ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) for shooting from bright to dim light - The EOS Rebel T2i features an expanded ISO range that makes shooting possible in situations previously unthinkable without flash. With an ISO rating up to 6400 (expandable to ISO 12800), al
Customer Reviews
Un-Freakin-Believable - Sep 03, 2010
Wow, what can I say that others haven't already? I played extensively with the D90 and the T2i before I purchased the T2i. The Nikon was bigger (substantially) and heavier (again, substantially) but otherwise it felt no different than the T2i. As I have rather small hands I actually preferred the size factor of the T2i and any less weight I have to heft around for a full day of shooting is a definite plus. All buttons and controls felt identical and the sound of the shutter on both sounded solid, substantial and like a fine tuned instrument. It's low light performance, in particular, deserves mention. This thing can take a well exposed picture in a coal mine without flash. It's just amazing. The price of this is just hard to believe. You might expect to pay at least double the asking price for anything close to it's photographic performance. No sense repeating what many others have said. It's an incredibly well made product that delivers on every aspect of its promise. There is no better crop sensor camera. To get (incrementally) better photographic qulaity you'd have to go to a full frame camera and deal with the size and weight that come with these full size sensors.
Great camera! - Sep 02, 2010
The first digital camera (and I have had about 5 different ones over the years) that shows the colors the way that I actually see them. I am simply blown away by how much it accurately reflects what I see. I can ask nothing more from a camera. So far, I have found ease of use and accuracy of recording. I like it. I recommend it.
Significant Upgrade For Me - Aug 31, 2010
My previous camera was a Canon SX10IS, an excellent super zoom. I expected to stay with that camera because it took excellent photos, allowed me to shoot videos for YouTube, permitted continuous shooting, and grouped for HDR processing--without having the expense of a SLR and lenses or the weight that comes with them. However, because I found that I like to shoot sports, I was frustrated with the 1 photo per second burst and wanted to try my hand with HD video.
I bought the camera from Amazon as part of a package that included the 18-55 kit lens and the 55-250 zoom. I was satisfied with the photos I was getting before, but I know now I was too easily satisfied; the photos that I get now are superior, not a big difference, but noticeable.
Several days ago I attended the pre-season game of the Patriots and Rams and shot a 1000 photos at almost 4 frames a second, insuring that I was much more likely to capture the key moments of action.
The stadium was very well lighted, but even so for most of the game the ISO selected by the camera was 1600 (I chose the shutter speed and automatic white balance, the camera chose the rest), but when I checked the photos with Noise Ninja, there was no more noise than I would have gotten on a sunny day with my previous camera. The T2i includes a noise repression control with the settings, high, standard, and low. I have the camera set at "standard" and kept it there because I read that using the "high" setting slows the camera in the burst mode, but based on my experience the other night, standard is fine for most occasions. I suppose if I was shooting in low light I might want to switch to high, but I would not likely be in the burst mode in those conditions.
I ordered a battery pack before getting the camera because I'd read many reviews saying this was needed because of the small size and low weight of the camera. Because I found the camera comfortable in my hands and I had no trouble holding it steady, I thought I had made an unnecessary purchase. But I installed the battery pack and plan to continue using because I do think it is of benefit and, if nothing else, make it easier for me to shoot video. When shooting video with this camera you can't use the view finder, as I could with previous camera, but must hold the camera in front of your face and see what you are shooting on the screen. I believe the extra size and weight with the battery pack will be of help.
I should also mention that the camera manual says you should use at least a Class 6 card when shooting video. It should also say to use at least a Class 6 card when continuous shooting. Before the Class 6 and 10 cards came, I did some continuous shooting using the Class 4 cards that served me well with the previous camera. The photos using the Class 6 and 10 cards are superior. With the class 4 I got some usable photos from a burst, with the class 6 and 10 cards all are potential keepers, and any problems are attributable to other factors.
The only "down side" is now I am starting to yearn for a faster zoom lens. The 55-250 did an adequate job the other night, but I know that I could have done better with a faster (and more expensive) lens. This is an itch I will have to control so as not to break the bank.
