The Revenge of No More Excuses
Monday, February 8, 2010 at 11:25AM 
Canon today announced the Rebel T2i, AKA the 550D. It’s an 18 megapixel entry-level DSLR for $800. It features all of the video modes of the Canon 7D and 1D Mark IV: 29.97, 23.976, and 25 fps at 1080p, along with 50 and 60 fps at 720p.
I haven’t seen any samples of the video yet, although I’m sure we’ll soon be buried by them. [UPDATE: Did I say soon? Here you go (also embedded below)—thanks Jay]
I’m sure we’ll also be treated to many loving comparisons of how image quality, noise, compression, etc., stand up to Canon’s other offerings.
I would not expect the Rebel to represent any progress on the HDSLR shortcomings of rolling shutter and aliasing/moiré.
Two years ago I called the Canon HV20 the no-more-excuses DV Rebel camera. It was an HD camcorder the size of a soda can that recorded 24p with limited manual control, for under $1,000. Filmmaker Ayz Waraich made a beautiful short film with it called White Red Panic.
Folks can spend a lot of energy writing about cameras and filmmaking, about how this or that forthcoming tool will be a “game changer” or revolutionize the blah blah blah. Ayz’s film reminded us (and I include myself in that “us”) that filmmaking beats bellyaching every time.
Then along came the HDSLRs, and speaking only for myself, I thought there was some important stuff to bellyache about. Some potential that could be realized if only a few niggling details were addressed. The year that followed the introduction of the 5D Mark II was equal parts frustration and reward, as Canon and others took pot-shots at the target, always missing, but sometimes in ways that produced useable cameras.
I marked the Canon 7D as the real arrival of HDSLR cinema. The price, the frame rates, and sensor size all made great sense, and video finally earned it’s own button, more or less. There are still big problems with it of course, but they can be worked around. I’d hate to be working around them with a paying client over my shoulder, but for my personal work, I don’t mind. And if I get really stuck, I do have an actual video camera lying around here somewhere.
It seemed to me that no sooner had the HV20 come out that it was rendered obsolete by subsequent models, and its priced dropped from affordable to ridiculous. We went from “no more excuses” to “seriously, what more do you want” in a matter of months.
With the Rebel, HDSLRs just hit that point. If you have any interest in what they can do, there’s now a camera that you can buy for less than the cost of a decent tripod.
In fact, depending on how it performs, the Rebel may just be the new sweet spot. In the same way that the 1D Mark IV’s $5,000 price tag accounts for a bunch of pro stills features that don’t net much for the filmmaker, the shortcomings that put the Rebel at half the 7D’s price are most likely all in the stills department as well. If video is your primry interest in a DSLR, the Rebel could well represent the most bang for the buck.
Although the MSRP for the body is $799, Amazon seems to want to cash in on early enthusiasm for this rig—their pre-order price is currently listed at $899.
UPDATE: Less than six hours later, Amazon has amended the pre-order price to $799.
I’ve created a Rebel Starter Kit page on the ProLost store for those looking to take the plunge on the cheap.
Reader Comments (117)
Stu,
I just pre-ordered mine through Adorama at $799. Canon Europe posted a pretty crappy video here for what it's worth: http://su.pr/2uHMXn
I just found out about this morning and I am somewhat kicking myself for getting a Japanese GH-1 last month for $600.
All the video features of the 7D (I own one), APS-C sensor, under $900...
For those who just want the video capabilities, the T2i is the way to go.
All I have to say is thank you Canon, now I can get the same camera for video work as the 7D for less than half the price. win!
Stu, I believe the 550D takes SDHC/XC cards - you might want to update that on the Rebel store (it's currently listing CF cards).
Thanks Owen! Done!
Hey Stu,
Thanks for all the work you do with the blog and the ProLost store. I think I'm right on this, but I don't believe that the T2i takes CF cards. Just something I thought you might wanna check out for for the store. Thanks again for all you do!
Looks like I'm a bit slow w/ my last post.
I've got mixed feelings about this camera as a standalone tool, but when viewed as a 2nd and/or back up camera to something like the 7D or maybe even the 5DmkII, it's very attractive. Being able to set this little guy up to capture that 2nd angle would seem to pay for itself.
This does seem like a killer camera but I am pretty sure the data rate has been cut down on the T2i v. 7D/5D II/1D IV. The specs say it can record up to 29 min and 59 sec, compared to 12 min for the pro line. Since they both have a maximum of 4 GB file size per clip, the data rate must go down to compensate. My rough calculation say that it goes from the 41-43 Mb/sec range for the pro cameras to 16-18 Mb/sec for the T2i. That is probably still ok but definitely less quality than the more expensive cameras.
Nice sleuthing, thanks for that Sean!
@Sean
The T2i also supports SDXC cards which are not limited by a 4GiB FAT32 filesize like previous memory cards (as those found in the 7D, 5D, etc.). Rather, SDXC uses exFAT which has a 64 ZiB limitation meaning any recording time limitation will be software based rather than by file size.
