Specs and technical data can be very confusing to read and understand, especially if you're new to the world if digital photography. Below you find a list of features, specs and compatability info for the T2i written in plain english. Enjoy!
Image Sensor
You'll be glad to know that the T2i has the same 18 megapixel sensor found in the more expensive Canon 60D and 7D, which means image quality is on par with the higher priced models. The sensor also has a self cleaning filter that shimmies and shakes in order to get those pesky dust particles to fall off.
Processor
The T2i comes equipped with the Digic 4 processor, the same processor found in the T1i, 50D and 60D.
ISO (Digital Film Speed)
The T2i has an ISO (digital film speed) range of 100 to 6400, with expansion up to 12800. This ISO range is very similar to the T1i and 60D.
Lower ISO's will give you cleaner looking images, while higher ISO's will give you faster shutter speeds in low light situations.
White Balance
The T2i comes equipped with 7 different preset white balance modes that make it easy to get accurate color hues in different lighting situations, like shooting under tungsten or fluorescent lighting. This is especially helpful for getting normal looking skin tones.
Picture Styles
The T2i comes with preset picture styles like Portrait, Landscape, Monochrome etc... Inside the setup menu you can customize each setting to your liking, by increasing or decreasing saturation, contrast, sharpness, etc... You can also create custom picture styles that for specific types of shooting situations or subjects.
LCD Screen
The 3-inch LCD screen on the T2i is slightly sharper than the one found on the T1i, although the difference is very small. Since the screen doesn't flip or rotate, you'll need to position yourself within the 170 degree viewing angle in order to see the image on the screen. The T2i also comes equipped with Live View mode, which basically allows you to compose your shot using the LCD screen...much like a compact camera. Although this sounds like a great feature, auto-focus is slowed down and it's best used for still or slow moving subjects.
Optical Viewfinder
The optical pentamirror viewfinder found on the T2i is the same one found on the T1i. It offers 95% frame coverage with a magnification of 0.87x. The viewfinder does seem small and dark, especially when comparing it to the pentaprism viewfinders on the 60D (0.95x magnification) and 7D. The pentamirror design is cheaper to produce (mostly plastic) and results in a darker looking image through the viewfinder.
Auto-Focus System
The T2i comes with the same 9 point auto-focus system found in the T1i and 60D. A 9 point auto-focus system basically has 9 focus points that are visible through the optical viewfinder. You can let the T2i decide which point to choose automatically or you can choose the point manually.
Metering
The T2i comes equipped with a TTL 63 zone metering system, which is much better than the 35 zone metering system found in the T1i.
Burst Mode
Continuous shooting has sped up to 3.7 frames per second when comparing it to the T1i and 3.4 frames per second, however, the amount of images you can capture in a single burst has been limited to 34 images (6 RAW images) compared to 170 images (9 RAW images) on the T1i. In case you're comparing models, the 60D is capable of speeds up to 5.3 frames per second with up to 58 images (16 RAW images) in each burst.
Shutter
The shutter speed range on the T2i is 30 seconds to 1/4000 of a second. Slower shutter speeds are great for photographing images at night or capturing movement, while faster shutter speeds are great for getting tack sharp images of fast moving subjects. The fastest shutter speed available when using flash is 1/200 of a second.
Video Recording
The T2i comes equipped with 1080p video recording capabilities. Much like the 60D, the T2i records mono sound. In order to get stereo quality sound, you'll need to purchase an external microphone and plug it into your T2i. You can also use off camera audio recording equipment and sync it with your video using post processing software. Videos are saved in .MOV and have a maximum recording time of 12 minutes per segment.
Editing
If you're looking for in-camera post processing tools, you won't find it on the T2i...which means you'll need to edit your images using photo editing software. However, if you plan on printing directly from the T2i you'll find some basic editing tools that'll allow you to apply filters (black & white, sepia, etc...), adjust brightness and even crop your images to match the size of paper you're printing to. For the videographers out there, the T2i does have the ability to trim movies by editing out the first or last scenes of the video. Other than that, you'll need to use post production software to do more advanced video editing techniques.
Lens Compatibility
The T2i is compatible with EF and EF-S labeled lenses. Check out my Canon T2i lens compatibility post for more info.
Built-in Flash
The built-in flash performs pretty well for basic portraits with an average recycling time of 3 seconds before you can take the next shot.
External Flash Compatibility
The T2i is compatible with EX-series speedlites. The 270EX is a great starter flash for beginners, allowing you to bounce light off ceilings for more natural looking light when shooting indoors. The 430EX II offers faster recycling times and a more powerful flash. The 580EX II is weather sealed and has a flash output that can reach 35% farther than the 430EX II which can be beneficial for shooting large groups of people.
Memory Card Compatibility
The T2i is compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. If you plan on shooting video, I highly recommend a Class 10 memory card to keep up with the HD 1080p video buffer rate. Check out my Canon T2i memory card post for a detailed breakdown of memory card recommendations.
Power
The T2i uses a rechargeable LP-E8 lithium-ion battery, charged with a LC-E8 battery charger. In use, I've been able to get around 400 to 500 shots per charge.
Build Quality
The T2i is made of polycarbonate resin, reinforced with glass fiber and housed on an aluminum structure. For the price it feels very well made.
Size
The T2i has a very compact design, which makes it great for traveling light...however, those of you with larger hands won't appreciate the smaller hand grip. I'm 6'2" and I feel the grip is way too cramped and makes it difficult when shooting all day. My wife on the other hand, loves the size of the grip so it really depends on your hand size. Thanks to the polycarbonate body, the T2i is super light...weighing in around 1.1 lbs.
Supplied Accessories
Body cap
Shoulder strap with Canon logo
18-55mm EF-S IS lens (T2i kit only)
LP-E8 lithium-ion battery pack
LC-E8 Battery charger
USB cable
Stereo AV cable
EOS Digital Solution Disk
Instruction Manuals (Canon T2i PDF manual)
Optional Accessories
Battery grip: BG-E8
Wired Remote: RS-60E3
Wireless Remote: RC-6
Announced
Canon announced the new Rebel T2i on February 8, 2010.
Release Date
The Official release date for the T2i was on March 8, 2010.
Price
The T2i body only retails for $799, while the kit retails for $899.
Here are some helpful T2i resources and links that you may find useful...
Tips: Canon T2i Tips
Manual: Canon Rebel T2i Manual
Forum: Canon T2i Forum for Beginners
Facebook Page: Official T2i Facebook Page
Canon's Official T2i Page: usa.canon.com
DPReview T2i Review: www.dpreview.com
DCResource T2i Review: www.dcresource.com
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