Video Review of the Canon Rebel T2i – WVU #78
In this video I review the new Canon Rebel T2i, a camera that shoots pro-quality still photos and pro-quality video. And when it comes to video, it’s on par with cameras that cost 5 times as much.
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Canon Rebel T2i
* Extra Note – If you want to see a really long video where professional filmmakers compare DSLR cameras like the T2i, head to head with each other and with Hollywood film cameras (while debating every aspect of the footage they produce), click here.
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Dave,
That is an amazing camera! The video that came out on your site was fantastic quality.
Thanks for sharing it.
Mike
Hey Dave,
Thanks for the great review of the new Canon Rebel T2I. Would you recommend the T2I over the Canon Vixia HF S10? I like the idea of being able to switch lenses, but I’m not sure I have time for the learning curve.
Thanks again,
Brian
@Brian – It depends upon how serious/dedicated you are to video. If you just want to turn a camera on and shoot great footage, the HF S10/HF S11/HF S21 would be the choice. But if you’re more “into video” and enjoy fiddling with settings, setup, etc. than you’ll be happier with the T2i.
Dave, thanks for the great demonstration and discussion about the Canon Rebel T2i and the Vixia HF-S10 earlier. My favorite shot in this video was when you started with raindrops on the window and refocused to the brush outside and then again to the other side of the street. I had to watch it five times!
What kind of shots does the Vixia S10 shoot better than the Rebel T2i? Would one be better for recording stage performances like singers, bands and plays? Both look great in dark lighting, but stage lighting tends to be really dramatic.
Are you going to update your stuff you recommend page? It seems like the Vixia HF-S10 isn’t on sale for purchase new, at least at a few places like Best Buy online or your affiliate links. I’m a little confused on which model is close or better than the S10. Is the R10 much lower end? The S20 seems much more expensive than you mentioned the S10 being.
Lastly, you mention you bought the lens that came with the T2i, but you mostly used another lens. Was that a lens you had from your Canon collection or did you buy it specially for video after buying the T2i?
@Gib – Vixia’s do not perform well in low light (no consumer level AVCHD cameras do) and DSLR cameras are excellent in low light.
New cameras come out about every 6 months, so their are models newer than the HF S10, but they don’t have anything compelling enough for me to upgrade. So the HF S10 and anything above would be fine.
If you’re just setting a camera up to record a stage performance, I wouldn’t use the T2i. It’s more of a speciality camera that mimics film and is best used where you can setup and plan specific shots…it’s not designed to just whip out start recording with. I list the lenses I use at the end of the video.
Holy Krap Dave ….
What the heck am I hanging on to my Sony FX1 …
Seems like this camera … especially with it’s ability
to use different lenses will blow my camera away ..
Especially since it allows you to use an
external mic ….
With technology … I’m rapidly finding I’m owning
a video / audio technology graveyard ….
A bunch of antiquated analog audio and video
devices that …. heck …. when a device is this
small, convenient and serves two functions:
Fully pro type camera and hi def video ….
Who wouldn’t carry it in their bag with an
accessory mic.
thanks dave as always ….
the best video tips on the internet …
BTW: the One thing these guys haven’t improved upon …
And I see you’re still a dedicated user …
Is the Sennheiser Wireless Microphone …
Great review Dave. I want one.
You just sent me over the edge Dave….I’ve put off buying this baby for long enough!
Pete
Just bought one the other week and love it. Terrific review too Dave. Thank you!
Question… what mic are you using with this camera? Is it wired/wireless?
@Ann – I use Sennheiser EW 100 mics
He’s using the Sennheiser Wireless Ann .. as I mentioned in my above post.
Probably the best of the wireless systems … but will run you as much as this camera.
Dave, as an ex-photographic sales person and professional photographer whose Nikon loyal, this is the first time that I’ve ever considered a Canon SLR product. The metering and video quality alone demonstrated herein makes me more willing to get over the camera construction. Really value the way you delivered the content of this review. Very engaging information. –Blake
Hi Dave, you have made a very good review of the camera.
I need professional videos for my company Website and so I´m student of Webvideo University and I can only recommend it.
My question: I wanted to buy the new Canon Legria HF S20 and for photos a slr-camera. After I have seen your review it seems that the rebel T2i could be enough.
