Just ordered my Canon T2i from BHPhoto, should have it in my hands tomorrow. Ive been getting a TON of questions about the differences between the T1i, the T2i and the 7D.
First lets talk about the major differences between the T1i and T2i (Cost difference is about $150-200)
– Slight improvement in pixel dimensions (T2i= 18MP, T1i=15MP)
– Slight Improvement in Monitor Resolution (T2i= 1,000,000, vs ~ 920,000 of the T1i)
– Manual Video Controls on T2i (For video shooters, this is significant)
– External Microphone input on T2i (This was a glaring feature that was missing on the T1i)
– Slight Ergonomics and Button improvements
There are a few very minor changes here and there, but really that is about it. What this means for you is this:
– If you are mainly interested in Photography, the T1i and the T2i are so similar I do not think you will notice any difference at all. If you are interested in doing anything remotely semi-serious with video, the T2i is a better investment just for the manual controls and microphone input. (Im curious to see if there are manual audio controls as well as we saw on the 5Dii update, Im guessing there wont be.)
Comparing the 7D to the T2i for Photography is clearly Apples and Oranges, the 7D is just TOO good to even compare in terms of pure photography shooting. However, when we look at the comparison for video, they are much more similar:
The T2i allows for true HD (1080p) shooting at both 30 and 24 fps, and 60 fps at HD 720 and SD 480. Consider the manual controls, the mic input….yes…the T2i and the 7D based on VIDEO features are extremely similar. If you are interested in getting a Canon Camera strictly for video purposes, the T2i is half the price of the 7D.
To sum it up, its as simple as this: If you are interested in Photography only, the T1i or 7D will make more sense. If you are interested in any kind of video work and are on a budget, the T2i is the best choice by far. We are not seeing these video features for this price anywhere else.
I’m dying see actual video from the T2i. That price drop between the 7D and T2i has to have more to it than just the photo differences. I hope the video quality isn’t a drop from the 7D. It would be heaven sent for people looking to shoot mainly video.
Pete- My understanding is that it is the exact same sensor & processor as the 7d. The 7D has 2 processors, the T2i has one, but all things being equal, video should "look" the same.
Still concerned. Everybody says, "Should" but I don’t want to plop down the cash unless it is. Plus I’m not crazy about the Rebel form factor.
Well come on down to Tuscaloosa and Ill let you compare the three. (5Dii, T2i and 7D)
There are some other diferences: 1) 7D has weather proofing, 7D has enhanced focusing, 7D has much faster burst rate and 7D has top view port. These four, which are photography based, push me towards the 7D for serious photo work, particularly sports and outdoor.
Super helpful, thanks!!
Thanks man. I can’t find the T2i anywhere and am considering getting a T1i just so I don’t have to wait a month for it to come in.
My main interest in video for your comments its the same 7D or T2i both have the same features but less price in the T2i better invest in prime lens and a good wide angle to shot
Hi –
I am in the market for my first DSLR. It will be my first SLR of any sort. In the past few years I have gotten quite interested in Adobe PSE, doing digital scrapbooking, and my P&S pics just aren’t cutting it anymore. I want to learn more about photography, but I am a total beginner. I watched your clip on T1i vs T2i, but I am still confused. I am going to use this camera primarily to take shots of my 5 & 7 year old kids. I also enjoy macro shots of flowers & food, and some landscape shots on hikes. I love the ability to also capture video of the kids. The video is important to me, since I have no other video camera, but I have no plans to do any sort of fancy editing or movie making. So which choice is better for me? (Currently at B&H T1i body is $585, T2i body is $799.)
Also, I don’t want to mess with carrying and changing out multiple lenses. So, which "all in one" is the best choice?:
Canon 18-135
Canon 18-200
Sigma 18-200
Tamron 18-270
other?
Thanks so much for your input. I promise as soon as I purchase the camera that I will head straight over here and buy the correlating DVD!
I don’t think it’s that big of a difference, but the T2i takes 3.7 frames per second while the T1i takes 3.4 frames per second