Which is Best - Canon Rebel T2i or EOS 50D

Are you seeking to make a decision regarding a digital slr for personal use? It may possibly get puzzling, right?

What about the comparison between the Canon Rebel T2i vs the EOS 50D?

Let's start with cost, because that's a great place to start.

Keeping the comparison simple, let's consider the body only (no lens included), you will get the canon eos Rebel T2i ($875) for approximately $125 less than a Canon EOS 50D ($999). Actually, since the development of the Canon EOS 7D, the price of the 50D has decreased considerably, but read on for more great info.

Even though canon's Rebel T2i is touted as an "basic" digital slr, the features rival and even exceed the 50D in a few areas. It can be sort of difficult to think about the T2i being a camera just for newbies within the SLR photography marketplace. There are many advanced photogs who definitely are getting one for a backup to their higher end model.

The primary benefits of the Canon Rebel T2i vs EOS 50D:

1. 1. Video - this feature is completely missing on the 50D. And also the T2i has improved considerably over it's elder brother (T1i). The video is pretty darn good, although it isn't quite just like a dedicated video camera. However it genuinely is an advantage to have both still and video in the exact same camera.
2.  Resolution - The Canon Rebel T2i is a full 3-megapixels over the EOS 50D. The image quality is improving as well, compared to older Rebel models.
3. Exposure Compensation - The Canon Rebel T2i sports a /-5. full stops while the EOS 50D can only range /-2. stops.
4. Zone Metering - The Canon 50D has 35 point evaluative metering which is not bad, but the T2i has a new 63 point evaluative system.

Now, if you are just starting out with a digital SLR, you might not get too excited about such things as exposure compensation and zone metering. Maybe you don't have any idea what they are, and that is the exact point of the comment above that the Canon Rebel T2i should not be considered a camera only for beginners. With this camera, Canon has "raised the bar" for basic level digital SLRs.


Let's have a quick look at the benefits of the EOS 50D vs the Canon Rebel T2i:

1. 1. Build quality - It has the "feel" of a more professional camera.
2. AF system - Faster, more correct auto focus, using a microfocus adjustment.
3. Quick Control Dial - This dial on the back of the camera enables owners to get rapidly to most camera controls.
4. Continuous Shooting - Considerably faster burst rate at 6.3 frames per second versus 3.7.
5. Shutter speed - 1/8000th of a second is two times as fast vs 1/4000th.

Bottom Line - The arena is getting smaller. When choosing a digital slr camera, you should certainly look at the features to judge them against the needs you have. Numerous photographers have discovered that even basic level cameras are totally able to giving them an excellent image similar to the higher end, far more expensive cameras.


The Canon Rebel T2i is a remarkable digital SLR which can compete with the big boys in a few very significant areas. It is well worth considering getting a T2i rather than an EOS 50D. In fact, it is almost a given that the engineers at Canon are hard at work coming up with an EOS 60D to make camera buying even more interesting.


More about the Canon EOS 50D at http://digital-photographic-resources.com/cameras/mid-dslr.html.

Canon Rebel T2i - THE Very Best Rebel

Canon has hit a homer with the Canon Rebel T2i (aka 550D)!

The entry level digital SLR is getting rave testimonials just about everywhere in the digital photography community. It is being identified as the greatest sub-$1000 dslr camera now available to buy.

What on earth is all the excitement about? Photography gurus and consumers alike are excited about this brand new little digital SLR camera... Why?

This opinion is not backed by official data, but it appears that the set of features of the new Rebel is just like another recent launch in the Canon line-up, the 7D, at roughly one-half the price.

Yes, there are some dissimilarities that are responsible for the price discrepancy, but unless you are an really critical expert, it would be difficult to tell the discrepancy in images and video between these two digital SLR cameras.

Fulfillment from the total photographic experience is arguably the number one motive for getting a new Canon Rebel T2i. . The convenience of using the controls to command your digital camera to get the exact image you desire. Whether you want to manage the depth of field or get a great action shot of your most popular sport, it is possible with this fantastic Dslr camera.

Here's something extraordinary.. No more waiting for the camera to make up its mind to finally "snap" the image, seemingly ages after you pushed the shutter button.

Digital SLR buyers are really excited about the addition of video. And in the 550D, the quality of the video output is significantly enhanced. Video is a comparatively new addition to DSLR cameras, and the first few cameras that had video did not do it that well. Today, with the 550D video has reached a level that is rather remarkable. Compact digital camera owners who resisted getting a DSLR camera simply because of the lack of video are now finding a compelling rationale to finally move up to a DLSR.

