Canon have recently announced a new digital SLR camera called the Canon EOS 550D (aka Rebel T2i). It features an 18 megapixel sensor and 1080p HD video with full manual control. Digital Photography Review has published a hands-on preview.
Many of its specifications are similar to the 7D although there is a major difference in price. The Canon 550D is US$799 (body only) while the Canon 7D is US$1,799 (body only). It is worth making some comparisons between the two cameras to see what extra features the 7D has.
- Autofocus – this is really the killer feature of the 7D. The 7D has a 19-point cross-type AF sensor which is highly customisable. The 550D has a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross–type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses.
- Better build quality/weatherproofing/ergonomics – The 550D has some minor improvements in its buttons over the 500D. However the 7D is a much larger and better built body with far superior ergonomics.
- Dual Digic IV – The 550D has a single Digic IV processor while the 7D has a dual processor for much faster writing speeds when shooting in RAW.
- Faster frame rate – the 7D shoots 8 fps while the 550D shoots 3.7 fps.
- 100% viewfinder – the viewfinder on the 7D has 100% coverage and 1x magnification compared with 95% coverage and 0.87x magnification on the 550D.
The 7D also has some other features aimed at pro users such as an electronic level and built-in wireless flash trigger. Another major difference worth noting is that the 550D uses SD memory cards while the 7D uses CF memory cards. One area the 550D outspecs the 7D is in exposure compensation settings. The 550D has ±5EV exposure compensation compared with only ±3EV on the 7D.
If you want a pro quality camera or have an unlimited budget then the Canon 7D should be your choice. However, if your budget is limited and you are looking for good digital SLR then the Canon 550D would be a great choice. With the $1,000 price difference you could buy one or two great lenses to go with your camera.
*Information compiled with assistance from side-by-side comparison in dpreview.com.
Do you know anything about video quality? I can’t seem to see any video advantage in the 7D over the 550D. I must be missing something.
Tyler,
I don’t know and it is best to wait until some more complete reviews come out. It seems that the video function would be very close to the 7D though.
Actually, I noticed there’s some incorrect information in your article about the 7D’s exposure compensation.
“To see full +/-5 stops of exposure compensation, you will need to go into the Expo comp./AEB setting menu.”
So the 7D and 550D are on equal ground.
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