Canon 550D (Rebel T2i, Kiss X4)

[bob100]

I am wanting to get my first DSLR camera and am looking into the canon rebels because I met someone that had one and they loved it. Can someone tell me the pros/cons to these 3 cameras? My main complaint with my camera now is the length it takes to shoot multiple pictures and I have to admit that I NEED image stabilization (I get MANY blurry pictures). I think I'd like to have video capability also as I do currently take video with my camera. How important is video capability to most? Being a complete novice, would I truly notice the difference between the t1i and t2i? I am currently using a kodak easyshare DX6490 - talk about a dinosaur! I can't help but think that any of these will be a vast improvement over what I've got. I would also like to be able to take low light and night shots....are these all 3 good for that? I am going to try to find a photography class in my area to help me understand more of what I can do once I get the camera but am starting at basics. Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

Oh, 1 more question....when we go to WDW I always carry my current camera in my tote bag - even on rides. Are these safe to take on the rides?

Thanks!

I would pick the Canon T2i (550D) over the T1i or XSi - you can do a side by side comparison of the features here:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

 

[ukcatfan]

The T2i is worth the extra money to me. But that's me. Would you notice a difference? I don't know. It really depends on what features you're looking for, your expectations and your level of experience.

I would pick the Canon T2i (550D) over the T1i or XSi - you can do a side by side comparison of the features here:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

It looks like it is about $160-200 more for the T2i. What are the features that you see being worth that, because I just do not see it.

 

[VVFF]

It looks like it is about $160-200 more for the T2i. What are the features that you see being worth that, because I just do not see it.

Of course people's opinions will differ

1. Better sensor (1-2 stop usable high ISO)
2. 3:2 LCD (same format as pictures, which makes the screen even larger than a standard 3")
3. Better metering(same as 7D)
4. Significantly better video (1080p @ 24, 25, and 30fps)

 

[SrisonS]

I'd probably go with the T2i also. No real super reason, other than I'd want the latest and greatest of that line of cameras. But the video is supposed to be significantly better. So if that is really important to you, then lean towards the T2i. I can tell you that the T1i is pretty jumpy at times, if you use the "best" video setting. And that's with a Class 6 memory card.

I'd also maybe take other people's suggestions and just look into other cameras. Or at least go somewhere and give the Rebels a hold, to see if you really like them. But I have the T1i, and I LOVE it.

 

[photo_chick]

It looks like it is about $160-200 more for the T2i. What are the features that you see being worth that, because I just do not see it.

Pretty much what has been said... the better sensor with improved ISO and the metering. To me those features are worth what a little extra $$. To others they may not be. It all depends on what you want.

 

[MichelleB]

I've now looked at the rebels, the nikonD5000, and sony as these are what my DH thinks are the better ones (may not be, just his opinion). I have to say that the nikon buttons being along the left side of the camera bother me because of the way I hold the camera but I could adjust and get used to it I'm sure. The rebels just feel good, but I have to say the xs with no actual grip pads bother me...I want to know I've got a sure hold on it. Otherwise, I think I like the nikon or rebel xsi or t1i best but the xsi doesn't have video. Just not sure what to do.

 

[ukcatfan]

Of course people's opinions will differ

1. Better sensor (1-2 stop usable high ISO)
2. 3:2 LCD (same format as pictures, which makes the screen even larger than a standard 3")
3. Better metering(same as 7D)
4. Significantly better video (1080p @ 24, 25, and 30fps)

Pretty much what has been said... the better sensor with improved ISO and the metering. To me those features are worth what a little extra $$. To others they may not be. It all depends on what you want.

Thanks. I was wondering if there was some big feature it had that I had not heard about. It is pretty much what I thought and it does just come down to personal opinion.

I am a little lost on the high ISO though. Are you saying that the T2i is better than the 7D then? I am just basing this off what I have read and people talking about different cameras, but here is what I have deduced. The T1i is supposed to be really close to the performance as the Pentax K-x at high ISO. Then the 7D is supposed to be just slightly better than the K-x. I would say that there is only about .5-.75 stops between the T1i and 7D, again based on what I have heard. So, I would find it very surprising that the T2i would be two stops better than the T1i because that would make it at least a stop better than the 7D and therefore the best APS-C sensor camera around. I have not been hearing that about the T2i, so again I am confused.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

If it was 2 stops better than I would definitely spend the extra $200! Think about how many times you've wanted a faster lens, the difference between1/90 and 1/180 is huge if you takes any kind of action shots. I've just started playing with my ISO settings to get faster shutter speeds, and man do I miss using LR 3 for the noise reduction now! But that is another topic...

I researched all the camera brands myself just like everyyyyyone else has and did find the Pentax lineup more suitable to my needs and budget. When you can go to your MIL closet pull out a camera bag thats been sitting there for 30 years and use the lenses that come off it to me is amazing that they've allowed there technology to adapt to older gear (nearly) seamlessly. Other manufacturers have there equipment set up to require the user to purchase the newer lenses if you want any kind of Stabilization.