Professional Quality With minimal practice - Aug 31, 2010
I wanted to post a quick review comparing my experience utilizing both the Canon EFS 18-55mm and Canon EFS 55-250 but compare those against using my Tamron AF 18-270mm. First off, I'm half asleep and not a pro so take what you can get. sorry. The Canon lens' while I had to switch them constantly and many times ened up missing the shot that I wanted in the time that it took to switch the lens over, even though I am dextrous as hell I must say lol. But when using the canons the images always came out sharp and colors where more vibrant in some (especially lowlight scenes) than when using the Tamron. The Tamron is workable in lowlight but I was pretty much having to use manual focus which isn't always easy to see clearly through the lcd. The body on the camera is just a winner in every way. It needs to win awards in many catagories. The quality that this thing is able to take is really second to none in it's price range. Then you can have 1080p video for a couple of minutes until the camera heats up and shuts itself down. That's always fun. What is with it overheating?The SD780 can shoot in 720p without overheating for much longer yet it's much smaller in size. The movie quality is excellent no doubt. The time limit on the movies it what turns it into almost useless. Ok, sorry for rambling, so basically the Tamron technically does what I had hope the two Canon's would do without having to change lenses. But autofocus fails in lowlight situations, and purple fringe can be seen in some low light pictures as well. Most of the bright came out as good or almost as good as the canons. I now feel like I wish I hadn't spent all the money on the Tamron when the Canons actually take the better pictures every single time without worry. Just awesome pictures.Hope this helps someone save some money or at least get an idea on which way they may want to go with a lens.Either way have fun. oh by the way, the macro on the Canon 15-55mm was closer and much crisper and more vivid on the flower that I took. The Tamron does the macro but just a blaa overall picture. Like im taking a picture with a much lesser camera body and that just chaps my ass.
Does not have panorama mode (photo-stitch)... bummer. - Aug 29, 2010
I am a huge fan of my Canon G9 and other Canon point and shoots, especially for panorama shots. I wish I had done my homework before buying the T2i..., since it does not have the panorama mode..
Great DSLR - Especially for Amateur - Aug 25, 2010
I bought this DSLR after returning the Canon EOS 7D. While the build and capabilites of the 7D were superior - it was way too much camera for me. A friend talked me into saving a $1000 and trying the Rebel T2i and I couldnt be happier. This has been a great camera to learn on and takes phenominal pictures. I have since purchased the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Digital SLR Lens for EOS Digital SLR Cameras and the pics are super crisp. The kit lens is also nice and takes great pics. I debated on getting and Xsi or T1i instead, however I'm glad I went with the T2i.
Can view some samples shot here: [...]
Great for noobs - Aug 12, 2010
This is my first dslr and I love it! After reading the user manual I'm able to get the photos I want almost every time. It's easy to use, takes lots of pictures quickly and they turn out great. The photo editing software that's included is a little hard to use but if you're serious about photography you probably have something else already. I love it and am now drooling over lenses.
I LOVE THE T2i! - Aug 03, 2010
For the price of the T1i, you are getting a 7D with lower frame rate bursts and less autofocus points. This really upstages the 50d, d5000, d90 and to some extent the 7d. This is my first DSLR and I'm glad I picked this one. It's awesome. Excellent quality and it's great for amateurs like myself. I love it!
Pros: Excellent video at 1080p 30, 25 or 720p 60
Excellant image quality with 18mp
Best in class LCD screen (high resolution & accurate colors)
Mic input.
Cons: Kit lens is not the greatest but it get's you started.
Awesome Camera... - Jul 24, 2010
Wow... Can't make better decision. I have been in love with this Camera. With 18-55mm and 50mm F1.8 lens it turns out to be the great camera with the price. Video... Wowwww..
Perfect for a Prosumer - Jul 24, 2010
This is my first DSLR, and I am so happy with the purchase. I have wanted a nice camera for years, and I finally had some extra money to make the investment. At $900+, it's a tad expensive for a casual photographer, but I looked at the purchase as an investment for several years. The image quality is wonderful, and the video is absolutely stunning. Everything in life looks significantly more interesting with this piece of hardware at your side.
Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR - Jul 16, 2010
I just purchased this camera 7-15 and its the best DSLR for the money! I looked at D70 Nikon's and they couldn't touch this.
I bought mine at bestbuy because they had it for $899.00 which is a great deal,also bought the camera bag and the 8 gb of sandisk extreme sd card. This camera takes some amazing photos.
Rival to 7D - Jul 15, 2010
I have a friend that has a Canon 7D and yes that thing is a beast, but this isnt about size. Its about pictures. As far as Im concerned and my friend as well, this camera takes just as good pictures as the 7D. And for half the price. Video takes a little getting used to, but WELL worth it. Im a prof. photog. and this was a big upgrade from my XSi. Well worth the price over the 7D.
