality
Canon’s 18mp CMOS sensor has been around since the Rebel T3i and used in several other DSLR cameras including the original 7D and the 60D. This is not a bad thing since that chip has really proven itself over the years. While many of the Canon T5 competitors are using 22 and 24 Megapixel sensors, most people will not notice the difference in prints up to 16×20 or possibly even larger.
Autofocus
Teh Rebel T5 uses Canon’s 9 point AF Sensor and the center point is cross sensitive, meaning it is sensitive to both horizontal and vertical lines. The AF system relies on the lenses for the focusing motors, so the lens will have a lot to do with the speed and accuracy as well.
What I Don’t Like
The body is a little too plastic feeling, and not the quality plastic like it’s siblings, the Rebel T5i. The frame rate is among the slowest in it’s class and it uses a smaller, less powerful battery.
The Bottom Line
Initially I was not terribly impressed with the Canon T5. I felt the price point was too high and the Rebel T5i was not much more. But in light of recent price drops the value on this camera is A bit better. This camera is good for High School or College students who need a DSLR for a photography class, or for young families on a tight budget but still want the quality and flexibility of a DSLR camera. However, if you are not locked in to Canon Lenses and Accessories, I would strongly recommend you look at the Nikon D3200. It is curretly a little more (About $50) but there are some pretty big differences that are worth checking out.
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Comparisons
Rebel T5 vs the Rebel T3
While most people who own a Canon Rebel T3 won’t likely upgrade to the Rebel T5 (most would look at the Rebel T5i since it is the next step up), for those looking at purchasing either of these cameras will want to know what the difference is between them. The Canon Rebel T5 is a significant improvement over it’s predecessor. More Pixels, Better Video and a Bigger, Higher Resolution screen for starters. Following are the key differences between these two cameras:
| Feature | Rebel T5 | Rebel T3 |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 18mp | 12mp |
| Video | 1080 HD | 720 HD |
| Rear LCD | 3″ 460k Dots | 2.7″ 230k Dots |
Rebel T5 vs the Rebel T5i
The Canon Rebel T5i is a significant upgrade from the Rebel T5 in almost every way. Even though they share the same sensor, which means that image quality is the same, the Rebel T5i offers a lot more features. See the chart below to compare these differences:
| Feature | Rebel T5 | Rebel T5i |
|---|---|---|
| Rear LCD | 2.7″ 460k Dots | 3″ 960k Dots Vari-angle |
| Flash Commander Mode | No | Yes |
| Frame Rate | 3fps | 5fps |
| Autofocus | 9 Points / 1 Cross | 9 Points / All Cross |
| Max ISO Rating | ISO 6400 | ISO 12800 |
| Kit Lens Included | EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS |
| weight | 16.93oz (480g) | 20.5oz (580g) |
| Price | $399 | $699 |
Rebel T5 vs the Nikon D3200
Even though the Nikon D3200 costs a little more, it is probably worth the extra. Unless you are looking to purchase the Canon because you or someone you know has a Canon and want to share lenses, I would probably pick the Nikon over the Canon Rebel T5. Here are the major differences:
| Feature | Rebel T5 | Nikon D3200 |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 18mp | 24mp |
| Frame Rate | 3fps | 4fps |
| Rear LCD | 3″ 460k Dots | 3″ 921k Dots |
| White Balance Presets | 7 | 14 |
| Metering Range | +1EV to +20EV | -1EV to +20EV |
| Price | $399 | $449 |
Specifications
Date Introduced: February, 2014
Sensor: 18mp CMOS APS-C
Resolution: 5184 x 3456
Memory: SD / SDHC / SDXC
Battery: LP-E10 Lithium-ion (Rechargeable)
Viewfinder: Pentamirror, 95% coverage, 21mm eye relief
Interchangeable Focus Screens: No
Autofocus: 9 points, center cross point
Drive: 3fps
Bracketing:
Shutter Speed Range: 30s to 1/4000 + bulb
Video: 1920×1080 (30/24fps), 1280×720 (60fps)
LCD: 3″ 460k dots
Highlight/Shadow Warning:
Weather Sealed: No
Size (WxHxD): 5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1″ / 130 x 99 x 79 mm
Weight (Body Only): 15.3oz (434g)
Price: $399
Price as of review time and is subject to change