Canon Comparison - 7D vs. T2i
Three years ago, I would have never dreamed that I'd be shooting video on digital SLR still cameras.
But the technology is here, it's happened! dSLRs have become quite popular for shooting video, and for good reason. Their larger CMOS and APS-C sensors are much better than 1/3" and 2/3" CCD sensors normally found in professional/prosumer video cameras and they can take practically any lens. They're small, compact, and comparatively inexpensive.
For example, because of their large sensors and use of SLR lenses, dSLRs can achieve a shallow depth of field that video cameras simply can't get without using 35mm lens adapters. After buying a video camera, 35mm adapter, and one lens, one could be spending well over $6000. A dSLR costs half that.
Canon is leading the way in the HDSLR movement. They currently make four cameras that are some of the most popular for dSLR video right now: 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark II, 7D, and the 550D T2i. Of these, the 7D and the T2i are both under $2000. In fact, the T2i is under $1000.
A lot of people right now are thinking about switching to dSLRs, and aren't sure what camera they'd like to go with. For most, the 7D and T2i are the first options, because of their price tags. A couple of my friends recently acquired both a 7D and a T2i. I've had some time to work with both, so for those who are wanting to know what the difference is between them, this is my comparison.
Tech Specs
7D
From Canon's official specs list on the 7D:
- Sensor size = 22.3x14.9mm (APS-C)
- Recording Media = CF card
- Sensor type = CMOS
- Pixels = 18.0 megapixels
- Video codec = MOV, h.264,
- Linear PCM audio
- ISO Speeds = 100-6400, one-stop increments
- Shutter Speeds = 1/8000 to 1/60 sec.
- Monitor size & dot count = 3.0 inches, 920,000 dots
- Weight = 29 oz. (body only)
The 7D can shoot 1920x1080 HD video at 23.976 frames per second (it can shoot other frame rates and sizes, but this is the one we're interested in). It has a bitrate of 48 megabits per second (which is really good).
T2i
From Canon's specs list on the T2i:
- Sensor size = 22.3x14.9mm (APS-C)
- Recording Media = SD card
- Sensor type = CMOS
- Pixels = 18.0 megapixels
- Video codec = MOV, h.264,
- Linear PCM audio
- ISO Speeds = 100-6400, one-stop increments
- Shutter Speeds = 1/4000 to 1/60 sec.
- Monitor size & dot count = 3.0 inches, 1,040,000 dots
- Weight = 19 oz. (body only)
The T2i can also shoot 1920x1080 HD video at 23.976 frames per second, at a bitrate of around 44 megabits per second (source — bitrate info at the bottom of the page)
Compared
So, as you can see, there's not too much of a technical differences. The sensors are the same size, video capabilities are pretty much exactly the same, etc. The main differences are the weight, the monitor dot count (T2i actually has a better LCD screen resolution than the 7D), ISO control (7D has more ISO options), and the 7D has dual Digic 4 image processors while the T2i has one. Oh, and the price (T2i is almost a thousand dollars less than the 7D).
The 7D has a few more manual controls, as well. There are more ISO options than the T2i, and the ability to choose a specific color temperature for white balance. That's the tech specs, though.
When it comes down to a decision between the 7D and the T2i, it comes down to the outside of the camera.
The Outside
For one thing, the 7D is bigger than the T2i, at 16 cubic inches larger. For people with larger hands, like me, that's a good thing. The weight, too — the 7D is 10 oz. heavier than the T2i (without lenses). Generally, weight is a good thing, because it deadens shakiness and movement.
The 7D puts more of its control on the outside of the camera in buttons and dials than the T2i.
Take a look at the back of the 7D: 
And here's the back of the T2i:
The first thing that stands out is the lack of the clicker wheel on the back of the T2i, replaced instead by buttons. It's actually amazing what all can be done with that clicker wheel. For one thing, it's a lot simpler than the four buttons that replace it on the T2i. In manual and video shooting mode, it controls aperture.
The layout of the buttons is different, as well. The 7D's menu buttons are on the left. The T2i's menu button is on the left, but everything else is on the right.
Take a look at another angle. 7D:
T2i:
The 7D has an incredibly useful display on the top which shows aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, battery level, etc. The T2i has the mode dial on the right side (7D's is on the left side), and no display on top. The 7D also has white balance, ISO, auto-focus drive select, and LCD backlight buttons. The T2i only has an ISO button. The 7D has a switch right beside the viewfinder to switch from stills mode to video/live-view mode.
It's pretty easy to see that the 7D offers more physical manual control over shooting. The T2i was simply made more compact, and as such can't have as many external buttons or dials.
Personally, I would choose the 7D over the T2i, simply because of its size and external control. The video features between the two are almost exactly the same, so the T2i does make a great choice for anyone wishing to spend a bit less on a camera of the same image quality.
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This article was written by guest blogger - Chad Stembridge
2 Comments
Reader Comments (2)
Sweet Article! I would have to do a bit of study to understand all the specs, but the article was very understandable!
@ JC: Your doing a good job Mighty Man!
We own both and I agree with the author, I would rather shoot with the 7D. It feels better and we appreciate the additional controls. However, we also have RED Cameras, and 5D's in our arsenal and can choose the best tool for the job. The tools today work great and we all benefit from all the options.