If this is true with the data rate, many credit cards will go right back in the wallets. That will kill this camera just like a similar issue killed the Panny GH1.
-gl
Also, they say up to 29 minutes 59 seconds which is the same for the 5DMKII, 7D, 1DMKIV in standard def mode. I think when they say up to they mean if you switch it over to SD mode. They'd be really dumb to slash the bitrate!
Not sure I agree with your numbers there. From the Canon specs page:
Continuous Shooting Time
Approx. 12 min. (1920 x 1080), 18 min. (1280 x 720), 24 min. (640 x 480)
Based on Canon's testing standards using a 4GB card
http://bit.ly/a6p55a
Well be good to get to the bottom of this before anyone lashes out. Is it half the data rate or just twice the record time?
Thanks so far prolost sherlocks, Let the sleuthing continue
jas
We'll know as soon as a native clip is posted, which I'm sure will happen shortly as reviews come out.
Actually, the recording time is the same as the 7D. According to the Canon spec page: "Continuous Shooting Time: Approx. 12 min. (1920 x 1080), 18 min. (1280 x 720), 24 min. (640 x 480)." So the bitrate is at around 48 mbps VBR for 1080p.
And I agree with Stu, this is the best "Rebel DV" camera for now. It's even a camera marked as "Rebel". Who would have thought a dSLR would be today's rebel cam 2 years ago! :-)
@sean & @stu
What's kind of ambiguous about the 29 some-odd minutes is it doesn't say whether that's the 1080p video or the 640 x 480 (4:3) @ 60/50 fps video. I could see it only have 12 minutes (full quality) for 1080p, but 29 minutes for 640x480.
Epic Win.
Scarlet 2/3 is in trouble in the bang for buck category, it seems.
Might have to get both.
Film-making is democratized.
This clip does look soft though. I hope the future uploads are more resolved.
Manual exposure control?
From what I've read, yes.
Continuous Shooting Time
Approx. 12 min. (1920 x 1080), 18 min. (1280 x 720), 24 min. (640 x 480)
Based on Canon's testing standards using a 4GB card
Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i - 5D Mark II :
Now people don't need to translate japanese Canon Press Conference Report to understand that "A Single Digic 4 CAN handle 24p & 60p"...
Canon IS taking our ideas too (Video Crop mode) but NOT implementing them on the EOS 5D Mark II...
- Chech the List of FIXES & IMPROVEMENTS that has been elaborated from LOT of user's feedbacks and requests since long ago (check previous post too)
Just a Firmware update is needed... NO redesign of the camera, no hardware change.
What is Canon thinking about THOUSANDS of customers who invested thousands of dollars on Canon gear? Is that a funny game?
- Check: The Hidden Potential of 5D Mark II
We should start a poll: "How are 5D Mark II owners feeling now?"
Also a new Campaign requesting Fixes and Improvements that CAN be implemented via firmware update.
Probably they will release the new firmware with 24/25p for the 5D2 soon, BUT aside of the real need for it, it would be frustrating to see that it is the only enhancement they provide, while they could take MUCH more advantage of the inner potential of this camera, giving to their customers and keeping the camera "fresh" and more competitive (so more profit from the already in-production model)
.
Any word on release date? Just had a nephew order himself a rebel yesterday,
It seems to have the same aliasing problem my 7D has, which is clearly present at the first shot showing the text from the book in the youtube example. But who cares, lets make something with content!
Regarding the data rate @sean, I doubt it will be below what we have with the 5D/7D. I'm pretty sure the T1i had a better rate than 16-18mb so it wouldn't make sense for Canon to upgrade the camera but downgrade the compression.
Sorry misread the figures on another canon site. You are right the data rate should be the same for all cameras. Nice going Canon!
Have you seen this Plugin for FCP?
No excuses at all...
Does anyone know if you can live monitor via the HDMI port to allow uncompressed recording?
Hi Joe,
I'm pretty sure the HDMI output is a lower res than full HD, I can't remember the exact size now, but I remember reading it somewhere.
No excuses indeed! At $800 there is no excuse whatsoever to get out and shoot. Yet I'm sure haters and belly-achers will start up soon. I bought a 7D at twice the price, so therefore I should follow the 5Dm2 user route of bitching and moaning about costs vs features, but I won't. Technology always moves forward, giving us more for less(unless you're talking Scarlet where you get more for more, with years of delays). I say nice job Canon! I just hope they do the next smart thing in the near future and add a few audio controls and a flip-out LCD for a true 'hybrid' camera.
Looking forward to getting the beta of that plugin @ariel
I brought a 7D last week, no regrets thought, I'm planning on taking lots of stills too.