To the OP, research everything that matters to YOU. I thought I would use video all the time with my Kx, I've used it twice in 6 months of ownership. I find the P&S Canon 1100IS to take video acceptably well enough that the DW takes video and I take photos when needed.

 

[MichelleB]

Good point about the video. I have the capability on my current camera and have used it maybe 10-15 times in the past 7 years. It's a nice option but maybe not worth chosing a more expensive model over. Thanks for putting that into perspective! We currently have an HD video camera so really isn't a big deal.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Good point about the video. I have the capability on my current camera and have used it maybe 10-15 times in the past 7 years. It's a nice option but maybe not worth chosing a more expensive model over. Thanks for putting that into perspective! We currently have an HD video camera so really isn't a big deal.

BTW the videos I ddi take with the Kx were nothing short of amazing in IQ and very easy to use. But HD video takes up a ton of memory both on the Hard drive and memory cards.

Another benefit (to me at least) of the Kx is the ability to use AA batteries. My son has a Kodak with a weird battery, when it dies hes SOL on using it because there is no way to get a back up battery...

 

[photo_chick]

Thanks. I was wondering if there was some big feature it had that I had not heard about. It is pretty much what I thought and it does just come down to personal opinion.

I am a little lost on the high ISO though. Are you saying that the T2i is better than the 7D then? I am just basing this off what I have read and people talking about different cameras, but here is what I have deduced. The T1i is supposed to be really close to the performance as the Pentax K-x at high ISO. Then the 7D is supposed to be just slightly better than the K-x. I would say that there is only about .5-.75 stops between the T1i and 7D, again based on what I have heard. So, I would find it very surprising that the T2i would be two stops better than the T1i because that would make it at least a stop better than the 7D and therefore the best APS-C sensor camera around. I have not been hearing that about the T2i, so again I am confused.

The T2i has a very similar sensor as the 7D and the same image processor. The ISO range is the same, up to 6400 with 12800 in the extended range. The T1i is very similar to the 50D with both 6400 and 12800 in the extended range. They're the Rebel counterparts to those cameras.

What makes the 7D, and the 50D as well, a higher end camera than the Rebels goes beyond the sensor. If that were all I cared about I'd have gone with a T1i instead of the 50D. But like I said, it really is about what the user wants from the camera.

 

[ukcatfan]

The T2i has a very similar sensor as the 7D and the same image processor. The ISO range is the same, up to 6400 with 12800 in the extended range. The T1i is very similar to the 50D with both 6400 and 12800 in the extended range. They're the Rebel counterparts to those cameras.

What makes the 7D, and the 50D as well, a higher end camera than the Rebels goes beyond the sensor. If that were all I cared about I'd have gone with a T1i instead of the 50D. But like I said, it really is about what the user wants from the camera.

I totally get that. That is not the point I am trying to make. Veggie said that the T2i ISO is up to two stops better than the T1i and I just find that very hard to believe. I can buy up to one stop in a stretch, but the T1i is already really good and before the T2i was probably the #3 best performer behind the K-x and 7D. I also doubt that the T2i outdoes the 7D, so it is probably right behind it. To me that would still leave the T1i in the top five among APS-C cameras for this feature. Basically, I just do not believe that the high ISO performance of the T2i is enough to warrant the extra money. Again, this is just my opinion and maybe if the culmination of the improvements are important to the buyer then it would be worth the money.

 

[VVFF]

Thanks. I was wondering if there was some big feature it had that I had not heard about. It is pretty much what I thought and it does just come down to personal opinion.

I am a little lost on the high ISO though. Are you saying that the T2i is better than the 7D then? I am just basing this off what I have read and people talking about different cameras, but here is what I have deduced. The T1i is supposed to be really close to the performance as the Pentax K-x at high ISO. Then the 7D is supposed to be just slightly better than the K-x. I would say that there is only about .5-.75 stops between the T1i and 7D, again based on what I have heard. So, I would find it very surprising that the T2i would be two stops better than the T1i because that would make it at least a stop better than the 7D and therefore the best APS-C sensor camera around. I have not been hearing that about the T2i, so again I am confused.

The thing about the 7D/T2i is that there is little to no high ISO banding. Because of this, its noise cleans up extremely easily. JPG out of camera is about 1 stop better than the T1i/50D. If you take it a step farther and use external NR software you can go even further.

This is ISO 6400 after external NR:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/eos_rebel_t2i-assets/IMG_8256-converted-ni.jpg

This is ISO 6400 in low light after external NR:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/eos_rebel_t2i-assets/nightshot6400-converted-ni.jpg

So the camera cleans up extremely well. That's where I get the 1-2 stops from vs. the T1i/50D. I don't use JPG so I'm not really into comparing SOOC crops.

 

[southernbelle_amy]

Just going to give my recent experience. Last week I got the Canon Rebel
T1i. My friend had just got the Nikon D5000. The canon did take good pics, and I only had it for a while. But I returned it for the Nikon. I am also new to DSLR's and I think the Nikon is more user friendly, although to me the menu does alot more things, just in a layout I prefer. Originally I got the Canon because it does have 1080p vs the 720p of the Nikon. But unless you have a fast computer, downloading that can be difficult, plus I really don't think it is that much better. Also the live view mode on the Nikon is easier to get to and I like the moveable screen. Nikon also has alot more scene modes built in, and it is faster at 4 frames per second. Definitely research what fits you best. A good website too is imaging-resource.com. Good luck.

