Released in early 2010, this new camera from Canon, the
Canon EOS Rebel T2i is really a follow-up of the widely popular flagship of Canon’s consumer-oriented EOS Rebel camera series, the Canon Rebel T1i. Outwardly, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i looks almost identical to its predecessor. Yet beneath that deceptive shell is a number of features that have been taken from Canon’s prosumer Canon EOS 7D, hence resulting in what many term as the “Mini 7D”.
Design
With a build almost identical to the Canon Rebel T1i’s, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i is easily the smallest and lightest amongst its peers in the same DSLR range, weighing approximately
527g for the body (including battery).
Most existing Canon users will already know what to expect when it comes to the Canon EOS Rebel T2i. It is well assembled and owns a fairly solid build with no creaks to worry about. However, users looking for weather proofing at this price range of cameras, will be slightly disappointed.
The grip and thumb rest provide comfortable rubber grips which allow users to hold the camera securely, even in just one hand if the lens isn’t too large. When it comes to the controls, they are large similar to its predecessor’s, the
Canon EOS Rebel T1i, except the flash-off option has been shifted to sit between the
Auto and Portrait preset options on the Command dial.
The
AE/AF lock and AF point selection buttons remain in the top right hand corner of the rear and just as most Canon DSLRs, they serve as zoom controls during playback. A great add on is that users will no longer have to hold on to the AE/AF lock button to autofocus in Live View, a feature already present in the
Canon EOS 7D.
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i’s rear is mostly dominated by its
3-inch wide LCD screen that sports a
wider 3:2 aspect ratio and its control layout which features two minor differences. The
Direct Print button now activate the
Quick Access menu instead of Live View which now has a dedicated button on the right of the optional viewfinder. Most of all, the exposure compensation, Direct Print, Q and Play buttons now sport larger squarish shapes as compared to their previous conventional circles.
Features
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i features a class-leading
18.0 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and speedy
DIGIC 4 Image Processor, allowing users to capture images with extraordinary clarity and also creating an
effective 1.6x field of view due to its
APS-C size sensor. With a first class sensor used in professional Canon cameras and an
ISO rating of up to 6400, expandable to 12800, there is increased light sensitivity for low light photography.
Users can now capture HD Video on the Canon EOS Rebel T2i with an
advanced HD Movie mode for Full HD movies with manual exposure control for more control, even with taking full advantage of the creative features native to DSLRs. Canon users can make full use of Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including Macro and Fisheye lenses, to capture creative video even under poor lighting conditions. The Canon EOS Rebel T2i also features a
built-in microphone for simple mono recordings.
This new Canon DSLR features Canon’s latest
Dual-layer metering system sensor with 63 zones, set to deliver a very high level of accuracy for better results each time. Also, it owns a
high-precision 9-point AF system that utilizes a
high-precision, f/2.8 cross-type center point.
Looking at the back of the camera, you will find a
high-resolution 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor that features spectacular detail with a
3:2 aspect ratio. A brand new
Quick Control Screen button also provides users with easy access to frequently used camera settings such as ISO, Exposure and Flash Exposure compensation while a dedicated
Live View/Movie shooting button allows users to transition effortlessly between still and movie mode.
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i can
shoot up to 3.7 frames per second (fps) for up to approximately 6 consecutive RAW files or approximately 34 full-resolution JPEGs, capturing rapidly unfolding scenes with ease with
speeds of up to 1/4000 sec.
Features
- New 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 4 Image Processors for faster processing
- ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) for shooting from bright to dim light
- Improved EOS Movie mode with manual exposure control, expanded recording
- Enhanced iFCL 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system; and 9-point AF system utilizing a high-precision, f/2.8 cross-type center point
- Wide 3.0-inch (3:2 aspect ratio) Clear View LCD monitor (1.04 million dots) for improved viewing
- New Quick Control Screen button for easy access to frequently used settings
- Improved layout with dedicated Live View/Movie shooting button
- New compatibility with SDXC memory cards, plus new menu status indicator for Eye-Fi* support
- 3.7 fps continuous shooting up to approximately 34 JPEGs or approximately 6 RAW
Image Sensor
- Type : CMOS sensor
- Size : 22.3 x 14.9 mm (APS-C size)
- Total Pixels : 18.00 megapixels
Autofocus
- Type : TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
- AF Points : 9 AF points (center AF point is cross-type)
- Focusing Modes : Auto, One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual Focusing (MF)
- Metering Modes : 63-zone TTL full-aperture metering
- Metering Range : EV 1-20 (at 73°F/23°C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
ISO Speed
- Basic Zone modes: ISO 100-3200 set automatically
- Creative Zone modes: ISO 100-6400 (in 1-stop increments), H1: 12800
Shutter Speeds
- 1/4000 sec. to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec.
- 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb
Other Specifications
- Continuous Shooting Speed : Max. 3.7 shots/sec. (with One-Shot AF or AI Servo AF)
- LCD Monitor Size : 3.0 in.
- LCD Monitor Resolution : 1,040,000 dots (VGA)
- Built-In Flash : Retractable, auto pop-up flash
- Compatible Lenses : Canon EF lenses including EF-S lenses (35mm-equivalent focal length is approx. 1.6x the lens focal length)
- Storage Media : SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards
- Battery : LP-E8 Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Life (shots per charge) : approx. 550 shots
- Weight : 16.8 oz. / 480g (body only)
Bottom Line
Considering the line of features the Canon EOS Rebel T2i offers, plus the fact that it is compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses, this camera is a great buy for photographers who wish to be able to use a wide array of lenses for every occasion and purpose, providing users with lots of flexibility and options for a relatively cheap price tag.