I love having the 640x480 mode. It's great for when we have auditions and table reads. Can film all day and never get close to filling up the card.

If they could release this in a firmware upgrade for the 7D, perhaps even a 2x or 4x 720/60p mode, I would be very happy. I never have enough focal length for birds and wildlife.

I'm not really talking about the 640x480 mode in general, it's fine, sure keep the 640x480 (BTW, the files aren't that much smaller considering the still very high bit rate on the 640x480, but your point is taken).

Regardless, what makes this tidbit MUCH MORE IMPORTANT than that is that it doesn't line skip when doing this. That is HUGE, and if at some point that can be done at 1080p, that is a gigantic feature that could come in real handy for certain applications. I was under the impression that Tramm was actually working on something in this realm, which just goes to show the potential.

So, although not many of the more serious folks will care too much about this development on a low end cam and doing it only at 640x480, it certainly signals that something more significant could someday happen, heh...

Damn... I just bought a Pentax K-x but now I wish I waited!

Anyone read the Australian pricing yet?

Lets remember here... 1080p24 VDSLR video just got into the sub 1K realm...

Truly something most people will appreciate. Just imagine getting this quality at this price even a year ago!

Apparently the official RRP is yet to be determined for the Oceania market.

I just wonder about the grip of the T2i/550 as opposed to the 7D; I mean: how comfortable it is to hold in your hands, and in this respect I dislike most lower-end Canon series. For me the 7D feels very comfortable in my hands, but the T1i/500 doesn't. I think it's to small (whereas the lower-end Nikons seem to feel perfect).

However, I wonder if this poses a problem using the T2i just for filming purposes, I wonder how many of you hold the cam in hand, for I think most of you use a rig or tripod. But for still photography, I think ergonomy is important (as well for overall build quality and weather sealing, I'm prepared to dig deeper in my wallet and go for the 7D).

There's a big, big difference between the 7D and the Rebel in terms of how they feel in your hands... I like to characterize it as "feeling the difference in price." However, if you're going to use the Rebel mainly for video, then this isn't even an issue, because it really *must* be mounted on something (tripod, shoulder support, whatever) in order to produce watchable video. None of these SLRs should be hand-held when shooting video. They really need some form of support, it doesn't matter which model camera. Even the 1D Mk. IV, you shouldn't record video if you're just holding it by hand. Put that thing on a tripod!

I'd have to disagree somewhat there, Chris - it is possible to make watchable video handheld with the 5D2. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but after four months in Iraq I was able to handhold it steadily enough for AE to track out the rest of the wobble. Of course a tripod or stabilizer is ideal, but some situations don't allow for them.

I wouldn't try handholding the Rebel though; it's just too small and light.

You're the man, Daniel. I was about to preface that by saying "unless you're really good at it," but I suppose my point is that not everyone has a copy of After Effects, or the time and inclination to track out the vibes. Good on ya though. I can certainly appreciate that some situations aren't right for extra mechanics under the camera.

Tracking in AE definitely takes a lot of time and patience - I'll never handhold again if I don't really, absolutely have to. I've spent quite enough time watching my track point wander off screen every few seconds!

Having not even paid my bill for my almost 3 week old 7d, I am waiting to hear why the t2i is not a better option for shooting HD video. Heck, I want to hear why it is not a better option for stills. I'm just saying I really broke the bank to get the 7D but it was the least expensive option for 1080p24 video.....now.......ouch.

I hear that, Marty.
Got my 7D last Monday. *sigh*
I do like the build quality though and the screen on top, but is that worth $800? I'm trying to convince myself it is:)

Is it just me... or do the sample 550D HD video (and stills) made available today look a little soft? (compared to the twice as expensive 7D).

Thought it looked soft, but didn't know if it might be the YouTube compression?