Overpriced, overhyped, review-manipulated crap that will break soon. - Jul 14, 2010
It's a real turnoff when you drop better part of $1000 on a camera and right out of the box it feels like a cheap plastic toy, like something you'd give to your kid. No nice crisp feel to the selector knob, loose actually, not even as good as my old non-digital 35mm (a Chinon, possibly older than me, but it takes great pictures). Plugged in the brand knew 16gb sd card, didn't feel like it went in right, like sticking the card into playdough, again, shouldn't be having these kind of doubts "at this price point." Oh brother. As for the guy who wrote "...The camera is very small and light. It is not weather-sealed or as durable as some of the more expensive SLRs, but it doesn't "feel cheap" in my opinion..." Well in my opinion, IT DOES FEEL CHEAP and i'm taking it back tomorrow. But to be fair, i'm sure he's right about it not being weather-sealed.
Update 7/18/2010: Much happier now, got the Pentax K-7 (weather sealed), better feel and very good pictures. Camera body, plus Pentax 18-55 lens lens cost $926.50 plus shipping. All through Amazon. Perhaps Pentax allocates more resource to product quality than marketing and monitoring of reviews.
Items Ordered Price
1 of: Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video (Body Only) [Electronics]
Condition: New
Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
$792.98
1 of: PENTAX DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Weather Resistant Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Camera [Electronics]
Condition: New
Sold by: Electronics Expo (seller profile)
$133.52
Great camera - Jul 09, 2010
This is a great semi-pro camera. Excellent features, great image quality, user friendly. The quality of materials is good, but not great, and the camera feels a little small in the hand (can be fixed with a battery grip). Movie mode has great image quality but is not easy to use if frequent refocusing and zooming is required. Make sure you have good glass, because the 18-55 kit lens is not good enough to bring out the real performance of this camera.
Great Camera - Jul 05, 2010
I am new to an SLR and this camera with the 50mm prime lens is a lot of fun. I love the blurred background effect when taking close-ups of the kids. The video quality is exceptional compared to my old camcorder.
Great camera don't buy the lens - Jul 05, 2010
I'm an artist, my partner owns a small media company, and our hobbys range from video blogging to still photography. We've been waiting for a camera that could do it all, and this is it! The only problem is the plastic lens, which slightly blurs the 18mpix images. We got much sharper images by adapting an old Nikon lens. (For a full review see [...];-)
T2i or T1i? T2i for Me Please! - Jul 05, 2010
Four Stars is great coming from me, since I'm not much of a Five Star giver.
I have had my T2i since early March (2010). I was one of the lucky ones to find it when it just came out and was hard to find in stock. As someone who was considering the T1i before this one came out, I empathize with those of you trying to decide between the two cameras.
Right before I purchased the T2i I rented a T1i for the weekend to see if I was ready to jump into the DSLR world. I wasn't sure if the camera would intimidate me or if the picture quality would be worth the price tag. At the time there were not T2i's to rent. Having had a Canon advance point and shoot, it was easy to adjust to the T1i. I was hooked and needed one. So the question became: "T1i or T2i?"
The T2i and the T1i look and feel a lot a like. I decided to get the T2i for a few reasons:
1. The specs are like a 7D, but I'm paying less than $1000. I particularly like the 63 metering zones and true ISO 6400.
2. Button layouts are better on the T2i. With a cursory look, you need to do a double take to see the differences, but they're there and they are time savers. The Quick Control button let's you adjust settings, well, quickly.
3. Full HD. Although I do not shoot movies with the camera yet. I figure, if i decide a year or two from now to do it, I don't want to feel tempted to go out and buy a newer camera.
4. It's the Latest and Greatest. Again, I don't plan on buying another camera for a while. if the two are not that different, I rather have the new version.
What I like about the camera:
Great pictures no matter the lighting. I have a Canon S3 IS, and I loved the pictures I took with it outdoors, especially on a sunny day. But when it was time to come indoors and in places with not too much light, I was not as impressed. The T2i shines indoors and outdoors. With my EF 50mm 1.8 II and the right ISO, I have taken pictures that I never could with my S3 IS. Since I have not travelled with it yet, I mostly do portraits of my family. I also love the way it isolated the subject and the color accuracy.
