By Gadjo C. Sevilla
Canon recently revealed its EOS Rebel T2i digital SLR that bundles a large 18-Megapixel sensor and full HD 1080p video recording in a consumer camera.
Expected to sell under $1000 when it hits stores late March, the EOS Rebel T2i offers similar specs to the vastly popular but pricey EOS 7D that offers two of Canon’s newest 18 megapixel sensors, HD video capability and 8 frame per second continuous shooting capability. Find out more about this game changer after the break.
"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."
Sneak-peek of the EOS Rebel T2i/D550 courtesy of Photoradar.com via YouTube.
While notably smaller and lighter, the EOS Rebel T2i inherits the big 18-megapixel sensor and the HD video recording capabilities but is limited to a slower 3.7 frame per second continuous shooting capability.
For most users shooting family gatherings, sports events, travel and tourism this offers a lot of flexibility. The large sensor allows for larger blowups for photographic prints as well as better options for cropping pictures and still retaining a high level of clarity and detail.
The ability to shift between photo-mode and video is a huge thing for photographers who need to capture memories but who don’t want to carry two devices. Some situations make great photos but there are times where video is much better.
The EOS Rebel T2i also has an impressive ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800) that enables it to take high-resolution photos and video in extremely low-light conditions with minimum noise or graininess. This becomes crucial when taking photos where flash is prohibited or for night photography.
There are various improvements in the EOS Rebel T2i over the model it replaces, the EOS T1i. Video capture mode, for example, will be accessible by a dedicated live view/movie button positioned to the right of the viewfinder.
The new 3.0-inch LCD with 3:2 aspect ratio occupies the back panel, accompanied by a control layout very similar to that of the T1i. The Rebel T2i will be HDMI-CEC compatible, making it possible for users to control the camera with an HDTV remote when it is hooked up to an HDTV.
The EOS T2i comes with a higher-capacity unit to offer up to 550 shots, a slight increase over the T1i's maximum of 500. Accompanying the new DSLR release are several new accessories including a new battery grip and remote control. In addition to SD and SDHC cards, the T2i will accept the new higher-capacity SDXC card format and will work with most of Canon’s EOS accessories and lenses.