What advantages has the HF S20 compared with the rebel T2i?
Thanks for your answer.
Franz
Guys,
Just wait for the Red Scarlet (around June and counting, knowing them!) if you’re looking for serious quality in both still and video. Sure, it will cost from $4750 for the fixed zoom, more if you want the primes. But then, you pays for what you get, and the quality/specs are amazing. Check out RedUser.net. I bet Dave would love to get an early eg to check out!
Tony
Anyone know if there is a Nikon equivalent (price and quality wise) on the horizon? Just asking as I have several lenses already. I’m also on the brink of tossing my Nikon aside, even if I’ve been loyal to them for years. Thanks
@Joe – You can check on Nikons web site.
Great review, dave. We were about to buy the Vixia, but now I’m glad we didn’t. This is my choice now… it would be nice if you could talk more about the lenses…ok, maybe I’m asking for too much.
We keep posting your videos in Portuguese on our site…really awesome work, congrats.
What format is the video shown in? Is it HDMI, or downgraded at all for the web?
I presume too that it’s “served” from S3 or similar as – let’s be honest – YouTube simply wouldn’t be able to muster that sort of quality.
Next question is: How does this new format compare to the “older” three chip TR90V from Sony, (yep, that’s what I have at present)
Again, thanks for the great video – and at $800 or so, it seems a true bargain. (Off now to do some price comparisons!!)
Like the above poster, I also would love to know what format the video was shot in (720p?) and the aspect ratio. The quality is outstanding.
Terrific information and review. Thanks again Dave!!
@Liz, @Chris Brown – The video was shot at 1920×1080 and rendered for the web at 1280×720. All HD video uses a 16:9 aspect ratio.
BTW: Will you be using this from now on Dave instead of the Canon
you recommended several months back …..?
I was wondering …. seems like this is much easier
once you get the hang of it
@Gadabout – I’ll use both…both have advantages/disadvantages with particular shots.
Hello Dave:
I have been following you for about a year, I was thinking of buying a canon xl2 video camera , in regards to quality will the Canon Rebel T2i, compare. Thanks
Man, it is so nice to get this kind of professional analysis and information.
You have saved me from buying the wrong product several times.
Much appreciated, Dave.
Larry T.
For those who questioned about Nikon alternatives, there is a Nikon to Canon adapter for the T2i as well as the 7D and the 5D. That makes it possible for you to use all of your existing Nikon lenses on this camera.
And yes, I love those Sennheiser EW-100 mics. Got a couple of them, and they have traveled the world with me several times.
Thanks, Dave. I’ve used both the 5D and the 7D (and loved them), and was trying to decide which one to add to my arsenal. Now you’ve given me another option, and cheaper, too! (Although I think I’m still leaning towards the 5D…)
Dave, Did You use the standard 18-50 lens …?
That low light with the candle is amazing ….
You gotta get some affiliate links …
You have such a likeable video personality ….
that it doesn’t make sense not to cash in on it !
Sorry … I’m a marketer at heart …
But I’m sure your viewers (at least by their comments)
agree wholeheartedly …
@Gadabout – I believe I used the 18-50 lens that comes with the camera for the candle shot…everything else was a Canon 18-135 lens.
thanks dave ….
how does a camera like this relate when you talk in
video terms …. 3 ccd, cmos, 1/3″ chip …..
I looked at the specs …. wonder if we’re evolving a
new language here for this type of camera …
Btw: How big was this file you uploaded ?
Did you squish it down for the web … or is it playing
in full fidelity (and gross bandwidth) from S3 …
Thanks for everything ….
If you ever do a live training … even a 1 day question
and answer … count me in
@Gadabout – Since it’s a DSLR camera, not a video camera, the same specs don’t necessarily apply. The video itself is 30MB, compressed for the web with H.264 and streamed from BitGravity.
Yeah – I’m blown away by this camera. I’ve been using the HFS 10 Vixia for my web video projects…but the depth of field control and low light ability with this baby really is impressive.
I took some night shots during the 2010 Olympics with the T1i – the baby brother (I think it has some limits on record clip time) and was astounded at how they turned out. Basically – whatever you can shoot with still – you can shoot in video.