I shoot mostly with the kit lens and the 50mm 1.8. I and everybody I show my pictures to love them. That is to say, the kit lens is just fine for me. I haven't trained my eyes yet, so maybe I'll look back and shake my head at some of the shots. Until I do, I'll save money on lenses. I plan to pick up a zoom lens and/ or a telephoto lens (for the range, not as a Kit lens replacement).
Shooting in RAW. There are those that say amateurs should not shoot in RAW and larger + fine JPEGs are good enough. I don't disagree with that, but for me, I like having all the data to edit with. With JPEGs one can only edit and save so many times before you're pictures started to get really grainy. I was always gun shy about edits, and avoided making too many corrections. With RAW, I have so much room to correct, and I am becoming more confident about post processing.
Advice from one newbie amateur to others looking to enter the DSLR world:
Set a budget and stick to it. There's a lot of gear out there, and there are the low end and high end prices. Without a budget, you can easily get tempted to go high. If you have the money to go high, great. If you don't have high end money, don't let snooty reviewers or sales people guilt you into blowing your budget. Beware of folks who compare consumer level gear with professional gear. If something is in your price range and you like the results, then go for it, even if it is not as good as Gear X that is 4 times the price.
Good luck and happy shopping. Pick a camera and get out there and shoot already!
Lawyer Uses Canon T2i to Shoot 938 photos and 35 videos on Vacation - Jun 30, 2010
"What kind of wacko takes 938 pictures on vacation?"
That's exactly what my brother asked me when I returned from vacation from the Caribbean after having just purchased the Canon T2i camera with an 18-55mm lens and a 55mm-250mm zoom lens. I was super excited when my camera was delivered the day before we were leaving. I had just sold my previous Sony Cyber Shot DSC F828 camera and had bought the Canon dSLR primarily to shoot video. I am a medical malpractice and personal injury trial lawyer in New York and have created a business where I help lawyers produce educational video to market themselves online. I had been using my Canon Vixia HF S10 video camera to create excellent quality video up until that point.
When the reviews came out about this Canon digital SLR I was fascinated with the fact that it took full high definition video, and importantly had an external microphone input that would allow me to connect my wireless lavalier microphone. This was the perfect opportunity for me to try out the cameras functions, quality and importantly, video capability.
The primary reason for buying this particular camera is that it allows me to create depth of field when shooting video. Standard video cameras keep everything in focus. This dSLR allowed you to have your video image crystal clear in the front, and had your background blurred to create depth of field. The difference is remarkable and is comparable to watching daytime soap opera or watching a feature length movie.
This camera has a super-fast high speed shutter and high-speed exposure, up to a maximum of 3200 ISO. It shoots 3.7 frames per second in continuous shooting mode. The camera comes with a very smart booklet on photography that provides a quick read that explains what the different settings are on the camera. Importantly, it shows you how you can utilize those settings with actual photo results.
We were away for five days and I was actually stunned by the quality of the 18 megapixel photographs that were showing up on the 3 inch LCD screen on camera. The low light capability was incredible. We were in a steak restaurant for my mother-in-law's birthday, and the lighting was very dim. The pictures I took that evening in the restaurant were among the most memorable.
We took the kids to swim with the dolphins one morning and I'm extremely pleased that this camera had the ability to shoot high speed photos and take great action shots. My wife was getting frustrated since she has a small point and shoot camera and every time the dolphin would jump in the air and do tricks she would miss the shot since her camera took too long to compose the picture, autofocus, and then take the picture. My camera was able to take beautiful, crystal-clear photos and video of action shots showing the dolphin in midair and interacting with my kids.
The 18 mm-55 mm lens produced great quality photo and video images. There was abundant light generated from this lens that I was really happy with. The zoom lens worked perfectly. It was a perfect complement to the smaller lens.
The settings are easy to learn, and even my eight-year-old became very proficient at shooting great quality photos and video with this camera. Each of my kids had a chance to play around with the camera and each of them said "Dad, this camera is great and takes great pictures."
I am very impressed with the quality of the video.
Excellent Camera! Totally Satisfied! - Jun 29, 2010
I zeroed in on this camera after several weeks of considering and evaluating several entry-level DSLR cameras! I got it and immediately fell in love. Excellent image quality. Impressive Battery stamina. Very easy to use. Works effortlessly with my Mac (iPhoto and Aperture). if i had a choice to do it over I'd sure buy this camera again. Looking into professional photography as a hobby.
