Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 40
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✓ WINNER
 55
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| General | ||
| Brand | Canon | Sony |
| Model | EOS Rebel T2i / 550D | NEX-7 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2010 | 2011 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
26/02/2010 | 24/08/2011 |
| Camera type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 129 x 98 x 62 mm | 120 x 67 x 43 mm |
| Camera weight | 530 g | 400 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
18 MP050 | 24.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5184 x 3456 | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
14.9 x 22.3 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
3.7 fps045 | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Canon EF-S | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Digic 4 | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
64003003280000 | 160003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
128003003280000 | 160003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
90300 | 250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 235900009900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MP4 |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10400001150001500000 | 9210001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | LP-E8 | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
440 shots1505000 | 430 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Sony NEX-7 outperforms the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D with a score of 55/100 compared to the Canon’s 40/100. Both cameras were released in 2010 and 2011, respectively, and share the same launch price range of $1000-$1720.
The NEX-7 excels with its mirrorless design, making it lighter at 400g and more compact at 120 x 67 x 43mm. On the other hand, the Canon T2i is a DSLR with a weight of 530g and dimensions of 129 x 98 x 62mm.
Despite the Canon’s larger size, it doesn’t offer any significant advantages over the Sony NEX-7. The Sony NEX-7’s higher score reflects its better performance, making it the preferable choice for photographers seeking a compact and lightweight camera.
The Sony NEX-7 takes the lead in optics with a score of 64/100, compared to the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D’s score of 41/100. This 23-point difference highlights the superiority of the Sony NEX-7’s optical capabilities.
Both cameras share some common specs, including the CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, and the lack of image stabilisation. However, the differences between the two cameras are where the Sony NEX-7 shines. With 24.3 megapixels, the Sony NEX-7 has a higher resolution than the Canon T2i’s 18 megapixels. This results in more detailed images captured by the Sony NEX-7. Additionally, the Sony NEX-7 boasts a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second compared to the Canon T2i’s 3.7 frames per second. The Sony NEX-7 also has a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 81, compared to the Canon T2i’s score of 66, indicating better overall image quality.
Despite these advantages, the Canon T2i has its merits. It features a Canon EF-S lens mount, which allows for compatibility with numerous Canon lenses. This provides users with more options for lens upgrades and various shooting scenarios. The Sony NEX-7, on the other hand, uses a Sony E lens mount, which has fewer compatible lenses available.
Considering the differences in optics, the Sony NEX-7 emerges as the superior camera in terms of image quality, resolution, and shooting speed. However, the Canon T2i offers more lens options due to its EF-S lens mount, which may appeal to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on the individual’s priorities, whether it be higher image quality with the Sony NEX-7 or greater lens compatibility with the Canon T2i.
The Sony NEX-7 outperforms the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D in terms of video capabilities, scoring 56 out of 100 compared to the T2i’s 43 out of 100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD video resolution and maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.
The Sony NEX-7 has a clear advantage with its maximum video frame rate of 60fps, which is double the Canon T2i’s 30fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother video playback and better slow-motion capabilities, making the NEX-7 a more suitable option for those who prioritize video performance.
In contrast, the Canon T2i does not offer any significant advantages in video capabilities over the Sony NEX-7. Its lower frame rate of 30fps may be suitable for casual video recording but falls short for more demanding videography tasks.
Considering these factors, the Sony NEX-7 is the superior choice for video performance. Its higher frame rate provides smoother and more versatile video recording options, while the Canon T2i lacks any notable advantages in this area. Users who prioritize video capabilities should opt for the Sony NEX-7, while those who focus more on still photography may find the Canon T2i to be a satisfactory choice.
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D wins the comparison with a feature score of 44/100, while the Sony NEX-7 has a score of 41/100. Both cameras have a 3-inch screen, no touchscreen, no GPS, and no Bluetooth. The Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D has some advantages over the Sony NEX-7.
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D has a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots compared to the Sony NEX-7’s 921,000 dots. This means the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D’s screen displays images in better quality, making it easier for users to review photos and videos.
On the other hand, the Sony NEX-7 has some features that the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D lacks. The Sony NEX-7 has a flip screen, which is useful for taking photos at difficult angles and for vlogging. Moreover, the Sony NEX-7 has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing users to transfer photos and videos wirelessly to their devices or share them on social media.
To sum up, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D is better in terms of screen resolution, providing a clearer display for users to review their work. However, the Sony NEX-7 offers a flip screen and Wi-Fi, making it more versatile and convenient for certain users. Both cameras have their advantages, but the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D’s higher feature score indicates that it is the better choice for most users.
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D and the Sony NEX-7 both receive a storage and battery score of 24/100. These cameras share several similarities in this category, such as having one memory card slot and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Neither camera offers USB charging.
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D edges out the Sony NEX-7 in battery life, providing 440 shots compared to the Sony’s 430 shots. This difference, albeit small, makes the Canon camera slightly better in terms of battery performance.
However, the Sony NEX-7 supports additional memory card types, specifically Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards, giving users more options for storage.
Despite the minor differences in battery life and storage options, both cameras perform similarly in the storage and battery category. Therefore, potential buyers should consider other factors, such as general specifications, optics, video, and features, when choosing between the Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D and the Sony NEX-7.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D or the Sony NEX-7:
