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Canon Unveils EOS Rebel T2i (550D): Easily Out Specs the Competition
Canon Unveils EOS Rebel T2i: Easily Out Specs the Competition
Earlier today, Canon unveiled the new Rebel T2i, or internationally, the EOS 550D. This new Rebel appears to pull out all of the stops in attempt by Canon to just outright out spec the competitors at every possible turn. The T2i starts with a bang, offering a 18 megapixel sensor, similar–but not the same as that found in the EOS 7D. In fact, the best way to think of the new Rebel is as a baby 7D, a term that appears to be coming up quite a bit today, and with good reason… because remarkably the T2i borrows a substantial amount from its more expensive stablemate including:
- 63-zone Dual Layer Metering System
- HD video recording options, with the selectable frame rates
- Stereo microphone out
Other goodies include:
- ISO 100-12800
- 3.7 fps continuous shooting speed
- ± 5 EV exposure compensation range
- 3-inch LCD with 1.04 million dots and wide 3:2 aspect ratio
This is a remarkably robust feature set, especially given the $799 price point (body only), and from an average consumers point of view looks irresistible, heck from anybody’s point of view really. What I like is that Canon has opted to not compromise on the video options, they’re all there, then their best APS-C sensor is there, and then it adds an improved LCD, higher res than any EOS offering. Ok, it isn’t perfect, and perhaps it’d be best served with a lower resolution sensor, but we like the take-no-prisoners approach, and even if you’re not a Canon fan, you have to admit this will push the high-end entry level sector to much greater heights.
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i ships to your favorite retailers in early March.
Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i is available for pre-order at Amazon.
 Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital Camera at Amazon Get the Canon EOS Rebel T2i and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the following links at Amazon. Your purchases there help us continue to provide you with more great content. Camera Body (only) $799 |
Additional Media
Specifications
| Camera | Canon Rebel T2i (EOS 550D) |
| Price (street) | $799.00 |
| Max resolution | 5184 x 3456 |
| Effective pixels | 18.7 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 22.3 x 14.9 mm |
| Sensor type | CMOS sensor |
| ISO rating | 100 - 12800 |
| Auto Focus | 9-point CMOS sensor |
| White balance override | 7 positions, custom |
| Min shutter | 30 sec |
| Max shutter | 1/4000 sec |
| Built-in Flash | yes |
| External flash | Yes, hot-shoe |
| Flash modes | Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill-in, Manual (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off. |
| Exposure compensation | Modes: Auto, Manual Flash On/ Off, Red-Eye ReductionX-Sync: 1/200 sec |
| Metering | TTL 63-zone SPC |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.6 |
| Lens thread | Canon EF / EF-S lens mount |
| Continuous Drive | Yes, 3.7 fps |
| Movie Clips | Yes, 1920 x 1080 @ 30,25,25 fps, 1280 x 720 @ 60,50 fps, 640 x 480 @ 60,50 fps |
| Timelapse recording | |
| Orientation sensor | |
| Storage types | SD |
| Uncompressed format | Yes, RAW |
| JPEG Quality Levels | fine, normal |
| Viewfinder | 95% frame coverage, Magnification: 0.87x |
| LCD | 3.0" 3:2 TFT LCD |
| LCD Dots | 1040,000 pixels |
| Live View | Yes |
| USB | USB 2.0 |
| HDMI | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes, (Optional) |
| Environmentally sealed | no |
| Battery | BLS-1 1150 mAh Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 1.17 lb (530 g) |
| Dimensions | 5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 in (129 x 98 x 62 mm) |
Press Release
THE NEW CANON REBEL T2i DIGITAL SLR TAKES ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS BEYOND THE STILL WITH ADVANCED VIDEO FEATURES
The Family Camera is Back, Introducing the EOS Rebel T2i Featuring a Large 18-Megapixel
CMOS Sensor and Full HD Video Recording with Selectable Frame Rates up to 30 fps
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 8, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the new flagship model for the Company’s highly popular Rebel DSLR line: the Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Today’s photo enthusiast is looking for a camera that will grow with them as they learn, and that is a perfect description of the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Retaining all of the traditional characteristics that have made the EOS Rebel series beloved by entry-level photographers and an industry best-seller, the new Rebel T2i succeeds in bridging the gap between an entry-level camera and a true pro-sumer camera.
The Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera includes a variety of new features for photographic assignments as varied as grabbing that action shot from the sidelines or creating memorable family portraits, including: 3.7 fps shooting, an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800), a 63-zone Dual Layer Metering System, and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor. There are some moments in our lives where video helps capture the moment better than a still image, and the Rebel T2i offers the best of both worlds with Full HD 1080p video as well as 18-megapixel still images. The Rebel T2i DSLR continues Canon’s industry-leading trend in Full HD DSLR video capture with manual exposure control, selectable frame rates and a new external microphone input. There is also a new feature for standard definition recording, Movie Crop, which provides an approximate 7x additional zoom with no loss of image quality when shooting SD quality video.
