Canon Rebel T2i (EOS 550D) is an 18 megapixel DSLR with a significant upgraded movie mode capability (Cinema-Grade Full HD Video). The T2i’s ISO range starts at 100 and goes up to 6400. Most reviewers agree the T2i’s image performance is impressive and the camera’s specifications has huge appeal. Whatever Canon has done with the sensor, reviewers felt worked, and worked really well, as in the ability to deliver exceptional high ISO images. Testers found the camera offered a wider array of exposure and bracketing options than Canon has historically made available in cameras of this class.
Even amateurs appreciate how small and light this camera is. One concern over its light weight is that if you put a larger heavier telephoto lens on it the camera may not balance as well as a larger heavier DSLR. Yes, it is lightweight but it’s powerful enough to provide great quality photos, and with its great high ISO capability even night shots are high quality.
Bottom Line – Almost universally people feel the Canon Rebel T2i delivers excellent image and 1080p HD video. Overall score: without hesitation this camera hits a solid 85 out of 100.
Canon EOS T2i (550D) Features
The CMOS sensor has an 18 megapixel capacity, is 22.3×14.9mm in area, so a Canon EF or EF-S lens focal length has to be multiplied by a factor of 1.6x to equate to a 35 SLR lens. The kit lens supplied with the review camera was a stabilised EF-S f3.5-5.6/18-135mm (29-216mm as 35 SLR), not really a wide angle at the shorter end. If you’re shooting much architecture, you will immediately need another, wider optic.
The maximum image size, saved as a JPEG or RAW image is 5184×3456 pixels: as a print it will size up to 43×29cm. That’s a lot of paper!
Movie makers will have a great time, as this baby can shoot the Full HD resolution of 1920×1080 pixels at 24/25/30 fps in MPEG-4 (AVCH.H.264) format. Final recorded file size is 330MB a minute’s running time. It’s best to use a Class 6 SD card or better. The camera will write to SD, SDHC or SDXC cards. I noticed there’s also a stereo microphone input.
The fixed LCD screen is 7.6cm in size with a high resolution of 1.04 million pixels, so gauging focus and other fine detail is a snap. Using it outside in full sunlight I also found the screen surprisingly clear and legible. Good one!
More:
The camera has Face Detection in Live View shooting; the built in flash has a 17mm lens angel of view; the camera has live Face Detection mode in Live View shooting; the camera holds peripheral illumination correction data for 25 lenses.
(insert Canon EOS 550D 3)
Canon EOS T2i/550D ISO Tests
ISO 100, f6.3 and 1/25 second.
