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Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 07:49 AM
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 1920x1080 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.

Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 07:49 AM
To recap... video frame rates are:

Full HD 1920x1080 at 30 (29.97), 25 or 24 (23.976) fps
HD 1280x720 or SD 640x480 at 60 (59.94) or 50 fps.

photos... click to see 'em big.

Update: Operator's manual for Rebel T2i / EOS 550D attached here as a PDF (link is below the photo thumbnails).

Floris van Eck
February 8th, 2010, 08:36 AM
Canon has announced a new EOS Digital Rebel camera with 1080p movie mode:

The new flagship of the EOS Rebel line, Canon EOS Rebel T2i brings professional EOS features into an easy to use, lightweight digital SLR that's a joy to use. Featuring a class-leading 18.0 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and increased light sensitivity for low light photography, the EOS Rebel T2i also has an advanced HD Movie mode for gorgeous Full HD movies. Able to capture up to 3.7 frames per second, it's ready to go the minute it's picked up. Advanced Live View, a new wide-area screen, plus features like Canon's brilliant Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone features ensure brilliant photos and movies, easily. With some of the most advanced features of any digital SLR, it's simply the best Rebel Canon has ever created.


Video Shooting
File Format
MOV (image data: H.264; audio: Linear PCM (with internal mic: monaural, with external mic: stereo))
File Size
Recording Size: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD): 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 1280 x 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 640 x 480 (SD): 60p (59.94) / 50p), Movie Crop recording in 640 x 480
Continuous Shooting Time
Approx. 12 min. (1920 x 1080), 18 min. (1280 x 720), 24 min. (640 x 480)
Based on Canon's testing standards using a 4GB card
Focusing
Autofocus: Quick mode, Live mode, Face Detection Live mode; manual
Exposure Control
(1) Program AE for movie shooting
* For shooting modes other than manual exposure.
* Shutter speed (1/30 - 1/4000 sec., signal accumulation time), aperture, and ISO speed automatically set.
(2) Manual exposure
* For manual exposure.
* Shutter speed (signal accumulation time), aperture, and ISO speed (auto/ manual) manually set. The shutter speed (signal accumulation time) is limited to 1/4000 sec. at the maximum and to 1/30 sec. at the minimum for 24/25/30 fps or 1/60 sec. or higher for 50/60 fps.
Exposure Compensation
Up to ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
* Possible only with autoexposure.
Audio recording method
Linear PCM
(1) Internal monaural microphone
(2) External stereo microphone jack
* Recording level automatically adjusted.
* Sampling frequency: 48 KHz, Bits: 16 bit x 2 ch
* Compatible with a commercially-available external microphone with 3.5mm dia. stereo mini-jack.

Video Playback
Playback, slow motion (variable speed possible), jump to first frame, previous frame, next frame, jump to last frame, cut out first or last, frame, and audio volume (6 levels, including mute).
* The audio level when the camera is connected to a TV set is adjusted with the TV set.


Canon EOS Digital Rebel T2i (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=19943)

Preview on DPreview:

Canon EOS 550D / Digital Rebel T2i Hands-on Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/CanonEOS550D/)

Only $799. Seems like a great deal. I hope to see some test footage soon.

Ala Shiban
February 8th, 2010, 09:01 AM
It's indeed exciting - even though it lacks auto-focus (which seems to be an issue for now)

My main worry is when they say 'full manual control' - I'd like to really find out if it lets us control Shutter speed as it isn't mentioned anywhere.

If indeed it does provide full manual control - I'm upgrading my 450d :-)

60fps in 720p, slow mo, full HD, sounds yummy for 800$

Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 09:44 AM
This is now the single least expensive way to shoot 1080p30 or 1080p24 HD with a Canon D-SLR. Not that I would trade in my 7D, but I'm betting that there are folks who were thinking about the 7D but will buy this one instead. It's less than half the price of the 7D! Practically a crash-cam.

Mike Calla
February 8th, 2010, 09:48 AM
Damn, i think it may be my new B-cam!

Khoi Pham
February 8th, 2010, 09:49 AM
And with a single Digic4 it might have less chance of overheating. (-:

Andy Wilkinson
February 8th, 2010, 09:54 AM
Yep, and that bodes well for those frame rates appearing on Canon 5DMkIIs soon too, I would imagine.

Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 09:58 AM
You took the words right out of my mouth -- err, right off of my keypad, Andy!

Dylan Couper
February 8th, 2010, 10:13 AM
It's kind of amazing to think we went from something like the Canon XL1 to this in a few short years. I just bought a 7D a couple days ago, and will be retuning it asap. No reason to keep it, I can get at least two of these instead (still have the 5D2 of course).

Jerry Porter
February 8th, 2010, 10:21 AM
Man I have been racking my brain and credit card on how to get another 7D.... I think now I might have just figured out a way to achieve that other 2nd video source. Just to be clear my lenses for the 7D will work with this?? Same CF cards?? I'm pretty sure it takes different batteries right??

Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 10:25 AM
Lenses are the same. Same crop factor (1.6x) and series (Canon EF-S or EF).

Cards are *not* the same: Compact Flash for the 7D and SDHC / SDXC for the T2i.

Batteries are *not* the same: LP-E6 for the 7D and LP-E8 for the T2i.

Chad Nickle
February 8th, 2010, 10:41 AM
Stupid question, what can the 7D do that this cam can't video wise?

Robert Morane
February 8th, 2010, 10:59 AM
Do you know what codec it use?

Matt Trubac
February 8th, 2010, 11:00 AM
I think it will be interesting to see how similar the 550D is in image quality and low light to the 7D. They do not use the same sensor, but I have read they are very similar. Video Spec wise they seem identical. I read that you have full control over aperture and shutter.

YouTube - Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i hands-on video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2VbOtr8-58&feature=player_embedded)

and the Digital Photography review that was posted earlier in this thread.

Cristian Derois
February 8th, 2010, 11:06 AM
Lenses are the same. Same crop factor (1.6x) and series (Canon EF-S or EF).

Cards are *not* the same: Compact Flash for the 7D and SDHC / SDXC for the T2i.

Batteries are *not* the same: LP-E6 for the 7D and LP-E8 for the T2i.

I wonder if thers something in CF vs SDHC. They share the same reliability, speed, space, price?

This news blew my mind,this 550 costs half and,as far as I am concern, it has the same video functions and specifications comprared to 7D. It only lacks some features in stillmode.

Jack Tran
February 8th, 2010, 11:14 AM
Sweet news. I will probably be buying 4 of these to supplement my current dslrs.
1080p24. Thats a no brainer for me.

With it being so cheap, i plan on using these as my 'lens cap' for my lens. (dead serious)

Canon has been changing the market extremely quickly! Its gonna be hard for other companies to keep up and compete.
(still waiting on a Sony dslr that can shoot video...)

Note: there doesnt seem to be a dedicated C1/C2/C3 feature as on the 7D.
Might be something to look for if you plan on switching between video/stills often.

Michiel van Baasbank
February 8th, 2010, 11:15 AM
Stupid question, what can the 7D do that this cam can't video wise?

I think for us video specialists (who don't have the 7D yet, or are saving for a 2nd cam) this is the million-dollar-question, or in fact, the $800-or-so question. $800+ is good money for other investments such as a new lens or other goodies!

Lukas Siewior
February 8th, 2010, 11:27 AM
On the website it says h264 in MOV wrap. Record files up to 4GB.

Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 11:28 AM
Stupid question, what can the 7D do that this cam can't video wise?Not a stupid question, and the answer is: not much that I can see.

The main difference with the 7D (besides still photo features) is the body & build quality... tough, weather sealed, mag. alloy vs. much lighter polycarbonate on the T2i.

Chad Nickle
February 8th, 2010, 11:33 AM
hmmm, crazy times we live in, I was just about to buy a second 7D, now i'm not so sure, when do these things hit the street?

Thomas Richter
February 8th, 2010, 11:33 AM
Check this video (referred to before) around minute 3. The Canon rep says shutter speed and apperture can be set manually.

YouTube - Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i hands-on video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2VbOtr8-58)

To me that sounds like we got the full monty.

I'm happy I waited with the 7D purchase. I want that 1m pix screen :D

Tom

PS: Sorry, got a bit overexcited there. Saw the previous Youtube reference also stated the manual control.

Ryan Postel
February 8th, 2010, 11:35 AM
This T2i really challenges their own products in a lot of ways which makes things interesting. For amateurs, a lot of incentive is lost in buying the 7D. Is it just me or has Canon's production cycle ramped up recently? This has to be the news Canon's Tim Smith was dying to tell us but couldn't!

Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 11:38 AM
...when do these things hit the street?That information (plus a lot more) is in the press release, which is the first post of this thread. US dealers in early March.

James Miller
February 8th, 2010, 11:46 AM
UK press release states "The EOS 550D is available from 24th February 2010"

http://www.canon.co.uk/Images/EOS%20550D%20Technical%20Press%20Release_tcm14-711522.pdf

Canon UK - 18MP, 1080p HD Movies, ISO 6400: Canon redefines the boundaries of the consumer DSLR with the EOS 550D (http://www.canon.co.uk/About_Us/Press_Centre/Press_Releases/Consumer_News/Cameras_Accessories/EOS_550D_Press_Release.asp)

Bill Binder
February 8th, 2010, 11:48 AM
It only lacks some features in stillmode.

That's not true, the 7D will blow this thing away for stills I bet (in many different aspects from actual image quality to features, custom functions, etc.). But most people on this board could care less about stills anyway. I wonder about high ISO performance vis a vis the 7D and 5D2, and any differences in jelly/aliasing/moire -- those are the real questions to be answered no doubt.

Andy Wilkinson
February 8th, 2010, 11:51 AM
Canon Europe Test/Promo Video Here (I don't think this has been posted here yet) - EDIT: 1080p version now available too!

YouTube - Canon EOS 550D sample video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f7l-Z4NF70)

Jim Giberti
February 8th, 2010, 11:56 AM
Two obvious points:

This is a now brainer 2nd (3rd) camera to the 5DII. Crop factor increases the range of your existing glass as well as additional camera.

Canon can't possibly wait past it's release date to give their $3000 camera something more than 30p.

James Miller
February 8th, 2010, 11:58 AM
Aliasing & morié effects all of Canon DSLR cameras due to downscaling and lowpass filter strengths. Even in still shots at 100% you can see morié rainbows if you look close.

The sample images on dpreview from the 550D show no signs of this.

Interesting that the 550D only has one LowPass filter, opposed to the dual filters in the 5DMk2. This could be a double filter glued together, but the specification makes no mention of this.

Trying to locate a 7D/1DMK4 exploded sensor assembly to confirm.

James Miller
February 8th, 2010, 12:06 PM
Scrub my last hopeful comment, just looked at the 1080p youtube clip, aliasing still there.

Bill Binder
February 8th, 2010, 12:08 PM
It's also doing less line skipping though don't you think?

Also, did anyone catch this:

"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."

Considering it's for 640x480, it's basically worthless, but it goes to show they are listening and toying with ideas that someday could be very useful. I mean if that was a 1080p Movie Crop mode, for certain applications, that would be INCREDIBLE.

Andy Wilkinson
February 8th, 2010, 12:15 PM
Yep, maybe that's what the new Canon 5DMkII firmware will have along with the various frame rates - we wish!!!!

James Miller
February 8th, 2010, 12:24 PM
It's also doing less line skipping though don't you think?

Youtube video at 00:21:42. The pool railings show the normal aliasing stair stepping shimmer.

Bill Binder
February 8th, 2010, 12:30 PM
It's not really a question of "if," given the line skipping, it's a question of how much / how bad relative to the other models.

Daniel Browning
February 8th, 2010, 12:32 PM
This is great news. It's pretty much the camera I hoped for (or perhaps expected). I can't wait to see the raw files and find out if they fixed the sensor problems that plagued the 7D (softness from green channel imbalance and fixed pattern noise at low ISO).

Paulo Teixeira
February 8th, 2010, 12:41 PM
Not a stupid question, and the answer is: not much that I can see.

The main difference with the 7D (besides still photo features) is the body & build quality... tough, weather sealed, mag. alloy vs. much lighter polycarbonate on the T2i.
Perhaps that can mean that it wont have as much heating issues as the 7D.

Chris Barcellos
February 8th, 2010, 12:55 PM
Very interesting. In another thread on the 5D, users were talking about what they would be willing to pay to get 60p for slow motion....Now the market seems to be set. For the enthusiast-- this is another HV20 like coup for Canon !

Ian G. Thompson
February 8th, 2010, 01:00 PM
I agree Chris (about the new HV20 Coup). What I don't understand is why other manufacturers, like Nikon, don't respond to this. Canon keeps "one-upping" everyone else. Not that I'm complaining though (I love my 7D).