“There is no question that HD video is the biggest trend in DSLR technology and because of this we are seeing the creativity of still photographers transferring to the moving image. Still photographers are using the various lenses and accessories they are already familiar with to create amazing video footage,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Taking that HD video quality and putting it in the hands of entry-level photographers with cameras like our new EOS Rebel T2i, we are seeing a new generation of creative digital artists emerge.”
Lights, Rebel, Action – EOS HD Video
Canon’s EOS HD video capture has helped spark a major movement in digital imaging, empowering still photographers with the ability to experiment, learn and capture stunning high-definition video through a variety of creative lenses. Continuing this imaging revolution, the new EOS Rebel T2i puts entry-level photographers on the frontline equipped with all the latest EOS HD video features including full HD video at 1920×1080 resolution, selectable frame rates, full manual exposure control and the visual options of interchangeable lenses. Manual video exposure control provides novice filmmakers with the image control they are accustomed to in a still camera, all while shooting professional-level cinematic video. Professional photographers utilize creative lighting, adjustable depth-of-field and a variety of lenses to create powerful still images and video footage, and these are exactly the tools that the new Rebel T2i gives to budding photo and video enthusiasts. Adding a new professional-level feature for EOS cameras, the Rebel T2i includes an Auto ISO function that works in all Creative Zone exposure modes including Manual where users can set a limit to the highest ISO the camera will use, enabling them to retain the lighting and look they desire for a scene. By setting an Auto ISO range, videographers can retain dark shadow areas and avoid blowing out highlight areas in a scene while still retaining the benefit of automatic ISO adjustments. The Rebel T2i DSLR captures video in both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards at selectable frame rates including Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 (29.97), 25 or 24 (23.976) fps, and HD 1280 x 720 or Standard Definition 640 x 480 quality video, at 60 (59.94) or 50 fps.
For easier video recording operation and familiar functionality for beginners, the Rebel T2i’s autofocus can be operated before or during video recording by pressing the shutter button half-way down in video mode. Another feature debuting in the Rebel T2i is Canon’s new Movie Crop mode, where the user can achieve 7x magnification when shooting SD video for a significantly increased “telephoto” effect. Unlike the digital zoom feature found in many compact digital cameras, Canon’s new Movie Crop mode actually crops the image directly from the CMOS sensor at full SD resolution to preserve maximum image quality and provide additional zoom power. The new Movie Crop feature is especially helpful for achieving extra full resolution zoom power when filming youth sports, such as a child running to the furthest end of a field. For better sound quality when shooting video, the Rebel T2i DSLR includes an external stereo microphone jack, a first for an EOS Rebel model, in addition to its built-in monaural microphone. These audio and video features supplement a tremendous range of additional must-have video features in an entry-level Digital SLR camera.
For enhanced viewing pleasure and easy video sharing at home, the HDMI video-out capability of the Rebel T2i DSLR includes a new Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) compatibility which allows users to play back still or video files on a CEC-compliant HDTV, using the TV remote to control the camera when connected via HDMI interface.
Camera Feature Set
The EOS Rebel T2i DSLR features a newly developed 18-million-pixel Canon CMOS imaging sensor providing outstanding resolution and light sensitivity for amazing poster-sized prints with fine detail and stunning color. The camera exhibits exceptional low-noise performance incorporating many of the same technologies used to reduce noise in professional cameras such as the EOS 7D. The Rebel T2i camera’s basic ISO range is an amazing 100~6400, and via a Custom Function, it can be extended to ISO 12,800. The outstanding ISO range combined with its noise reduction technology allows the Rebel T2i to capture outstanding low-light pictures at events such as candlelit birthday celebrations or recitals where flash photography may be prohibited.
The camera provides 3.7 fps continuous shooting for still photos, making it the fastest shooting Rebel model to date and enabling users to capture that great image of a little leaguer’s first swing. The camera features Canon’s proprietary iFCL 63-zone dual-layer metering system offering intelligent Evaluative metering with much finer segmentation than any previous EOS Rebel model. The new Rebel T2i also has an expanded ± 5 EV exposure compensation range allowing for much more versatility when shooting in extremely bright or dark environments; or when shooting HDR (high dynamic range) images.
The Rebel T2i DSLR includes a number of professional-level user-selectable Canon image processing features to enhance the image quality of in-camera JPEG files, and to tag RAW images for processing later through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software (included with the camera). These features include Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer to enhance shadow detail and add contrast to “flat” scenes, Highlight Tone Priority adding up to one stop of detail in bright highlight areas, Peripheral Illumination Correction for automatic correction of vignetting, High ISO Noise Reduction with four user-selectable settings, and Long Exposure Noise Reduction applied to exposures one second or longer. These Canon image enhancements provide new photographers with professional quality automatic image correction on JPEG files right out of the camera.
