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Canon EOS Rebel T2i (550D) vs. EOS Rebel T1i (500D) vs. EOS 7D: ISO and Image Quality Comparison
Canon EOS Rebel T2i (550D) vs. EOS Rebel T1i (500D) vs. EOS 7D: ISO and Image Quality Comparison
With the introduction of the Canon EOS Rebel T2i (550D), photographers are once again faced with the tough decision of whether to buy a feature-rich camera that on the one hand is slightly better than its predecessor (Canon is still selling the T1i, but really this is the upgrade), and on the other hand seems to be quite close to its more expensive stablemate, the EOS 7D. After spending some time with the new Rebel T2i, as well as the EOS 7D and the T1i, we can say that the newest Rebel is the best one yet, and does indeed rival the 7D in image quality, while making some minor improvements over the already very good Rebel T1i. The T2i is a very capable camera for an entry-level offering (though it does seem to reach into prosumer territory) and while I don’t want to spoil our upcoming in depth review of the T2i, it unquestionably is the best DSLR $800 can buy today. That said, the T1i and the EOS 7D are also well worth your attention, so I’ve put together some specification, ISO, and image quality comparisons together for your analysis.
Availability
Canon EOS Rebel T2i (body only) at B&H Photo Canon EOS Rebel T2i with 18-55m lens at B&H Photo
Canon EOS Rebel T1i (body only) at B&H Photo Canon EOS Rebel T1i with 18-55mm lens at B&H Photo
Canon EOS 7D (body only) at B&H Photo Get the new Canon EOS Rebel T2i, the Rebel T1, and the EOS 7D, 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 .
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Specifications Compared
The EOS Rebel T2i is essentially the successor to the Rebel T1i, and as such, many of its upgrades build on, borrow, or improve on what the T1i offered. What’s interesting is that several of the improvements reach up to the very good EOS 7D model. The T2i has a similar 18 megapixel sensor (Canon says it isn’t the same sensor), the same metering setup with a 63 zone dual layer system, and the same no compromise video functions complete with selectable frame rates, microphone input, and manual exposure control. If that didn’t sound interesting enough, Canon also has given the newest Rebel the highest resolution LCD display on any DLSR camera today, at a 3:2 aspect no less. Pretty impressive stuff for an $800 camera.
| Camera | Canon EOS Rebel T2i (550D) | Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D) | Canon EOS 7D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $799 | $649 | $1699 |
| Sensor | 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor | 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor | 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor |
| Sensor | 18 million effective pixels | 15.1 million effective pixels | 18 million effective pixels |
| Max. Image Size | 5184 x 3456 | 4752 x 3168 | 5184 x 3456 |
| ISO Range | 100-12800 | 100-12800 | 100-12800 |
| Metering | TTL 63-zone SPC | TTL 35-zone SPC | TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer SPC |
| Exposure Compensation | +/- 5.0 EV | +/- 2.0 EV | +/-5.0 EV |
| LCD monitor | 3.0 " TFT LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 1,040,000 dots | 3.0 " TFT LCD, 4:3 aspect ratio, 920,000 dots | 3.0 " TFT LCD, 4:3 aspect ratio, 920,000 pixels |
| Video mode | 1080p @ 30, 25 or 24 fps, 720p @ 50/60 fps, VGA @ 50/60 fps, Movie crop function, Microphone input | 1080p @ 20fps, 720p @ 30fps, VGA @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30, 25 or 24 fps, 720p @ 50/60 fps, VGA @ 50/60 fps, Microphone input |
| High-speed continuous | 3.7 fps, 34 JPEG/Fine frames, 6 RAW frames | 3.4 fps, 170 JPEG/Fine frames, 9 RAW frames | 8 fps, 126 JPEG/Fine frames, 15 RAW frames |
| Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC | Compact Flash Type I or II, Supports UDMA and Microdrive cards |
Hands On Comparison
As we’ll see in a moment, the EOS Rebel T2i offers image quality equal to that of the EOS 7D. From the exterior though, the EOS Rebel T2i is nothing like the 7D, instead it is largely the same camera as the Rebel T1i, and is clearly cheaper in build and less satisfying to handle in every respect when compared to the excellent ergonomics and pro-level build of the EOS 7D.