Another enhanced element is the low light picture capability. Digital SLR cameras have always had the capacity to produce much better images than digital compact cameras, particularly in low light situations. Then again, in the past the photos taken at higher ISO settings (which is required in low light) have suffered from high noise levels, particularly over the 800 ISO level. But now it is possible to create totally acceptable images at ISO 3200 and ISO 6400 with the Canon Rebel T2i. This is a key plus for folks who like to take photos at indoor events or at night.

A fantastic way to discover whether a new camera is deserving of your interest is to check with those who have recently actually spent money to buy one. The amount of comments from those people have been on the rise and nearly all are very favorable.

Relevant remarks from 550D buyers:

1. "Have owned all Rebels except the 500D,and this is easily the best. It's the best small DSLR on the market by a good bit."
2. "I just got the camera (upgraded from the 300D). I didn't think much of the "Live View" as an option before I bought it. I can see I'll be using this as an advantage... The "quick control" button is going to be game changer for me also, it is much easier to see what all the setting are at and I can make changes from the screen directly."
3. "I'm impressed with the quality of shots in low-low light, this was using kit lens... After parking an older Rebel (film version) for the digital point and shoots, this camera feel like going home after a long absence..is loaded with great features."

Is it time for you to make the switch to a Canon Rebel T2i digital SLR camera? You will have to make your own judgement, but there are very few purchasers who have experienced buyer's remorse with this little gem.

Canon Rebel T2i is truly recognized as the very best Rebel yet.
Find out more at www.digital-photographic-resources.com.

Sigma 18-250 OS Lens Review

This is a follow-up to my original post about the Sigma 18-250mm "all purpose" lens for Digital SLR cameras.

First, let me state that this is not an "official" review of the Sigma 18-250mm OS lens. It is totally "my" view, and since it is a follow-up to an older post, it is a re-view of the original thoughts I had.

I stated that I had ordered the lens and thought I would be returning it after trying it out for a couple of days.

Happily, after several months of use, I am still taking most of my shots with this amazing lens. The Sigma 18-250 OS lens has a lot to offer in versatility. If not sure about how I will use my camera as I walk out the door (in other words, I don't have a clue as to what I will see that is worthy of shooting), I will almost always have the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Zoom Lens attached.

I have read more than a few reviews about my newest favorite lens, and they have all deemed the Sigma 18-250mm OS lens as either at the top or second to the top in the "super focal length" category. Most recently, I read a review at The Digital Picture.com. The reviewer there has gained my respect due to his apparent knowledge and honesty. While he chose the Sigma 18-250mm OS Lens as his second favorite, he had some very technical reasons for his choice.

Here is an excerpt from his article which you can read here in it's entirety:

I could easily see others deciding that the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Lens is the best super zoom lens for them. It is a very nice lens with great build quality and AF, a nice OS implementation and a reasonable price.

With a huge 13.9x focal length range and OS, the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Lens is like two lenses and a tripod in the package of a medium-small lens (great for travel). While the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Lens' image quality in the 50-250mm focal length range is not ideal, it can deliver a lot more than an 18-55mm lens can in that range. And if you are willing to give up the ultimate image quality a multi-lens solution will provide - for the convenience of a super zoom lens, the Sigma 18-250 OS should be near the top of your consideration list.

This beauty of a lens is available for Nikon and Canon Digital SLR cameras. You can order it at any of the online stores, but my personal favorite is Amazon. So feel free to ORDER HERE! It will help me to retire without being totally dependent upon Social Security ;-).

Happy Shooting!

Oops, almost forgot. Here are some photos I shot today with the Sigma 18-250mm OS Lens, using my Canon 30D. Just click on one of the images to see it as a larger view.

Canon Rebel T2i Review

It has been less than a year since the last Canon Rebel descended upon the camera world. It would seem that Canon may be jumping the gun (pun intended) by releasing another version in its entry level category, especially since the last one, the Canon Rebel T1i, has been received so well. Sales have been really good, as have been user reviews.

So, is this release really necessary? And will the camera buying public respond positively?

While it still remains to be seen, the simple answers would seem to be, Yes, it is time for the new release, and, Yes, the public will snatch up this newest release with gusto.

Here are the facts, and the facts are indisputable ("A Few Good Men").