Here’s the pics from on my blog if anyone is interested. http://www.brooksvannorman.com/canadian-olympic-gold/
(all but the last two were taken with T1i – no flash and here’s the killer part – no tripod. I’m glad that you did this review Dave… I may have to sell my Vixia!
Hi Dave,
Great review and of course the video you have created is awsome.
Which lens did you use on the podcast and is the video recording only 12 minutes on this camera?
Can you tell us newbies what settings you used to create this video please?
Keep up the excellent work and we love all of your videos.
Sandi
@Sandi – The lenses I used are listed at the end of the video. Video recording capacity is determined by the size of memory card you use. A 4GB memory card will hold about 12 minutes of video. If you want to store more, use a bigger card. Various shots were shot in full automatic program mode and others used manual adjustments on the camera.
This video shot on the t2i has been making the rounds for a few months now:
http://vimeo.com/9744624
via gizmodo.com (http://gizmodo.com/5481137/the-first-clips-shot-on-the-canon-t2i-look-as-good-as-the-7d)
I’ve done some research lately on DSLR cameras.
Here’s the cons:
- You can only shoot about 11 minutes max at a time.
- They will overheat if you use it too long, so they are only good for short shots.
- You shouldn’t do quick pans or handheld shots with this camera because of the “rolling shutter” issue where vertical lines look like jello.
- Cannon cameras create H.264 files, so if you want to edit in something like final cut pro you’ll have to transcode the file to ProRes 442 which could take 2-4 times as long as length of the footage.
- Matching the color in different shots can be more difficult with these cameras if you’re doing something where color grading is very important.
Here are the pros:
- They have excellent picture quality.
- you can set them up for shallow depth of field.
- Excellent, excellent low light capabilities.
Hope that helps someone. It helped me decide I’m going to wait until the technology improves to buy one. But I’ll rent one though if need be.
@Steve – Yes, the camera can get hot if it’s used to shoot video for a long time. But as most people shoot video that lasts a few minutes, it’s not really an issue. The file capacity is a limitation of SDHC memory cards…not the camera. The T2i accepts SDXC memory cards which don’t have these issues. My video was edited in Final Cut Pro…no transcoding of the footage was required during import. I placed the footage on the timeline and edited…no pre-rendering was required when placing the footage on the timeline either. And the “jello effect” is no longer an issue that I’m aware of…it doesn’t happen on my camera.
Dave:
I just picked up one of these beauties.
The Big Camera chains seem to sell out as soon
as stock arrives, but Best Buy must have their own
deal, as usually one of the stores have them in stock.
I purchased the kit and a 55-250mm zoom for an
additional 239. on ebay (free shipping) … love it.
Thanks … You are the man !
One question, haven’t found in the manual,
can you adjust audio volume to eliminate peaking
on this camera when doing video ?
I have several Sony ECM 55 wired lavs and
a Sennheiser EW112-Series 2 wireless lav.
Thanks for your tips as always.
BTW: I just got your animated backgrounds,
clip art and movie clips in the mail. I can’t believe
the quality. It’s one of the best bargains on the
internet … I know what I was paying before.
@Professor – The camera adjusts the volume of the built-in mic automatically…there are no controls for it. When using external mics, you’ll need to adjust the volume for those mics, within the mics themselves (if the mics you have provide this feature).
Dave, hopefully this isn’t too off topic… you mentioned you edited your T2i footage in FCP without transcoding or pre-rendering. That’s excellent.
What FCP settings do you recommend for editing T2i footage on the timeline?
@Liz – If you don’t have anything else in your timeline (i.e. you’re starting with a new sequence), FCP will automatically adjust the sequence settings when adding a clip to your timeline. In the T2i video, my sequence was set to 1920×1080 HDTV 1080i. I rendered the video out of FCP at 1280×720 progressive.
TO ALL:
If you’d like to download some raw footage that came directly off the T2i (so you can test it in your video editing software, etc.), here’s a clip you can download:
http://bitcast-g.bitgravity.com/wvu/misc/MVI_0590.zip
Wow Dave, you use bitgravity.
Just researched the prices. Thought they
were a relatively inexpensive option.
