comparing Canon 7d vs. T2i

[ccredifo]

I'm trying to compare the 7d versus the T2i. The specs are so close I'm wondering if the T2i is just as good for underwater use but $700 cheaper.

They both have:
18 MB
APS-C sensor
Digic 4 processor
Full HD Video

The main advantages of the 7d are:
8 frames/sec
150,000 cycles
19 point AF system

I'll use it for underwater so frame/sec is meaningless. The number of cycles doesn't make a difference to me either.

Not sure if the 19 point AF system is a big deal or not. The T2i has a 9 point AF system so I guess this is the big difference.

If someone could explain this value and if it makes a difference for uw photos that would be great.

thanks
ccredifo

 

[slowhands]

Both are great cameras. For underwater use, I'd get the T2i to save money. You might drown the camera, so keep the cost low.

 

[M_Bipartitus]

If it were up to me I'd buy the T2i and use the extra $700 to get better lenses. A nice f/2.8 or wider lens will be more beneficial to your photography than the speed /durability improvements from T2i to 7D.

 

[bvanant]

From a technical standpoint, if you are shooting only in well lit, clear water then I would get the T2i. The low light focusing of the 7D is noticeably better than the T2i with the most useful (60 macro, 100 macro, Tokina 10-17) UW lenses that I looked at. The other advantages are that the viewfinder is 100% coverage in the 7D while in the T2i you can't see the corners. Also, the battery life of the 7D is about 40% longer than the T2i but that will only effect you shooting video for the most part. One thing to think about is weight, and the T2i is a lot lighter but it isn't clear yet that most of the high end housing guys are going to make T2i housings but apparently Nauticam and Ike will so you will have some choice. So a lot will depend on which housing you will like. I would guess that you will likely be perfectly happy with either one.
Bill

 

[bkkchris]

I own a 7D with a Nauticam housing, but have also had a chance to play around quite a bit with a friends T2i. I would say that the 7D is worth the extra for the build quality, the ease of access to the often used functions/buttons with less menus/button pushes, the AF is much improved, the custom settings presets are great for setting a macro/wide/video preset. I doubt very much that you will be able to tell much difference in the image quality, but the handling of the 7D, to my taste, is vastly superior. Of course there is a significant price difference and I agree that the T2i and some good glass is a solid purchase, both are crammed with pixels and need good glass. The 7D is also quite a bit larger and heavier, but then I find the T2i to be TOO small and light and very toy like in comparison.

 

[ccredifo]

Well, I just bought the T2i. Dive trip to Key Largo in early June. Stay tuned for pics.

 

[keeponswimming]

I'm debating between the 7D and T2i for underwater shooting. We're you happy with your choice? Which housing did you end up getting?