Just throwing this idea out there, see what people think:

I always saw the semi-pro type cameras (40D etc.) as a minimum spec when it came to a main camera body to shoot a wedding. But the new 650D has some interesting features:

5FPS
Improved high ISO
AF similar to 5D2
In camera HDRs similar to 5D3

Also, the new 18-135 lens is apparently very sharp, so if combined with maybe a 50 1.4 and 100 2.0, a spare body and a couple of 430EX2s, it could be a really capable kit. Especially suitable for people with smaller hands/RSI etc. who do not like the larger cameras.

I believe that the Canon dRebel T4i/650D has an AF section improved to the level of the Canon 40D/50D/60D series; 9 - cross type AF points, dual-cross-f2.8 center point. (The Canon 5D MKII is just a single cross center AF point with some hidden "helper" AF points which only engage during AI-Servo.)

The only real detriment of the dRebel T4i/650D over the xxD series is the continued use of the cheaper shutter, with 1/200 x-sync and relatively short rated actuations durability. Like the 60D there is also no pc flash connector, which I often use to trigger external manual flash (although there are work-a-rounds for this deficiency).

Edit: Shutter lag is better than previous dRebel cameras, but still slower than the Dxx series.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ra-Review.aspx

Originally Posted by ziggy53 I believe that the Canon dRebel T4i/650D has an AF section improved to the level of the Canon 40D/50D/60D series; 9 - cross type AF points, dual-cross-f2.8 center point. (The Canon 5D MKII is just a single cross center AF point with some hidden "helper" AF points which only engage during AI-Servo.) The only real detriment of the dRebel T4i/650D over the xxD series is the continued use of the cheaper shutter, with 1/200 x-sync and relatively short rated actuations durability. Like the 60D there is also no pc flash connector, which I often use to trigger external manual flash (although there are work-a-rounds for this deficiency). Edit: Shutter lag is better than previous dRebel cameras, but still slower than the Dxx series. http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ra-Review.aspx

actually the shutter life on recent Rebel models has been the same as XXD models but
it does look like Canon beefed up the 650D with a higher FPS and some other features

Originally Posted by Brett1000 actually the shutter life on recent Rebel models has been the same as XXD models ...

Good catch.

Originally Posted by Stuart-M Just throwing this idea out there, see what people think: I always saw the semi-pro type cameras (40D etc.) as a minimum spec when it came to a main camera body to shoot a wedding. But the new 650D has some interesting features: 5FPS Improved high ISO AF similar to 5D2 In camera HDRs similar to 5D3 Also, the new 18-135 lens is apparently very sharp, so if combined with maybe a 50 1.4 and 100 2.0, a spare body and a couple of 430EX2s, it could be a really capable kit. Especially suitable for people with smaller hands/RSI etc. who do not like the larger cameras.

That sounds like a great "uncle bob" kit, or an emergency backup for a working professional, when it comes to weddings. I'm absolutely positive that I could rock a wedding with that kit, if I had to.

However it would still be a compromise that, day-in and day-out, I'd rather not take. I guess it comes down to the fact that I'd rather have a high-end body, but not so much a concern about lenses. I'm just spoiled by the AF precision of the likes of the 5D mk3 / Nikon D700, and of course the low-light ISO flexibility that allows me to shoot with almost any lens I want.

I'm all in favor of shaving pounds off a kit; which is why I hope I never have to shoot on a camera with a vertical grip, and I'd much rather have a couple decent primes and an f/4 zoom or two, instead of "the trinity" of heavy f/2.8 zooms and top-tier f/1.4 & f/1.2 primes... And this is an area where a crop sensor can excel; since a 100 f/2 is almost like a 160mm f/2 when used on a 650D. Couple that with a 28 f/1.8 and/or a 50 f/1.4, and any sharp kit lens could get me through the day for sure...

=Matt=