Canon T5 DSLR--Review Update

I have had the Canon T5 DSLR for just over a year now. When I first got it I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I was used to having and using a electronic viewfinder (EVF) and was having difficulty making the transition to an optical viewfinder (OVF). I still wish the T5 had a EVF but I am getting used to the OVF.

One other thing I wish it had was more options as far as focus points, I am used to the Fujifilm cameras where you can focus on just about anywhere on the sensor. The Canon only has nine focus points to use. The Fuji's are much nicer to use in this aspect. They are also easier to see and use on the Fuji's. I find the focus points are hard to see on the Canon's viewfinder. You can always hit the AV button that makes the focus points light up red, then you can move your focal point around on the Canon.

Another thing I didn't like at first was the menu system that the Canon uses. But the more I get used to it I like it, especially the "Q" or Quick menu that is on the view screen. Almost everything you need is on the screen and can easily accessed making it easy to change basic settings. Again I don't find it as easy to navigate as the one on the Fujifilm X30 but it works well and as I get used to it I have grown to like it.

I wish the T5 had similar "film simulations" to that of the Fuji's but I can't complain with the colours that the camera produces. They are sharp and generally bright with rich colours. I am loving the pictures I am getting out of the camera.

This photo was taken in AV mode @  f11. 1/500sec, iso100, -1 exposure, auto WB taken with 55-250mm lens @ 171mm

The T5 is a good size camera for the type of shooting I enjoy, primarily street photography and because I have small hands. It is light (being made mostly of plastic it better be) and has good handling. It feels good in my hand, not too large or heavy which again is great for street photography. The button and control layout is nice, nothing is too far away, nor too close that you hit something accidentally. It handles and feels really nice. Even with the larger 55-250mm lens on the camera it doesn't feel too heavy or awkward to carry and use.

There are however a couple of things I wish the camera had though, of course. Like I said above I wish it had an EVF. I also wish the screen was better and tilted. And as I said I wish the focus point options were better. And the camera could have better low light performance but for a camera at this price point you can't expect pro performance out of it. With a external flash it works great.

I had the opportunity to use the camera to shoot with a local model, using the 55-250mm lens and it worked really well, I was very pleased with the results I received with the combination.

                                   

I recently used the camera with the 50mm f1.8 lens to shoot our annual Santa Claus pictures that we do to raise money for the local food bank. I used the camera, on a tripod and with a remote shutter release. The camera handled very well and I was pleased with the results.

The Canon T5 is considered as a beginners/hobbyist DSLR camera, and it does not have all the "bells and whistles" that more expensive, high end, professional grade cameras. It is however, for the money, a very good camera and it takes really nice photos and when I am able to upgrade to a more advanced camera, the T5 will make a great backup camera for shoots.