So the main differences between the 7D and 550D is the body casing (more weather proof) and an additional Digic 4 chip (ie. 8 frame continuous shooting in stills mode)?
wow. i've been saving for a 7D.. but i guess the stills guy in me can skip the bigger viewfinder if it saves me a grand.
i really would have liked the weatherproof body of the 7D but for this price and the fact that i've got a tonne of SD cards already tells me that i'm certainly looking at my future camera here.
I bought the 7D yesterday. Facepalm
Thank you for the kind words again Stu. I made the short because the hv20 allowed me to do something cool on my budget (which was almost nothing), and now these new HDSLR's are very exciting. I've been researching the 7D, and looking at footage shot with an anamorphic lens -- and there really is no excuse anymore to not make a great looking film if you have a good story. Teach yourself about photography/cinematography and then milk these camera's for all they're worth.
i'm seriously considering getting a 7D with some anamorphics.
I recently shot a sci-fi short on the RED with Lomo anamorphics, and those lenses are just gorgeous. If you can use them on an HDSLR, then things are about to become very interesting I think.
Here's a teaser from the new short btw:
http://www.vimeo.com/9246378
The full film is in post right now.
Anyway, if I do end up getting the 7D and a set of lenses, I'm fairly sure i'll be shooting a lot more -- which is beyond exciting.
It's all in our grasp now. :)
-Ayz
Will this 550D use all the Canon lenses? I only became aware of the 5D and 7D because of the sick footage they shoot, so I'm by no means a Canon expert and how their how still camera (and lenses) stack up and what works with what. Thanks,
The 550D can record to 1 generation SDXC which are currently FAT32 which leads to the video recording 4gig 12min limitations. In US Spring 2010 SDXC cards are unleashed to exFAT and the recording limitations will go allowing faster record speeds and longer video files.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital#SDXC
Daniel, yes, the 550D will work with any current-generation Canon lens. Canon has a line known as "EF" that works on any of their bodies and one called "EF-S" that only works on 1.6 crop sensors like the one in the 550D.
Just to be clear? Are the specs saying that the video part of the 7D and this new rebel are 100% identical ? Im only doing for the video part. Do I buy the 7D or wait? What do you say stu?
Since few month i looking to buy a canon DSLR with video mode in addition my Nikon D700. The 7D is a little to expensive for want i need, just want to use the video mode, that's why the 550D is perfect for me, all the feature of the 7D with a compact price.
Stu,
I was about to buy 7d but now I am not sure? Could you tell us exactly disadvantages of buying this Rebel? I mean, not only it has only one chip instead of two, but will I be limited to something compared to 7D? Will I have advantages compared to 7d, 5d? How is the audio. Is it improved from 7D? Or same old, same old? I would rather put my money into lenses if it is truth.
I do not see any real difference between this and an HV20 - Its like an HV20 with EF lens capability... It's a consumer camcorder. Here come the flowers and plants tests.
I am just bummed that I never bought fast EF lenses.
Ol' hv20 still wins in the rez dept. Believe it or not, 3 years on. You'll get more clarity with that camera and a decent adapter than you will with this native shooter.
Sage Pictures, Matt Moses:
I don't agree at all with this. An HV20+adapter (even the most expensive adapter) does not have better clarity than these dSLRs. As a moderator of the HV20 forum, and various Vimeo HV-related groups, I've seen a garabazillion of HV videos over the years (I think about 7,000 so far). Except 2 videos, BOTH shot by the *creators* of two popular 35mm adapter lines (creators who probably used special mirror glass that was not for sale), everything else was pretty mediocre in terms of clarity. In fact, most adapter videos on Vimeo I would classify as "badly looking". The dSLRs beat your average HV20+adapter any day.
Not to mention that it's actually more difficult to use a 35mm adapter with a camcorder instead of a dSLR. Also, the dSLRs have full manual control. And real 60p, rather than trying to interpolate 60i, and ending up with 540p (which looks soft).
I'm a big HV-series supporter (and a part of that community for 3 years now), but each to its own. It's time for the HV-series to give the "champion Rebel DV title" to the T2i now. Wanting to believe that the HV20 is still better for filmmaking (as opposed to random family videos), doesn't make it true. Being emotionally invested in a specific model is touchy. Heck, I'm emotionally invested to my HV20 too. But at some point we gotta be objective too. :-)
I just switched to Canon and got the 50D 3 days ago..I was looking at the 7D as well but for the price I went with the 50D cause for me video isn't what I want to learn to do. I have a kodak zi6 for any hd video I want to do and am not limited by time limits or file size like the video from dslr's. I do lightning and sports photography and I wanted a semi water resistant camera and love the 6.3 fps on the 50D. I think the t2i will be a nice upgrade for some people and a great camera for any new beginners to photography.
From now on, the DV Rebel's Guide has an added meaning, ;)
I'll be getting this one as soon as I can. It will be night and day compared with my current Sony HDR SR 10.
Can't wait to see a hands on review.
Greetings!