- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Canon Rebel T2i
- 17.9 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
#2 in Canon entry-level DSLRs
Released February, 2010
Rated 78% by by c|net (Apr, 2010)The camera also delivers the best video capture quality I've seen in a sub-$1,000 dSLR-subject to the inescapable limitations the technology, like unusable autofocus-with good exposure, sharpness, minimal artifacts, and excellent audio.
Conclusion Check out the Canon Rebel T2i
First reviewed December, 2011
Features Key features of the Canon Rebel T2i
17.9 MP
APS-C
Rated 77% by by DPReview (Apr, 2010)Central to the impressive specification of the EOS 550D is a high-spec movie mode which offers full HD capture at up to 30 fps, manual control over exposure, and the option to use an external stereo microphone.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 24.1 MP    | 30 MP |
Rebel T2i by hx1 (Dec, 2010)I learned my lesson and am now very leery of "big" megapixel cameras... More megapixel is not better!
Rebel T2i by DPReview (Apr, 2010)Both cameras are capable of excellent resolution, but the EOS 550D just edges ahead thanks to its greater pixel count.
sensor size
Rebel T2i by Photography Blog (Mar, 2010)Like all of Canon's APS-C digital SLR cameras, the EOS 550D / T2i is compatible with the manufacturer's entire line-up of lenses, including both EF and EF-S glass.
Rebel T2i by G.-Argov (Mar, 2010)For most users, however, APS-C sensor cameras like the T2i should be great, and some might even find the crop factor useful for telephoto work.
viewfinder size
Rebel T2i by Dart (Jan, 2011)I also like the 'Live' setting (using the screen, which is a nice size, instead of the viewfinder) though under normal shooting I still like the viewfinder.
Rebel T2i by Manish-S.-Vanjara--PhotographerTo be honest, in 5D, I can gauge the focus, and I can frame the image very easily due to the viewfinder brightness and size.
body size
129 x 98 x 62 mm
114 x 63 x 37 mm
146 x 108 x 74 mm
Rebel T2i by Kenneth-R.-Depree (Aug, 2010)I expected to stay with that camera because it took excellent photos, allowed me to shoot videos for YouTube, permitted continuous shooting, and grouped for HDR processing-without having the expense of a SLR and lenses or the weight that comes with them.
Rebel T2i by Richard-Hohn--Rixtar (May, 2012)I am especially pleased with the size and weight of the camera...it is among the smallest and lightest weight.
focus points
| 0 | 11  | 20 |
Rebel T2i by ELMCIt doesn't always lock onto the target in the right place when all focus points are used, so I find myself using a single point.
Performance Real world tests of Canon Rebel T2i
DxOMark image quality
Rebel T2i by Charles-Perschon--Desert-Photography (Mar, 2010)IMAGE QUALITY: Image quality is amazing.
DxOMark low light performance
Rebel T2i by VMI-1982 (Apr, 2012)This new unit was less expensive that that XTi it replace, has a higher resolution, uses my existing lenses and flash and seems to work even better than the one it replaces (I've notice a faster focusing and better performance under low light).
Rebel T2i by E.-Lindahl--Just-a-guy (Jul, 2011)Taking pictures in low light was never an option with my previous camera, I was pleasantly surprised at the great images I could get in low light with no flash.
shutter lag
| 0 ms | 252 ms  | 200 ms |
Rebel T2i by Terry (Jan, 2011)Shutter delay is almost eliminated and even though I hate to admit it the larger sensor of the DSLR does result in a much cleaner image file making photo editing a breeze.
Rebel T2i by AnthonyH (Aug, 2011)They have great response times and are easy press from shooting position.
continuous shooting
Rebel T2i by Trapshooter--UncleGuido (Jul, 2010)I was very happy with the quickness of the continuous shooting.
Rebel T2i by Kenneth-R.-Depree (Aug, 2010)It should also say to use at least a Class 6 card when continuous shooting.
battery life
440 photos
700 photos
660 photos
Rebel T2i by Will-S. (Jun, 2010)Picture clarity is great, battery life is good, weight is comfortable, lens is good for a beginner (though I have upgraded and purchased a Canon 70-300mm), and the buttons/menus are easy to navigate once you figure everything out.
Rebel T2i by Nathan-Katsiaficas--nate-kLong battery life - I did spring for a second battery soon after buying it as a precaution, but I rarely need it, despite taking 2000-3000 photos in one day at times.-The sensor in the T2i is incredible at maintaining depth of field and capturing quality images, way better than comparable mid-range Nikon cameras.
