Canon’s previous entry-level DSLR and large-sensor enthusiast compact offerings have been looking to be due for replacement, and today their replacements arrive. Beginner and entry-level DSLR users, meet the Canon Rebel T5; enthusiasts, take a gander at the Canon G1 X Mark II!

Sitting below the Rebel T5i in their product lineup, the aptly-named Canon T5 provides some notable upgrades to the T3 both inside and out. While not as significant an upgrade as when Canon jumped from the Rebel XS to the Rebel T3 in 2011, the T5 does offer improvements to both still imaging and HD video recording capabilities.

The most significant upgrade to the Canon T5 is the boost in resolution thanks to an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, up from 12.2 megapixels. Combined with the same DIGIC 4 image processor as the T3, the T5’s improved sensor is said to produce better images in low-light situations. The ISO range has been expanded from 100-6400 with a new extended high ISO of 12,800. The second significant upgrade to the T5 are the improved HD video recording capabilities that now include Full HD 1080p resolution at a variety of frame rates (30p, 24p and 25p), while the T3 was limited to 720p.

The other specs and features of the Canon Rebel T5 remain largely unchanged from its predecessor, although there are a few minor button placement tweaks in this newer camera. The T5 carries over a similar 9-point AF system with one central cross-type AF point, and a 3fps continuous shooting burst performance spec. The Canon T5 does however provide both a size and resolution boost to its LCDÂ monitor with a 3.0-inch 460K-dot panel, up from the 2.7-inch 230K-dot LCD in the Canon T3.

The Canon Rebel T5 is set to be available in March 2014 as part of a kit configuration only with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens at an estimated retail price of about US$550 ($50 less expensive than the T3’s initial MSRP).

Check out all the details of Canon’s latest entry-level EOS DSLR over in our Canon T5 preview.

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Alongside the Canon T5, the company has also unveiled the new PowerShot G1 X Mark II, a follow-up to the first large-sensor compact to feature a zoom lens. The new model has some pretty significant upgrades throughout, accompanied by a few points one might consider downgrades.

Perhaps the most significant new feature of the Canon G1 X Mark II is its uprated image processor, which allows a significant step forward in terms of burst-shooting performance, and is also said to improve AF performance. There’s also a brand-new 5x optical zoom lens which is at once both wider, and quite a bit brighter — especially towards the telephoto end of the range.

And as if that weren’t enough, there are now twin control dials around the lens barrel — one stepless for smooth manual focus control, and one with step detents that help to mentally reinforce your adjustments. Canon has also overhauled autofocus in the G1 X Mk II, and switched to a default 3:2 aspect ratio, although this comes accompanied by a slight decrease in active sensor area and pixel resolution.

Nor is that all: the company has also added support for an optional electronic viewfinder accessory, added touch-sensitivity to the LCD panel, and gifted the Canon G1 X Mk II with in-camera Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, complete with remote control capability. There’s also UHS-I flash card support, and all of this comes accompanied by a slight reduction in camera size.

Now, for the not-so-great news: the optical viewfinder is gone, and with it the huge savings in battery life that it could bring. And gone, too, is the tilt/swivel Vari-Angle LCD screen, replaced with a tilt-only type. And battery life has decreased a little, too.

Still, the Canon G1 X Mark II looks to offer a much better-rounded overall package than its first-gen predecessor. Available from April 2014, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II is priced at around US$800.

For much more details, read our Canon G1 X Mark II preview!

Place your pre-order with a trusted Imaging Resource affiliate now:

• Canon T5 with 18-55mm II kit lens: ADORAMAÂ | B&H
• Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II: ADORAMAÂ | B&H

The post Canon T5, G1 X Mark II: Big C updates entry-level EOS, top-of-the-line PowerShot camera appeared first on Imaging Resource.

Panasonic apparently didn’t feel comfortable just resting on their laurels. The GH3 was released in December of 2012 to wide critical acclaim and much rejoicing from videographers and photographers alike, looking for the best of both worlds. Now Panasonic has upped the ante with the release of the Panasonic GH4, featuring not only 4K video with ultra-high bitrates, but also a whole host of other new and improved features, as well as a few noteworthy professional-grade optional accessories as well.

Claiming a newly designed sensor that suppresses rolling shutter artifacts, a quad-core CPU for ultra-fast processing, 12 frames-per-second (AFS) burst capabilities and an all-new autofocusing system which incorporates a brand new technology called DFD (Depth From Defocus), the GH4 is certainly going to turn a few heads, as well as give us reviewers plenty of cool things to check out for you once the production units hit the streets.

Also in the “wow factor” department is a new heat-dispersing design that allows for unlimited continuous video recording — even while shooting in 4K! And for accessories that should get plenty attention, there is an attachable interface unit being announced that includes many industry-standard connections including XLR audio with stereo volume dials, HD-SDI outputs and also a timecode input, among other features.

So, is the GH4 “the ultimate photo/video hybrid interchangeable lens camera” as Panasonic is claiming? Read our in-depth Panasonic GH4 First Impressions review to find out for yourself!

Ready to pre-order? Get your spot in line with a trusted Imaging Resource affiliate now:
(Note: these pre-order links are very preliminary as the manufacturer has not yet released pricing.)

Panasonic GH4 body-only: ADORAMAÂ | B&H
Panasonic GH4 + DMW-YAGH Interface Unit Kit: B&H
Panasonic DMW-YAGH Interface Unit: ADORAMAÂ | B&H
Panasonic DMW-FL580L Wireless Flash: ADORAMA

At home in Hollywood: the Panasonic GH4 with optional DMW-YAGH Interface Unit featuring HD-SDI connection and XLR audio inputs.

The post Panasonic GH4 goes ultra-high-def, is the world’s first mirrorless camera with 4K video appeared first on Imaging Resource.