Canon EOS Digital Rebel T2i Review

Review posted 8/16/2010

Quick Take

Pros

Pleasing size and weight; Excellent build quality; Loads of useful exposure options; Speedy shooting performance; Comfortable OVF; Superb 3.0-inch LCD screen; Captures beautiful 18-megapixel photos; Accurate Auto White Balance and Metering systems; Unmatched Full HD video function; Excellent high ISO performance; Great value at just $899 US with the kit IS zoom lens

Cons

Limited uses for the ISO 12800 setting; Metering system had some trouble under extremely bright conditions which produced some detail loss in highlights

Bottom Line

The Canon T2i is an impressive dSLR with a very appealing price tag. It offers unmatched performance in both Still and Video modes at this price point, and rivals that of more expensive systems. The T2i is highly recommend by the staff here at Steve's. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Canon's latest EOS Digital Rebel model, the T2i is an entry-level dSLR that offers many of the same features we saw on its predecessor, the T1i. New improvements include an 18-megapixel CMOS image sensor (same one used on the 7D), a new 63-zone Dual Layer Metering sensor, increased burst rating at up to 3.7fps, along with a host of other features that have been borrowed  from it's big brother, the EOS 7D.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T2i key features:

• 18-megapixel CMOS image sensor
• EOS integrated cleaning system
  
• 63-zone Dual Layer Metering sensor
• Digic 4 image processor
• Canon EF/EFS lens mount
• 3.7fps burst capture
  
• Records Full HD video (1920x1080) at 30, 25 or 24fps; 720p and VGA modes available too
• New Movie Crop mode (achieve 7x magnification when using the SD video option)
• Expanded ISO capabilities from 100 - 12,800
• Broad exposure compensation range: ±5 EV 
• 3.0-inch LCD with 1.04 million pixels
• Capable built-in flash unit
  
• Powerful Li-ion battery pack
• SD/SDHC and now SDXC memory card compatibility
• HDMI ouput
• External mic jack
  

The T2i comes as a Body only for $799 US, or with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens for $899 US.

What's in the box?:

• EOS Rebel T2i camera body
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens (when kit is purchased)
• Eyecup Ef
  
• Wide Nect strap
• AV cable
• USB cable
• Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
  
• Li-ion battery LP-E8
• Battery charger LC-E8E (depending on region)
• Instruction manuals and photography tips booklets
  

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.