7D vs 550D HD image quality

[aragorn65]

The Canon 7D has dual Digic 4 image processors while the 550D has only one. Does this mean the Canon 7D has better HD video image quality or is it just faster in terms of image processing?

 

[haircut]

The main effect of single vs. dual processors is in the still photography department. The 7D allows you to shoot in continuous drive mode faster and longer than the 550D/T2i. The 7D also has 8 pins for data to read out from the sensor, while the 550D only has 4.

In terms of HD video, there's no functional difference, especially in terms of image quality. Both cameras have an 18 megapixel sensor, and both must downsample the image for HD video. 4 pins is plenty fast enough for data readout, and you get no benefit from having 8 pins when shooting video.

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the two cameras, if that helps.

 

[Richard J. Johnson]

I have both and they look the same to me.

 

[Lenilenapi]

Richard do you see any noise difference?
I'm curious because I've read that the 7D and 5D are quieter at 160, 320, 649 etc, but the Y2i doesn't have those speeds.

Lenny

 

[aragorn65]

Thanks a lot for the info. I already have a 7D. I'm thinking of getting a second camera.