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Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D vs EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D

Canon EOS Rebel T1i camera image
Winner!
43%

Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D

Canon EOS Rebel T2i camera image
40%
Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D
vs
Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D
Price
Brand
Canon
Canon
Model
EOS Rebel T1i / 500D
EOS Rebel T2i / 550D
Released
2009
2010
Announcement Date
March 25, 2009
February 26, 2010
Camera Type
DSLR
DSLR
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D wins in this comparison with a score of 43/100, while the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D scores 40/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as being DSLRs, having the same size (129 x 98 x 62mm), and being released around the same period (2009 and 2010).

The T1i / 500D stands out due to its lighter weight (520g) compared to the T2i / 550D (530g), and it scores higher for this reason. On the other hand, the T2i / 550D has a slightly lower launch price ($1000) compared to the T1i / 500D ($1040), which may appeal to some buyers.

Taking these factors into account, the T1i / 500D is the winner in this comparison, but the T2i / 550D could still be an attractive option for those looking for a more affordable option.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D vs EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D is the winner in this optics comparison, scoring 45/100, while the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D receives a score of 41/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, a Digic 4 processor, an APS-C sensor size, a Canon EF-S lens mount, and no image stabilization.

The T1i / 500D has an edge over the T2i / 550D in terms of its optics score. This advantage is due to the camera’s slightly lower megapixel count of 15.1, as opposed to the T2i / 550D’s 18 megapixels. A lower megapixel count can lead to better low-light performance and reduced noise in images. Additionally, the T1i / 500D has a faster shooting speed of 3.4 frames per second, compared to the T2i / 550D’s 3.7 frames per second. This allows the T1i / 500D to capture action shots with more ease.

On the other hand, the T2i / 550D has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, at 66 compared to the T1i / 500D’s score of 63. This indicates that the T2i / 550D’s sensor may perform better in certain conditions, such as dynamic range and color depth. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the benefits of the T1i / 500D’s lower megapixel count and faster shooting speed.

Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D proves to be the better choice for those prioritizing optics performance. Its lower megapixel count and faster shooting speed provide a more versatile and reliable option for photographers looking to capture high-quality images in various lighting conditions and scenarios.

Optics
Optics
45%
41%
Megapixels
15.1 MP
18 MP
Image Resolution
4752 x 3168 px
5184 x 3456 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
14.9 x 22.3 mm
14.9 x 22.3 mm
Sensor Format
APS-C
APS-C
Frame Rate
3.4 fps
3.7 fps
Lens Mount
Canon EF-S
Canon EF-S
Image Processor
Digic 4
Digic 4
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
6,400
6,400
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
12800
12800
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 4000 s
1/ 4000 s
Autofocus Points
9
9
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Optical (pentamirror)
Optical (pentamirror)

Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D vs EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Video Performance

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D and the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D both score 43/100 in terms of video capabilities, indicating no clear winner between the two models. Both cameras share common features in this aspect, such as Full HD video resolution and a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. Additionally, neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.

Despite equal scores, the T1i / 500D has a slight advantage in video dimensions, offering 1922 x 1080 pixels compared to the T2i / 550D’s 1920 x 1080 pixels. This difference is minor, but it may result in slightly higher quality video output for the T1i / 500D.

On the other hand, the T2i / 550D does not show any notable advantages over the T1i / 500D in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras have the same maximum video resolution, frame rate, and lack of time-lapse functionality.

In comparing the video capabilities of the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D and the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D, it is evident that the two cameras are nearly identical in this area. The minor difference in video dimensions slightly favors the T1i / 500D, but this is not significant enough to declare a definitive winner. Therefore, when considering these models for their video capabilities, the choice between the T1i / 500D and the T2i / 550D will likely come down to personal preference and other factors such as price, design, and additional features.

Video
Video
43%
43%
Video
Max Video Resolution
Full HD
Full HD
Max Video Dimensions
1922 x 1080 px
1920 x 1080 px
Max Video Frame Rate
30 p
30 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MOV
MOV

Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D vs EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D is the winner in terms of features, with a score of 44/100, compared to the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D, which scored 41/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, no touchscreen, no flip screen, no GPS, no WIFI, and no Bluetooth.

The T2i / 550D outperforms the T1i / 500D in screen resolution, offering 1,040,000 dots compared to the T1i / 500D’s 920,000 dots. This difference in resolution provides a clearer and sharper image display on the T2i / 550D, making it easier for photographers to review their shots and make adjustments as needed.

The T1i / 500D does not have any features that are better than the T2i / 550D, as both cameras share the same specifications in other areas. This means that the T2i / 550D is a better camera in terms of features, as it offers a higher screen resolution without any drawbacks.

Taking into consideration the features of both cameras, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D is the superior choice due to its higher screen resolution. The T1i / 500D does not offer any advantages over the T2i / 550D, making it a less appealing option for photographers who value a clear and sharp image display.

Features
Features
41%
44%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
920,000 dots
1,040,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D vs EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D edges out the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D in the storage and battery category, with both cameras scoring 24/100. They share some common specifications, such as having a single memory card slot and lacking USB charging capabilities. Moreover, they both provide a battery life of 440 shots.

The T2i / 550D has an advantage in terms of memory card compatibility, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, while the T1i / 500D only accepts SD and SDHC cards. This allows for a greater range of storage options and potentially higher capacities for the T2i / 550D. Additionally, the T2i / 550D utilizes a more advanced battery type, the LP-E8, compared to the T1i / 500D’s LP-E5.

There are no specific advantages for the T1i / 500D in this category, as both cameras share the same limitations, such as a single memory card slot and no USB charging.

Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D proves to be a better option for storage and battery capabilities due to its wider range of memory card compatibility and enhanced battery type.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
24%
24%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
LP-E5
LP-E8
Battery Life
440 shots
440 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
63%
66%
Portrait (Color Depth)
21.7 bits
22.1 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
11.5 EVs
11.5 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
663
784
Scores

Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D vs EOS Rebel T2i / 550D – Our Verdict

Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D vs EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D or the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D:

User Scores
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