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
pros
-
focusing system -
HD video -
Generic -
Gives you more flexibility when framing your shot -
0.25 s -
1,040 k dots -
Opaque -
400 ms -
For that film look -
62 mm -
129 x 98 x 62 mm
cons
-
66.0 -
Feb, 2010 -
12,800 ISO -
3.7 fps -
None -
1 -
The screen is fixed in place -
No automatic HDR -
11.5 ev -
22.1 bits -
95% -
HD video -
Use buttons to access features and menus -
No automatic 3D -
440 -
You'll have to protect your camera from the elements -
784 ISO -
0.54x -
No automatic stitching -
1/4000 s
Reviews Word on the street
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 | Rated by 832 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by Purnachandra--W-Purna-Singh (Dec, 2011) Rated 100% by by wolfy (Jan, 2011) Rated 100% by by nako (Nov, 2010) |
Lens
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 100% by by Terry (Jan, 2011)With the Canon T2i, the standard 18-55mm lens, the 55-250mm zoom, and the addition of a 60mm macro lens (reviewed else where) I feel I have a system that will meet my photo needs well into the future.
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 80% by by Fabio-Passeto (Jan, 2012)But try to find what Canon offers on choices of normal or wide-angle lenses designed to the EF-S standard, there are very few options and none of them is a prime lens non-zoom normal or wide angle lens.
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 100% by by satisfied-customer (Aug, 2011)Everything works wonderfully and I'm very happy with everything from the extra lenses to the lens cleaner.
Video
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 100% by by Jimi (Feb, 2011)You would definitely be a happy camper with this camera, it truly is a wonderful entry dslr with 720p & 1080p full HD video recording.
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 100% by by Dan134--dan134If you want to shoot video but do not want to pay for the 7D's bells and whistles (mostly in terms of still photography and build quality) and can't afford the 5D MkII, go for the Canon T2i.
Sensor
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 100% by by Fotoflix--openCL-masteryou are now looking at 24mb RAW files, compared to RAW files < 5mb (i.e., Nikon D80 anyone)?
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 100% by by Gerry-OginskiThis camera has a super-fast high speed shutter and high-speed exposure, up to a maximum of 3200 ISO.
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 80% by by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)It has a buffer big enough for 34 images in high-quality JPEG mode, or six in Raw mode.
Photography
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 100% by by Julie (Mar, 2012)I just love the fact that I don't have to have two cameras in my hands to take pix and videotape my baby girl and worry about the quality.
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 80% by by Joneve (Nov, 2010)That said, it is a nice camera and the more I learn about its creative features the more I enjoy using it.
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 80% by by Romain-Fravien--Romain (Jul, 2010)I have a Canon S3 IS, and I loved the pictures I took with it outdoors, especially on a sunny day.
Image quality
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 100% by by slugger (Mar, 2012)This is NOT a point and shoot camera, it will take a little bit of knowledge and experimenting to get quality photos, but well worth the time and effort.
Canon Rebel T2i | Rated 100% by by C.-SHI (Apr, 2010)I have been using this camera for almost a month now, I find it is very easy to use and the picture quality is far exceeding my expectation!
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | Nikon D5100 Least noise at high ISO Nikon D5100 vs Canon Rebel T2i |
 | 2 | Canon EOS 50D OK delay taking photos EOS 50D vs Rebel T2i |
 | 3 | Nikon D3200 Best image quality as rated by DXOMark Nikon D3200 vs Canon Rebel T2i |
 | 4 | Nikon D3100 3-way tie: OK phase-detection focus points Nikon D3100 vs Canon Rebel T2i |
 | 5 | Canon EOS 650D Has a touch screen EOS 650D vs Rebel T2i |
 | 6 | Canon Rebel T3 Most shots per battery charge T3 vs T2i |
 | 7 | Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS 8-way tie: Doesn't have a built-in flash EOS Digital Rebel XS vs Rebel T2i |
 | 8 | Samsung NX1000 Largest sensor Samsung NX1000 vs Canon Rebel T2i |
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
Editions Editions of the Canon T2i / 550D / Kiss X4
| Price | Edition | Model | Continents | Phase detection focus points | Autofocus while shooting video | Compare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | | T2i | North America | 9 | | |||||
 | | Kiss X4 | Asia | 0 | | |||||
 | | 550D | Europe | 9 | Manual | | ||||
Popular Questions
June 2, 2012
Filmaking at a amateur level
I want to be able to attach a external mic which both have. However how do the video codecs or any other video features majorly differ? I have lots of experience with dslr already, so that isnt...
