What’s In the Box
The camera, battery, plug-in charger, strap, USB and stereo A/V cables and a 260-page owner’s manual. You’ll also get the lens if purchase a kit. Two CD-ROMs have the imaging software and software manual. The programs feature updates of the stuff Canon’s supplied for years: Digital Photo Professional ver. 3.8, ZoomBrowser EX ver. 6.5, EOS Utility 2.8, PhotoStitch ver. 3.1, Picture Style Editor 1.7 and WFT Utility 3.5. With the battery charged and 4-gig Class 6 card in place, it was time to fire away.
Performance and Use
Canon shooters will feel right at home using the T2i since the control layout and menu system is very similar to the company’s previously-introduced DSLRs. Newbies will have no problems with it as well but they should read the manual to understand its hidden mysteries. There really aren’t any “mysteries” but most folks shoot in Auto with the default parameters. Nothing wrong with that but going beyond photographic baby steps why you buy a DSLR in the first place. The camera feels right and the bulk and weight really weren’t an issue. We had the T2i for several weeks, shooting stills and videos. For the most part, we took full-resolution JPEGs in Auto, then moved to options on the mode dial (especially macro for all the blooming flowers). Movies were captured in Full HD, 1920×1080 at 30 fps. We used the 18-55mm kit lens and a Canon 18-135mm EF-S zoom. Multiply the figures by 1.6x and you get the true focal lengths.
The T2i is a very responsive camera and quickly grabbed focus (it uses a 9-point AF system). Shooting at close to 4 frames per second really separates this type of camera from the vast majority of digicams other than the new class using Sony’s CMOS chip which captures 10 fps. After using the T2i we closely examined photos on a monitor (100% plus), made 8×10 prints with default settings and viewed the videos on a 50-inch plasma HDTV.
Since video is top of mind for many DSLR buyers—funny we thought they were cameras—we reviewed our 1080p movies via a direct mini HDMI connection. Sorry but we’re not evangelists for DSLR video even with higher resolution and frame rates. You still have issues with focus and although manual focusing is not impossible in this point-and-shoot world, it’s really asking consumers for too much effort. And there’s the “jelly” effect as some scenes literally wobble. It was noticeable with even gentle panning. Ouch. If video is important for you, please buy a camcorder. You don’t have to buy a Canon Vixia HF S20, but any AVCHD Full HD model blows the T2i or any other DSLR away. A quick scene is all right but anything longer will mean disappointment.
We weren’t disappointed with color quality of the T2i. They were very accurate in the default mode and have the pop we like so much from Canon cameras. Images of a blooming weeping cherry were just spectacular. Exposures were also on target. Sharpness is another issue to be aware of. As noted earlier, the AF Assist lamp is in the flash assembly so remember to keep it open at all times. Defeat the flash if you want to shoot in available light. With the high-resolution chip you see every flaw when you enlarge the files. That’s why we recommend opting for the body only and purchasing a quality lens if the T2i is on your shopping list. It’ll be a very worthwhile investment.
The T2i does a good job holding noise under control. As you’d expect, there were speckles galore at 12,800 but it wasn’t a disaster. We hardly saw any noise up to 800 and even 1600 was solid—you wouldn’t notice much on your prints. From 3200 and up, things proceeded quickly down hill but this is not surprising for an APS-C size sensor.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the Canon EOS Rebel T2i we feel a bit like Randy Jackson, a judge on American Idol: “Dog, we’re not digging it.” Yes, the DSLR delivers very accurate colors and noise remains under control up to ISO 1600. As a camera—with a caveat of using good glass—you’ll be satisfied with this new DSLR, especially if you keep the flash open. Yet the issue of video quality is hard to overcome. If it were our money—and movies were a non-issue—the Nikon D5000 is the pick.
Highs:
- Accurate colors
- Quick response of 3.7 fps
- Good control layout
- Noise under control up to ISO 1600
Lows:
- AF Assist lamp not on body
- Kit lens is weak
- Problematic videos
I fully agree with the complaints about this review.
I don’t enjoy the wobbly video at all but can be worked around if you are careful.
With that said hdslr are gonna be the new
answer for cheap indie filmmakers including myself.
I do hope they fix the wobbly video with the current CMOS sensors. Once that is fixed these cameras will be unstopable. Until then it’s definitely a fair trade off for the amazing film quality DOF you get with them.
