Canon Rebel T5i Review: An Oldie But a Goodie

Some of the most popular cameras on the planet are those in Canon’s entry-level Rebel lineup. And one of the best of the bunch is the Canon EOS Rebel T5i. In this Canon Rebel camera review, we share the advantages and disadvantages of working with the T5i, break down how it performs for photo and video, and address whether this is the best Canon camera for photography and how it ranks as a Canon video camera!

So, if you are considering making it your next camera, this article is for you. Moreover, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a used Canon Rebel T5i has never been more affordable and easier.

MPB is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling used photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. Additionally, all their cameras and lenses are methodically hand-inspected by highly-trained product specialists and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

We have bought, sold, and traded in countless photography gear throughout the years using their easy-to-use online platform, and not once have we been disappointed by the results. That’s why we are excited to recommend them to you here today.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive in and discover everything there is to know about this Canon Rebel camera and why it’s still an excellent purchase in 2023!

Check out the video above by Logan W Neuschafer to learn more about the best Canon Rebel camera settings and how to get the most out of the Canon EOS Rebel T5i.

An Introduction to the Canon Rebel T5i
The Pros and Cons of Canon Rebel Cameras
The Imaging Capabilities of the Canon Rebel T5i
The Video Capabilities of the Canon Rebel T5i
The Lens Compatibility of Canon Rebel Cameras
Final Thoughts

An Introduction to the Canon Rebel T5i

The Canon Rebel T5i (or Canon 700D in Europe) is a beginner-friendly DSLR that debuted way back in 2013. However, don’t let its age scare you away. It’s a great camera, absolutely jam-packed with competitive features, and its price has never been lower. In fact, for the first time ever, the average cost of a used T5i in excellent condition recently dropped below $300!

At its core, the camera has a high-resolution 18.0-megapixel sensor and a Digic 5 image processing engine. The two combine to help make the T5i run fast, smoothly, and effectively in both photo and video modes. Also, it ensures the autofocus doesn’t lag, even when tracking moving subjects.

The handling and ergonomics of this Rebel camera are two more strong points. The large grip adds an extra level of security, so you don’t drop the camera, and feels comfortable in the hands. At the same time, the customizable buttons and intuitive menu system make it an ideal choice for learning the basics of photography.

Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this amazing Canon Rebel Camera:

Camera Type: DSLR
Sensor: 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
ISO: 100 - 12,800 (expandable to 100 - 25,600)
Lens Mount: Canon EF/EF-S Mount
Speed: 5.0 fps
Autofocus: 9 focus points
Video: 1080p/30p & 720p/60p
Size/Weight: 133 x 100 x 79 mm / 580 grams
Battery Life: 440 shots
Stabilization: No
Touchscreen: Yes

The Pros and Cons of Canon Rebel Cameras

Here is a quick glance at what we love and what we don’t about the Canon EOS Rebel T5i:

Pros:

Low price
Solid photo and video quality
Beginner-friendly automatic shooting modes
Bold, bright, and natural-looking colors
Reliable autofocus
Fully-articulated touchscreen LCD
Built-in stereo microphone and a jack for external mics
Built-in flash
Unrivaled native lens lineup
Good burst shooting

Cons:

No 4K video
No built-in Wi-Fi
Average battery life for a DSLR

Is this the best Canon camera for photography? No, certainly not. However, it has the specs and features that beginner photographers need to learn this craft - and on a budget, too!

The Imaging Capabilities of the Canon Rebel T5i

Even though the Canon Rebel T5i is a hybrid digital camera, it is a stills camera first and foremost. And lucky for you, it’s a darn good one! Thanks to the 18MP APS-C image sensor, photos have wonderful corner-to-corner sharpness and vibrant colors (especially in JPEGs). While RAW files are better for editing, we recommend new photographers stick to JPEGs.

Another awesome feature of the T5i is its robust array of automatic and semi-automatic (SA) shooting modes. The automatic modes allow you to focus on properly composing your images. And the SA modes are a great tool for learning how to adjust the three aspects of the exposure triangle (shutter speed, aperture, & ISO). After that, you can confidently move to manual mode.

One more photo spec I would like to cover is the continuous shooting. It can’t match the 7.5 frames per second (fps) of newer Rebel cameras like the Canon EOS Rebel T8i, but at 5.0 fps, it’s no slouch. This makes it a good enthusiast-level option for sports, action, and wildlife photography, though not the best Canon camera for photography.

Learn More:

The Video Capabilities of the Canon Rebel T5i

As a hybrid camera, the Canon Rebel T5i is also a Canon video camera. Unfortunately, it lacks 4K video capabilities, but the 1080p Full HD video quality is fantastic. You can record Full HD footage in 24p and 30p frame rates. 24p video has a cinematic look that is perfect for filmmakers. Alternatively, 30p is the go-to frame rate of YouTubers and vloggers.

Speaking of YouTubers and vloggers, this Canon video camera boasts one must-have camera feature for digital content creators – a fully articulating screen. This type of screen rotates 360° and can turn to face the user. It allows you to place yourself in the middle of the frame and easily record selfie movies.

Other impressive Canon video camera features include in-camera editing tools, a dedicated movie mode, a built-in microphone, and a port for attaching external microphones.

The Lens Compatibility of Canon Rebel Cameras

Last but not least, I 100% have to brag about the one-of-a-kind Canon E Mount lens system, which is home to over 200 native Canon E Mount lenses. All of them deliver stunning results, and many of them are extremely affordable!

Many new photographers don’t know that having a high-quality lens is just as important as the camera's body. With that said, you will never be short on lens selection if you opt for a Canon Rebel T5i.

The standard kit lens of the T5i is the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II. However, there are tons more professional and budget-friendly lenses alike available. Here’s a look at some of our favorite lenses for photo and video to pair with Rebel cameras:

Again, the T5i isn't the best Canon camera for photography, but it is a rockstar for entry-level photographers on a budget. And with one of these lenses, you can extend this camera's capabilities even further.

Final Thoughts

^{Photo by ozgurdonmaz via iStock}

As you can see, even though it is now ten years old, the Canon EOS Rebel T5i remains an extremely capable camera in 2023. Its photo and video performance are rock-solid, and it’s a great choice for all types of photography. It's not the best Canon camera for photography or the best Canon video camera on the market, but it's still an especially good camera for beginners and children.

We hope you have found our Canon Rebel T5i review useful in your search process. And if you want to compare and contrast it to a few similarly priced used DSLR cameras, check out the list below. They are all in stock and available for unbelievably low prices at MPB!