Remarkable camera for the novice - Jun 29, 2010
It was easy to order the camera. Was delivered exactly as promised. Everything included as advertised. The camera was ready to use immediately. I consider my self a novice, as I have only been using the small point and shoot digital cameras. This is very easy to learn. The small manual is helpful to get started. Everything on the
camera seems to be very intuitive. I am completely happy with the quality of the pictures. Have used it several times to take action pictures at Ironman triathlons. It is at least as fast as advertised. Resolution is excellent. I believe you would have to be a pro to find anything less than exceptional with this camera.
Great camera! - Jun 24, 2010
This is by far the best digital camera out there for still images. Put a good lens on it and you'll be amazed at the quality of your images. I find that I get the best results shooting in the Appature Priority mode where I can easily control the depth of field. For best images using flash I set the max ASA to 400 or lower. In full auto mode the camera will almost always select a very high and slightly noisy ASA. My advice is to get an 8-32GB fast memory card and always shoot RAW images. 544 RAW images will fit on a 16GB card. That's plenty for me!
On Edit -
About video:
The video recorded is stunning, and you have the bonus of being able to use a variety of lenses. The only issue is the noise of the focus motors when you use the on camera microphone. DO NOT try to use an A-Data memory card! I thought I was getting the deal of a lifetime when I found a 16GB Class 10 card for $30. When I attempted to record video the camera would overheat and shut down, sometimes after only a few seconds of recording. Based upon the replies I got from my original review I tried a different 16GB card, this one a Transcend class 6 that I normally use in a Zoom H4, and it works perfectly. Lesson learned. Always check the reviews before you buy!
The menus are easy to figure out, buttons are well placed and the display is awesome. The camera is very easy to operate once you learn where all the buttons/menus are.
Using live view at a slow shutter speed almost always introduces camera shake because the mirror seems to move down-up-down-up every time you fire the shutter. More work for the mirror mechanism too. Live View comes in handy for grab shots but be aware of the shutter speed issue and you'll get away with it.
Videographer making the DLSR Transition - Jun 23, 2010
As a videographer, I finally decided to make the switch from video cameras to DSLR after seeing very impressive videos shot with them. The following review reflects only the video side of the camera.
First off, if you're like me and are planning on making the DSLR conversion, make sure you know what you're getting into. Examples include the CMOS sensor, the expense of extra lenses, the 4gb file limitations, 4:2:0 color spacing and the over-heating issue.
Recording at NTSC 1920x1080 (30p & 24p), 1280x720 (60p) and 640x480 (60p), I felt DSLR's would be the new medium in video recording. The image quality alone is great, although your video files WILL lag on your computer unless they're converted to a format better suited for editing. I use Cineform NeoScene, which quickly converts the videos to Cineform .avi files as well as giving me 4:2:2 color spacing. I also use a Transcend 32gb Class 6 SDHC card and it works GREAT for HD video.
With that said, I'm just going to leave it at the videos LOOK amazing, especially with fast lenses. I always keep my Sigma 18-200(28-320 for it's APS-C crop factor) f3.5-6.3 since I prefer to have a decent all-around lens.
Over-Heating:
Now, I really want to focus on the cons of the Canon T2i's video capabilities. First off is the over-heating issue. While some others have rated the 7D and 5D's over-heating time to around 40 minutes to an hour, I rated my Canon T2i's over-heating issue to about 28-32 minutes of continuous recording on 2 separate occasions at an average 72 degree Fahrenheit room temperature. I'd recommend waiting at least 5 minutes for the sensor to cool down. If you're an event videographer, this may turn you off completely since the time it takes you to cool down could be the most important 5 minutes of an event.
External Monitor Support:
Another issue I came across is the T2i's compatibility with High Definition Monitors. You CANNOT use a monitor and use the T2i's lcd screen at the same time. I own a 7" HD monitor with a resolution of 800x480, a VERY high resolution for such a small monitor. I had hoped to be able to use this monitor for focusing purposes WHILE recording...boy was I wrong!! When you plug in your monitor, everything looks great! You can focus easily, you can preview all of your footage with great detail, you can see your images clearly...then you press the record button...for some reason, someone somewhere decided that when you press record, the resolution and aspect ratio should be changed within the camera itself. Your monitor WILL convert to 4:3 aspect ratio and stretch and widen the image out to 16x9, THEN it will add a black bar on the bottom of the image and squeeze it UPWARD while giving you the resolution that's meant to be on the T2i's own lcd screen. Needless to say, using an external monitor during recording is pointless and I wouldn't recommend it.
