Canon Rebel T2i (550D) Review

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Canon now has two fantastic entry level DSLR cameras to choose from: the Rebel T2i and the Rebel T1i.

Why would they release a new model less than a year after the Canon Rebel T1i? Especially in light of the huge popularity of the T1i?

These are excellent questions, but the answers are even more interesting.

First, there are some upgrades in the T2i that are really worthy of noting.

1. Increased video capability - photographers can now take video in full HD 1080p at 30 fps.
2. An external audio microphone jack (this was THE major complaint from users of the T1i).
3. Increased sensor size to 18.7 megapixels
4. Increased ISO sensitivity to 100-6400 ISO with extention to 12800 ISO
5. Better LCD panel with 1.02 million dots for increased quality
6. Higher burst rate to 3.7 frames per second

With these upgrades, buyers will be paying only slightly more for what some are now saying may no longer be an entry level DSLR. However, when you consider the next level of Canon DSLR, which is the Canon 7D, you are getting many of the features for roughly one half the price. Now, that's impressive!

There are two videos you should watch. The first is an overview of the Canon Rebel T2i from the nice folks at Canon. Keep in mind that when they say that the camera will be in shops "in the near future" he is talking about right now.

Canon Rebel T2i from Amazon - body only $799

The second is a demonstration of the video output from a Canon Rebel T2i compared to some other video cameras. It is important to note that the "other" cameras are dedicated video cameras, not DSLRs, so you would expect that the quality would be better on the others, but I will let you judge for yourself.

Order your Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens

Below are the side by side comparisons with the Canon T1i.

A few comments from early buyers:

The Canon T2i has a lot to offer for photographers who are also interested in taking HD videos.

It's not as heavy as the pro-DSLR models so it's travel-friendly.

If you are expecting this camera to perform like the 1D or 5D or even the 7D when it comes to handling noise at very high ISO, then you will be disappointed. But this does not cost as much as those cameras.

From the box this camera shows great promise but after shooting with it it leaves a sour taste in your mouth. This camera shows a great deal of noise and performance is spotty at best.

I recently purchased the T2i as a replacement for my aging 20D. What a difference! The T2i menu and controls are a bit confusion, but I had no trouble operating the camera. The results are stellar.

Bottom Line:

Is the newest Canon entry level DSLR worth the additional $100 that you will pay compared to the competition? Early indications say, "YES!" The larger sensor, the superior movie mode capability, combined with the always excellent image quality of the Rebel series make this Canon Rebel T2i worthy of your consideration. Keep in mind that you must compare "apples to apples," or in this case, "entry-level to entry level." So there will be some negatives when compared with cameras that may be three or four times the cost, but cost is a definite factor that is very positive with respect to the Canon Rebel T2i.

Order your Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens
RIGHT HERE