The EOS Rebel T2i digital camera includes a new enhanced 3-inch LCD monitor featuring 1.04 million dots with a wide 3:2 aspect ratio, wider than previous EOS models. The Rebel T2i camera’s LCD monitor can display a full-screen video image utilizing the entire screen during playback. For maximum storage capacity the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is the first EOS model to support SDXC memory cards. With all the new and exciting features of the EOS Rebel T2i, the Rebel series continues to provide great Canon features such as Live View, a built-in pop-up flash, and the EOS integrated cleaning system, as well as compatibility with Canon EX-series Speedlites and Canon EF and EF-S lenses allowing users to fully explore multiple creative photographic possibilities. The new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is also compatible with Canon’s new BG-E8 battery grip and new RC-6 wireless remote control for both still images and video capture.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in early March, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $799.99. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of “100 Best Global Brands.” Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.
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It outspecs the competition.
No word yet on if it outperforms.
Yes, I was careful to say outspecs, BUT this a fairly uncompromising approach from Canon here IMO.
Granted. You did a fine job in your titling.
So what’s the downsides, Patrick?
For the INTENDED consumer, practically none, especially relative to the current competition. For enthusiasts the issues would be:
1. That darned Rebel name (here in the states)
2.No micro adjust for lens corrections
3. No level (? OK that’s reaching)
4. Kit lens just won’t do
5. Speed as in fps (vs 7D)
6. 6 frame buffer
7. AF and viewfinder (vs. 7D)
To my mind, the 550D looks very, very good and just consider what entry-level consumer, or even semi-skilled photographer would be put off by point 1-7?
Unknown of course is what the competitors have up their sleeves, surely there’s a response, but how soon? (I’m thinking about what A D90 replacement might be offering)
Hm… frankly I prefer EOS Rebel T2i to EOS 550D…
Ok…how does a guy who signs in with “Fils-de-Daguerre” actually prefer the “Rebel” nomenclature…it just isn’t possible.
Ha ha…
Actually, the reason I use that name is because of Louis Daguerre, after whom the daguerreotype is named.
Plus, the word rebel comes from Anglo-French…
This is in fact a new approach from Canon.
They used to be more aggressive in “crippling” features on new low end models used from previous high end gear.
The new EOS-550D (as it is called here) is pretty much everything one could have wished for from the 7D considering the price point.
Perhaps it is also a response to the success of the micro-4/3 from Panny and Olympus, hence the emphasis on video or one of the few benefits of having a recession – you get more for your money.
Well said, both.
I’m a bit surprised that Canon continues the megapixel race like this, seeing Nikon’s success with 12MP cameras.
Not a bad idea from Canon.
18mp isn’t really worse than Nikon’s 12mp, and in ideal conditions, there’s more resolving power.
I’d be curious to see how it’s working out financially for Nikon, like D300s sales vs 7D, etc. Of course I get it from a photographer’s point of view—but consumers (and some of us photographers honestly) are suckers for specs…
I was just talking to a friend yesterday, he had no idea that his superzoom type compact camera had a different sensor size than a DSLR camera, that distinction just doesn’t cross many folks minds…so when you see 18 vs 12, many people just assume, one must be better than another.
Indeed.
I was showing my younger sister the new PowerShots online, and as I showed her the 14.1mp SX210 IS, I groaned, “ugh, too many megapixels.” She gave me this quizzical look…
It is a problem, they provide an “advancement” that doesn’t actually improve anything other than camera sales. Quite unlike advancements in CPUs where more speed can actually help. With cameras, especially compacts, megapixels are meaningless as they’re hampered by all sorts of things like diffraction, etc. The advancement we need is physically larger sensors placed in the same small bodies, but that’s only happening slowly at best right now.
Very true. Some writers, like little me and Mike Johnston, and significantly NYT’s David Pogue (who I’m proud to have known since the mid-nineties) are trying to educate people about sensor sizes, but it’s slow going.
For a lot of people, technical details like “sensor” size is about the last thing they need to hear before their eyes glaze over with disinterest. Maybe if there was a rating on every camera box saying something like “this camera has an image quality factor of 2 out of 10″ with the words printed over an outline of the actual sensor. I wonder if the manufacturers would go along with something like that– (question asked sarcastically)
For me, one (your handle) has a bit more sophistication than the other. Additionally, nothing seems rebellious in using the worlds most popular DSLR model to me. Though granted, “Rebel” is preferred over the “Kiss” naming in Japan.
Although Kiss might work for a Valentine’s Day gift tomorrow…