Canon T5i vs T3i: Which Dslr Reigns Supreme?
Choosing your first DSLR can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with fantastic options from Canon. Two popular choices often top the list: the Canon T5i and the older but still capable T3i. Both cameras offer a gateway into the world of photography, but which one is the better fit for you?
This comparison dives deep into the features and performance of the Canon T5i vs T3i. We’ll explore everything from image quality and autofocus capabilities to video features and overall user experience. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision and invest in the right camera for your needs.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a more experienced photographer seeking a reliable backup, this guide will provide valuable insights. We’ll break down the key specifications, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately help you decide which camera, the Canon T5i or the Canon T3i, deserves a place in your camera bag.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Canon T5i | Canon T3i |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 18MP | 18MP |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| ISO Range | 100-12800 | 100-12800 |
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps | 3.7 fps |
| Autofocus Points | 9 (all cross-type) | 9 (all cross-type) |
| Video Resolution | 1080p at 30fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ Vari-angle Touchscreen | 3.0″ Vari-angle |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Processor | DIGIC 5 | DIGIC 4 |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
| Weight (Body Only) | 580g | 515g |
| External Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sensor Resolution
- Canon T5i: Features an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor. It provides good detail and image quality for its class. Some users may find the resolution sufficient for most purposes, but it’s not the highest available.
- T3i: Also equipped with an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor. Similar to the T5i, it delivers adequate image quality and detail. This sensor is considered reliable, though it doesn’t offer a significant advantage over its successor in this regard.
- Winner: Tie
Autofocus System
- Canon T5i: Boasts a 9-point autofocus system with all 9 points being cross-type. This provides decent focusing speed and accuracy, though it can struggle in challenging lighting conditions or with fast-moving subjects.
- T3i: Also utilizes a 9-point autofocus system with all 9 points cross-type. This provides comparable performance to the T5i, offering similar speed and accuracy. It’s a capable system for general photography.
- Winner: Tie
LCD Screen
- Canon T5i: Has a 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD. The touchscreen functionality allows for intuitive navigation and touch-to-focus capabilities. The vari-angle feature is useful for shooting at unconventional angles.
- T3i: Equipped with a 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD, but it lacks touchscreen functionality. While the screen swivels, users must rely on physical buttons for menu navigation and settings adjustments.
- Winner: T5i
ISO Range
- Canon T5i: Offers a native ISO range of 100-12800, expandable to 25600. This provides versatility in various lighting conditions, though image noise becomes noticeable at higher ISO settings.
- T3i: Features a native ISO range of 100-12800, also expandable to 25600. The ISO performance is virtually identical to the T5i, so similar noise levels can be expected at high ISOs.
- Winner: Tie
Continuous Shooting Speed
- Canon T5i: Can shoot at up to 5 frames per second (fps). This is acceptable for capturing some action, but it might not be fast enough for demanding sports or wildlife photography.
- T3i: Also shoots at up to 3.7 fps, slightly slower than the T5i. This is adequate for casual photography but less ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
- Winner: T5i
Video Recording
- Canon T5i: Records Full HD 1080p video at 30, 25, and 24fps. It includes manual control over exposure settings during video recording. The touchscreen makes it easy to focus during video.
- T3i: Also records Full HD 1080p video at 30, 25, and 24fps. However, it lacks the touchscreen functionality of the T5i, making manual focus more challenging.
- Winner: T5i
Processor
- Canon T5i: Uses a DIGIC 5 image processor. This provides improved noise reduction and image processing compared to the older DIGIC 4 processor.
- T3i: Employs a DIGIC 4 image processor. This processor is a bit older, which may result in slightly slower processing speeds and less effective noise reduction at higher ISOs.
- Winner: T5i
Build and Design
- Canon T5i: Has a similar design to the T3i, but with a slightly more refined body. It features a comfortable grip and generally good build quality for its price point.
- T3i: Offers a compact and user-friendly design. It is generally well-built for an entry-level DSLR, but it can feel somewhat plasticky compared to higher-end models.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Image Quality | Tie |
| Autofocus | Tie |
| Video Quality | Tie |
| Ease of Use | Canon T5i (Touchscreen) |
| Features | Canon T5i |
| Value | Canon T3i |
What They Have in Common
- Sensor Resolution: Both cameras share an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor, providing similar image quality and detail.
- Autofocus System: Both cameras use a 9-point autofocus system with all points being cross-type, ensuring reliable and accurate focusing performance.
- Video Recording: They both offer Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities at 30 frames per second, allowing for high-quality video capture.
- Iso Range: Both cameras share the same standard ISO range of 100-12800, enabling similar low-light performance.
- External Microphone Jack: Both cameras include an external microphone jack, allowing for improved audio quality during video recording.
- Viewfinder Coverage: Both cameras have a viewfinder coverage of approximately 95%, providing a similar view of the scene.
Canon T5i Vs T3i Buying Guide
Who is the Canon T5i for?
The Canon T5i is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate photographers looking for a camera with a user-friendly interface and a good balance of features. It’s well-suited for those who want to explore various shooting modes, including video. The T5i’s articulated touchscreen is a significant advantage, making it easier to compose shots from different angles and navigate the camera’s menu system. Consider the T5i if you value ease of use, a versatile feature set, and the ability to shoot both stills and videos with relative simplicity. It’s a great upgrade from a smartphone or a point-and-shoot camera.
