Canon Rebel
T3i
 vs
Canon Rebel
T2i

Canon EOS Rebel T2i

59
"Since the body shell is virtually identical to the EOS 500D that it replaces, the handling is also virtually identical, meaning the grip still feels a bit fiddly unless you're got very delicate hands."
dpreview.com | talking about the T2i's feel
"Fast and responsive operation"
dpreview.com | talking about the T2i's auto-focus

Reasons to buy the Canon Rebel T2i

Screen resolution
 High resolution screen
1,040k dots
True resolution
 High true resolution
17.9 MP
Startup delay
 Almost no delay when powering up
400 ms startup delay
External mic jack
 External mic jack
Record higher quality audio with a microphone
Size
 Really small
Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm
Thickness
 Thin
2.4"
Canon Rebel T3i

57
"The Rebel T3i / 600D is exactly the camera that we'd expect it to be - it's feature-rich, reasonably priced, enjoyable to use and, most importantly, takes great pictures."
dpreview.com | talking about the T3i's overall-performance
"Good quality 1080/720p video output with a range of frame rates and control over exposure"
dpreview.com | talking about the T3i's video-quality

Reasons to buy the Canon Rebel T3i

Screen resolution
 High resolution screen
1,040k dots
True resolution
 High true resolution
17.9 MP
Screen flips out
 Flip-out screen
Great for movies
External mic jack
 External mic jack
Record higher quality audio with a microphone

differences

Advantages of the Canon T3i
Screen flips out Has a flip-out screen Yes vs No
Help
 Flip-out screens can be helpful when composing tricky shots or taking movies
Canon Rebel T3i Learn more about
the Canon T3i

Advantages of the Canon T2i
Startup delay Much less startup delay 400 ms vs 1500 ms
Help
 3.7x less delay when turning on
Size Significantly smaller 129x98x62 mm vs 133x99x79 mm
Help
 Around 30% smaller
Shutter lag Less shutter lag 252 ms vs 283 ms
Help
 More than 10% less delay when taking photos
Overall image quality Slightly better image quality 66.0 vs 65.0
Help
 Almost the same
Thickness Much thinner 2.4" vs 3.1"
Help
 More than 20% thinner
Viewfinder size Slightly larger viewfinder 0.54x vs 0.53x
Help
 Almost the same
Weight Lighter 530 g vs 570 g
Help
 Around 10% lighter
Canon EOS Rebel T2i Learn more about
the Canon T2i
vs

recommendations

Relative to the best recent entry-level DSLRs, and ignoring price

Canon Rebel T3i Canon Rebel T3i
57 vs 59
Explain scores
Canon Rebel T2i Canon EOS Rebel T2i
Green arrow Too close to call! Snapsort considers these cameras too competitive to make a clear recommendation.

performance Which camera has better performance? Cast your vote!

CanonRebel T3i
 Canon Rebel T3i vs Canon EOS Rebel T2i
CanonRebel T2i
Uses Travel score Travel
On holiday or vacation
173
383
Vote Vote
Sports score Sports
Fast action, sometimes indoors
171
313
Vote Vote
Features Color accuracy Color accuracy
White balance in varied lighting
153
312
Vote Vote
Autofocus peformance Still image focusing
Speed and accuracy
146
295
Vote Vote
Autofocus performance Video focusing
Speed and accuracy
167
286
Vote Vote
Manual controls Manual settings
How quickly and easily you can change settings
147
295
Vote Vote
Build quality Build quality
Is it sturdy, well made, plastic or metal
154
310
Vote Vote
Green arrow Join in the discussion below!

