t2s-t3i

G

ggrantly

Veteran
Hello listers,

I have been using traditional video cams for some time, and have little experience with HDSLR cams. I do shoot a fair amount of pro work with Canon DSLRs and have L-glass and multiple bodies. I am starting to imagine swapping out my backup crop 40d for something new and the T2i comes to mind. I like the 40d for what it is and it has served me well; it has some good mojo. It would be nice to be able to shoot video with a HDSLR; for me as a B-cam or guerilla cam. Now some questions:

How will the T2i compare to the 40d for still work. ISO, AF, other considerations?
Is the T2i viable for small professional video work?
The difference between the T2i and T3i would seem to be the articulated screen and ability to fire flash built in. Neither of these are big deals to me. Are there other reasons to chose the T3i for more money?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Grant
 
The t3i does offer some difference if your using magic lantern but as far as basic performance you wont see much if a difference. I know for sure that the t2i however is completely viable for professional video work. I use mine professionally all the time with great results. Get a lot of practice before you take it out on a gig and it will treat you very well. I'm very happy with my t2i and see no reason to buy a t3i when the sensor and processor are the same.
 
a good reason to get a T3i over a T2i would be the overheating issues which have been solved in the T3i.
 
Same processor, what did they do, add a cooling fan?

Does the tilt screen work well. I suppose for some work, that could be pretty handy now that I think about it.

Any thoughts on the still capabilities?

Grant
 
If it were me, I'd go for a 60D. It supports Magic Lantern, which I think is the best accessory you can have, and the rear wheel is much more user friendly than the T2x's four-square buttons. And the 60D isn't -that- much more expensive than the T3i.
If a 60D isn't an option, definitely go with the T3i, for the reasons cited above.
 
I would spring for the T2i if you factor in rumors of the T4i and the Digic 5 processor.

The T2i w/Magic Lantern will give you something solid short term but not be that much of an investment. Put that extra money towards lenses which will be around far longer.

If you feel uncomfortable installing Magic Lantern on your camera then by all means go for the T3i.
 
Zxander34 said:
I would spring for the T2i if you factor in rumors of the T4i and the Digic 5 processor.

The T2i w/Magic Lantern will give you something solid short term but not be that much of an investment. Put that extra money towards lenses which will be around far longer.

If you feel uncomfortable installing Magic Lantern on your camera then by all means go for the T3i.
Click to expand...

^ this.
 
I upgraded my T2i to T3i because of

- no overheating (okay, it happened once so far)
- swivel LCD screen. Don't have to shoot from eye level all the time now
- Manaul audio control
- 3X crop zoom


60D would be a good choice but it doesn't have the 3X crop zoom. Also, I already invested in battery grip and battery for T2i. It's just natural to upgrade to T3i.
 
Got glass already. I'm considering this as a replacement for my #3 body so I'm not interested in going large on this. I can nearly swap my 40d for a T2i. I just noticed that the T2i doesn't have the rear control wheel....thinking I would miss that. Any other comparisons offered between the 40d and the T2i for still work since that is the main purpose, video would just be a convenience and multi-purpose option.

Thanks again for the input
Grant
 
For stills, the ergonomics of the XXD line is better than the triple digit XXXD. The 500D(t1i), 550D(t2i), 600D(t3i), have a much more consumerised body than the 40D, 50D and 60D. The sensor is capable of identical IQ in both situations, however the 550D will have less buttons and controls, some features buried in menus, or not available at all.

For example, manual kelvin values were taken out in favor of presets and image-based custom white balance. To get Kelvin values back, you have to use the Magic Lantern hack, which works but requires a few extra steps compared to the xxD line. There is no dedicated wheel for aperture control, rather you have to hold the A button while turning the wheel normally reserved for shutter speed.

For video, this doesn't make much of a difference- both lines of camera can take pretty much identical looking quality, and a few extra steps to set up before a long recording session aren't deal breakers. But for stills, most photographers prefer the ergonomics, faster autofocus and quick control changes necessary to make sure you don't miss that shot. I'd look into the 60D if photography is your main thing.
 
Few weeks ago, I was working at a wedding at a hotel lobby. There was another videographer walked to me asking what camera I was using. He was sort of speaking in a friendly way but yet challenging tone. He made a shocking face saying why I don't use 7D. I said aren't the video quality are the same? and on top of that I can adjust the swivel LCD screen (doing that while I was talking). Then he said.. "okay, we all have to love each other" then walk away. =)
 
I did I did...

Check out these photos with a Sigma 17-55mm lens. I stayed at the same position. Same camera settings.

at 17mm
zoom11.jpg


at 55mm
zoom21.jpg


at 17mm 3X crop zoom
zoom31.jpg


at 55mm 3x crop zoom
zoom41.jpg
 
Ha ha...ok...so Im not the only one using it...:laugh:
Its really good...


Sorry just now I saw your previous post....
3x crop is the reason why Im using my 600D 70% and 60D 30%...
 
Last edited:
lyrov said:
Ha ha...ok...so Im not the only one using it...:laugh:
Its really good...


Sorry just now I saw your previous post....
3x crop is the reason why Im using my 600D 70% and 60D 30%...
Click to expand...

That is cool, I do like the ability to turn a prime into a zoom. I was actually a little bummed to find out the GH2 can only do this before starting recording- you can't switch modes to zoom during a shot (or at least, if you can I haven't figured out how). But the problem is that unless you are using really sharp glass, the crop mode can sometimes be noticeably softer.
Then again, considering the Canon's video mode starts off on the softer side, perhaps that's we all just get away with it. :)

Also, the OP seems concerned with stills and video as an after thought. The crop mode won't help in stills, so I guess it didn't occur to anyone to mention it. :)
Otherwise, the t3i/t2i are mostly identical in terms of features and especially in IQ. However, if you decide to run Magic Lantern, you can get much better audio in camera with the t2i than the t3i (audio chip incompatibility).
There are subtle pros and cons for both, but either will give a good result. The T2i is stupid cheap right now if you find the right deal, and the T4i might be around the corner. But again, for stills coming from a 40D, it might be a step backwards.
 
Now I really got the meat and potatoes, thanks everyone. Thinking I'll keep my 40d, I really do like it. As someone mentioned the ergonomics, I actually like the feel of the 40 better than my 5d. Of course the 5d has better IQ, but the AF is not as good. I'm thinking I'll add a mkII before too long, and think I'll just wait for that. I just don't think I want to add another crop body just now.

Grant
 
ggrantly said:
Now I really got the meat and potatoes, thanks everyone. Thinking I'll keep my 40d, I really do like it. As someone mentioned the ergonomics, I actually like the feel of the 40 better than my 5d. Of course the 5d has better IQ, but the AF is not as good. I'm thinking I'll add a mkII before too long, and think I'll just wait for that. I just don't think I want to add another crop body just now.

Grant
Click to expand...

Smart move if still photography is your mainstay. I still use my 1Dm2 and 20D even tho I have a 7D and T3i.
 
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