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Canon is going to have a huge hit on its hands. They are coming out with the EOS 550D or Digital Rebel T2i.

The Digital Rebel T2i is a pretty sweet camera. So here, for very little cost is a digital SLR that can shoot 18 megapixel still pictures at 3.7 frames per second, is very good with low light, and records 1080P HD video. This is perfect for a huge segment of consumers.

The camera has one digic 4 processor in it. That’s the same processor as in the Canon 7D.
For video use, it has a port for an external microphone. That means that you can get high quality pictures, video, and audio from this camera for about $800 for a body or $900 for a body and 18-55mm lens. Taking video with this should be fun. Remember, when you shoot video with a digital SLR you have the benefit of being able to use any lens you can afford for the exact effect you want. Most consumer grade video cameras don’t let you switch lenses. You also can use selective focus and full f-stop control. Those are usually non-existent or poorly implemented in consumer grade video cameras.

Aside from being a good camera for the average consumer, the EOS 550D / Digital Rebel T2i is going to be a great backup camera for the more sophisticated shooter. I know a few pros that will use this as their main camera but yet this camera is simple enough for the entry level photographer.

Check out the Amazon writeup on this. It’s very comprehensive. Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)

Click here for more EOS Rebel T2i bodies, lenses and accessories

As someone who is always out checking out cameras and looking for cool old stuff especially on ebay or craigslist, I keep seeing people selling some nice Pentax film camera systems. Some of these people might have 3 or 4 lenses.

Often, I see someone say. “I’m selling this to go digital” or “This would be a great student camera”

Craziness, I say.

I know, I’ve been guilty of extolling the virtues of some new Nikon or Canon gear, but I can’t imagine people just dumping a perfectly good Pentax system to go digital. But then again, I like film and digital.

I wonder why people don’t take those lenses and use them on a new Pentax digital body if they want a digital body. Pentax has made some really nice glass. Why go spend all the money to switch systems?

Maybe some of them are going to digital point and shoot cameras. I don’t know.

The Pentax K-7 is a very capable camera. Check it out before you go dumping that nice old gear. You might like it.

K-7 Video Samples

K-7 Moving Picture Sample

Digital SLRs have been gaining a huge following in the last few years for their ability to record video. The capabilities of these cameras is now outstanding with some even having 24P capability and nice audio. The beauty of these is that they have interchangeable lenses so they have a great range of lenses and full control of depth of field.

Don’t forget if you do want to shoot audio with these that on-board microphones are sub optimal and stability can be an issue.

Here are today’s sample videos shot with a Nikon D300s and a Canon 7D:

“Perya” – a Canon 7D Short

Nikon D300s Movie

Canon 7D movie – Another night in Beijing

Nikon D300s samples from Havana Cuba

Girl with the Flaxen Hair: Canon 7d

Nikon D300S – by photojournalist Ami Vitale