Canon's new EOS Rebel T5i has arrived to lead that legendary product line down the path to new accomplishments. A newly designed kit zoom lens with stepping motor (STM) is simultaneously quiet and nimble, making it highly attractive to DSLR video shooters. Plus, this camera takes a lot of trial and error out of your shooting style. Enter live-view mode, and unlike many other cameras in its class, you can preview the effect of various creative filters in real-time. So you can decide whether that excellent close-up you're framing up of your girlfriend looks better with the "Art Bold" effect or without.

In focus, all the time

Canon's newly tweaked 18-megapixel hybrid CMOS sensor contains pixels that are specially designed to offer phase detection autofocus. Why is that news important? Because it enables the camera to use two autofocus strategies, phase detection and contrast detection. In turn, this allows the camera to constantly track subjects at all times, even during video capture. No more presetting focus before you start the video mode, or hoping to "wing it" in manual mode. Canon also included their ultra-quiet, fast-focusing STM (stepping motor) 18-135mm image-stabilizing zoom lens with this kit for capturing outstanding, blur-free photos and videos under all kinds of shooting conditions.

It's going for speed

Action and sports photographers will appreciate the difference the DIGIC 5 image processor makes. Firstly, the T5i fires off continuous 18-megapixel still shots at 5 frames per second. And secondly, because the processor enables greater light sensitivity and noise reduction, it's easier to increase your shutter speed so you can freeze the fast moving action at the perfect moment, even when your surroundings get hectic. Plus, the controls are built for speed as well: the T5i's mode select dial has been simplified and refined from that of its immediate predecessor, without losing any of its functionality. Even the dial's icons are raised a bit to make them easier to discern in low light.The Canon EOS Rebel T5i features a redesigned mode selection dial (lower right on picture above) that simplifies operation.

A nice touch(screen)

The LCD display on the back has some cool tricks as well. In addition to being a fully articulated tilt/swivel monitor, it features three diagonal inches of gorgeous, 1,040,000-dot high-resolution screen. And get this: it's touch-enabled, allowing you a lightning-fast method of controlling your camera's settings. In fact, the touchscreen acts in a manner similar to many smartphones, so you'll find the interface easy and intuitive.

Clear as a bell

Video shooters will also appreciate the on-board stereo mic, the external microphone input, and the settable microphone input levels. Canon realizes that good audio is the first step towards making your videos truly professional, so the T5i is loaded with features that will help you do just that.

Geared to your pace

Don't worry that the Canon EOS Rebel T5i, with all its helpful settings, will be complex. Intelligent auto modes, autofocus, and scene detection will ensure great results for beginners; you can explore custom options as you gain confidence with the camera. A plethora of creative options await the curious and the enthusiastic.