Other:
The T2i doesn't offer audio levels and no control over AGC, just like the 7D and 5D. There's no peaking option and forget about using auto focusing.
The camera DOES NOT record continuously after it reaches it's 4gb(12 minute) limit. The camera will give a message saying recording has stopped. Once that message pops up, you HAVE TO be on your toes and get ready to press record again after about 1 second.
With that out of the way, this is a great camera for aspiring film makers and cinematographers that take time to really set up shots. But if you're looking for a camera to shoot on the fly coverage...stick to video cameras.
Great, if you know what you're buying!!! - Jun 17, 2010
Well I finally got my camera... It was what I expected.
I also own a Nikon D60 (there's my review on that)
I must say, the plasticky feel in my hand shocked me a bit!... it feels like grabbing one of my daughter's toys... sort of action figure plastic... but it is expected... after all this is basically loaded with many features a 7D, or 5D has at a fraction of the cost.
The camera is light and all button repositions from the previous models work great ergonomically... I got this camera more for it's video capabilities to shoot 1080P video with my prime lenses!!!... photographywise, I haven't done a GREAT DEAL of testing yet, but so far I have to say, the 12.3 Megapixel Nikon's pictures look as good if not better, more balanced... And we're talking D60, not a D3 here... ALSO there's CONSIDERABLE amount of noise, sensor noise... certainly more than I expected, his camera would have been better at 12 or 15 mp... or AT LEAST WITH DIFFERENT RAW file size option, which it doesn't have.HOWEVER all in all a photographer with a good eye and a better lens than the 18-55 supplied will take awesome pictures... in other words, the image will 95% the photographer's ability... and maybe 5% of what you can't do on it, would be equipment limitations, such as full frame, shutter speed and calibration... this can take pictures you could publish anywhere.
They are different companies with different focus (no pun intended).
This is the best all around entry level DSLR, for video and everyday use.
If you want better photo quality, albeit less menu options and less video capability a Nikon beats this camera easily.
CANON: Unparalleled bang from your buck... great quality of images.
NIKON: Image quality and consistency first, more solid build... features second.
Amazing Camera - Jun 17, 2010
Without a doubt, the Rebel T2i is an amazing camera in its price range. To those of us who are moving from a point and shoot camera to the world of DSLRs, it's a bit overwhelming. Even if one understands the principals of exposure (aperture, shutter speed and ISO), the functions and features of this camera are so numerous that it will require considerable study of the manual to learn how and where to access all of them. In addition to all the usual camera functions and adjustments, there are such features as "Auto Lighting Optimizer," and "Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction." And, of course, all the flash (internal and external) adjustments. I haven't even started on the movie making yet. There is definitely a learning curve but in the meantime, you will be delighted with the Auto or Mode dial results. I think you will be quite impressed by the camera's low light performance without a flash, I was.
I would highly recommend this camera, but if it is your first DSLR, have patience, read the manual and practice...you'll learn. I'm working on it.
Fantastic Camera... with no excuses. - Jun 16, 2010
Brief review here...
What's going on with the reviews complaining that this sub-$1000 camera isn't built like a $6000+ pro-DSLR?
First, I have been a serious amateur photographer for decades. I can appreciate a camera with a super high-quality build. I have owned and used Leica M's and "pro" quality SLR's so heavy that they required a servant to lug. The Canon T2i does NOT have the rugged build quality of the "pro" cameras. However, it does NOT matter. What DOES matter is that this camera will allow you to take outstanding photographs.
I'll repeat... What DOES matter is that this camera will allow you to take outstanding photographs. Furthermore, it is so lightweight and small that I carry it everywhere. My other DSLR is a Canon 5D and it feels huge & heavy compared to the T2i.
As far a the ruggedness issue goes, with the same level of care you would treat an iPhone, this camera will last you for years. Buy it and have fun!
****
Suggestion: If you have some extra money left over after purchasing this camera, buy some good quality lenses. I would suggest a 50mm prime (great portrait lens) for starters. I think the 18-55 kit lens does a fine job for everyday carry but good lenses will last you for many, many years and multiple camera upgrades. Also, the 270EX flash yields surprisingly good results.
Note: Although I normally always try to buy from Amazon, I purchased this from another source (B&H) due to the pricing nonsense Amazon continues to allow from 3rd party sellers.
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