Matt Newcomb
February 8th, 2010, 01:24 PM
Yeah, I do love my 7D, but keep thinking about having two cams.

Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 01:31 PM
If not for any other reason, having one would be a great way to respond to any requests you get to loan out your gear... you can tell them "sorry, I'm using my 5D Mk. II right now, but you can borrow this camera." Not that I've minded loaning anything to my friends... just saying.

Matt Newcomb
February 8th, 2010, 01:35 PM
Considering it's for 640x480, it's basically worthless, but it goes to show they are listening and toying with ideas that someday could be very useful. I mean if that was a 1080p Movie Crop mode, for certain applications, that would be INCREDIBLE.

I love having the 640x480 mode. It's great for when we have auditions and table reads. Can film all day and never get close to filling up the card.

Kin Lau
February 8th, 2010, 01:54 PM
"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."

If they could release this in a firmware upgrade for the 7D, perhaps even a 2x or 4x 720/60p mode, I would be very happy. I never have enough focal length for birds and wildlife.

Bill Binder
February 8th, 2010, 02:02 PM
I love having the 640x480 mode. It's great for when we have auditions and table reads. Can film all day and never get close to filling up the card.

I'm not really talking about the 640x480 mode in general, it's fine, sure keep the 640x480 (BTW, the files aren't that much smaller considering the still very high bit rate on the 640x480, but your point is taken).

Regardless, what makes this tidbit MUCH MORE IMPORTANT than that is that it doesn't line skip when doing this. That is HUGE, and if at some point that can be done at 1080p, that is a gigantic feature that could come in real handy for certain applications. I was under the impression that Tramm was actually working on something in this realm, which just goes to show the potential.

So, although not many of the more serious folks will care too much about this development on a low end cam and doing it only at 640x480, it certainly signals that something more significant could someday happen, heh...

John Wiley
February 8th, 2010, 02:32 PM
Damn... I just bought a Pentax K-x but now I wish I waited!

Anyone read the Australian pricing yet?

Michael Galvan
February 8th, 2010, 02:32 PM
Lets remember here... 1080p24 VDSLR video just got into the sub 1K realm...

Truly something most people will appreciate. Just imagine getting this quality at this price even a year ago!

Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 02:47 PM
Anyone read the Australian pricing yet?Apparently the official RRP is yet to be determined for the Oceania market.

Michiel van Baasbank
February 8th, 2010, 02:50 PM
I just wonder about the grip of the T2i/550 as opposed to the 7D; I mean: how comfortable it is to hold in your hands, and in this respect I dislike most lower-end Canon series. For me the 7D feels very comfortable in my hands, but the T1i/500 doesn't. I think it's to small (whereas the lower-end Nikons seem to feel perfect).

However, I wonder if this poses a problem using the T2i just for filming purposes, I wonder how many of you hold the cam in hand, for I think most of you use a rig or tripod. But for still photography, I think ergonomy is important (as well for overall build quality and weather sealing, I'm prepared to dig deeper in my wallet and go for the 7D).

Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 03:03 PM
There's a big, big difference between the 7D and the Rebel in terms of how they feel in your hands... I like to characterize it as "feeling the difference in price." However, if you're going to use the Rebel mainly for video, then this isn't even an issue, because it really *must* be mounted on something (tripod, shoulder support, whatever) in order to produce watchable video. None of these SLRs should be hand-held when shooting video. They really need some form of support, it doesn't matter which model camera. Even the 1D Mk. IV, you shouldn't record video if you're just holding it by hand. Put that thing on a tripod!

Daniel Bates
February 8th, 2010, 03:11 PM
I'd have to disagree somewhat there, Chris - it is possible to make watchable video handheld with the 5D2. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but after four months in Iraq I was able to handhold it steadily enough for AE to track out the rest of the wobble. Of course a tripod or stabilizer is ideal, but some situations don't allow for them.

I wouldn't try handholding the Rebel though; it's just too small and light.

Chris Hurd
February 8th, 2010, 03:21 PM
You're the man, Daniel. I was about to preface that by saying "unless you're really good at it," but I suppose my point is that not everyone has a copy of After Effects, or the time and inclination to track out the vibes. Good on ya though. I can certainly appreciate that some situations aren't right for extra mechanics under the camera.