New Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i)
The amount of new DSLR cameras that come out is a steady stream to say the least. Canon are no strangers to marketing new upgraded models while the previous model hasn’t even left a dust ring on the store shelf. However with the Canon EOS 550D, there are some very good improvements and upgrades.
Less than a year after the launch of the Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i) comes the Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i). Canon started its entry level DSLR range with the EOS 300D (Rebel) and has worked through the numbers up to this. However this is no longer what would be considered an entry level camera. This title has been taken over by the much lower priced and spec EOS 1000D. In Fact the EOS 550D would be considered an upgrade for most entry level Canon owners.
The camera is light and easy to handle. One improvement made is the slightly bigger buttons and knobs for ease of use. Some other easy use features have been added as well such as a Display Off Sensor, which turns off the LCD when the user puts their eye to the viewfinder.
Some of the main attractions to the Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i) include:
- An 18MP CMOS sensor
- Large high resolution LCD screen
- Improved 63 zone metering
- High ISO ranges.
- HD Movie Mode
18MP CMOS sensor
The 18MP chip is the same as used on the much higher end Canon EOS 7D. There is a point where pixel counting becomes a thing of the past but it does aid in giving very high dynamic results.
Large high resolution LCD screen
The 3″ LCD screen bosts 1040000 dots resulting in a very clear view either used as a viewfinder (live view) or reviewing images.
Improved 63 zone metering
The EOS 500D has a 35 zone metering system. The new EOS 550D has 63 zones from which to read the exposure.
High ISO ranges.
The set ranges goes up to 6400 ISO, which isn’t bad. However using the Auto ISO it is possible to get a sensitivity equivalent to 12800 ISO.
HD Movie Mode
The capability to shoot movies using a DSLR is still unique to a few cameras. This model has gone one step further in including a full HD movie mode (1080p).
These are just some of the outstanding features available on the Canon EOS 550D. However don’t throw out the Canon EOS 500D brochure you’ve been drooling over. With the higher price of the 550D at launch, the Canon 500D will still be available at a reduced price.