Which entry-level digital camera should you choose? The Rebel T5 or the Rebel T3i? You might think, “Oh, the T5 is a newer model, so I’ll go with that one.” However, newer isn’t always better. The Canon Rebel T3i debuted in 2011 while the Canon Rebel T5 debuted in 2014. That’s a 3-year difference. However, looking at the specs, the T3i beats the T5 in almost every way possible.
Canon T3i vs T5 Specs
Canon Rebel T5 – 1200D vs T3i – 600D
| Canon EOS Rebel T5 | Canon EOS Rebel T3i | |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 22.3 x 14.9mm | 22.3 x 14.9mm |
| Sensor Type | APS-C | APS-C |
| Image Resolution | 5184 x 3456 | 5184 x 3456 |
| ISO Range | 100 – 12,800 | 100 – 12,800 |
| Processor | Digic 4 | Digic 4 |
| AF Points | 9 | 9 |
| Burst Mode | 3fps | 3.7fps |
| LCD Size | 3.0″ Fixed LCD | 3.0″ Articulating LCD |
| Touch Screen | No | No |
| LCD Resolution | 460,000 dots | 1,040,000 dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x | 0.85x |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentamirror | Pentamirror |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1/4000 to 30 sec. | 1/4000 to 30 sec. |
| Exposure Compensation | ±5 EV | ±5 EV |
| Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Video Resolution | (1,920 x 1,080) (30fps) {1,920 x 1,080} (25fps) [1,920 x 1,080] (24fps) 1,280 x 720 (60fps) 1,280 x 720 (50ps) |
(1,920 x 1,080) (30fps) {1,920 x 1,080} (25fps) [1,920 x 1,080] (24fps) 1,280 x 720 (60fps) 1,280 x 720 (50ps) |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 480g (0.94lbs) | 570g (1.26lbs) |
| Battery Life | 500 Shots (CIPA) | 440 Shots (CIPA) |
| Dimensions | 130 x 100 x 78 mm | 133.1 x 99.5 x 79.7 mm |
| Price | Amazon |
Amazon |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2011 |
Common Features Between T5 and T3i
| Built-in Flash | Yes vs Yes | Useful in low-light |
| External Flash Shoe | Yes vs Yes | Better for flash photography |
| Viewfinder | Yes (Optical) vs Yes (Optical) | Better framing and control |
| RAW Support | Yes vs Yes | Better image quality |
| Face Detection Focus | Yes vs Yes | Useful for portraits |
| Max Resolution | 18 MP vs 18 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
| AE Bracketing | Yes vs Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Common Weakness Between The T3i and T5
| Image Stabilization | No vs No | No Built-in stabilization |
| Environmental Sealing | No vs No | Not suitable for tough conditions |
| Optical Viewfinder Type | Pentamirror vs Pentamirror | Not as bright as Pentaprism Viewfinders |
| AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune) | No vs No | No option to fine-tune Autofocus |
Canon T5 vs Canon T3i Size Comparison
The Canon T5 is 3mm narrower and 2mm thinner than the Canon T3i, however, they have the same height of 100mm. With regard to weight, the Canon T5 is noticeably lighter than the Canon T3i.
Canon Rebel T5 – 1200D vs T3i – 600D
T3i and T5 Sensor Comparison
Both the CanonT5 and T3i have APS-C sized 18.0 MP resolution sensors. Hence, sensor size and resolution are not different between these two cameras. They produce the same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.
Canon T5 vs Canon T3i Sensor Comparison
Why You Should Choose The Canon T3i
Firstly, both cameras are entry-level DSLRs. They are both use APS-C sensors. Hence, they are not compatible with Full Frame or ASP-H lenses. The differences? The Rebel T3i has a slightly faster burst mode than the T5. 3.7fos vs the 3.7 of the Rebel T5. Additionally, the EOS Rebel T3i has an articulating LCD screen and higher LCD resolution than the T5. Lastly, it is cheaper than the T5 (by $50 or so). You can buy the T3i here
Advantages of the Canon Rebel T3i Over the Canon T5
| Articulating Screen | Yes vs No | Flexible shooting positions |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 1.040k dots vs 460k dots | 126% higher resolution screen |
| Continuous Shooting | 4.0fps vs 3.0fps | 1 fps faster |
| Microphone Port | Yes vs No | High-quality audio recording option |
| Flash Coverage | 13.0m vs 9.2m | 3.8m longer range |
| Color Depth | 22.1 vs 21.9 | higher color depth |
| Dynamic Range | 11.5 vs 11.3 | Higher dynamic range |
| Low-Light ISO | 793 vs 724 | Better High ISO performance |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes vs No | Connect off-camera flash |
| Selfie Friendly LCD | Yes vs No | Rotate LCD for taking Selfies |
- Slightly faster burst mode
- Articulating LCD screen
- Higher LCD resolution
- More affordable
Advantages of the Canon Rebel T5
| Battery Life | 500 shots vs 440 shots | 60 more frames with a single charge |
| Weight | 480 g vs 570 g | 90 g lighter |
You might be wondering, how does the T5 do against the T3i, but there is not much to tell here. The only advantages are that the Rebel T5 is lighter and takes more photos per regular battery life. To be specific, the T5 is 100g lighter than the T3i and has about 60 shots longer battery life.
If you really, really want to, you can find the T5 on Amazon, read customer reviews and check it out in the below video.
For more digital camera comparisons, you can check out Canon T5 vs. T5i – Difference Between Canon Rebel EOS T5 & T5i and Canon T5i vs. T6i – Difference Between Canon Rebel EOS T5i & T6i. For more advanced cameras check out the Top Semi-Pro Canon DSLR Cameras and the Best Semi-Pro Nikon DSLR.