Introduction
There haven’t been many recent DSLR introductions for less than $999. Sure you can spend four grand for a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV or a $5,000 Nikon D3s, two of the newer ones available, but those models are really for pros. News on the affordable DSLR front has been pretty sparse—until now as Canon just introduced an upgrade for the popular T1i which remains in the line-up. The new T2i bumps up the resolution from 15 megapixels to 18MP while juicing speed to 3.7 frames per second (from 3.4). Metering is enhanced as is the LCD screen. Since this is 2010, what’s a DSLR without HD video?—and the T2i has it at improved levels (1920×1080 at 24, 25 or 30 fps versus a very jerky 20 fps for the T1i). Sounds great on paper but the real world is the only one that counts. Time to check it out…
Features and Design
The Rebel EOS T2i measures 5.1×3.8×3 (WHD, in inches) and weighs around 26 ounces with lens, battery and card. It’s not nearly as beefy or speedy as the EOS 7D, but it costs a lot less. It has the form factor and heft you’d expect from a consumer-oriented DSLR which isn’t a bad thing. The grip has a nice rubberized texture as does the thumb rest on the rear. It doesn’t look like anything special–just your basic all-black DSLR.
On the front are the lens mount and release button. The camera accepts all Canon EF-S lenses and there are 60-plus to choose from. The kit lens is 18-55mm which equates to 29-88mm in 35mm terms because of the 1.6x digital factor of the APS-C sized sensor. Also here is red-eye/self-timer lamp, remote sensor, depth-of-field preview button and mic. The built-in flash acts as an AF Assist beam; you need to open it with pop-up button on the side of the camera. We’d much rather have a dedicated beam on the body itself like the Nikon D5000, one of our favorite DSLRs, which costs $799 with the 18-55mm kit lens. The Nikon is “only” a 12MP camera that shoots 720p video but the stills are top notch.
You’ll find the hot shoe, on/off switch, ISO, shutter and jog wheel and shutter button on the top of the T2i. There are 14 options on the mode dial ranging from full auto, full manual, movie, popular scene settings and so on. It’s pretty standard stuff.
The rear is dominated by a 3-inch 3:2 format LCD screen rated 1.04 million dots versus 921K for the T1i. The screen is quite good but the difference isn’t amazing from the older model. The viewfinder is decent with 95% coverage but a brighter view would be on our wish list. The control layout here is fairly typical with a four-way controller with center set button. The four points give access to focus type, Picture Style, burst/self-timer and white balance. We’d like the flash to be one of options rather than Picture Styles but that’s just us. As noted, ISO adjustment–which ranges from 100-6400 (with 12,800 custom)–is on top. This control placement wasn’t a problem at all during use. Other keys on the back include exposure compensation, playback, delete, menu and display. The Q key gives quick access to the main parameters so you can make adjustments with the jog wheel. There’s also the red dot button for Live View when in still mode or it starts recording when you’re in the mood to capture HD videos. A tiny speaker lets you hear what you’ve recorded but in the poorest fidelity you can imagine.
On the right side is an SD/SDHC card compartment. Canon is among the first to offer SDXC compatibility as well. This media has the potential for 2 terabytes of data. There’s nothing close to this currently available but you’ll be ready for it (SanDisk has a 64GB card). Definitely look for a Class 6 or better rating—especially if you’re shooting video. On the left side is a compartment for various ins/outs—mini HDMI, A/V out, remote and mic inputs. The compartment on the bottom holds the battery which is rated 550 shots using the viewfinder (per CIPA), a decent number which drops to 440 if you use the flash and Live View half the time. Either way, you should be good for day’s shooting without any problems.
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.