Canon EOS Rebel T2i (550D) In Depth Review

Verdict

Clearly the Canon EOS Rebel T2i walks an interesting line in the Canon stable. On the one hand it offers very little performance or physical advantages over the T1i, but on the other hand it does give users on a budget exactly what some folks might be looking for from the EOS 7D, excellent image and video quality. Additionally it’s these same two features, the 18 megapixel sensor and robust video options that make the T2i look so compelling when compared to any likely competitors, but before giving our final word, let’s just look at some of the T2i’s positives and negatives.

Positives

• Nicely detailed images from high resolution sensor.
• Simply amazing new 1040K LCD display that allow for full image viewing (no black bars!).
• Very good exposure characteristics from the 63 zone dual layer metering system.
• +/- 5.0 EV bracketing.
• Selectable max. setting for AUTO ISO.
• Excellent video quality.
• Robust HD video options (excluding sound control).
• Ability to add copyright information in-camera.
• Microphone input.
• Responsive AF, even in low light

Negatives

• Camera grip too narrow for average and above hands.
• ISO Range limited to round numbers (100, 200, 400, instead of 100, 125, 160, 200, etc.).
• Chroma noise spoils things on a pixel peeping level, but works fine for prints.
• Average camera performance (frames per second/buffer).
• Inaccurate tungsten WB setting.
• Surprisingly, no in-camera editing options (excepting video).
• New button shapes on the rear not any easier to press.

Conclusion

In many respects, some of our analysis while reviewing the EOS Rebel T2i was a bit unfair to this high end entry level offering, simply because we couldn’t help but to make comparisons between it and the EOS 7D. From a purely image quality point of view, they are indeed equals, and let’s not forget that when it comes to video, the T2i can also be thought of as a EOS 7D for half the price. But those comparisons end there, this new Rebel can’t compare, can’t come close to the overall build and feel of the EOS 7D, nor will it ever be confused with the EOS 7D’s substantially faster performance.

This leads us to comparisons of the Rebel T2i and the Rebel T1i. From a performance point of view, there is no difference, both are reliable, but average performers, and in the hands, there’s little to distinguish the 2 cameras. Further image quality is better, but not that much better, there’s possibly a half to one stop difference in high ISO noise, and just a pinch more resolution.

Finally we have to consider the actual competition, and it’s here the Rebel T2i looks the most compelling. While it’s overall performance numbers are inline with offerings from Olympus, Sony, and Nikon, the T2i easily beats them all with more resolution, no compromise video options, and the best LCD to be found anywhere on any current DSLR. In the near future, it’s simply hard to see how the EOS Rebel T2i doesn’t overshadow the competition.

In the end we’d have liked to have had a slightly faster Rebel, and we’re still not wild about the Rebel T2i’s camera grip, which like its predecessor, just isn’t wide enough for optimal comfort. We do however, like Canon’s approach of offering budget minded consumers a camera with few compromises, they didn’t skimp on the microphone jack or video frame rates, or carry over a sensor design from a previous model, and to top things off they throw in an incredible LCD, that higher end Canon DSLR owners will be lusting after. It sort of goes without saying that this is certainly the best Rebel yet, but as of right now, it’s the best camera an entry level photographer can buy, as such, it isn’t just highly recommended, it’s “Essential”.

Build Quality: 7.5/10
Features: 9.5/10
Functionality: 9/10
Image Quality: 9/10
Overall Value: 9/10

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