[Samsungian]

New Canon T2i with more HD functions, $800 to start


The new Canon 550D/ T2i…VERY powerful entry level HD-DSLR
This is big news, for all those people struggling with the 500D/ T1i and it’s 20fps 1080p or 720 30fps with lack of manual control and can’t afford a 7D then this camera is for you. It’s retailing for just $800 body only!



◦1080p: 1920 x 1080 pixels at 30fps (actually 29.97fps)
◦1080p: 1920 x 1080 pixels at 25fps
◦1080p: 1920 x 1080 pixels at 24fps (actually 23.976fps)
◦720p: 1280 x 720 pixels at 60fps (actually 59.94fps)
◦720p: 1280 x 720 pixels at 50fps
◦SD: 640 x 480 pixels at 60fps (actually 59.94fps)
◦SD: 640 x 480 pixels at 50fps
It also has a 3.5mm microphone jack, but unlikely to have manual controls for that.

It also has a new feature called movie crop which takes the centre of the image, and gives you a digitally zoomed in SD picture so you can get more out of your lenses if you are not worried about losing HD. I can’t see a use for this myself or in a professional situation as it is just a digital zoom but consumers may find this useful.

It shoots up to 6400 ISO too.

The camera is a massive step up from the previous model and really challenges the 7D, certainly in movie mode. Be very interesting to do a side by side of these cameras! You don’t have a number of features of the 7D, like dual processor, faster still FPS, weatherproofing and many of the top notch still features that the 7D offers but for video users, especially students, hobbyists and people dipping a tentative toe into the HD-DSLR market this looks to be sure bet.




Here are the main features including it’s still capture capabilities:

◦18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
◦DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
◦Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
◦Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
◦7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
◦iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
◦Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
◦Exposure compensation +/-5 stops.
◦Select maximum value for Auto ISO
◦External Microphone socket
◦Movie crop function


from:

The new Canon 550D/ T2i…VERY powerful entry level HD-DSLR | Philip Bloom

[Samsungian]

Dpreview link for new Canon T2i is posted now



Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i , previewed with samples: Digital Photography Review

[erickallemeyn]

looks on par with the K-x for high ISO - maybe a bit better.

The 6400 photos look really good! $899 seems a bit steep though.

[kevinschoenmakers]

Who needs 18MP, seriously? Especially people in the market for a small, entry(ish)-level camera have hardly a need for this, nor the lenses to make optimale use of this. The people at Canon haven't got the message yet about the megapixel race being over, apparently.

[kenyee]

They're definitely raising the bar for video support. This pretty much forces Pentax to make the K7 successor support full manual control in 1080p as well as have remote playcontrol over HDMI.
What's interesting to me is support for the Eye-Fi via the built-in UI. It'll be the first camera w/ decent inexpensive wireless tethering support.

[er1kksen]

Who needs 18MP, seriously? Especially people in the market for a small, entry(ish)-level camera have hardly a need for this, nor the lenses to make optimale use of this. The people at Canon haven't got the message yet about the megapixel race being over, apparently.

Serious shooters with a limiting budget, that's who. ;-) And that's more of the target market than actual entry level, at a $900 starting price for the body. You don't have to be a pro with disposable income to want some serious equipment. There are plenty of college students (and highschool students) who are feeling limited by the capabilities of whatever camera they have and some of them are looking for more resolution. I've been there. It led me from the E-330 to the K20D. And yes, I did have a need for that performance increase, for my own satisfaction. If you're going to start qualifying "needs," do any of us need a camera anyways?

The megapixel "race" might be over, but does that mean resolution should stop increasing? For many of us, higher resolution is always a good thing (and it's not bringing higher image noise and it shouldn't for a while yet, despite what the pixel-noise-measuring pundits would have you think).

I'm looking at this with a lot of interest. My K-x is going nowhere, but there are some EF lenses that I'd love to give a try (not to mention my love affair with the 85mm f1.8). I have no qualms about running two systems if it's financially feasible in the future.

[Urkeldaedalus]

A pretty cool mid-entry level camera. At $800-900 this seems aimed more at the Nikon D90 level than the Pentax k-x and Nikon D5000 level (several hundred dollars cheaper makes a big difference to non camera nuts). Still, I'm sure it will sell like gangbusters.

I'd actually like to thank Canon for pushing the bar with their latest two APS-C cameras (7D and now this one). Competition is good, and this will only mean better stuff from each camera brand.

[pxpaulx]

They're definitely raising the bar for video support. This pretty much forces Pentax to make the K7 successor support full manual control in 1080p as well as have remote playcontrol over HDMI.
What's interesting to me is support for the Eye-Fi via the built-in UI. It'll be the first camera w/ decent inexpensive wireless tethering support.

Or, conversely, how about a firmware update (since control is entirely software based). Would love to see that in my K-x as well while they are at it. Clearly though, if not via firmware the next round of bodies will have to have manual video controls.

[Samsungian]

I think $799 is a heck of a deal... to start.

We all know what dslr prices do after a few months

And Canon fixed the frame rate problem at 30fps. 30fps is actually too fast and to video shooters it matters and cuts down on processing time when its 29.97fps instead of 30fps



"List price (US) • Body only: $799
• Body+18-55 IS Kit: $899"

edit, edit

[pxpaulx]

It'll likely settle at about $820 for the kit and $750 body only - still nowhere near the K-x, and not really a competitor. The manual video controls will be a big draw though, no doubt.

[Samsungian]

The two packages T2i is replacing:

T1i with IS kit lens is $770:

Canon | EOS Rebel T1i (500D) Digital SLR Kit w/EF-S | 3818B002


T1i no lens $650:

Canon | EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR Camera (Camera Body)


K-x body only $599

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/668644-REG/Pentax_16701_Pentax_K_x_Digital_SLR.html

and KINDA surprising K-x and kit lens is cheaper than k-x body only:

Pentax Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black) more info

B&H #PEKX1855B • MFR #16301 Free Shipping (USA)

Our Price:
$534.95
Sub Total:
$534.95


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/651671-REG/Pentax_16301_Pentax_K_x_Digital_SLR.html

edit edit

[Supernaut]

I think $799 is a heck of a deal... to start.
And Canon fixed the frame rate problem at 30fps. 30fps is actually too fast and to video shooters it matters and cuts down on processing time when its 29.97fps instead of 30fps

30fps has always been 29.97. It's NTSC standard and not something Canon came up with.

Looks like an ok camera in a plastic toy shell.

[Samsungian]

I know, but Canon first HD-Dslrs were 30fps. I don't think they've fixed the 5D Mark II via firmware yet. They may not, so its another vote to wait for 5D Mark III, for me

I hear you, toy camera yet they far outsell pentax and I read of fewer canon rebel failures compared to older pentax dslrs. Well~built pentax that breaks versus lasts~longer without any failure canon "toy camera" is interesting stat to consider. No?

Personally if I had to pay $400 repair on any older Pentax dslrs, like my two 6mp K Mounts I'd just trashcan it/them. Not worth the effort to ship them to pentax usa who'll then send them off to CRIS to get an estimate of $400 & then I pay for their return.

Living vicariously thru others experiences saves me money

30fps has always been 29.97. It's NTSC standard and not something Canon came up with.

Looks like an ok camera in a plastic toy shell.

[LeDave]

Ouch, already a new one to replace the t1i. A hundred bucks more and you get a t1i obsoleter, reading this almost makes me feel just as bad when Pentax released the K-x to replace the K-m in the same year. The specs are without a doubt beasty but the K-x being nearly half the price, it's still a no brainer for those who've done their research.

[Samsungian]

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 colour. 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.