The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The Canon EOS Rebel T5i is a modest refinement of the T3i, not a resolution upgrade: Canon lists both at about 18 megapixels. Its main advantages are faster continuous shooting, improved autofocus options in Live View, and continuous autofocus during video. Both cameras use LP-E8 batteries and accept Canon EF and EF-S lenses, so an existing compatible lens collection can carry over.
Canon EOS Rebel T3i vs. T5i: the key differences
| Feature | Rebel T3i | Rebel T5i | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effective resolution | Approximately 18.0 megapixels, per Canon’s 2011 product specifications (Canon Camera Museum). | Approximately 18.0 million effective pixels, per Canon’s 2013 product specifications (Canon Camera Museum). | No meaningful resolution increase on paper. |
| Maximum continuous shooting | Approximately 3.7 shots per second, per Canon’s 2011 product specifications (Canon Camera Museum). | Approximately 5 shots per second, per Canon’s 2013 product specifications (Canon Camera Museum). | The T5i is the quicker option for short bursts, according to manufacturer specifications; these are not comparative field-test results. |
| Autofocus in Live View | Canon’s cited T3i information specifies nine-point phase-detection autofocus for viewfinder shooting; it does not establish the T5i-style Hybrid CMOS AF features for Live View (Canon Camera Museum). | Hybrid CMOS AF with Face+Tracking and FlexiZone options, continuous AF, and touch shutter; Quick mode uses phase-detection AF (Canon T5i specifications). | The T5i offers more useful focusing controls when composing on the LCD. |
| Autofocus during video | Full HD video; the cited sources do not establish Movie Servo AF as a T3i feature. | Movie Servo AF; Canon lists 1080 video at 30p, 25p, or 24p. Canon describes especially quiet, smooth AF when paired with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens (Canon Camera Museum; Canon T5i specifications). | The T5i is better equipped for autofocus while filming, but the quiet-operation claim applies to the named STM lens pairing, not every lens. |
| Lens mount and battery | EF and EF-S lenses; LP-E8 battery (Canon Camera Museum; Canon lens compatibility guidance). | EF and EF-S lenses; LP-E8 battery (Canon T5i specifications; Canon lens compatibility guidance). | Owners of compatible Canon DSLR lenses and LP-E8 batteries can retain them when changing bodies. |
What changed from T3i to T5i for everyday shooting?
Faster bursts, without a sensor-resolution jump
Canon’s published maximum rises from about 3.7 shots per second on the T3i to about 5 on the T5i. That makes the T5i the clearer choice on the specifications for capturing a sequence of action, though the figures are manufacturer ratings rather than an independent side-by-side test. Resolution remains about 18 megapixels on both, so still-photo detail is not the reason to choose the newer body.
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More flexible LCD focusing on the T5i
The T5i adds Hybrid CMOS autofocus for Live View, including Face+Tracking and FlexiZone options, continuous AF, and touch shutter. Canon also lists Quick mode, which uses phase-detection autofocus. If you commonly frame a shot on the rear screen or want to tap the screen to take a picture, those are practical T5i distinctions. Canon’s cited T3i information describes nine-point phase-detection autofocus for viewfinder use; it does not support treating the T3i as having the same T5i Live View feature set.
Video autofocus is a more meaningful upgrade than video resolution
Both cameras record Full HD video. The T5i’s listed 1080 modes include 30p, 25p, and 24p, and it supports Movie Servo AF. Canon specifically says the T5i paired with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens delivers especially quiet, smooth autofocus. That is a qualified claim about that lens and camera pairing, not a promise about autofocus noise with every compatible lens.
#1 Best Overall
- Released on February 6, 2011
- 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 9-point AF system
- 3.7 frames per second continuous shooting
- ISO 100-6400 expandable to 12800
- 1080p HD video recording with manual controls
Should you choose the T5i over the T3i?
- Choose the T5i if: you expect to use Live View autofocus or touch shutter, want Movie Servo AF, or value the higher rated burst rate.
- The T3i may be enough if: you mainly take still photos through the viewfinder and do not need the T5i’s Live View and video autofocus features. The resolution figure is essentially the same.
- For a body-only upgrade: both support Canon EF and EF-S lenses and use LP-E8 batteries, so check that your existing equipment is compatible and in working condition.
On APS-C bodies, Canon says a lens’s 35mm-equivalent focal length is approximately 1.6 times its marked focal length. For example, a 50mm lens frames like approximately 80mm equivalent (Canon’s EF-S compatibility guidance).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check when buying either camera used
The specifications distinguish the models, but they cannot tell you whether a particular used body is a better buy. Compare the actual listings and inspect:
Rank #2
- Released on February 6, 2011
- 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 9-point AF system
- 3.7 frames per second continuous shooting
- ISO 100-6400 expandable to 12800
- 1080p HD video recording with manual controls
- Body condition and controls: check the specific camera’s condition and whether its controls work as expected.
- Included equipment: confirm whether the listing is body-only or includes a lens, battery, and charger; do not assume a kit lens or charger comes with it.
- Lens version: if quiet autofocus while filming matters, verify that the listing includes the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. Canon’s quiet-and-smooth AF statement is specific to that pairing.
- Local price: compare current offers in your area. No current regional used-price evidence establishes a universal value winner between the T3i and T5i.
Canon lists an LP-E8 battery for both models; its T5i specifications also list an LC-E8 charger (T3i archive; T5i specifications). Confirm what is included with the individual used camera rather than treating the specification as proof that accessories are present.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100–6400 (H: 12800)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology
- 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF
- Optical Viewfinder with approx 95% viewing coverage
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam. Compatible Lenses- Canon EF Lenses (including EF-S lenses, excluding EF-M lenses)
Rank #3
- High-Quality Imaging: The Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera features a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor for stunningly detailed photos, even in challenging lighting
- Versatile ISO Range: With an ISO range of 100 to 6400 (expandable to 12800), the Canon EOS Rebel T7 captures clear images in various lighting conditions
- Fast Autofocus System: Equipped with a 9-point AF system and AI Servo AF, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 ensures precise focus for sharp images every time
- Built-In Sharing Options: The Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology for effortless photo sharing and uploading to social media
- User-Friendly Features: The Canon EOS Rebel T7 boasts a 3.0-inch LCD display and Scene Intelligent Auto mode for simplified shooting, making it perfect for beginners
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