I’d have to be doing a lot more videos.
Bitgravity wants like $500. a month.
Thank god for Amazon S3 and the fact I can still
shrink my vids down (until Oprah finds me
small enough to play off my website server).
Dave,
Nice review. The sound quality of this camera sounded great. I have read that with the other Canon cameras that the AGC would pump up the background noise when there was a pause in the audio recording. Is that true with this camera?
Thanks, Richard Jett
@Richard – The video was recorded using the cameras external microphone jack with a Sennheiser EW 100 wireless system.
Thanks Dave.
I am still wondering about that AGC. Did you notice any increase in gain when pausing between sentences during recording or when you were editing?
Sense there are not VU meters were you happy with the recording or would you think about using a mixer?
Thanks, Richard Jett
@Richard – I might be wrong, but I believe the AGC is only for the built-in mic (which by the way can pick up a lot of unwanted noise from the camera…I’d never recommend using it). I just dropped the clips into Final Cut and literally did not tweak anything…audio or video…what you see/hear is raw from the camera. I do seem to recall noticing a bit of unwanted noise in the recording (when not speaking)…but I’m not sure if that was the camera or if the batteries in my wireless kit were getting low.
Dave,
The AGC is on the backend of all the audio that is recorded before it laid down with the video. So it would effect the built in mic and any attached mic. It is a “less the professional” way of recording sound. I had hoped that Canon had solved this problem.
The sister camera to the T2i, the 5D, and it has been the focus of Trammell Hudson, software designer, to add audio meters, no AGC and zebras. See his work at http://magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/Magic_Lantern_Firmware_Wiki
Thanks Dave, Richard Jett
The 5D got a firmware update from Canon in March 2010. This new firmware broke Magic Lantern’s hack. Bummer! But the new Canon firmware DOES allow you to disable the Auto Gain Control, and manually adjust both left and right audio input separately using the Quick Control wheel. I don’t know if they are planning on releasing similar firmware updates for the T2i and the 7D, but I would assume that is their plan. Canon knows what we want…
Thanks Loren,
I am hearing that there may be another Canon model coming out to replace the T2i. Heard anything?
Thanks, Jett
I haven’t heard any rumors of new camera models coming from Canon, but it’s always possible…
I second the request for class offerings. A one day class for feature implementation would be awesome. I’d even be happy with a webinar. Just bought the T2i and am pretty new to video but am eager to learn and anxious to get some quality video on my upcoming new web site
Thanks for the great review Dave.
Also curious to hear about affordable editing software.
@Phil – You can see my video editing software recommendations here:
http://stuffdaverecommends.com/2009/09/video-editing-software/
Everybody wants MORE DAVE ….
Dave,
I’ve been reading your tips for a while. I’d intended to get the Vixia you’d reviewed last year, but when my TV was recalled by Best Buy, I used the money towards a Rebel T2i instead. Would have purchased through your affliate link, but it was a gift card I received for my TV.
Looking forward to seeing what kinds of video you shoot with the Rebel in the year to come!
Hey Dave,
Have you ever tried out the Canon 7D. I’ve heard a lot of good stuff about it. Would you say there are any benefits for going with the Canon 7D over the Canon T2i or would you say the video quality is generally the same? Whats your review
Benjamin
@Benjamin – The T2i and 7D are pretty much the same in terms of video. The separation comes with still photos and camera build.
Thank you for your reply,
I had a question by what you mean by the camera build. The price difference is rather steep between the two and they both have the same 18MP. I’m trying to decide between the two and I want nice depth of field and such. I’m doing some testimonial taping in many various locations. I will also be taking photos to for events, but the video is the main priority, so I was just confused for the reason of such a huge price difference between the two cameras…
Benjamin
@Benjamin – The 7D is built with better materials and is bigger…there are also many technical differences when it comes to still photos. You can read a full rundown between the two here:
http://www.cameratown.com/reviews/canont2i_vs_7d/index.cfm#axzz0nfQnUHJB
Dave:
Do you recommend the Canon RC-6 remote with this
camera? I know there are others. It seems the remote
is very limited to remotely firing off a still ….not putting
yourself in a video with it …..
Still …. I love this camera!
Thanks for your recommendations.
