M. Gilden
Canon DSLR Moderator
In this thread, I hope to explore the differences between the current cameras covered in this section (Canon APS-C). This should help people who are having trouble deciding on a model, or simply want to know what the differences are. Please feel free to comment with any corrections/suggestions/changes, so we can keep this current. Thanks!
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Remember, these are only the Canon APS-C sized cameras, and I intend to compare their features in regards to video (not photography, where I am aware there are additional differences as well, such as autofocus points). The 5D has its own section since it is a full frame camera, and the 1D isn't used much in prosumer video (mostly cost prohibitive compared to a full sized video cam- the 1Dx is a monster for video, but at a projected price of $7k for the body), so I will not be including those models here.
In chronological order:
Canon EOS 7D
This was the first Canon DSLR to introduce standard 24p frame rates, and still the only one to be able to output a live HD signal while recording (the others downsample the preview monitor to SD as soon as you hit record). This makes it a popular choice in video, and indeed it seems to have led the pack in the DSLR video revolution. However the dual-chip design required for live HD processing creates frequent overheating problems which will require you to wait for the camera to cool down before resuming. Uses Compact Flash (CF) memory cards and is one of the pricier options in this lineup. It also suffers from AGC audio (more on that in the audio thread) which makes internal audio recording essentially useless.
Bottom line:
While it is pricier and missing some features native to other newer models, this has the best build quality and is the only option that will offer live HDMI out while recording. If filming a narrative story with a film crew, that may be more important. Also a recognized name in the industry thanks to being used in films like "Black Swan".
Canon EOS T2i/550D (rebel)
This is the more consumer-oriented model. While the footage is roughly the same quality as the 7D, this little camera is designed to be simpler and cheaper, and uses the more common SD card format. Ergonomics and build quality suffer some, however the price and size are smaller which can be a good thing. Like the 7D, this model also suffers from AGC audio, however the lack of the dual chip design makes overheating far less likely.
In order to differentiate between the more expensive DSLR cameras, it appears Canon tried to take out some of the more advanced features from this model. That includes: manual kelvin selection, intermediate ISO values, and micro adjustment for autofocus lenses.
However, one of the biggest perks of this camera is that it currently has an excellent port of the Magic Lantern software suite working on it as well (more on that here).
Magic Lantern not only puts back most of the features missing from this camera (ISO and Kelvin values), but it also brings features normally only found on more expensive video cameras (live histograms, exposure zebras, focus peaking, etc), not to mention the ability to disable AGC and actually record decent internal sound via the mic jack. You can even live monitor the audio with headphones using the AV out jack while filming.
Bottom Line:
The feature set of Magic Lantern can make this cheapest option also the most fully functional video camera (Magic Lantern is mostly completed on other models as well, but this is the most matured version). If however, you don't intend to go through the effort of installing ML on your equipment, this camera offers the least options out of the box. It can still record nearly identical video footage to the 7D and other APS-C sized sensor cameras, so this is a great choice if on a budget.
Canon EOS 60D
Mostly similar in class to the t2i/550D Rebel (although a bit more expensive), this model offers slightly better build quality (although not as high as the 7D) and some improvements such as a flip-out articulating screen and more ergonomic controls. It has the ability to turn off AGC for manual audio control, however without Magic Lantern you do not have the same control over audio or the ability to monitor it while recording. Thankfully, Magic Lantern is being ported over and many of its features are working (however not all as of this writing). It uses SD cards for memory.
Bottom Line:
This is a great entry level camera, especially for those who find the options and build quality of the Rebel line too limited. If you are not comfortable installing Magic Lantern on a cheaper camera like the Rebels, the feature set out of the box here is worth the price of entry. The flip-out articulating screen and built-in audio controls are also welcome additions, and this is the first DSLR to sport those.
Canon EOS t3i/600D (rebel)
This is the model that is replacing the T2i/550D. Like the 60D, it has manual audio option and a flip out articulating screen (Note: it appears that Canon upgrades features like this generationally- see notes below). However, since it is still a "rebel" line camera, it is similar to the T2i/550D in ergonomics and missing features (manual Kelvin control, intermediate ISO, etc). Magic Lantern now exists for this camera as well, however still in early stages as of this writing.
Meanwhile, what this camera DOES offer than no other does is the ability to crop/zoom the sensor while filming. In other words, use the resolution from a smaller area of the sensor, essentially creating an even deeper zoom on the same lens. Since you are using pixels that are closer together on the sensor (instead of spreading out and skipping lines of the 18mpix resolution to make your ~2mpix 1080p image), this can reduce the moire and aliasing problems common with this sensor.
Bottom Line:
Its basically a T2i/550D with the flip display and AGC disable of the 60D, and this new crop mode thrown in for good measure. Once all Magic Lantern functions are functional, I think I would recommend this camera as the best bang for your buck for video from Canon.
There is also the Rebel T1i, the predecessor to the T2i, which also supports video mode on an APS-C sensor, however it predates Canon's standardized video modes (24p, etc) and is therefore not used much in pro video.
Note: it appears that Canon upgrades features generationally- the 5D received an update for manual audio, and all cameras that came after that had it built it. The 60D introduced the flip out display, and it appears all cameras that come afterward (so far only one, but it appears to reason) have that as well, regardless of price point. I think it would be safe to assume that the next edition of the 5D and 7D will have articulating displays, manual audio, and the sensor crop function.