Much as the EOS 7D did with the 5D Mark II form factor, the slight resculpting of the Rebel T2i versus the T1i all seem aimed at improving the cameras use as an arm’s length video camera, with most of the changes influencing how the camera fits into the left hand. The grip is practically the same, but it has been adjusted on the camera’s rear just enough for a noticably better fit. It is a better camera to hold, but I still find the grip too narrow and the shutter release positioning will still require you to crimp your shutter finger more than it should.
On the T2i’s rear, the controls have been changed. Gone are the T1i’s round buttons, instead the T2i has somewhat large buttons that are shaped to fit their confines. I wouldn’t say the change is positive, as their flushness to the camera’s surface doesn’t make them any easier to press. The interface remains largely unchanged, the same info screen will be found on both Rebels, and the menu also stays the same, outside some minor reshuffling.
In use the T2i works quite like the older Rebel. The smaller viewfinders are identical in appearance, and performance numbers largely feel the same despite the T2i’s negligible frame rate improvement. Interestingly I feel like the the T1i is focusing just a tiny bit faster than the T2i. Neither come close to the EOS 7D with its 100% coverage viewfinder and 8 frame burst rates. With this new time with the EOS 7D, I’m feeling like the “Essential” rating we gave the EOS 7D in our in depth review was indeed well deserved, its overall handling is superb, and we can’t help but to be a bit disappointed that the new Rebel T2i didn’t get the EOS 7D’s clever video/live view switch/on button combo, but oh well.
ISO
You may not get a performance improvement with the Rebel T2i, but you do clearly get an image quality improvement, in particular a nice boost in ISO quality. The overall range stays the same at ISO 12800 for both Rebels and the EOS 7D, but a look at the samples below shows that very similar things are happening with the T2i and EOS 7D with their 18 megapixel sensors featuring gapless micro lenses. Noise is well apparent by ISO 800, but usability exends right up to ISO 3200 from a print perspective, and even ISO 6400 seems pretty good, though ISO 12800 might be pushing it too far.
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 |
Image Quality
I’ve put together a few comparative sets of images to give you a sense of what the new Rebel EOS T2i can do as compared to the T1i and EOS 7D. The weather here in New England has been terrible as of late, so these are all from the studio. The cameras have been setup the same way, and of course the light setup was exactly the same. The lens used is the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS. All the images have been run through Digital Photo Professional. Click each thumbnail for a larger view or explore the original size link for the full size image. Feel free to download the samples for your own personal use only.
Set 1
 |  |
| Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T2i Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture: f/7.1 Focal Length: 70 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size | Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T1i Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture: f/7.1 Focal Length: 73 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size |
 | |
| Camera: Canon EOS 7D Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture: f/7.1 Focal Length: 70 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size |
Set 2
 |  |
| Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T2i Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture: f/7.1 Focal Length: 70 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size | Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T1i Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture: f/7.1 Focal Length: 70 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size |
 | |
| Camera: Canon EOS 7D Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture: f/7.1 Focal Length: 70 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size | original size |
Set 3
 |  |
| Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T2i Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture: f/7.1 Focal Length: 70 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size | Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T1i Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture: f/7.1 Focal Length: 75 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size |
 | |
| Camera: Canon EOS 7D Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture: f/7.1 Focal Length: 73 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size |
Conclusion
Right now we’re feeling pretty good about the latest Rebel offering. Impressive image quality, a gorgeous display and a fully featured video function certainly make this a very compelling DSLR for the money. We’ve got just a bit more testing to do, but please do stay tuned for our upcoming in depth review.
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Canon EOS Rebel T2i (body only) at B&H Photo Canon EOS Rebel T2i with 18-55m lens at B&H Photo
Canon EOS Rebel T1i (body only) at B&H Photo Canon EOS Rebel T1i with 18-55mm lens at B&H Photo
Canon EOS 7D (body only) at B&H Photo Get the new Canon EOS Rebel T2i, the Rebel T1, and the EOS 7D, 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 .
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You’re missing the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV from the comparison. Sure, they don’t compare to the Rebels, but to the EOS 7D, you might have a pro who’ll use the 7D as a backup.
The T2i looks kinda cute with the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. I’m used to seeing it with EF-S zooms.
Yes, but I’m supposed to be focusing on the Rebel T2i here..I figure not many folks deciding between the Rebel and the Mark IV lol. And it’s a tidy package with the 50 for sure.
OK, so can we have a comparison with the EOS 7D, EOS 5D Mark II, and EOS-1D Mark IV?
P.S. Is the blonde the missus, and the black-hair the daughter?
Something like that.
Where’d I err?
