Canon T2i versus Canon 80D

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i (called Canon 550D in some regions) and the Canon EOS 80D are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2010 and February 2016. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The T2i has a resolution of 17.9 megapixel, whereas the 80D provides 24 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Canon T2i vs Canon 80D

The physical size and weight of the Canon T2i and the Canon 80D are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter. If you prefer, you can also use the toggle button to switch to a comparison in percentage terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the T2i – represents the basis or 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 80D is notably larger (15 percent) than the Canon T2i. Moreover, the 80D is substantially heavier (38 percent) than the T2i. It is noteworthy in this context that the 80D is splash and dust-proof, while the T2i does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can find an overview of suitable optics in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the T2i gets 440 shots out of its LP-E8 battery, while the 80D can take 960 images on a single charge of its LP-E6N power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon T2i»	5.1 in	3.9 in	2.4 in	18.7 oz	440	n	Feb 2010	699	-		Canon T2i
	Canon 80D«	5.5 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	25.8 oz	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199			Canon 80D
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	5.7 in	4.4 in	3.0 in	27.0 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999			Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon G3 X« »	4.8 in	3.0 in	4.1 in	25.9 oz	300	Y	Jun 2015	999			Canon G3 X
	Canon T6i« »	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	19.6 oz	440	n	Feb 2015	749	-		Canon T6i
	Canon T6s« »	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	19.9 oz	440	n	Feb 2015	849	-		Canon T6s
	Canon T5« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	16.9 oz	500	n	Feb 2014	449	-		Canon T5
	Canon 70D« »	5.5 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	26.6 oz	920	Y	Jul 2013	1,199	-		Canon 70D
	Canon T5i« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.5 oz	440	n	Mar 2013	649	-		Canon T5i
	Canon T4i« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.3 oz	440	n	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon T4i
	Canon T3« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	17.5 oz	700	n	Feb 2011	449	-		Canon T3
	Canon T3i« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.1 oz	440	n	Feb 2011	599	-		Canon T3i
	Canon T1i« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	2.4 in	18.3 oz	400	n	Mar 2009	799	-		Canon T1i
	Canon XSi« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	2.4 in	18.5 oz	500	n	Jan 2008	799	-		Canon XSi
	Nikon D7500« »	5.4 in	4.1 in	2.9 in	25.4 oz	950	Y	Apr 2017	1,299			Nikon D7500
	Nikon D7200« »	5.4 in	4.2 in	3.0 in	27.0 oz	1110	Y	Mar 2015	1,199	-		Nikon D7200
	Nikon D5100« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	3.1 in	19.8 oz	660	n	Apr 2011	749	-		Nikon D5100
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Any camera purchase will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The T2i was launched at a markedly lower price (by 42 percent) than the 80D, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison: Canon T2i vs Canon 80D

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the 80D is 2 percent bigger. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.6. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the 80D uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 6) than the T2i (DIGIC 4), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

With 24MP, the 80D offers a higher resolution than the T2i (17.9MP), but the 80D has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.75μm versus 4.31μm for the T2i). Yet, the 80D is a much more recent model (by 6 years) than the T2i, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the 80D offers substantially better image quality than the T2i (overall score 13 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.5 bits higher color depth, 1.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the 80D provides a faster frame rate than the T2i. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the T2i is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison: Canon T2i vs Canon 80D

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The T2i and the 80D are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon T2i and Canon 80D along with similar information for a selection of comparators. If you need more detail on the specs, you can find comprehensive listings, for example, in the dpreview camera hub.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The 80D has a touchscreen, while the T2i has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point or for making menu selections.

The 80D is a current model that online retailers, such as amazon, will have in stock. In contrast, the T2i has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the T2i was succeeded by the Canon T3i.

Review summary: Canon T2i vs Canon 80D

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon T2i and the Canon 80D? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS Rebel T2i:

• More compact: Is smaller (129x98mm vs 139x105mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 200g or 27 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (42 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2010).

Advantages of the Canon EOS 80D:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 17.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 16%.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (13 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.5 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.7 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
• Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 6 vs DIGIC 4).
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (8000/sec vs 4000/sec) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 3.7 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (960 versus 440) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• More modern: Reflects 6 years of technical progress since the T2i launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the 80D is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 4 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the T2i or the 80D handle or perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The full reviews are available by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon T2i»	HiRec	77/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2010	699	-		Canon T2i
	Canon 80D«	HiRec	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199			Canon 80D
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	Rec	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999			Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon G3 X« »	Rec	-	4.5/5	3.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	999			Canon G3 X
	Canon T6i« »	-	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749	-		Canon T6i
	Canon T6s« »	Rec	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	849	-		Canon T6s
	Canon T5« »	Rec	-	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449	-		Canon T5
	Canon 70D« »	HiRec	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Jul 2013	1,199	-		Canon 70D
	Canon T5i« »	-	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2013	649	-		Canon T5i
	Canon T4i« »	HiRec	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon T4i
	Canon T3« »	80/100	69/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	449	-		Canon T3
	Canon T3i« »	rev	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	599	-		Canon T3i
	Canon T1i« »	HiRec	74/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	799	-		Canon T1i
	Canon XSi« »	HiRec	HiRec	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2008	799	-		Canon XSi
	Nikon D7500« »	HiRec	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2017	1,299			Nikon D7500
	Nikon D7200« »	HiRec	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2015	1,199	-		Nikon D7200
	Nikon D5100« »	HiRec	76/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2011	749	-		Nikon D5100

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool. If the camera you are interested in is not available, kindly get in touch, and I will try to locate and add the respective data to the application.

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