1. There is now no question that HD Movie mode is now part of the package that photographers will be seeking in their new DSLR purchases. And movie mode in the T2i has been improved... not just a little, but to match the movie mode in the 7D semi-professional model (a 7D will cost you twice as much).
   
   According to the Canon press release: "The Rebel T2i DSLR captures video in both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards at selectable frame rates including Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 (29.97), 25 or 24 (23.976) fps, and HD 1280 x 720 or Standard Definition 640 x 480 quality video, at 60 (59.94) or 50 fps."
   
   This is quite an improvement over the older version which had video capabilities of 1080p at only 20fps which delivered unacceptable quality for most viewers.
2. An external mic jack has been added for better sound recording in video mode. This was the major complaint from reviewers of the previous model. Canon marketers heard the complaint and heeded the cries for improvement in this area.


3. Megapixels have increased to the same level as the 7D (again... cost is twice as much) at 18.7 megapixels. This is the highest number of pixels in the entry level category, and, while megapixels are not the end-all of features for selection criteria, this is pretty impressive. The younger sibling had an already impressive 15 megapixel sensor.


4. ISO has been improved to a selection of sensitivity of 100 to 6400 (up from 3200 in the older model) with the possibility of extending to 12800. This makes taking photos in low light much more manageable. For instance at concerts or indoor images without using a flash.


5. Exposure compensation has been increased from 2 stops plus or minus to 5 stops. This is really exciting news for photo enthusiasts who do HDR work.


6. Upgraded quality LCD panel. The resolution of the panel has been increased to 1.02 million dots. This means that there is better quality screen resolution.


7. A slight increase in the burst rate from 3.4 fps to 3.7 frames per second. This is a good feature for stop action shooting.
   

All of these upgrades add up to a great reason for a new release. The price is a bit higher than the competition in the entry level market, but the new Canon Rebel T2i has features that none of the competitors can claim.

If you are especially looking for a camera that can take quality video (and you should), still photo quality that matches that of the pros, and a full feature package that nearly matches a much more expensive DSLR, consider the NEW Rebel T2i (550D) from Canon.
Check out the side by side comparison of the Canon Rebel T2i vs Canon Rebel T1i.
Or, take a look at the Canon Rebels HERE.

Digital SLRs - The Battle for #1

Wonder what it looks like in the marketing think-tanks at Nikon and Canon right now. Is anyone getting any sleep? What should we, the camera buying public look for before making our purchase?

The Battle
If you check the sales in Entry Level Digital SLRs right now, you will find that Nikon is holding a slight edge over Canon at the number one sales spot on Amazon. But right behind is Canon at the second and third spots. Number four and five are... Nikon, again.
Here are the ratings:
1. Nikon D3000
2. Canon EOS Rebel T1i
3. Canon EOS Rebel XSi
4. Nikon D5000
5. Nikon D90

It does appear that the marketing departments are working overtime as we approach the biggest sales period of the year. And there is good reason. There is much at stake here. If you watch prime time TV, it is clear that both manufacturers are investing major $$$ in advertising right now, and it is targeting their top sellers in the Digital SLR market.

The Breakdown
So how does that affect us, the consumers? How do we evaluate the cameras?
It's really a crazy situation because the differences are difficult to find. But let's focus on the top 4 sellers.
There are two categories - Inexpensive:hereafter referred to as Cheap and Very Inexpensive: aka Dirt Cheap.
When you are looking to buy in the semi-pro market, cheap equates to something under $1000, and Dirt Cheap is under about $700.

A closer look:
Dirt Cheap - Nikon D3000 vs Canon XSi - similar feature sets, excellent image quality, NO video mode
Cheap - Nikon D5000 vs Canon T1i - slightly better image processor than the Dirt Cheap models, but the major difference is that they include HD video.

Does it matter which brand you choose? Absolutely not, unless you already have lenses for one or the other. If you do have some lenses, it will benefit you to stick with that brand of camera.

The Bottom Line
So the bottom line is that the advertising gets your attention. Buying a Digital SLR based on the advertisement that impresses you will not be a problem. You WILL get an excellent camera and a good deal. No second guessing necessary here.

Side-by-side comparisons
CLICK - Cheap DSLRs
CLICK - Dirt Cheap DSLRs

Canon EOS 7D 18-Megapixel Camera - What an Amazing Camera

Can you imagine what are your friends and family going to think when they see you with your new Canon 7D?