Do you notice any banding problem with 7D and T2i? They are really noise cameras?
Tks
Antonio
Oh! tks for answering my question…
Antonio,
I can’t say that I’ve noticed any real banding issues with either, though I’ve yet to really look at some of our higher ISO shots done on the T2i
I tell ya what.
T2i with EF-S 15-85, and I won’t sic the Antichrist on you.
But I can’t promise that Jesus won’t take you down.
7D with the EF 28-135 (or better, the 24-105L – I’ll give you shelter for that), and I’ll feed you during Armageddon.
So what do you say?
15-85 for the T2i, not 18-55.
You drive a hard bargain….
Sorry, but that’s the way it’s got to be. EOS 7D with 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is even better.
20th April 1889 was the date of birth for Adolf Hitler, a man who took so much from this world and from people. Thus, the way to rectify his sin is to give to others generously.
Truth be told, the EOS 7D is far better for me due to my NM…
Great job! How about some RAW samples?
If I could figure out how to do that with our wordpress platform, I would!
Is there going to be a more controlled test / example ? For instance the Set 2 images have obvious differences in focus. See above models right eye (eye on left side of image) and compare the sharpness of the hair against the background. Seeing as the exposure is the same, the DOF should be the same unless distance from model was changed. Hard to compare same are of each image unless conditions are the same for each.
Oh and Im referring to Set 2 comparing the T2i and the 7D image.
Disregard my other comments… I see you state the files were all run through DPP but were they all processed using the same settings and were they all shot RAW? I thought at first the differences I saw in the T2i and 7D images but it actually appears the T2i file is sharper overall. If these were shot raw and processed the same then the edge appears to go to the T2i.
socal,
Actually RAW+Jpeg, but all of the files are from the RAW files, then run through DPP identically, in every regard. At least with the RAWs the T2i looks sharper out of the camera–this could be adjusted of course by increasing sharpness in the 7D’s picture style if you wanted….but from everything I’m seeing the two essentially look the same and both look better than the T1i. Interestingly the 7D files look much different on the LCD, much warmer looking than the T2i, but in the end they mostly look similar.
I would interested then in seeing a comparison of RAW with user style set flat across the board.. 0 sharpness, 0 contrast, etc.. and then process them identically through DPP. I think that is the only way you would see if the sensor is maybe doing a better or different job on the T2i than the 7D.
Excellent article with some very useful info. Many thanks.
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping in.
loved the article but I’m a student and I’m looking to buy my first SLR and I see that the T2i is sold out everywhere for the price I had in mind ($750) its offered as such in tons of places but I’m going to Japan in 2.5 weeks so I’d like it ASAP. The T1i comes in bundles with tons of other fun stuff that I’d have to get anyway, what do you think is the best choice in this case? cost to quality ratio I mean…thanks!
~J
Johanna,
I doubt you’d notice a difference in image quality between the two, but the movie options, slightly better IQ, and the LCD are worth the extra cost, for me. Both cameras are very good, it’s just the T2i is clearly the best entry level camera out there right now.
What about the 50D is that better than the Rebel 2Ti
No. Well, in terms of build and performance yes absolutely, but in terms of value or image quality no. That said if I had a 50D (or a 40d for that matter) I wouldn’t be trading it in for a 550d…unless you’re needing that video.
great to hear – I just bought a 2Ti and got worried that the 50D was better – the body is more money and the kit comes with a better lens
and I bought the 2Ti for the video
Then your golden! but you will want to move up to a better lens when you can (or you may already have one).
AUDIO QUESTION:
what are the differences with audio settings for an external mic? It seems the Rebel has only and on or off – OR am I missing something?
thanks so much!
Images in your example sets have horizontal and vertical resolution at 240 dpi. My Olympus E-410 can produce images at 300dpi resolution, so it is better for using with Photoshop
Hoang,
Just note that I’ve chosen to export the photos from Canon’s software at 240, I could have set it to 300 or 355, and had even bigger files!
So with the T1i costing about $650 the T2i $860 and the 7D $1650
Am I correct in thinking that you get more bang for the buck with the T2i?
I think so, I mean if you can pony up for the 7D, by all means do–weather proof, faster, the AF, etc. But if you can’t the T2i is the one to get.
Many thanks.
I have a T2i on the way.
Sweet, should work out well.
I was trying to decide between Canon T2i and T1i. Thanks for the review and comments. Now, I have decided to get T2i.