Who is the Canon T3i for?
The Canon T3i caters to a similar audience as the T5i, namely beginner and intermediate photographers. However, it presents a more budget-friendly option. The T3i still offers a robust feature set, including manual controls, which allow for creative exploration. It is a solid choice for those prioritizing affordability without sacrificing too much in terms of image quality and creative control. While lacking the T5i’s touchscreen, the T3i remains a capable camera for learning the fundamentals of photography and capturing quality images and videos. Consider the T3i as a cost-effective entry point into DSLR photography.
Key Differences: Image Quality & Performance
Both cameras share the same 18-megapixel APS-C sensor, so image quality in terms of resolution is very similar. The T5i, however, boasts a slightly improved autofocus system with more focus points and a faster continuous shooting speed (5fps vs. 3.7fps). This makes the T5i slightly better at capturing fast-moving subjects. In low-light conditions, both cameras perform adequately, though neither excels. Consider that the lens you use will have a larger impact on image quality than the minor differences between the camera bodies.
Key Differences: Features & Ergonomics
The most noticeable difference lies in the design. The T5i introduces a fully articulated touchscreen, providing greater flexibility when composing shots, especially for video recording and shooting from unusual angles. The T3i has a fixed LCD screen. The T5i also features a slightly improved user interface and a more refined body design, making it feel more modern. The T3i, while slightly older, still offers a comfortable grip and familiar button layout for Canon DSLR users. Both cameras offer the same basic controls.
Video Recording Capabilities
Both the T5i and T3i offer Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities. The T5i benefits from its touchscreen, which allows for easier focus adjustments during video recording. The T5i also has a built-in stereo microphone, a slight advantage over the T3i, which has a mono microphone. Both cameras provide decent video quality for the price point, suitable for capturing home videos and basic filmmaking projects. External microphones can be added to both cameras to improve audio quality.
Value for Money
The Canon T3i is generally available at a lower price point than the T5i, making it a more budget-friendly option. While the T5i offers some improvements, such as the touchscreen and a slightly enhanced autofocus system, the T3i still delivers excellent value for its price. The best choice depends on your budget and what features you prioritize. If you want the latest features and the convenience of a touchscreen, the T5i is worth the extra cost. If you are on a budget, the T3i remains a highly capable camera that represents a fantastic value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Canon T5i If…
- You want a camera with a touchscreen interface for easier navigation and control.
- You prefer a newer model with a slightly updated feature set.
- You are looking for a camera with a slightly faster continuous shooting speed.
- You want a camera with a DIGIC 5 processor for improved image processing.
Buy Canon T3i If…
- You are on a tighter budget and want to save some money.
- You don’t need the touchscreen functionality.
- You are satisfied with the core features and performance of the T3i.
- You are looking for a lightweight option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the resolution of both cameras?
Both the Canon T5i and the Canon T3i share an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor. This resolution provides ample detail for creating high-quality prints and cropping images. The resolution is the same, so there is no difference in terms of the number of pixels captured by either camera. The resolution is the same, so the difference in photo quality will come from other factors, like the lens.
Does the T5i have a touchscreen?
Yes, the Canon T5i features a fully articulated touchscreen LCD. This touchscreen allows for easy navigation of the camera’s menus, selecting focus points, and reviewing images. It also makes it easier to compose shots from different angles, and for shooting video. The touchscreen functionality is one of the key differentiators between the T5i and the T3i.
Does the T3i have a touchscreen?
No, the Canon T3i does not have a touchscreen. It features a standard LCD screen for reviewing images and navigating the camera’s menu system. The lack of a touchscreen is a key difference between the T3i and the T5i. This is one of the main reasons the T5i is preferred by users who value ease of use, especially for video.
Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Canon T5i has a slightly improved autofocus system compared to the T3i. The T5i has a more advanced autofocus system with more focus points and faster continuous shooting. This allows for improved tracking of moving subjects. Both cameras offer reasonably quick and accurate autofocus performance for general photography.
Which camera is better for video recording?
Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities. The T5i, with its touchscreen and built-in stereo microphone, provides a slightly more user-friendly experience for video recording. The T3i can also record good video, but lacks the touchscreen. The T5i has a slight edge for those who prioritize video recording.
Which camera is cheaper?
The Canon T3i is typically available at a lower price point than the T5i. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for photographers. The price difference depends on the current market and the condition of the camera. The T3i is a great option for people who want to save money. Both are great cameras.
What are the key differences between the T5i and T3i?
The key differences are the T5i’s touchscreen, a slightly improved autofocus system, and a more refined design. The T3i is more affordable. Both cameras share the same 18-megapixel sensor and offer similar image quality. The T5i offers a more modern user experience, particularly for video, whereas the T3i offers more value for money.
Final Verdict
The Canon T5i offers a more modern user experience with its touchscreen and improved autofocus, making it a more versatile option for both stills and video. However, the Canon T3i remains a strong contender, providing excellent image quality and features at a more budget-friendly price point. The choice depends on your budget and desired features.
Winner: Canon T5i