Canon EOS Rebel T2i (550D) In Depth Review

Performance

In use the Rebel T2i is a reliable performer. Startup time is less than a second, and in about the same amount of time a shot can be fired and viewed on the LCD. As we mentioned above the grip is rather narrow, so overall ergonomics aren’t ideal, but they’re still pretty good. Shutter placement is slightly off for our average hands, ending up more in the first joint of the trigger finger, but realistically a little contortion of the grip hand puts everything nicely into position.

From a technical point of view, the Rebel T2i is fairly average. The viewfinder provides 95% coverage with a .87x magnification, and seems identical to the T1i, though both are certainly in line with most of the competition. The Rebel T2i features a 9 point AF system with a single cross-type point in the center. Focusing speeds are pretty snappy, but I feel fairly certain in side to side testing that the T1i locks focus faster than the T2i. There is of course an AI Servo mode, so sports, wildlife and dynamic subject photography are definitely possible, but unquestionably the T2i doesn’t provide the depth of AF customization that a camera like the EOS 7D has. This doesn’t mean that dynamic subjects can’t be done, just that usage is less efficient and the results less reliable. Still, we were able to effectively track moving subjects and with proper shutter speed, the results are pretty satisfying.

This leaves us with the overall camera speed. Shutter delay is perceptible, but just a pinch. As to the frame rate perspective, the T2i gets a very modest bump in speed from the T1i’s 3.4 fps to the now 3.7 fps, which is good I suppose considering the larger files flowing through the camera. On the other hand the buffer has been reduced to 6 RAW frames (or approx. 34 fine JPEGS). In other words, you get about 2 seconds worth of continuous shooting which is longer than some of the other competitors, but slower in speed than several too. After firing the 6 shots, the T2i can still sputter along sporadically, but you’ll notice the “write to card” light remaining on for well over 10 seconds. There is better news for JPEG shooters, but in general the T2i feels largely average in performance, especially for an $800 camera. On the other hand, the T2i is able to get a number of different jobs done effectively (stills, macro/tripod work, and dynamic subjects), and for general use or backup duties it’s certainly a capable camera.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i (body only) at B&H Photo Canon EOS Rebel T2i with 18-55m lens at B&H Photo Get the new Canon EOS Rebel T2i and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the links above at B&H Photo Video. Your purchases there made this and hopefully future articles possible .

Continue Reading This Review:

1. Introduction
2. Specifications
3. Camera Design
4. Interface and Live View
5. Performance
6. Image Quality
7. Video
8. Verdict
9. Image Samples

Continue the Discussion

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1. 

   Fils-de-Daguerre says:

   March 11, 2010 at 7:56 pm

   What I want to know is the meaning behind “1,040,000 dots”, “920,000 dots”, or “320,000 dots”. 720x480 is 345,600 pixels, 640x480 is 307,200 pixels, and 320x240 is 76,800 pixels. So where are the designations of “1040k”, “920k”, and “230k” from?

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   • 

     Patrick says:

     March 11, 2010 at 10:08 pm

     The “dots” thing is sort of a new term that I think Nikon started with the D300/D3, but essentially it’s breaking down a 640×480 (VGA) display down to the R,G,B components of each pixel, so that you’re essentially multiplying 640×480x3 which is approx 920k. The dots and pixels are sometimes used interchangeably, but they aren’t really the same thing.

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     • 

       Fils-de-Daguerre says:

       March 12, 2010 at 10:08 am

       I really wish they could’ve stuck with WVGA, VGA, and QVGA…

       reply
2. 

   Funkmon says:

   March 15, 2010 at 4:57 am

   *late*

   Excellent review. If I had talent or skills, I’d do it exactly the same way you did. . Thanks!

   reply
   • 

     Patrick says:

     March 15, 2010 at 10:10 pm

     Thanks!

     reply
3. 

   Christy Joseph says:

   May 3, 2010 at 1:22 pm

   Thanks for the excellent indepth review of CANON EOS 550(Rebel T2i) which I read and re-read. The review has hastened my resolve to purchase one this month. Thank you once again for helping me decide.

   reply
   • 

     Patrick says:

     May 3, 2010 at 9:01 pm

     Christy,
     You’re welcome, and good luck with the T2i, you’ll be getting yourself a mighty fine (and fun) camera.

     reply
4. 

   Navs says:

   June 14, 2010 at 8:17 am

   Hi and thanks for the wonderful review! I was just wondering will it be okay if i use an unreal battery? Like, i can get a fake battery for 700 bucks but the actual eos 550d battery costs 1600 bucks. The seller said there wont be a problem if i dont leave the battery inside the canera for a long time. Any sugeestions?

   reply
5. 

   zal says:

   September 3, 2010 at 10:51 am

   Hi! I would like to know your opinion about a comparison between Canon T2i and Pentax K-x as I cannot decide! Thanks.

   reply