It’s nice to have zoom lenses with the out of focus
effect that I could not get on my Sony FX1, Canon HV20
or Kodak ZI8 … and to get them effortlessly with the
addition of an under 200 bucks Canon Zoom lens.
@Professor – I haven’t been able to test the remote yet, so I couldn’t say.
This is a great review of the T2i — just what I was looking for. Thanks for putting this together. This is indeed a sweet camera — can’t wait to pick one up!
I notice this Canon t2i is sold-out at a lot of places including here in NYC at BH. Can you (and community) recommend some trusted retailers where I might order it online and have it shipped?
I was just wondering Dave, since you can’t turn around
an lcd viewfinder on this camera when filming yourself ..
do you carry a monitor ….
I remember once you recommended the V7000 7″
monitor …. And … Do you use this camera behind your
teleprompter … btw … are you using a teleprompter
on location ….
(I was wondering more if an earprompter (earprompter.com)
would be more appropriate for outdoor work instead of trudging
along with a homemade teleprompter
thanks dave
btw: bought this camera and love it
@gadabout – I don’t use a teleprompter for my podcast videos, I just talk. You can use a teleprompter with the camera if you want, along with an HDMI or AV monitor.
Dave, I am looking for a camera to do regular video. Is the Canon Rebel T2i the ideal camera to use or doyou recommend a different one? My budget is 1000 to 1500.
Thanks Jon
@Jon – DSLR cameras are more for specialty use. I’d recommend anything from the Canon Vixia line for general video shooting in that price range.
Hey Dave, is the T2i much better for web video than the T1i? I just ran across a special on the T1i and thought I’d see what the difference is for web video purposes. Thanks!
@Jeff – The T1i doesn’t have an external microphone jack and only records full HD (1920×1080) at 20 frames per second…though it does 30 frames a second at 1280×720. Bottom line, the T2i is the better choice. Here’s a chart showing the tech specs of the Canon DSLR cameras:
http://blog.planet5d.com/2010/02/new-canon-rebel-t2i550d-vs-canon-rebel-t1i500d-and-vs-canon-eos-7d/
Even though I purchased this camera .. thanks to your recommendation Dave …
And I LOVE IT ! Big step up from my old solely mechanical Nikon F2A and F2A
that I had an early career in fashion with.
And I have a Sony FX-1 … and a Kodak ZI8 ….
But when it comes to recording something I don’t want to take a
chance on, and may not have the opportunity again, I still reach
for my Canon HV-20.
I’ve had more hard drives crash as they become cheaper
over the years .. or get corrupted …. and having that backup
tape recording is such a security blanket …. plus the HV20 has never
let me down …..
Yea … it’s a pain to convert the stuff … But I just shot over an
hour testimonial with a recovering 60 year old alcoholic ..
and my hard drive fried. Am I glad I have those backup tapes
that will eventually go into a shoe box for safe keeping …
Prof Petrocelli
healthwithypnosis.com
Can the Canon Rebel T2i be used for a live broadcast of a conference (large classroom holding 500 people) using a service like WebEx or GoToMeeting?
Or would you recommend another model or brand?
Thank you,
Richard Thorpe
@Richard Thorpe – Technically, yes, if you use a Mac and jump through some hoops. But no Flash based cameras are good for live streaming…tape-based cameras that use Firewire are typically the best/easiest choice.
Great review! Can you tell us which Mac model you used to edit this with? Was it the new high end Macbook with the Intel I7 chip? i heard that’s the only thing that can really handle AVCHD video.
can the rebel T2i live stream?
@Maija – Short answer, no. Long answer yes, if you want to jump through hoops:
http://webvideouniversity.com/blog/2010/06/11/how-to-use-a-canon-dslr-camera-as-a-web-cam/
Dear Dave,
I am a big fan of yours. I bought my HFS 10 only after going through your review and now I bought the T2i … Its a great camera.. and I am loving each and every video shooted on it. I got my marriage video shot on HFS 10 and i editted the whole video on sony vegas pro.. Here is the link.. please give me your review
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=418420310545
Thanks Dave !… you rule
Harish Matabonu
INDIA.
This video looks amazing! Just wondering what kind of lens was used to shoot it.