You could well be right - and it may be no bad thing for reducing moire etc. in video even if it was not just YT compression - but the still picture samples on the DP review do look soft too (compared to what I'm used to seeing with my 7D and Canon 17-55mm F2.8 EF-S). Colours look great!

This is an easy sell for me, so long as I can get more for my 7D body than it costs to get a 550D new.

Also means I can get rid of those damned CF cards which cost way too much, and replace them with the same SD cards I use in my Point and shoot still, my video camera, both my crash cameras, both of my audio recorders, and for which my laptop has a dedicated slot.

The 7D has a host of still photography features that the T2i lacks, including build, frame rates, and more.

Well, you might not feel so great, but Canon loves you. :)

Well for the stills images on dpreview 128230 and 128242 they are using a 15-85mm lens at F8 and F10. Now if I understand correctly diffraction can affect sharpness. The T1i diffracts at f/7.6. Now this camera has a 18mpx sensor so the diffraction starts around the same as the 7D at f/6.8. The 5D II a full sensor diffracts at f/10.3. My point is this that it's possible the softness is a result of the diffracting happening and not using a nice lens as the 17-55mm IS

That is very impressive... But I makes me feel like there's a catch somewhere... What have they left out to get it in that price range? Don't get me wrong, if it's as good as it looks I'm getting one straight away! My guess is that it's going to make a great B camera, although I think the 7D will stand strong as a Principle camera. Just my gut feeling.

I suppose its all very clever.
They'll sell one or two to everyone who just bought a 7d for video.
Then blow it all out of the water with the new codec in a while more.

Hard to believe Nikon are left in the dust so much.
Now I dont regret jumpin ship at all.

It's funny though...Nikon really had the chance to dominate this DSLR/Video thingy. But it's as if they are ignoring this particular market. I understand that we make up only a fraction of the market...but look at its competitors....gaining new fans. For example....I've never owned a DSLR in my life...not before buying my 7D a month or so ago. I wonder how many of me are out there that Nikon missed the boat with?

Thats very true Ian. And how many young newbies will choose Canon over Nikon as their starter camera now?
So many knock on effects of this bold behaviour from Canon.

Canon seem to have a much better marketing team altogether.
They got in among the forums and listened to what people were looking for.
They invited many different sector of professionals to use their gear and indeed
promote it as a result.

Even worse I had never used any DSLR other than Nikon until the 7D came along and now I see no reason to go back.... Unless they are the ones that are really developing the Scarlet......

why others can' step up
 

Ian, I think the reason why Nikon and Sony can't step up is because of the way they designed their sensors. I think they did a great job in the read out as far as photo goes. But the video readout is not efficient or entails compromises.

Unless they change the design or do some upgrades, I don't think Sony et al will be able to keep up. One thing is certain now, Canon is really pushing hard and upping the ante. They are really making it difficult for their competitors.

In the end, this is nothing but good for us consumers regardless of brand loyalty or preference. It will just mean that we will get more for our money. These are exciting times indeed!

I'll second that: First time D/SLR owner. And to boot, I've used it as an excuse to get into still photography as well (i bet a lot of you have as well). So, basically, i'm using Canon. Even if Nikon/Sony/etc were to come out with an equal quality camera, sorry, i have a Canon glass, batteries, accessories, etc!

What's dissappointing is that competition makes great innovation.

No Lamborghini without Ferrari...both fine cams...er...cars. CARS!!

I was all set to grab a 7D as soon as possible but this is just great news! As an entry level cam to learn the ropes on the DSLR front I am very eager to see some hands on reactions from early adopters. (adapters?)
I have never owned a DSLR before, tho I have 16 yrs of Video experience.... It truly is a great day and age we are living in eh?
:o)

Maybe, either that, or they were hit over the head by the forums, LOL.

i have a silly selfish worry that the film look that these things can give and the wow factor it can bring when others (and clients!) see the video is going to become quite everyday and i'll have to work much harder to please!

on the other hand video skills will always come from the operator and a cheap camera with huge potential wont necessarily produce greatness in the wrong hands..

in any case i plan on taking advantage of the wow factor as much as possible while it still exists!