 

[ukcatfan]

The thing about the 7D/T2i is that there is little to no high ISO banding. Because of this, its noise cleans up extremely easily. JPG out of camera is about 1 stop better than the T1i/50D. If you take it a step farther and use external NR software you can go even further.

This is ISO 6400 after external NR:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/eos_rebel_t2i-assets/IMG_8256-converted-ni.jpg

This is ISO 6400 in low light after external NR:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/eos_rebel_t2i-assets/nightshot6400-converted-ni.jpg

So the camera cleans up extremely well. That's where I get the 1-2 stops from vs. the T1i/50D. I don't use JPG so I'm not really into comparing SOOC crops.

Thanks for the details. That would be an extra plus. I have never experienced banding myself, but remember reading about people with the Pentax K10 dealing with it and they all seemed very frustrated. It seems like they would have fixed that with a firmware update.

 

[Cinbride]

very cool picture. See I'd like to get the best latest and he would rather me get the cheapest, Like the XS. Would I be better off just getting the body and then get a couple lenses? what lense is your most used lense? I would like a little bit of a zoom. I was actually considering the XS but concerned I would not be happy and still want to upgrade. I know I'm tired of missing pictures waiting between shots!! .

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

very cool picture. See I'd like to get the best latest and he would rather me get the cheapest, Like the XS. Would I be better off just getting the body and then get a couple lenses? what lense is your most used lense? I would like a little bit of a zoom. I was actually considering the XS but concerned I would not be happy and still want to upgrade. I know I'm tired of missing pictures waiting between shots!! .

The biggest difference, IMO, is the T2i's superior sensor ... it's FAR better in low light than any of the other/previous Rebels. It's essentially the same sensor/image processor as the much-more-expensive 7D.

The "cheapest" way to get the T2i is the body and the kit lens; it's ~$899, just about everywhere. Body-only is about ~$50 cheaper, but unless you already have a Canon lens or two, that's not going to do you much good.

I also got the 75-300 zoom as part of the package for an addtional $100 -- BUT, it's not a very good lens ... probably not even as good as the lens on my older Canon S3 super-zoom camera ... and, the T2i's high-MP sensor shows up its flaws very easily if you aren't careful with your shooting!

However, the T2i can still do a lot with it ... and the expanded ISO makes it more usable in low light than you'd think from the max. aperture numbers. And, let's be fair, it's a lot of zoom for the money. There are, of course, better zoom lenses available; from ~$250 up to several thousand dollars!!

I've been using the kit lens (18-55) a lot ... I didn't think I'd like such a small zoom range after being used to my S3, but I really like it! It's sharp, focuses fast and has good IS. Canon has really improved their basic kit lens with this release....

I know that the next lens I really want is the "nifty fifty" the 50mm 1.8 -- it's cheap (~$100), optically very sharp and really good in low light, too. Coupled with the T2i's awesome sensor, it should be a GREAT lens.

After that, I might consider a "better" zoom lens ... but probably not for quite a while. There are other accessories I think are more important; bigger/faster SDHC cards, a Polarizing filter, a Speedlite external flash, a remote, etc....

I got mine as a Father's Day/Birthday/Christmas present! It was way to expensive to be a single holiday's gift!

 

[bob100]

very cool picture. See I'd like to get the best latest and he would rather me get the cheapest, Like the XS. Would I be better off just getting the body and then get a couple lenses? what lense is your most used lense? I would like a little bit of a zoom. I was actually considering the XS but concerned I would not be happy and still want to upgrade. I know I'm tired of missing pictures waiting between shots!! .

don't get the XS (1000D) !
That Canon model has limited features, most notably it shoots only 1.5 fps in RAW mode. If you're buying Canon consider a newer model like the Canon T2i (550D) or T1i (500D)

 

[ukcatfan]

very cool picture. See I'd like to get the best latest and he would rather me get the cheapest, Like the XS. Would I be better off just getting the body and then get a couple lenses? what lense is your most used lense? I would like a little bit of a zoom. I was actually considering the XS but concerned I would not be happy and still want to upgrade. I know I'm tired of missing pictures waiting between shots!! .

Since budget does seem to be an issue, why are not considering other brands? Canon makes some very nice DSLRs, but they are not exactly known for being the easiest on the bank account. It is possible to get more bang for the buck.

 

[MELISAZACK]

I am not camera savy at all.. lets start there.. I have a canon A590 point and shoot right now - I want to upgrade. My son plays travel Ice Hockey I want a good camera that can take the sport shots and do it quickly.
I am willing to spend no more than $1200.00 and would perfer a kit with lens.

I was looking at the Nikon D90 right now - but like i said really not sure.
Other use for this camera will be for vacation shoots and partys and normal day trips.

Thoughs,concerns, ideas.....