Canon EOS Rebel T5 – One of the best entry-level DSLR

Choosing the right DSLR camera model can be hard and even after you have narrowed down the list you can still have some doubts so let’s see the features a good DSLR camera should have.
Obviously, the first thing that comes into mind is the quality of the image. The larger the size of the image sensor, the better. This can be translated into increased resolutions, more information for better and detailed images, less noise, better range and great low-light performance.

In order to take great pictures, there are three “pillars” for the DSLR cameras: the ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. The ISO refers to the level of sensibility to the available light. The Aperture that can be wide or narrow. If the aperture is wider, then the sensor receives more light (one of it’s main functions is to control the camera’s depth of field).

The Shutter Speed (or Exposure Time) means the length of time that a camera’s shutter is open to expose light into the sensor, while taking a photo (helps for dramatic effects by blurring motion or freezing movement).

Most of the photographers agree that the depth of field is crucial for taking quality photos or videos. The depth of field refers to the zone for acceptable sharp focus in front and behind the focus point. Basically you are able to make blurry backgrounds or blurry foregrounds, add visual interest or direct the viewer’s attention to a specific part of the photo or video so it has a more cinematic feel.
Another very important factor represents the lenses. Comparing the DSLR lenses to what you can find in a point and shoot camera, you will see that the DSLR lenses are clearly superior, larger lenses add up to the image quality.

Besides having larger, high quality lenses, you can change and configure the DSLR lenses. So you could have wide angle lenses, portrait lenses, long telephoto and so on (there is a large array of lenses for very specific usage).
The problem is that the lenses are quite expensive, cheaper lenses will show a decrease of quality. So it is better to have a medium quality camera and high end lens than the other way around.
Seeing that we now have the basics of what a DSLR camera can do, let’s have a look at one of the best entry-level DSLR camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T5.

Design
The Rebel T5 looks pretty similar to its predecessor, the T3, with a compact and light carbon fibre reinforced polycarbonate body and an upgraded rubbery grip covering the handgrip. It measures 2.9×5.1×3.1 inches and weights 15.3 ounces.
Note: Having the improved grip and being lightweight removes the fear that you can drop it at any moment.
On the front there is the classic EF mount and on the left side of the camera, underneath a cover there is a mini HDMI, the remote control connections and an USB port.
On the back we can find a fixed 3 inches large LCD monitor (with 460000 dot resolution), the optical viewfinder (with 95% field of view) and a small Live View button right next to it.

All the controls are scattered on the right side of the camera (and can easily be operated with only one hand) as follows: on the top right side, there is the Mode Dial wheel, a Flash button, the Shutter button and the Main Dial. On the right side of the LCD we find the Exposure Compensation button and the Quick Control button (Q) along with the Menu, Playback and Cross keys and Set buttons.
To navigate the menu, you have to use the four directional Cross keys and the middle Set button to enter. On the far upper right side of the LCD screen, there are two buttons: the AutoExposure lock and the AutoFocus Point Selection
After all the controls were easy to operate, the body of the camera, although lightweight, is sturdy and durable and a lot more portable (sits comfortable in the hand and doesn’t cause neck pain if carried around the neck).

Performance
Being an entry level, the Rebel T5’s performance won’t blow you away but that does not mean it cannot hold it’s ground to even more powerful cameras and impress you with high quality photos and videos.
The T5 features an 18MP CMOS (ASP-C) sensor with a 5184x3456p resolution and a DIGI 4 processor chip that quickens camera procedures. The top speed for the T5 is 3 frames per second, the camera focuses quickly and overall, it fits perfectly for the intended audience.
Note: The Canon EOS Rebel T5 does not have built-in WiFi.

Image Quality
Generally, the T5 takes great photos, with accurate colours and with great clarity. The camera performed well in bright light sceneries, the exposure was good (no over or underexposure), the photos were accurately detailed in close-up shots and the colours remained true.
If you manually control the white-balance you will get rich, vibrant and accurate colours and can reach picture quality comparable to what more expensive models can deliver.

In well-lit situations the T5 had stellar performance, but let’s see how well it captures photos in low-light sceneries.
Having an ISO range of 100 to 6400 (can be extended to 12800), you can successfully take good photos in low-light situations. We took some photos during the night and the results were really good. The details remained sharp, the landscapes were bright and colourful (with little to no graininess).
The T5 struggled a bit at higher ISO but overall, it performed very well both in low-light and bright sceneries.

Video Quality
The videos can be recorded at 1280x720p at 30 or 25 frames per second. Also, you can film at 60 to 65 fps but at 720p resolution.
Although, the T5 cannot focus quickly, if taken in good light, the videos had good quality, the details were good and the colours were sharp. Still, if we increased the ISO beyond 800, the quality declined a bit.
In the end, the camera filmed good videos, did a good job minimizing the rolling shutter effect on wider angles and the sound was reasonably good, even if it only has a monaural microphone.

Battery Life and Additional Features
Featuring a 860 mAH battery, the T5 is  capable, on average, to shoot about 500 photos (without flash).

The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is compatible with Canon EF and EF-S lenses and, in this case comes paired with the EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens, with a focal length range equivalent of a 28.9 – 88mm lens.
The 18mm is perfect for mid-sized rooms and the 55mm can produce acceptable head and shoulder portraits.

As a conclusion, we can say that the Canon EOS Rebel T5 is a great entry-level DSLR camera (it is a best seller!), has a reasonable price, performs great in different scenarios and overall it is worth buying as it manages to deliver a superb first-time DSLR camera experience.