Canon recently announced a new camera in their consumer line of products, the Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i. It is a step up from their previous model the EOS 500D / Rebel T1i. On the outside, there are some minor cosmetic changes. Most of the upgrades are internal.
First, there’s an increase from 15.1 to 18 megapixels. This puts it on a par with the EOS 7D. It’s the same resolution as the 7D but, according to Canon, it’s a different sensor. In addition, the sensor is an APS-C CMOS.
The 550D contains one DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800). The EOS 7D has two DIGIC 4 processors.
The biggest change is that the 550D has full HD video at 1080p with frame rates selectable at 30, 25 or 24 fps. In addition it can shoot 720p video at 50/60 fps and VGA quality 50/60 fps. Also included are redesigned buttons and new movie/live view button, customizable auto ISO ranges, improved 63 zone metering (iFCL), and a 3:2 format screen. This camera also shoots to SD, SDHC, and supports SDXC cards.
For still shooters this is a nice mid level DSLR. It would make an excellent backup body for a 7D. For video shooters, this is an excellent starter HD-DSLR to hone your skills. The APS-C sensor is pretty close to cinema 35mm size.
I think this may have set a new standard in DV Rebel shooting. So does Stu Maschwitz in his ProLost post here: http://prolost.com/blog/2010/2/8/the-revenge-of-no-more-excuses.html
The best part is the price, $799 body only, $899 with an 18-55mm f3-f5.6 zoom lens.
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