Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i

Ever wonder why camera companies churns out new cameras at a pace you just can't keep up with? In my opinion, I think it is perfectly normal from a return-on-equity standpoint if I am a shareholder.

Therefore, Canon gives you some insight on the naming of these new cameras, the Rebel T1i (500D), T2i (550D), XSi (450D). You can guess from their names what it means. When you shell out your bucks, you close one eye (1i), you close two eyes (2i), or you semi-close your eyes (XSi). It roughly tells you how much you are paying. (Just kidding...)

Well, I was initially very impressed, see the spec below:

■18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
■DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
■Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
■Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
■7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
■iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
■Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
■Exposure compensation +/-5 stops (although viewfinder scale is still +/-2 stops)
■Select maximum value for Auto ISO
■External Microphone socket
■Movie crop function
■Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility

As a Nikon camper, I think these specs are not bad at all, given the body is only priced at US$799. Add US$100 you'll get a 18-55 kit lens. The price is reasonable as an entry-level DSLR, but you got more than what you paid for.

Of course, it is not the price alone that determine whether a camera is worth buying. Here is a preview.