Patrick, Thanks for your article, think you have clinched a decision for me.
The shutter exploded on my 450D(XSi) last week, taking pictures of volcanic
ash haloes in the sky (maybe shutters dont like being pointed upwards, or ash!),
and have been using my 5D walkabout since (but its my indoor body!).
So with Canon offering a cashback spring offer here in Europe (about $75 on a 550d/T2i)
I think its a 550D kit ($40 increment).. with the 18-55 IS going to my niece who has my old 400D/XS (almost a million frames and still going, but the 28-70 I gave her failed…
camera outlasting a lens, thats digital for you!). Solution for both of us.
Garry,
well that should work out well for both of you, just remember the 550D will be no more ash resistant than your now exploded 450D!
Patrick
Thanks, a fair comment! Am hoping it was a one off, both the shutter and the ash!
Definitely, it appears that active volcanoes may disrupt more than just travel schedules…
I’ve been looking at these three cameras for a while and trying to decide which one I want for my graduation present. I’ve been leaning more toward the T2i, But honestly I have not a clue about cameras. A little help?
Well if somebody is offering the 7D, why not take it? Next best would be the T2i, with those two options no need to consider the T1i.
Well, what makes the 7D so much better(and more expensive) than the t2i? If they’re so close in comparison, why should I get the more expensive one? It also depends how much money I get from family members:P (sent out announcements, teehee) I mean, both cameras will benefit me equally in the beginning. But, once I start learning more about how my camera works, I suppose that the 7D will make me a lot more satisfied in the end. Right?
Right, in the end you’ll have been happier with the 7D. It’s much faster in frames per second, and has a much better focusing system, so shots of dynamic subjects are much more successful. It’s also weather proof. I can’t tell you how nice it is to walk around, in the elements without having to worry about your gear (provided you have the right lenses). The 7D feels better in the hands too, in fact it’s the best Canon in the hands as of right now (and we’ve tried all in the current EOS lineup). Finally there’s the respect factor. Carrying around a 7D points to a level of seriousness if you plan on doing anything professionally. In then end it takes the exact same picture, so if you don’t plan on doing sports regularly, you’ll be totally fine with the T2i, but if you can swing the $$$, the 7D is worth it. (if you get both in your hands you’ll see what I mean)
Awesome:) I think i’ll go for the 7D. Let’s just hope, that I can purchase in stores and i’ll be able to take a look at it before purchasing it. I’d hate to purchase it online and then not like it. But i’ll take your word for it. Thanks a lot, Patrick:)
I do need to make a comment about the “feel” of the 7D compared to the T2i. When I was shopping for a new camera I did the comparison and for me I had to select the T2i because of the feel.
I’m a female with very small hands. You stated in the review that the smaller body of the T2i would require you to crimp your shutter finger. In my case I had to stretch my hand to an uncomfortable position. The larger, heavier body wouldn’t work for long shoots for me.
Although the 7D is considered a higher level camera, I have chosen the unit that fits my physical needs… and I’ve been very happy with the decision. Now I did upgrade to the Tamron 17-50 2.8 lens so I feel that I have a solid package to shoot quality images.
Oh gosh I forgot to ask you one question and then i’ll leave you alone:P . What if I want to get pictures printed for a photo album? How does that work? Do they have a printing dock that you can purchase?
Which is better between Canon 550D & Nikon D90 in terms of performance at higher ISO? I shoot a lot without flash in ambient light. It will be my first DSLR. Which one do you suggest? I’m confused between these two.
Hey, Patrick just wanted to say I love the way you write your reviews. I am a new bee to photography and your articles are by far my favorite I have come across, I will definitely be reading more and sign up. Thank you
Just wondering what would you suggest for someone like me being new to photography as far as a DSLR is concerned. Video is my thing so I will mainly be using it as a B-Roll camera? Thank you
(I was thinking along the line of the 7D, but this article makes think twice.)
Jeanpaul,
I’d think the T2i (550D) would be great for your purposes, since video-wise it would be very similar to the 7D. If you have the money, get the 7D, worth it for the build and still image speed and focusing.
Thank you.
I’m pretty sure both cameras just offer the on setting, there’s no manual control over audio, that’s only to be found on the EOS 5D Mark II (via the new firmware)
Excellent point barb, not everybody has larger or even “male” hands. But we’re not saying the T2i is a ladies camera either, just that it always pays to get your hands on the cameras you want to buy.