Compare Canon Rebel T2i and T1i

As you will see below in the comparison between the Canon Rebel T2i and the Rebel T1i, there are a number of excellent upgrades to the Rebel T2i. And, while it still remains to be seen if these changes hold up to the normal Canon quality, the simple answers would seem to be, Yes, it is time for the new release, and, Yes, the public will snatch up this newest release with gusto.

News Flash

The Latest from DPReview on Canon T2i
All in all, the EOS 550D is the most compelling DSLR of its class that we've ever tested. It is hard to imagine how much more we might realistically expect from a product of this type, and although the improvements that Canon has made over the EOS 500D aren't revolutionary, the 550D is a better camera than its predecessor. In terms of both still and video capture, the 550D is currently the best camera of its type on the market.

Here are the facts, and the facts are indisputable (A Few Good Men).

1. There is now no question that HD Movie mode is now part of the package that photographers will be seeking in their new DSLR purchases. And movie mode in the T2i has been improved... not just a little, but to match the movie mode in the 7D semi-professional model (a 7D will cost you twice as much).
   According to the Canon press release: "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."
   This is quite an improvement over the older version which had video capabilities of 1080p at only 20fps which delivered unacceptable quality for most viewers.


2. An external mic jack has been added for better sound recording in video mode. This was the major complaint from reviewers of the previous model. Canon marketers heard the complaint and heeded the cries for improvement in this area.


3. Megapixels have increased to the same level as the 7D (again... cost is twice as much) at 18.7 megapixels. This is the highest number of pixels in the entry level category, and, while megapixels are not the end-all of features for selection criteria, this is pretty impressive. The younger sibling had an already impressive 15 megapixel sensor.


4. ISO has been improved to a selection of sensitivity of 100 to 6400 (up from 3200 in the older model) with the possibility of extending to 12800. This makes taking photos in low light much more manageable. For instance at concerts or indoor images without using a flash.


5. Exposure compensation has been increased from 2 stops plus or minus to 5 stops. This is really exciting news for photo enthusiasts who do HDR work.


6. Upgraded quality LCD panel. The resolution of the panel has been increased to 1.02 million dots. This means that there is better quality screen resolution.


7. A slight increase in the burst rate from 3.4 fps to 3.7 frames per second. This is a good feature for stop action shooting.
   All of these upgrades add up to a great reason for a new release.

The price is a bit higher than the competition in the entry level market, but the new Canon Rebel T2i has features that none of the competitors can claim. If you are especially looking for a camera that can take quality video (and you should), still photo quality that matches that of the pros, and a full feature package that nearly matches a much more expensive DSLR, consider the NEW Rebel T2i (550D) from Canon.

Here is the side-by-side comparison of the Canon Rebel T2i and the Rebel T1i. Not every feature has been listed, but the ones that would make a difference to most buyers are here.

From digitalbear's photostream


Here's one at ISO 6400 - pretty impressive

As the Canon Rebel line has developed over the years, there has always been the question about whether the newer camera warranted purchasing by the Canon user. That is, most buyers would skip a model or two before making that upgrade. In the case of comparing the Canon T2i and T1i, as you can see above, there are several significant differences that may make the upgrade a valuable one. The main difference is in the video capability.

But here is something to think about. Many purist photographers will tell you that the main reason you buy a Digital SLR camera is to take great STILL photos. There is no need for video in a DLSR. In addition, the "creative modes" where the camera does all the thinking for the photographer do not bode well with those same purists. Why not just buy a point and shoot camera if all you want to do is point and shoot?

If that is the case, you may want to consider grabbing one of the retiring Canon Rebel XSi DSLRs. They do not have video at all. And the XSi has much less in the way of Creative Mode. However, and this is a BIG HOWEVER, the Canon Rebel XSi takes great quality photos! The best part is you can save yourself several hundred dollars.

Think about it.

Just a thought.

Check out the Canon Rebel XSi HERE