If you have been waiting for the perfect time to upgrade, wait no longer. The reviews are pouring in and they are all excellent! All you have to do is type "Canon EOS 7D 18-Megapixel Camera Review" into your favorite search engine and start drooling.

Even though this is very high quality DSLR, it is still in the semi-professional category because it is an APC-S model (this means that the image sensor has a 1.6 crop ratio rather than the 1-to-1 pixel ratio of a full-frame sensor). However, the feature set rivals that of its full-frame brothers. Speaking of which, here is a brief list of some of the features that make this an excellent choice for your next DSLR:

• 18 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor
• 3.0" LCD with 920,000 pixel resolution
• Dual DIGIC 4 processors for faster performance
• ISO speed of 100-6400 with excellent noise control in low light photos
• 100% coverage of the image about to be captured on the LCD or in the viewfinder
• 1080p HD video recording with an external microphone port
• 19 point Auto Focus system
• 8 fps (frames per second) continuous burst speed, even when capturing images in RAW with 14-bit detail
  

To sweeten the pot, this camera has an excellent build. In your hands, it feels very substantial. It also is weather sealed for protection against intrusion of water and high humidity.

When your new Canon EOS 7D 18-Megapixel Camera arrives at your door, of course, the first thing you will do is shoot a few shots to get the feel of it. However, the next thing you need to do is to read the manual. Yes, it is long at about 250 pages, but it is packed with information and hints about your new toy that you may not even be aware of.

Even though this little gem fits the semi-pro DSLR category, it performs like a pro!
You really need to get this Canon 7D because it is THE best photographic tool to be released in a long time. Go to www.digital-photographic-resources.com for more details.

Looking for a GREAT Walk Around Lens - the New Sigma 18-250mm Could Be Your Best Bet

When buying your first (second, or third) DSLR camera, you may want to consider getting just the camera body along with a lens other than the recommended kit lens. There are a few reason for this:

• Get a wider focal range than what is offered in the kit lens
• Get better image quality than what is offered in the kit lens
• Save money by not having to purchase more than one lens initially

Sigma has just released a new lens that is excellent for the "walk around" lens category. It is the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Zoom Lens. It is made specifically for APS-C cameras such as the Canon Rebels and Nikon D3000 or D5000.

I know that is a mouthful of lens, but it has already made an impact on DSLR owners because of its quality and performance.

This is from the B & H Photo Lens Description:

"The Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Zoom Lens utilizes an anti-shake compensation function, with a 13.8 times zoom ratio. This lens's Hybrid Optical Stabilizer provides not only an anti-shake function for the camera body, but also compensates for image shaking in the view finder as the Optical Stabilizer is built in to the lens.

Four special low dispersion glass elements and three aspherical lens elements, results in excellent image quality throughout the entire zoom range. With a minimum focusing distance of 17.7" at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 1:3.4 reproduction ratio, this wide-range zoom is great for close-up photography as well as for telephoto shooting.

Note! This lens is only for APS-C / DX sensors (not full frame).

• Optical Stabilizer
• Low Dispersion Glass
• Super Multi-layer Coating Inner Focusing System
• Magnification of 1:3.4 For Close-up Photography
• Petal-type Lens Hood"

And here is just one comment from a happy buyer:

"I recently bought it (Sigma 18-250) to replace my Sigma 17-70mm and Canon 55-250mm IS lenses. This 18-250mm is very much like the 17-70mm in overall quality. It is of high quality! I've used it mostly so far for night photography and also for fast action, and wildlife (crocodiles in Jamaica; can't trust that ear to ear smile of theirs). All the pictures I shot with it were hand held and the OS system performed flawlessly. I DID brace myself against columns, trees, etc... when necessary for some night shots. So I was relatively stable, though not 100%. The OS took care of the rest and my exposures were blurr-free. I use it on my EOS 40D and it complements very well the speed and low light capabilities of the camera. It is fast and quiet. The zoom action is quite precise though smoothness varies over the range... understandable for a 13.9:1 zoom range! It shows virtually no play when fully extended. Also, I've checked its macro ability, and found it to be approx. 1:2.5, far better than Sigma's very conservative spec. Very highly recommended!!!!"

I am waiting for delivery of my new Sigma 18-250 right now. I will post a personal review at www.digital-photographic-resources.com as soon as I have tested it. If you are looking for a great digital camera, please look here.