Canon EOS Rebel T2i (550D) In Depth Review

Image Quality

I’ve noticed multiple sources reporting that Canon claims the sensors inside the EOS 7D and the EOS Rebel T2i are not the same, and while that may indeed be true, I can report that the two essentially offer the exact same image quality in direct and indirect comparisons. This of course is largely a good thing as with the EOS 7D, the newest Rebel takes rather splendid pictures offering plenty of resolution and pleasing colors. It is a small step better than the Rebel T1i, enhanced a bit more at higher ISO, where the T2i, despite its megapixel increase, shows a slight increase in noise management (thanks in part to the gapless microlenses and I suspect in-camera processing tricks). Compared to the 7D, the T2i looks entirely equal at low light, excepting at the highest setting of 12,800 where I see some evidence of the EOS 7D being slightly better, though both cameras should avoid this setting. Suffice it to say that the new processor, and 63 zone dual layer metering system (also borrowed from the EOS 7D) make for a camera that does indeed take pictures better than its predecessor and equal to that of the doubly expensive EOS 7D.

There is of course some room for criticism here, starting with general image noise and higher ISO noise, which in the Canon way of doing things is the ugly chroma type noise as opposed the monochromatic luminance noise typically left behind by Nikon DSLRs. In normal viewing, noise isn’t really an issue till about ISO 800, and it doesn’t become a glaring problem till ISO 6400, but pixel peepers will find noise even at ISO 200 and 400. From a print perspective, the chroma noise isn’t really an issue at all, but for on screen viewing, the chroma noise isn’t all that appealing. I have received some questions regarding banding issues at higher ISO settings. After some review, I have noticed some mild horizontal banding with our camera at ISO 6400 and 12,800, but only in certain exposures.

Another potential issue arises from the 18 megapixel sensor. The T2i is able to capture so much detail that a mere kit lens like the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS may not fully be up to the task of getting the most out of T2i. Yes, you’ll get good pictures with the included kit lens, but you might want to consider quickly purchasing some higher quality glass to get the most out of your new T2i.

ISO Comparison

Below we’ve assembled crops from the EOS Rebel T2i, the EOS Rebel T1i, the EOS 7D, and for good measure, the EOS 5D Mark II. The shots were taken back to back in identical light at identical settings, meaning noise reduction was turned off in-camera, dynamic range enhancers were turned off, the same (standard) picture style is being used, and all cameras are in aperture priority, set to f/8 with 1 stop of exposure compensation. Because the Rebel 2Ti isn’t yet supported by Lightroom, I’ve run all of the files through Canon’s latest version of Digital Photo Professional, again with noise removal sliders set to zero. Click each thumbnail for a 100% crop (from left to right in each crop: Rebel T1i, Rebel T2i, EOS 7D, and EOS 5D Mark II). The originals for each camera which you can download for you own personal use can be found at the following links: Rebel T2i, Rebel T1i, EOS 7D, EOS 5D Mark II.

Crop 1

ISO 100	ISO 200
ISO 400	ISO 800
ISO 1600	ISO 3200
ISO 6400	ISO 12800

Crop 2

ISO 100	ISO 200
ISO 400	ISO 800
ISO 1600	ISO 3200
ISO 6400	ISO 12800

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?

   reply
   • 

     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