By TAN KIT HOONG
bytz@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: Canon has just announced the EOS 650D, a new entry level DSLR camera that promises greatly improved autofocusing during video recording.
The 650D uses a newly-designed 18-megapixel APS-C "Hybrid CMOS" sensor, which intergrates phase detection autofocus sensors into the image sensor. This improves autofocus when Live View is engaged, where a combination of phase detect and contrast detect autofocus is used.
The 1.04-million-dot 3in LCD on the back is articulated and features capacitive touch, which means the user can navigate the menus by simply tapping on the screen with a finger. In Live View mode, the user can choose the autofocus point by touching an area on the screen.
ISO performance has also been improved, thanks to a new DIGIC 5 processor and a the new image sensor - standard ISO settings now range from ISO100 to ISO12,800, with ISO25600 available in boost mode.
The EOS 650D also features a "Multi Shot Noise Reduction" mode, which is a JPEG-only mode that takes four shots in quick succession and then uses those shots to reduce visible noise at high ISO settings.
Related to this is a new scene mode called Handheld Night Scene mode, which sets an ISO high enough for handheld shooting in available light, and uses multi-shot noise reduction to help minimise noise caused by the high ISO setting.
Other notable features are a five-frames-per-second continous shooting speed, 63-zone iFCL metering, nine-point AF system, which all feature cross-type sensitivity and 1080p 30fps video recording with stereo built-in microphones.
While the EOS 650D will ship with the standard 18-55mm kit lens found in most entry-level Canon DSLRs, a new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens has been announced, which features a new fast but silent motor system suited for video recording.
The 650D is expected to be on local store shelves by end month, while the EF-S 18-135IS STM lens is expected to be available by mid-July.
The EOS 650D with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II kit lens is priced at RM2,999. Alternatively, the EOS 650D is available as a kit with the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM in July at a recommended retail price of RM3,899.
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www.canon.com.my