What Are the Key Differences Between the Canon EOS Rebel T1i, T2i, and T3i?

Canon has a few different "levels" of cameras - flagship, high-end, mid-range, and entry level. That bottom rung - the entry level dSLRs that combine semi-professional capabilities with a relatively cheap price point - is getting kind of crowded. In the last few years, Canon released the Canon EOS Rebel t1i (500D), Rebel t2i (550D), and Rebel t3i (600D).

So... which one is the best for you? Here's a real quick overview of the differences, so that you can hopefully make a more informed decision.

For Starters...

The Canon EOS Rebel t1i is a great camera. It has is high resolution (yes, 15 megapixels is more than enough for most people). You've got a full range of modes/functions. You can shoot in RAW. You can shoot pretty high quality video. In the hands of a skilled photographer... the EOS Rebel t1i is pretty good. Keep that in mind, because it's the basis for the Canon t2i and Canon t3i.

The three are very similar, and there are very limited differences between them.

Advantages of a Canon t2i

There are a few distinct advantages that the t2i has over the t1i. It has a higher resolution (18mp to 15mp). It has improved video capabilities. According to this review of the differences between the t1, t2, and t3i, the t2i allows you to capture HD video at regular frame rates (24fps and 30fps) in 1080p. You can also use an external microphone, and the LCD screen articulates to help you get hard to find angles.

This is perhaps the best "bang for your buck" upgrade between the three cameras. There's a significant difference, but not a huge one... particularly if you don't shoot video.

What the t3i / 600D Brings to the Table

Here you've got an even more limited upgrade. The only major difference between the t3i and its two predecessors is that the pop-up flash will operate as a commander for Canon's wireless flash system. If you use wireless flash and you own a lot of Canon flashes, this is awesome. But, for the rest of this... that's not really that important anyway.

Making a Choice

You need to think about two things - how much you want to spend and what you'll use the camera for. All three are good options, and all three will make you happy. The t1i is obviously the cheapest, and each upgrade costs you some cash. If you buy used, the invest in a Canon speedlite. That will be way more cost effective in terms of improving your photographs if you ever take photos inside.