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Canon Singapore has introduced the next step in the evolution of DSLRs with the launch of the EOS 650D, the first DSLR in the world featuring a touch screen interface.
Driven by an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and the powerful DIGIC 5 imaging processor, the new Vari-angle Touch Screen Interface brings an intuitive user experience to the table with the use of familiar touch gestures like pinching, zooming and swiping.
“Canon has always focused on enriching user experiences. Touch screen technology has changed the way we use our devices and made them more accessible, which is why we have introduced it to the EOS 650D,” said Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Products Group, Canon Singapore. “Along with the new Hybrid CMOS AF system and the DIGIC 5 image processor, we are confident that the EOS 650D will be a compelling choice for amateurs looking to bring their photography to the next level.”
Intuitive touch panel: a world-first for DSLRs
The introduction of touch promises to bring a whole new user experience to DSLR photography. The 3-inch 3:2 ratio Vari-angle Clear View LCD II capacitive touch screen allows familiar touch gestures such as pinching, zooming and swiping. Commonly used EOS controls have also been integrated into the touch panel experience, allowing users to conveniently change settings like shutter speed or aperture value easily via the touch screen. The touch screen also features anti-smudge coating and reduced reflective glare when taking pictures under bright conditions.
Composing images with peace of mind
The EOS 650D empowers both amateur and professional photographers with a host of improved functions and new creative imaging features. A wider ISO range from 100 to 12800 (expandable to 25600) gives users more freedom to capture sharp images in a wide variety of lighting conditions.
The Multi Shot Noise Reduction function allows users to take four consecutive shots which the camera will automatically merge and align to compensate for noise while improving detail and definition. Night photography is also more convenient with the new Handheld Night Scene mode, which lets photographers capture dark scenes without the need for a tripod. This is achieved by capturing four shots consecutively at a fast shutter speed, then automatically merging them internally to form a single sharp image.
The EOS 650D also offers HDR Backlight Control, where it shoots 3 images at different exposures to combine into a single, perfectly expose image, preserving details from both bright and dark areas.
EOS Scene Detection technology has also undergone significant improvements. Users can directly apply one of seven effects (Grainy / Black & White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera, Miniature, Art Bold, Water Painting, & Fish-eye) to their pictures without additional post-processing on the computer.
A new Night Scene assesses point light sources or ambient light to automatically adjust exposure settings (shutter speed, aperture, ISO), based on whether a tripod is currently used or not, ensuring that the user always captures the best possible night scene. The improved Scene Detection system also comes with new icons displayed on the Live View screen to help users easily identify and toggle between modes.
Improved focus for stills and videos with new Hybrid CMOS AF System
With the new Hybrid CMOS AF system, the EOS 650D is able to engage both contrast AF and phase-difference AF in both Live View and video recording modes to perform full-time continuous autofocusing. With a 31-zone, multi-point AF and a new Subject Tracking AF system, four different methods of AF are possible during Live View.
The Face + Tracking method detects a face, focuses on it and tracks it by switching AF points. Users can also set the target focus area by touching it on the LCD monitor, and it will automatically be tracked by the camera. The FlexiZone Multi AF mode divides the scene into 31 AF zones prioritising the centre and subject in the foreground; while the FlexiZone Single AF and Quick modes allow users to move a focal point with a touch of the LCD screen. The Quick mode functions like the conventional Quick mode by temporarily shutting off Live View to perform focusing via the optical viewfinder, but allows users to select the AF point via touch.
Other new features in the Hybrid CMOS AF System include Continuous (Pre) AF, where the EOS 650D continuously focuses on an object before the shutter button is pressed, and Touch Shutter Release, where the image is captured immediately after the user touches the screen to focus on the subject. Movie Servo AF mode also brings continuous autofocusing during video to the EOS 650D with all EF and EF-S lenses.
Creating videos with convenience
With the EOS 650D, the easy-to-use Video Snapshot editor, a feature previously found only in Canon LEGRIA camcorders, allows users to capture quick video snapshots in 2, 4 or 8-second durations. The in-camera editor can then be used to reorder or delete the clips without the need of a PC.
A new generation of quality EF lenses
Along with the EOS 650D, Canon also launched 2 new lenses, the EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the EF40mm f/2.8 STM.
The EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM features reduced chromatic aberration with the inclusion of one UD lens element and one PMo aspherical lens element. When used with the EOS 650D’s Movie Servo AF, it also offers smooth, speedy and quiet focusing while recording. This is achieved with the development of a new six-group zoom system, and the adoption of a stepping motor and focus mechanism. Along with it, the Dynamic IS system features an expanded correction range, with image stabilization equivalent to 4 stops of light, which proves very useful when shooting subjects on the move.
The EF40mm f/2.8 STM comes in an ultra-compact and lightweight design, with a diameter of 68.2mm, a thickness of 22.8mm and weighing 130g making it the slimmest and lightest EF lens produced. A fast f/2.8 aperture, 7-blade circular aperture and aspherical lens elements let the lens achieve a high level of image quality from centre to corner.
Pricing & Availability
The EOS 650D will be available from the respectively stated dates at all Canon authorized dealers, in the following kits at the following recommended retail prices:
- Body only S$1,149, end-June
- Kit I (with EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II) S$1,299, end-June
- Kit II (with EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM) S$1,699, mid-July
Pricing and availability of the EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and EF40mm f/2.8 STM lenses will be advised at a later date.
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