Canon EOS Rebel T2i (550D) In Depth Review

Video and Playback

Like the EOS 7D, the EOS Rebel T2i features the same robust HD recording options with both 1080p and 720p options, and selectable frame rates to boot ( 1080p @ 30, 25 or 24 fps, 720p @ 50/60 fps). The T2i shoots video compressed with h.264 to a .MOV file, and can record video in up to 12 minute clips, a limitation related to the FAT32 file system which only allows for file sizes up to 4GB. The T2i includes its own monaural microphone, but thankfully includes an input for attaching a stereo microphone (though like the other Canon DSLRs with HD video there is no internal sound control). After video capture, it is possible for the user to snip begining and end points.

Overall video quality is very good, completely in-line with video pulled from the EOS 7D and very close to video from the EOS 5D Mark II. This is still a DSLR camera though, and due to the way their sensors capture video, there are some visual phenomenon inherent with this and other DSLR cameras. There is definitely a rolling shutter effect, the “jello” look that happens when subjects or the camera is moving side to side, and there’s certainly the aliasing issue that can happen when the camera is focused on the right patterns or fine detail. But these issues aren’t occurring anymore frequently on the EOS Rebel T2i than any other DSLR camera, nor would they turn off the likely user of the T2i from thoroughly enjoying the video that he or she may pull from the T2i.

Implementation is fairly straightforward. On the shooting mode dial there is a movie option that instantly puts the user in a live view mode complete with the proper chosen video aspect. To start recording, just press the live view/record button. You can sort of focus while filming by pressing halfway on the shutter, but I really recommend not using it and simply practicing and perfecting your manual focus skills instead.

Two final quick points. In addition to 1080p, 720p, and 640×480, the T2i offers a cropped view recording mode which essentially records 640×480 right from the center of the sensor which works out to a 7x magnification. This 1 to 1 recording naturally enhances whatever flaws might be inherently present, like excessive noise for instance, but does allow for some magnified shots for users without longer lenses. It’s an interesting addition, but it certainly won’t be the preferred way of shooting video for most users.

Once the video mode has been chosen on the shooting mode dial, the T2i offers a previously unseen menu page of video options.	The various recording options.
Autofocus is available while recording, but its disruptive nature makes it the less preferred choice.

Sample

I think this short film titled “February” by Nino Leitner does an effective job of showing what’s possible with the T2i’s video options. As always this stuff takes practice (we’re still learning ourselves here) and many videographers have turned to a host of stabilizing and focusing accessories to further improve their film making. Still, excellent results can be done “right out of the box” for those intrepid enough to just give it a try.

FEBRUARY – shot on the Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i (preprod unit) from Nino Leitner on Vimeo.

Playback

The T2i features just the standard playback options, providing views with no information, to additional information, to histogram and color channel histograms options. There are no in-camera editing options to speak of which is strange given the proliferation of DSLR cameras now offering in-camera digital filters and/or basic image edition options. But the T2i does have one element that does really enhance playback, and that feature is its splendid 3 inch 1040K LCD display. No, this one doesn’t tilt, flip, or rotate but I love the clarity it provides in normal and magnified viewing, and additionally the 3:2 aspect of the LCD now means your images fill up the entire screen without those annoying little black bars. For me personally the loss of in-camera editing options isn’t a make or break it type deal, but this new display definitely puts the 230k competitors to embarrassing shame.

As with live view, the 3:2 LCD aspect allows for full screen image viewing in playback.	Like most cameras, the T2i provides various views that add more and more information to help in analyzing your captures.
Here the "whole kitchen sink" is presented with histogram.	Fully zoomed in, the LCD provides a very good idea at what kind of focus you've achieved.
Alternatively, zooming out provides a thumbnail view that allows for much quick "scrolling".

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