I have the canon t2i and i am currently using it to shoot a full feature movie. yes there are issues but again it cn be worked around. I am shooting with the tamron 17-50with VC and the sigma 50mm f1.4. Both lens have given me great quality compaired to the stock lens. The other lens i will be getting soon is the tonkia 11-16 and canon 85mm. Once i have the last 2 lens i will be done buying lens. The camera is well worth it folks. I have 4 music videos lined up and thats what i'll be using.
There is a 50mm-250mm lens with the image stabilizer for $300. It's a great lens for the t2i.
I agree with most the comments, and have to take huge issue with the reviewer complaining about the video based solely on the wobble (Which is the fault of using an EF-S lens, NOT the camera) and the manual focus.Any professional cinematographer, or even a film student (like me) should know that you will almost always be using a manual focus if you're shooting film or television type video. If you're a football dad who wants to record your kids game and can't bother with focus, by all means get a camcorder. But I'd point out that Television shows (including House, as was mentioned) are beginning to film with DSLRs. This camera may not be as perfect for video as it's cousin the 5D and her sister the 7D, but this camera is as close to that quality as you'll get with under $1000. Will you have to buy a nice lens? Yes. But this review is similar to buying a Mustang and complaining it suffers from an abundance of flat tires, because you put cheap, unreliable tires on it. Is a Mustang a perfect car? Of course not. Is this a perfect camera? Of course not. But please, review the camera based upon the camera, not the lens. The lens that comes with it isn't high quality, of course. But if you simply buy a nice lens, it solves the shake issue, and anyone who really cares about the video will WANT to focus the camera manually, why would you even buy a DSLR and let it focus for you? My advice is to purchase the camera body, not the package that comes with the lens, and get something nicer than an EF-S for your DSLR if you want clear video. This camera is a nice video camera, as long as the lens you put on it is a nice video lens. Always keep in mind that a lens is just as important, perhaps more important, than the camera it's on.
My wife has this camera and absolutely loves it.
What lens would you recomend? I am looking for a zoom lens around 55mm to 300mm or similar to go with the canon 550 rebel t2i i am about to purchace. I was going to get the kit lens but having read your reviews the idea of body only with a better quality lens is prehaps a better idea although i am looking at the possibility of a secondhand lens to keep the cost down.
all i ask for ANYONE who thinks dslr's aren't good enough for your "high quality HD cinematography" is to check out http://stillmotion.ca/site.html and click on the "cinema". watch ANY of those videos and tell me these dslr's aren't capable or are questionable when it comes to HD videos. this review of the t2i is horrible. I have great video quality with my L glasses and a stabilizer.
Justin , were the videos and stills shot with a Canon t2i ..for that website??
David, you used the Kit lense, what do you expect from the Video?? I have seen the greatest quality of video from a 5D with quality lenses.
The finale of the TV shoe “House” was filmed on a Canon 5D mark II. Which has the same 'issues' as those stated above (i.e manual focus, etc).Completely unfair to dismiss the video performance of this camera so quickly.
Canon T2i the great Camera–far exceeds my expectations: Some reviews I read say it feels plasticky like a toy. I did not like the feel of it that much UNTIL I put the accessory grip on it…and that sold it for me. I love this camera, and great value for what you get. Its like a miniature version of the 7D minus some of the more “professional” (traslation: complicated) features. I just paid 500 dollars for a professional photographer to take pictures at my wedding, and this camera takes far better pictures than than his camera (a Canon 20D). The kit lens is suprisingly good. However, I recommend getting a 100mm 2.8 or 1.4 EF lens…or even a wide 10mm or 18mm fixed lens. This camera would be a great choice for semi-professional photographers who already had some good lenses, or just beginners with the kit lens. I wish it had a more rugged body, but you can buy camera armor soon at http://www.squidoo.com/canoneosrebelt2ivsnikond90
Hi Jeff–When I discuss DSLR video I do so through the prism of someone who reviews HD camcorders often. You simply can't get away from the fact it's more difficult and problematic using any DSLR than an AVCHD camcorder. There's never an issue with focus, recording time or jelly effect. I've seen many user reviews complaining about the hassle and quality. This is my take and stand by it. That said a good debate is always important–it helps keep manufacturers on their toes.
Your review is messed up! I have a great Video *camera* and I want a DSLR *camera* because the video blows it away. Yes, there are issues. How long you can record and the “wobble” are issues but if you know the issues, you can work around them. The ability to change lens make all the difference. Again, your emphasis is a little off. You only need to look at review on Amazon.com to see how much the video function is loved by the average consumer.