Canon's first HD-video Rebel with 18MP sensor — brought Full HD video and improved resolution to the entry level.
The Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i) launched in 2010 as a significant upgrade, bringing an 18MP APS-C sensor and Full HD 1080p video at all frame rates to Canon's entry-level DSLR line. It was widely praised for offering near-7D video quality at a fraction of the price.
The 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor delivers good image quality — a meaningful upgrade over the 15.1MP 500D. Full HD 1080p at 24/25/30fps and 720p 60fps. 9-point AF with cross-type centre. 3.7fps burst. DIGIC 4 processor. ISO clean to 1600.
Compact body at 530g. 3-inch fixed LCD at 1.04M dots — clear screen. SD card slot. Built-in flash. Live View with contrast-detect AF. Optical viewfinder. EF and EF-S lens compatibility.
Very cheap used — excellent value for a video-capable DSLR. The 600D added a vari-angle screen and the 650D added touchscreen. Still capable for stills. Check shutter count — rated 100,000. A solid budget DSLR with legitimate video capability.