Canon T2i · 550D Photo & Video Resource

Canon Rebel T2i Buyers Guide

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Canon Rebel T2i Buyers Guide

Digital Photography has exploded in recent years and casual photographers are now requiring more advanced features on entry level DSLR models. Canon has answered this demand with the Rebel T2i.

It comes equipped with some of the latest technologies found on higher end models like the Canon 7D, but priced towards the lower end of the scale. Many photographers around the world are dubbing the T2i as the Baby 7D. For those of you who don’t know, the EOS 7D is one of Canon’s most advanced cameras aimed towards expert photographers.

All this talk about advanced features may sound scary to some of you, but most of these hi-tech features are actually improvements that make shooting easier and more enjoyable.

Let’s take a look at the T2i improvements and upgrades shall we?

  1. First off, Canon has stated that the T2i is a “sister” model to the T1i, meaning it doesn’t replace it. Both cameras will be available for sale throughout 2010 at all of the major photography stores.
  2. The T2i has been equipped with an 18 megapixel image sensor. The T1i is equipped with a 15 megapixel image sensor, so were looking at an increase of 3 megapixels. Don’t worry about the number of megapixels, the difference between 15 and 18 megapixels is very small. Chances are, you’ll see little if any difference in added resolution.
  3. The image sensor has also been redesigned using gapless micro lenses. I won’t bore you with technical detail, but it appears that the “quality” of pixels has been improved. “Quality” sounds really open to interpretation, but basically we should see an improvement in dynamic range (images that display more detail in shadows and highlights) and noise reduction (images with less noise and image artifacts).
  4. Canon has implemented a wider LCD screen which happens to be the same ratio as the image sensor (3:2 aspect ratio). This basically “removes” the black bars above and below the image on the LCD screen, similar to viewing a widescreen DVD on a widescreen TV versus a standard TV. They also removed the space between the protective outer glass panel and the screen which minimizes the effect of glare when viewing the LCD in sunlight. It also increases the viewing angle to 160 degrees, which is great for displaying photos to your family members on your left or right.
  5. The exposure system has also been revamped. The T2i gets the same 63-zone metering system found on the much more expensive Canon 7D. If I could describe this new feature in one word, it would have to be…Awesome! Again, I won’t go into too much detail about how it works, but this new metering system will make shooting images in difficult lighting situations so much easier. Have you ever taken a photo that looks fine on your LCD screen, but when you blow it up on your computer monitor you see that the sky is white or the highlights on your subjects face are too strong? This metering system ensures that your images come out looking balanced and more natural.
  6. If you’re into video, then you’ll love the full HD video capabilities on the T2i. Frame rates have been increased, which allows for smoother (less choppy) video. The T2i also comes equipped with an external microphone jack, giving you the ability to capture high quality audio.
  7. The overall design and ergonomics remain practically identical to the Canon T1i. The buttons located on the back of the T2i have been redesigned to flow with the contour of the camera. Luckily Canon was smart enough to place them in the same locations as the T1i, so users switching to the newer T2i will feel right at home. There’s also an additional live-view/movie-mode button which makes it much faster to activate. Normally users would have to activate this feature through an option located in the menu system. Those of you with larger hands (me included), you’ll probably be a bit disappointed with the grip as it feels a little cramped and small. The addition of the BG-E8 battery grip solves this problem and improves the overall handling.
  8. The battery on the T2i has been upgraded to the BG-E8 which allows for more accurate power level display on the LCD. Early reports are stating that the shots per charge have been increased which is a very good sign.
  9. Lastly, the T2i is now compatible with the newer SDXC memory cards, along with the older SD and SDHC memory cards. I will say that the SDXC memory cards are better suited for those who plan to use the burst/continuous mode (capturing a succession of photos very rapidly, most commonly used in sports photography) and those who plan on shooting a lot of HD video.

Canon T2i Pros

  • Excellent image quality
  • Very fast low-light focusing
  • Improved 63-zone metering system that produces well exposed images
  • The most affordable DSLR on the market that comes equipped with 1080p HD video (30 frames per second) capabilities
  • External microphone jack
  • Crystal clear 3″ widescreen LCD that performs well in sunny conditions
  • Lightning fast performance
  • Largest and brightest viewfinder in its class
  • Good assortment of buttons that make accessing certain features a breeze, especially the dedicated live-view/movie-mode button
  • Intuitive, yet easy to use menu system
  • Optional battery grip
  • HDMI output
  • Great battery life
  • Compatible with the newer SDXC memory cards
  • Easy for beginners to use

Canon T2i Cons

  • Small and cramped hand grip for people with larger hands
  • Burst rate is pretty average (3.7 frames per second)
  • The white balance is still a bit tricky under tungsten or incandescent lighting

Where to buy the Canon T2i?

I highly recommend purchasing the Rebel T2i through Amazon or B&H Photo. They have the lowest prices anywhere online, the best customer service and fantastic return policies.

Canon Rebel T2i Reviews

Review by DCResource.com – Jeff Keller is one of my favorite digital camera ‘reviewers’. His reviews are created from real world experiences and aimed towards beginner photographers. Here’s a snippet from his T2i review…

“I brought it with me on vacation and it produced some fantastic photos that will soon be hanging on my wall. Sure, there’s some room for improvement, but the Rebel T2i does what it does very well. I can highly recommend the Rebel T2i to just about everyone!”

Review by DPReview.com – Barnaby Britton and Simon Joinson reviewed the Rebel T2i. As always DPReview provides one of the best “in-depth” reviews aimed towards the intermediate and advanced photographer. For beginners, I encourage you to not get bogged down with the tiny details and focus more on the general viewpoints that they express in their review. Here’s a snippet from their T2i review…

“Canon has pulled out all the stops with the EOS 550D, and has delivered the most highly specified Rebel-series DSLR we’ve ever seen.”

Visit the T2i homepage for more tips, tricks and advice.