The New Canon T5i Is Overpriced by $340
It's barely been a week since Canon announced its new digital SLR, the Canon EOS Rebel T5i, and already the verdict is fairly unanimous: the T5i is essentially the same as its predecessor, the T4i.
According to CNET, the only major difference between both models is the price and kit lens options. Otherwise, the few minor updated features you'll find on the T5i include creative filters with real-time viewing on the LCD, an improved mode dial that rotates 360 degrees, movie digital zoom, and a different exterior texture and finish, reports Digital Trends.
Aside from those aforementioned features, the T5i is extremely similar to the older T4i — but the price difference between the two is significant. The T5i will debut next month with a basic 18-55mm kit lens for $899.99. Meanwhile, the equivalent T4i kit recently sold at an all-time low price of $560 in the middle of March. Thus, with no major enhancements, is it even worth purchasing the new T5i? For the average consumer looking to save money, the answer is no.
The T4i Will Be $340 Cheaper Than the T5i in April
The T5i may retail for $899.99, but we wanted to predict what price you might actually pay via a deal. To do this, we took a look at our archives for the T3i, which debuted in March of 2011 for $899.99 with a 18-55mm kit lens. Initial deals emerged a few weeks later, but only knocked $20 off. The T3i bundle then hit sub-$800 prices in May, but it wasn't until seven months after its release that we saw a noticeable $200 discount, or a 22% price drop.The equivalent T4i lens bundle, meanwhile, was quicker to receive significant discounts; it debuted for $949.99 and saw a $200 price drop (a 21% discount) just three months after its release. Thus, based on our deal data, we predict that the T5i won't see any major discounts until at least three months into its lifespan.
In the meantime, deals on the T4i will likely reappear at that all-time low price of $560, especially once the new Rebel hits stores. (Currently the best price we could find is $595 with free shipping.) By sticking with the T4i and waiting for a deal, you'll pay at least $340, or 38%, less than you would for the T5i. Moreover, as time progresses, the T4i will fall even further in price: a month after the T5i debuts, the T4i could drop another 5% to about $530. Just keep in mind that Canon plans on discontinuing the T4i once current inventory runs out. The T3i and T3, however, will remain in production as entry-level models.
Nevertheless, if you must have the T5i, we advise waiting at least three months before making a purchase. And based on the T4i's deal history, if you wait even longer, say until September, the T5i will see cuts that take about 37% off its retail price.
Regardless of which model you decide to purchase, be sure to keep an eye on Canon DSLR deals by setting up an email alert. Or check out any camera deals that are available now.
Photo credit: Digital Camera Info
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@JosephMay77, initial reports are indicating it's the same sensor with the same focusing system as on the T4i. If anyone is looking to video more than just the occasional dance recital with a Rebel level camera then they should have a T3i with Magic Lantern firmware on it.