similarities

Compared to recent entry-level DSLRs

Common Strengths Common Weaknesses
Movie format Both shoot high resolution HD movies Help
1080p @ 30fps
Screen resolution High resolution screens Help
1,040k dots
Lens availability Many lenses available Help
162 lenses
True resolution Capture very high resolution images Help
17.9 MP
Screen size Larger than average screens Help
3.0"
Supports 24p 24p support Help
For that film look
External mic jack Have external mic jacks Help
Record higher quality audio with a microphone
Fastest shutter speed Slow max shutter speed Help
1/4000 of a second
Storage slots Fewer storage slots Help
1
Viewfinder coverage Below average viewfinder coverage Help
95%
HDR Neither has in-camera HDR Help
You could do HDR manually
Image stabilization No image stabilization Help
Risk of blur
Cross type focus points Few cross-type focus points Help
1
Battery life Few shots per battery charge Help
440 shots
Continuous shooting Slow continuous shooting Help
3.7 fps
Autofocus No video autofocus Help
Manual focus only
Panorama Neither camera stitches together panoramas Help
You could stitch photos in post
3D Neither camera can take 3D photos Help
No 3d support
Focus points Few focus points Help
9
Sensor size Very small sensors Help
APS-C 22.3x14.9mm
Light sensitivity Poor maximum light sensitivity Help
6,400 ISO
Dynamic range Poor dynamic range Help
11.5 EV

dxomark

DXOMark

competitors

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages
Nikon D5100

Nikon D5100

Entry-level DSLR

$749 body only

$600 - $747 with 18-55mm lens
Low light performance Is significantly less noisy at high ISO
Overall image quality Has significantly better image quality
Thickness Is thicker
Lens focus motor Doesn't have a built-in focus motor
Compare the D5100 vs the Rebel T3i
Compare the D5100 vs the Rebel T2i
Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

Pro DSLR

$897 - $1,304 body only

$1,130 - $1,342 with 18-135mm lens
Viewfinder size Slightly larger viewfinder
Continuous shooting Shoots faster continuously
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is much heavier
Compare the EOS 60D vs the Rebel T3i
Compare the EOS 60D vs the Rebel T2i
Canon Rebel T3

Canon Rebel T3

Entry-level DSLR

$379 body only

$479 - $554 with 18-55mm lens
Battery life Has a significantly longer battery life
Weight Is slightly lighter
Thickness Is thicker
Sensor cleaning Lacks a self cleaning sensor
Compare the Rebel T3 vs the Rebel T3i
Compare the Rebel T3 vs the Rebel T2i
Nikon D3100

Nikon D3100

Entry-level DSLR

$834 body only

$500 - $984 with 18-55mm lens
Low light performance Is slightly less noisy at high ISO
Sensor size Has a marginally larger sensor
Thickness Is thicker
Lens focus motor Doesn't have a built-in focus motor
Compare the D3100 vs the Rebel T3i
Compare the D3100 vs the Rebel T2i
Nikon D90

Nikon D90

Entry-level DSLR

$869 - $897 body only

$1,099 - $1,200 with 18-105mm lens
Low light performance Is slightly less noisy at high ISO
Overall image quality Has slightly better image quality
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is significantly heavier
Compare the D90 vs the Rebel T3i
Compare the D90 vs the Rebel T2i
Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Canon Rebel T1i

Entry-level DSLR

$450 - $629 body only

$500 - $609 with 18-55mm lens
Shutter lag Has significantly less shutter lag
External mic jack Lacks and external mic jack
True resolution Takes slightly lower resolution photos
Compare the Rebel T1i vs the Rebel T3i
Compare the Rebel T1i vs the Rebel T2i
Canon EOS 7D

Canon EOS 7D

Pro DSLR

$1,339 - $1,821 body only

$1,498 - $1,800 with 28-135mm lens
Viewfinder size Significantly larger viewfinder
Weather sealed Has a weather sealed body
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is much heavier
Compare the EOS 7D vs the Rebel T3i
Compare the EOS 7D vs the Rebel T2i

Canon Rebel T3i Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

No significant competitors found that are specific to the Canon Rebel T3i.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

No significant competitors found that are specific to the Canon EOS Rebel T2i.

appearance

Canon Rebel T3i Canon EOS Rebel T2i
Canon Rebel T3i Canon EOS Rebel T2i
Canon Rebel T3i Canon EOS Rebel T2i

Find similar cameras

Here are some links to help you find other cameras with similar features to both of these:

discussion Which do you think is better?

