7D, 550, T2i: What are the main differences?

daktulus, even though you've read the sticky, I'll still cover the main differences. There are only four differences of consequence for the video shooter.

1) On the T2i, HDMI output is 480p while recording and 1080i otherwise. On the 7D, HDMI output is always 1080i.

2) The T2i has no intermediate ISO values, only 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200.

3) The T2i does manual white balance the same way that regular camcorders do it: You point the lens at a card (or other solid-color, but ideally white, object), hit the button, and wait a moment for the camera to process. The 7D allows you to precisely dial white balance in degrees Kelvin.

4) There are physical differences that affect handling and durability. The T2i is smaller and lighter. It has a different button layout and a wider LCD. The body doesn't feel as tough, and it's not weather-sealed.

If video is your only consideration, then you must ask yourself if those things are worth the $900 price difference.

DOF is absolutely identical because the sensor size is identical, and the two cameras use the same lenses. You should read more about DOF to gain a better understanding of the factors that determine it.

The lack of intermediate ISOs is actually not a big deal if you use a variable ND filter, such as the Fader ND. You would then be able to dial your exposure precisely without messing with ISOs.

Dynamic range should be the same. The Philip Bloom video is misleading because the comparison clips were clearly not shot the same way, and different settings (such as white balance, at least) were used. As for overheating... That's uncertain.
 
So basically....two similar products that use different methods to get to the same type of picture.


...now pick your poison and go shoot something. :)
 
I appreciate your information, but still no definite answer to my questions.

It must be very funny when a director or client asks a precise question and must listen to your reactions: great stuff for comedy :2vrolijk_08::thumbsup:
 
I'm still shooting with my first camera, which is the first model HVX200. Still gets great images. I've been drooling over the 7D for a while though and if it were only about the video I'd probably just go with the T2i given Phillip Bloom's lowlight test...I wish it'd been out when I was buying my first one! If I was recommending a first cam to a new filmmaker, it'd be the T2i.

That said, I have an opportunity to pick up some stills work so I need that capability. I want to be able to control a set of flashes when I can afford to make that investment so there's that too. 7D all the way. If you're just in it for the video, pick up the T2i and put the money you saved in lenses and accessories.
 
daktulus said:
I appreciate your information, but still no definite answer to my questions.

It must be very funny when a director or client asks a precise question and must listen to your reactions: great stuff for comedy :2vrolijk_08::thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Not sure if you're referring to my post but from what I've read all your questions have been answered here and in other threads. I think that's what JDavis was trying to say earlier.

For ex. on your last question here is a discussion in regards to the 7D vs T2i overheating issue. And mind you this is before the 7D firmware upgrade.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=201843&highlight=heating
 
No Ian-T this was not directed at you, since you discussed in an earlier reply some valuable information.

If someone knows more about overheating etc (see above), please reply.



Maybe someone can do some testshots side by side...
 
Last edited:
I had the 7D for two weeks (loved it to pieces), and returned it for the t2i.

My primary use is video, and I can't see a significant difference between the two cameras in image quality.

7D body or t21 with kit lens and Canon 135 f2.... I thought the latter choice made more sense.
 
daktulus said:
What about dynamic range?
Click to expand...

If the image appears to be indistinguishable between the cameras, then wouldn't that necessarily imply that the dynamic range is the same? I don't understand your logic here... Please explain why you keep asking that question...
 
Looking at some of the videos it looked to me, as if the highlights of the T2i were more burnt out than with the 7D.
Since dynamic range is very important to me, I ask this question, very simple.
If you don´t see a difference, than that´s your opinion and for you there is no further need for investigation. Period.


For anyone who knows how very important dynamic range is and maybe doubts that the 7D and the T2i have the same, it might be interesting to make sure in a professional chart test. Maybe even compared with the 5D.
That would be great and very much appreciated.
 
Last edited:
J Davis said:
Have you seen this? It's pretty convincing
(phillip blooms 7d vs t2i low light test)



I know the 7d has a 2nd chip but it also has twice as many AF confirm points as the t2i,
as well as strobe flash control, double the burst rate all of which is more for a stills photographer

If you shoot stills as well as video - no question, the 7d blows the t2i away.
Click to expand...


They're pretty close, but I can see better dynamic range from the 7D. The highlights are more blown out on the T2i. BTW, I forgot how you post Vimeo videos on here. Could someone please inform me again? Thanks! :D
 
problem with the test above is that its taken with flickering lights whose value is constantly changing. Its not a very reliable test. Nice shots but not scientific is right.
 
skital said:
They're pretty close, but I can see better dynamic range from the 7D. The highlights are more blown out on the T2i. BTW, I forgot how you post Vimeo videos on here. Could someone please inform me again? Thanks! :D
Click to expand...



lol, me thinks you are seeing things. Those two clips look exactly the same.
 
My shooting partner bought a 7D about 4 months back, and I got my T2i about a month ago. We often do multicam shoots and use the same lenses with the same settings and they are identical, except for minimal, MINIMAL moire
 
daktulus said:
Looking at some of the videos it looked to me, as if the highlights of the T2i were more burnt out than with the 7D.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry, but I think that you are mistaken. Please point me to a test where the 7D and the T2i were simultaneously shooting the same subject, using the exact same framing, exposure, and settings.

The Philip Bloom video posted earlier is quite misleading. The cameras were clearly not simultaneously shot side-by-side, did not use the same framing, and obviously were on slightly different settings and exposure. For one thing, highlights appear worse for the T2i clips in that video because the T2i clips were framed a lot tighter than the 7D clips, so blown-out areas were proportionately larger within the frame. This would lead to the impression that the T2i suffers from more severe highlight blow-out, but it's wrong.

Since dynamic range is very important to me, I ask this question, very simple.
If you don´t see a difference, than that´s your opinion and for you there is no further need for investigation. Period.
Click to expand...
Hey, it's not my opinion. It doesn't need to even be an opinion. If a test is done right, then one could objectively determine whether or not the outputs are identical.

Look, if there was a difference in dynamic range, then by definition, the images from the two cameras wouldn't look indistinguishable. But since they do look indistinguishable to everyone who's done tests, then dynamic range must be the same.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top