Features
Much of the core of the EOS 650D is identical to its EOS 7D, 60D and 600D stablemates, including its 18-million-pixel CMOS sensor chip (although the low-pass filters differ), and its ability to record JPEG and CRW raw images, and 1080p full HD video files at 24, 25 or 30fps. The main differences here are the result of the 650D’s use of Canon’s latest Digic 5 processor (which is claimed to be 6x faster than the Digic 4 unit), the same processor used in the PowerShot G1 X and S100.
The 650D uses a focal-plane shutter capable of 1/4000sec shutter speeds – 1 stop slower than the 60D. Thanks to the faster processor, the camera can record up to 5fps in its hi-speed continuous burst mode, for six raw files or 22 JPEGs. These top speeds are a close match to the enthusiast-level 60D, which shoots at 5.3fps, although it has a longer burst rate of 16 raw images or 58 JPEGs. When testing these rates on the 650D using an SDHC UHS-I card, I found the JPEG burst estimate conservative, with the camera able to capture nearer to 50 frames before slowing down. The Digic 5 engine offers improved processing, which has allowed Canon to expand the native ISO range by 1 stop to ISO 100-12,800.
Image: This raw image taken at ISO 6400 has plenty of luminance noise, but is still the better option than the smoothered-out detail evident in the JPEG file
Two new shooting modes are included on the 650D: handheld night scene combines four shots for a long exposure time, and HDR backlight control combines three shots at three different exposures for improved highlight and shadow detail.
Each mode makes the most of the camera’s fast frame rate, so a tripod is largely unnecessary for good results. Also, a multi-shot noise-reduction mode works on the same basis, combining four frames for low noise, although it is available in JPEG only.
The 650D’s main talking points are its touchscreen and hybrid AF system, and I will explore each feature in depth later in this test. All in all, the specification of the 650D is solid if unspectacular, but it reads well in the important places.