Speech is free, but discussion at Snapsort is moderated! Please discuss your opinion of these cameras here, and discuss feedback for Snapsort at our support community.

Showing 25 comments

Wolfmanwoj (0:01 PM, February 19, 2012)
One of the biggest things they forgot on here is that the T3i can record audio manually, something that is big for beginner videographers who do not have the money for an h4n zoom.

Also helps if you shoot on the road and don't have a second person to do audio.
 
Joel J (3:50 PM, February 02, 2012)
I recently got the Canon t2i (aka 550D) and I'm in love with it.  I didn't need the swivel screen and since I'm starting, I'd rather have the extra money towards lenses than a remote shutter.  Check out these videos on how to use your new Canon.  They're the best tutorial videos I've ever seen.

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0n7ZoqOmg8 
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7LKag4e0lU&feature=related
Part 3http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xc_rykxhEE&feature=related

 
 
George (2:25 PM, January 13, 2012)
I know the T3i has wireless flash.  Does the T2i support it as well?  If so, must you buy anything else besides the Speedlite external flash?
 
Avatar for David Peterson David Peterson (2:00 PM, December 05, 2011)
You have it backwards Lance - The T2i is Thinner and Lighter, -- The T2i has it all over the T3i except the fold out screen - Which may be an issue with time ( My Samsung phone eventually wore a micro wire with the movement of the flipout screen.)  NOW YOU HAVE A LARGE PROBLEM
 
Mccoys1 (5:58 PM, November 30, 2011)
My 8 year old Rebel EOS XT 350D died while being used last night.  I am looking at T2i or T3i.  Since I never use the lens that come with the camera but use higher zoom lens, I am wondering how up graded zoom lens work with the video on these cameras.  Does anyone know?
 
Scrmhawk (8:09 PM, November 28, 2011)
neither camera is great for low light. Much over iso 800 has highly degraded quality. The high megapixels actually create more noise in the lower light for the sensor. You will need faster lenses then the stock ones that come with it.
 
TJ Nedd (3:21 PM, November 27, 2011)
What do you recomend? T3i or T2i (For filming.)
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (1:26 PM, November 25, 2011)
The T3i and T2i are almost the same camera inside, the T2i is only slightly better in image quality and low light performance. The T3i also have a built in flash controller that will allow you control multiple off camera flashes at the same time. Usually you have to buy a $100 external device to do that. 
I would go with the T2i and use the extra money to buy a lens.
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (1:20 PM, November 25, 2011)
It is a great camera, and the flip out screen is an asset, but as you can see above that is really the only big difference. 
 
Can't Decide (4:51 AM, November 25, 2011)
hey snapsort, i know the major difference is the flip out screen but i feel like the T2i has more advantages that outweigh the T3i (just barely). But do you think that differences like those in image quality and speed make the T2i a better camera even without a flip out scree? I am really torn between the two. Money isn't really the issue but does the T3i have disadvantages that make more of a difference?
 
Chewbacca720 (5:20 AM, October 12, 2011)
that's why its "common weaknesses"
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (1:48 PM, October 05, 2011)
Hi Sacha, we got this from Imaging Resource, I think the T3i gets a slower startup time because it cleans the sensor on startup, which can be disabled.
 
Avatar for Sacha Sayan Sacha Sayan (4:14 AM, October 05, 2011)
Hey Snapsort, when does your information come from? Every other source I can find on these two cameras indicates that internally, the hardware is nearly the same, so I'm surprised to see such a difference on something like startup time (400ms vs 1500ms).

I'm not saying that your data is flawed, just curious where the information comes from.
 
H Bouzon (1:40 PM, September 25, 2011)
Let's not forget remote flash firing if anyone here cares for it. If you ever plan on buying an external flash, seriously consider the t3i.
 