-------------------
Remember, these are only the Canon APS-C sized cameras, and I intend to compare their features in regards to video (not photography, where I am aware there are additional differences as well, such as autofocus points). The 5D has its own section since it is a full frame camera, and the 1D isn't used much in prosumer video (mostly cost prohibitive compared to a full sized video cam- the 1Dx is a monster for video, but at a projected price of $7k for the body), so I will not be including those models here.
In chronological order:
Canon EOS 7D
This was the first Canon DSLR to introduce standard 24p frame rates, and still the only one to be able to output a live HD signal while recording (the others downsample the preview monitor to SD as soon as you hit record). This makes it a popular choice in video, and indeed it seems to have led the pack in the DSLR video revolution. However the dual-chip design required for live HD processing creates frequent overheating problems which will require you to wait for the camera to cool down before resuming. Uses Compact Flash (CF) memory cards and is one of the pricier options in this lineup. It also suffers from AGC audio (more on that in the audio thread) which makes internal audio recording essentially useless.
Bottom line:
While it is pricier and missing some features native to other newer models, this has the best build quality and is the only option that will offer live HDMI out while recording. If filming a narrative story with a film crew, that may be more important. Also a recognized name in the industry thanks to being used in films like "Black Swan".
Canon EOS T2i/550D (rebel)
This is the more consumer-oriented model. While the footage is roughly the same quality as the 7D, this little camera is designed to be simpler and cheaper, and uses the more common SD card format. Ergonomics and build quality suffer some, however the price and size are smaller which can be a good thing. Like the 7D, this model also suffers from AGC audio, however the lack of the dual chip design makes overheating far less likely.
In order to differentiate between the more expensive DSLR cameras, it appears Canon tried to take out some of the more advanced features from this model. That includes: manual kelvin selection, intermediate ISO values, and micro adjustment for autofocus lenses.
However, one of the biggest perks of this camera is that it currently has an excellent port of the Magic Lantern software suite working on it as well (more on that here).
Magic Lantern not only puts back most of the features missing from this camera (ISO and Kelvin values), but it also brings features normally only found on more expensive video cameras (live histograms, exposure zebras, focus peaking, etc), not to mention the ability to disable AGC and actually record decent internal sound via the mic jack. You can even live monitor the audio with headphones using the AV out jack while filming.
Bottom Line:
The feature set of Magic Lantern can make this cheapest option also the most fully functional video camera (Magic Lantern is mostly completed on other models as well, but this is the most matured version). If however, you don't intend to go through the effort of installing ML on your equipment, this camera offers the least options out of the box. It can still record nearly identical video footage to the 7D and other APS-C sized sensor cameras, so this is a great choice if on a budget.
Canon EOS 60D
Mostly similar in class to the t2i/550D Rebel (although a bit more expensive), this model offers slightly better build quality (although not as high as the 7D) and some improvements such as a flip-out articulating screen and more ergonomic controls. It has the ability to turn off AGC for manual audio control, however without Magic Lantern you do not have the same control over audio or the ability to monitor it while recording. Thankfully, Magic Lantern is being ported over and many of its features are working (however not all as of this writing). It uses SD cards for memory.
Bottom Line:
This is a great entry level camera, especially for those who find the options and build quality of the Rebel line too limited. If you are not comfortable installing Magic Lantern on a cheaper camera like the Rebels, the feature set out of the box here is worth the price of entry. The flip-out articulating screen and built-in audio controls are also welcome additions, and this is the first DSLR to sport those.
Canon EOS t3i/600D (rebel)
This is the model that is replacing the T2i/550D. Like the 60D, it has manual audio option and a flip out articulating screen (Note: it appears that Canon upgrades features like this generationally- see notes below). However, since it is still a "rebel" line camera, it is similar to the T2i/550D in ergonomics and missing features (manual Kelvin control, intermediate ISO, etc). Magic Lantern now exists for this camera as well, however still in early stages as of this writing.
Meanwhile, what this camera DOES offer than no other does is the ability to crop/zoom the sensor while filming. In other words, use the resolution from a smaller area of the sensor, essentially creating an even deeper zoom on the same lens. Since you are using pixels that are closer together on the sensor (instead of spreading out and skipping lines of the 18mpix resolution to make your ~2mpix 1080p image), this can reduce the moire and aliasing problems common with this sensor.
Bottom Line:
Its basically a T2i/550D with the flip display and AGC disable of the 60D, and this new crop mode thrown in for good measure. Once all Magic Lantern functions are functional, I think I would recommend this camera as the best bang for your buck for video from Canon.
There is also the Rebel T1i, the predecessor to the T2i, which also supports video mode on an APS-C sensor, however it predates Canon's standardized video modes (24p, etc) and is therefore not used much in pro video.
Note: it appears that Canon upgrades features generationally- the 5D received an update for manual audio, and all cameras that came after that had it built it. The 60D introduced the flip out display, and it appears all cameras that come afterward (so far only one, but it appears to reason) have that as well, regardless of price point. I think it would be safe to assume that the next edition of the 5D and 7D will have articulating displays, manual audio, and the sensor crop function.
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