Hey!! another killer aspect if its true:

"The 550D camera can record to SDXC cards which are now FAT32 cards causing the 4gig 12min video recoding limitation. Come Spring 2010 in the US then the SDXC cards are unleashed to exFAT and the limitations are lifted."

Can anyone confirm this???! This could really open up possibilities!

I can't actually confirm that and sign it in blood, but that's the general idea, yes.

BUT IIRC, there's another limitation - one of those silly legal/marketing limitations, that if it can record more than 29 mins of video the camera is classed as a camcorder and gets more tax in certain markets. Just like the JVC HD100 had a version which didn't have firewire input, just FW out, saving about £300.

On a separate note, the 550 has a 95% screen, albeit a big one. The 7D has a 100% screen. The irritation of careful framing at shoot time vs edit time spent matting out the lamp stand or zooming up to get rid of the cable may be worth the extra £300 in the long term. Also, if one bought a 550 now, and got a 7D later, that would be two lots of batteries, two lots of cards. Why not start out as one means to go on?

Would the extra build quality, the 100% screen, the existing ecosystem, be worth the £300 extra amortised over a 24 month working life? I do feel that Canon's been quite clever with that 95% screen. It will separate the market quite nicely.

EOS Rebel T2i EF-S questions
 

Since there is no specific section for it and it's similar to the 7D... here goes. Anyone shoot any HD 24P video with this camera? Is it's video quality comparable to the 7D? I know it's a cheaper camera but how well does it compare? Any sample video? Is the 24P native? How are the manual controls?

true.. but 30 minutes certainly beats 12 and would presumably be a pretty easy fix if there ever was some kind of magic lantern hack (or just by buying a body outside europe)

I'm very curious about this myself. I just went onto Canon's website and I saw the new T2i. It must have just come out not too long ago.

Any information would be awesome. Is the DoF comparable to the 7D? That's the biggest plus for the 7D is its film like DoF which is INCREDIBLE. How does the T2i compare?

That's the optical viewfinder you're referrring to. On either HDSLR they are going to be utterly blind while shooting video - that pesky reflex mirror gets in the way. That applies to the 5DM2 and 1DM4 as well. Which is why the Zacuto and CAVision LCD Viewfinders/Magnifiers are so popular with all these cameras, something I don't expect to change.

Let me get this straight - because this is important for me (the difference between buying a 7D and the 550 in fact).

The LCD screen (live video) is 100% on both cameras?

I've assumed that I'll be buying a viewfinder in any case.

Here is an offical Canon T2i (550D) Video:
YouTube - Canon EOS 550D sample video

Truely have the T2i the same DoF because the camera have the same sensor size (APS-C) like the 7D.


Daniel von Euw

I think the 5/7D footage crops rather well, a little anyways.

I notice that the cheaper 550D/T2i has a few improved options over the 7D, such as more screen pixels, more ISO Exposure compensation to -+5.0 EV etc while keeping important aspects such as stereo mic and manual aperture/shutter speed in video mode etc.

Obviously there has to be some sacrifice, such as less pop-flash coverage, slower high-speed continuous frames etc. I'm not sure if the BG-E8 ups the frame rate slightly, but I doubt it.

Probably the biggest difference is build quality and weather sealing. A big plus for the 7D...although you could always buy a couple of the lightweight 550Ds and keep one as a spare.

On the 5D Mark II front (taking into account how much Canon is improving video options in every DSLR update)...I can bet that the eventual 5d Mark III will offer a lot more in terms of improvements at a similar price level when compared to an older 5D Mark II with 2010 firmware update.

I would think that a viewer would see no real visible difference in actual video quality between the 7D & 550D/T2i shot with the same lenses, so really it all boils down to if you require better build quality and faster high-speed continuous rates for still images.