H Bouzon (1:35 PM, September 25, 2011)
$100 dollars more also buys you remote flash firing, a feature found only on the 60D and other pro models. The T3i also has a neat feature in video mode which allows you to apply a 3x digital zoom without video image degregation thanks to the abundant number of pixels on the sensor. This is a great feature for extreme closeup videos, nothing compared to a point and shoot's digital zoom. Along with the flip screen, these features are definitely worth the extra 100 bucks.
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (9:48 PM, September 18, 2011)
Hi Steve, both cameras have same resolution, 17.9MP, see our comparison of the specs.
 
Stevep397 (7:50 PM, September 18, 2011)
The T2i is 18 megapixel compared to 12.5 for the T3i. You can create higher quality pictures and enlargements with the T2i.
 
Nicolebielat5 (3:51 PM, September 17, 2011)
Hello- I am researching the Canon T2 & T3 as well and this information is very helpful.  I have a 35mm Nikon N65 and recently I have dusted it off & have been trying to play around with the non-auto settings... both manual and the different programs but... it has been 17  years since I have had a photography class.  Since I can't remember what setting I used inbetween taking the photo and developing.... you can imagine.  Do you know of a good beginning photography book you could recommend?  The manual is just not enough. I'm afraid that my DSLR days are farther out than I would like them to be!  Film and developing gets pricey :-)

Also- I bought a canvis print from a photographer and I asked him what he used.  He said that he used to use Nikon but b/c of his commercial clients he had to move to Canon... he seemed like he persoanlly prefered Nikon... do you happen to know the difference between the two?
Thanks! Nicole B
 
Smazour (6:40 PM, September 11, 2011)
I am looking into purchasing a camera to take action shots of sports in low light gyms. Any preference between the T2i or T3i?
 
Sandy (6:30 PM, September 11, 2011)
I have two children in athletics and am looking for a camera that can take pictures in low light gyms. I have researched both the T3i and T2i. Does anyone feel one is better than the other for indoor pics?
 
Pete Paris (10:06 PM, September 06, 2011)
Alex,  if you haven't bought the T2i yet, check out Sam's Club they have a special financing offer on all electronics for 18 months no interest. They have the T3i for $849.  Just so you know I don't make any money off the following link but I am considering purchasing this camera via the financing option  So it will cost me about $60 a month and if I happen to sell one of my photos I will pay it off sooner than planned.  I hope this helps you.


*$849.00 after $50 Instant Savings* Canon T3i 18.0MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm IS Lens
 
Shadz (7:07 PM, August 14, 2011)
Here t3i is almost 200-300dolars cheaper.Should i get t3i ?
 
Hd95cc (2:19 AM, August 06, 2011)
They are the basically the same camera with one major difference; the flip out screen. The reason the T2i is more popular is because more people have it, it has been out longer. Both take amazing phots for a mid-range camera, there are other minor differences, but not enough to really rate one higher than the other.
 
mari (11:37 AM, August 05, 2011)
hi, I'm planning on buying a DSLR n I'm probably going to go for either the t2i or t3i. I haven't had a DSLR before but I would really like a swivel LCD. I'm not sure wether its really worth the extra money just for that feature. Does anyone on here think that buying the t3i JUST for the swivel screen is really worth it because I don't see much else different between the two. Also if the swivel screen isn't that useful to me id love to go for the cheapest option. I basically just want to know how useful having a swivel LCD actually is or wether I'm not very likely to need it much. Sorry if this doesn't make anysense. 
 
Avatar for jsehgal jsehgal (10:48 PM, July 19, 2011)
As time goes by, more T2i & T3i will appear on the refurbished market. This will drive down the used camera values. Even right now, why don't you look for one if money is an issue? I recently bought a factory refurbished zoom lens for my DSLR and saved $150 on a $$400 new lens. It has a full one year warranty from the manufacturer (the usual new equipment warranty). It has performed as well as a new one. Call up a couple of dealer and even leave your phone number with them. Look for private sales on eBay or other sites, but be aware that guarantees are non-existent.