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Answers June 1, 2012
Im starting and need it to experiment
I just want to try it out and im also wondering waht lenses should i buy... Two lenses will be great to start but i dont know what is convenient...would really appreciate the help and was about...
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3
Answers April 19, 2012
I need help buying a camera.
I am a beginner. I have a rebel xt which I never used due to it being so large and I did not have time to learn. I want to get into serious photography for vacations and the kids. Should i the...
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Answers Latest Questions
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Answers November 29, 2012
Shooting interview videos
I am looking for a simple camera to shoot interviews. Little movement, with the subject a reasonable distance from the camera.
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1
Answers September 16, 2012
Nikon d3200 vs canon t2i
I am a beginner. I love taking photos and I'm ready to upgrade to a DSLR. I have a fettish for high quality photos and my basic kodak digital camera is just not giving me what I'd like. I will be...
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January 20, 2013
Low light video, low light images, fast paced movies
Me and a few of my friends are going to attempt to make a horror movie this summer o i need a camera that takes great video in low lighting. i have been looking at this camera compared to the t3i...
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Answers January 7, 2013
Car photography
Im a beginner looking for a versatile camera that can shoot all types of cars, weather it be in motion or still. Also i will be shooting in all kinds of light but a majority of the pictures i be...
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0
Answers January 2, 2013
Upgrade from canon rebel, general and professional photography
I have a canon rebel xsi and I've pretty much worn it out so I need something to replace it. I usually am shooting my family, trips we go on, school sports, and an occasional portrait season. it...
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Answers Community Find out what the Sortable community is saying about the Canon Rebel T2i
24
people have recommended the
Canon Rebel T2iTop Canon Rebel T2i experts at Sortable
Philip-Davis 
Expert III
Satyam-Prasad-Joshi 
Intermediate II
Brenden-Sherratt 
Expert I
Chaotic-Light 
Intermediate II
Canon Rebel T3i
- 17.9 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
4 more Sortable users recommended the T2i over the T3i.
View all discussions | View comparison 
Beginner I
4
votes Best bang for your buck. Definately look into magic lantern.
- 0 comments
- June 2, 2012
- Reply to: Filmaking at a amateur level
Expert III
2
votes These are basically the same camera but the T3i has a flip-out screen for video. Unless you're doing video, go with the less expensive T2i and put more money towards a good lens and lighting...
- 0 comments
- May 10, 2012
- Reply to: Ability to take portrait photographs
Beginner II
2
votes These two cameras are very similar when you look at the Snapsort comparison. The T2i has some very slight advantages and is more compact (unless you want a heavier camera). The main difference...
- 0 comments
- June 4, 2012
- Reply to: I am a beginner & wants to take photos at childrens sporting events.
Nikon D3100
- 14.2 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
It's a tie. Cast the deciding vote!
View all discussions | View comparison 
Beginner II
2
votes I'm 15, and I'm going with the t2i, I've shot with the d3100 but not the t2i. One of the main reasons I'm going with the t2i is because of the OS (operating system), it is the same OS that is on...
- 0 comments
- July 10, 2012
- Reply to: 13 years old, taking photos more than video
Expert III
1
vote Both of these cameras are great starter DSLRs. Nikon DSLRs tend to have better image quality than Canons at high ISO. Having said that, I suggest you go with whichever you can find a better deal...
- 0 comments
- June 4, 2012
- Reply to: I want the ability to take great pictures underwater and on land.
Beginner I
0
votes Better all around camera.. Have both and prefer the Canon T3i
- 0 comments
- May 21, 2012
- Reply to: Canon T2i v/s Nikon D3100 ?
Nikon D5100
- 16.1 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
2 more Sortable users recommended the Nikon D5100 over the Canon Rebel T2i.
View all discussions | View comparison 
Beginner II
0
votes I'm more like Canon person so I naturally recommend t2i. t2i is an awesome compact Rebel series camera with great video quality. Great for MF and AF both, with many availability of affordable If...
- 0 comments
- July 21, 2012
- Reply to: Im starting and need it to experiment
