Technically - what's the difference? T2i vs 7D

[subscuck]

Oh sorry I thought the thumb wheel had been dropped from the 60D.

They got rid of the top buttons on the 60D. Changing things like ISO, metering mode, etc., on the fly isn't as convenient or quick as it was on the prosumer XXD bodies. Also, since it hasn't been specifically mentioned, the difference in build quality is magnesium alloy body on the 7D (and prosumer XXD's) versus plastic over a metal frame on the Rebs and 60D.

 

[macpro88]

Oh sorry I thought the thumb wheel had been dropped from the 60D.

They got rid of the top buttons on the 60D. Changing things like ISO, metering mode, etc., on the fly isn't as convenient or quick as it was on the prosumer XXD bodies. Also, since it hasn't been specifically mentioned, the difference in build quality is magnesium alloy body on the 7D (and prosumer XXD's) versus plastic over a metal frame on the Rebs and 60D.

I would also add, if true, the 7D on up are also "weather resistant" where as I don't think the 60D is.

Note, weather resistant not the same as weather proof. I've used my 7D in light rain and has been lightly splashed before near the pool, with no issues. Don't even thing about submerging it in water lol

 

[Big Mike]

While it may be obvious...whenever someone asks about this camera vs that camera, I think the best thing to do, is to go into a good camera shop and see the cameras side by side, in person. Get your hands on the different bodies and the differences start to become more apparent....or maybe not, but anyone should be able to 'feel' the difference. People have mentioned the buttons/dials that are different, but overall, it's the ergonomics that are vastly different. How it fits your hands, where and how you access the controls etc. It's probably not a big issue for most people, as they will adapt to whatever they use...but I would certainly get frustrated if I had to use a Rebel, because I've been using higher bodies for so many years.

But as mentioned, in terms of pure image quality...probably little or no difference.

 

[Overread19 7]

The 7D can survive an Arctic blizzard (there are photos of that kicking around somewhere) and its also pretty good at surviving Kai
Canon 7D - Hardcore Durability Test - YouTube
That said it isn't 100% waterproof - so if in extreme conditions do use additional protection as needed.

 

[macpro88]

While it may be obvious...whenever someone asks about this camera vs that camera, I think the best thing to do, is to go into a good camera shop and see the cameras side by side, in person. Get your hands on the different bodies and the differences start to become more apparent....or maybe not, but anyone should be able to 'feel' the difference. People have mentioned the buttons/dials that are different, but overall, it's the ergonomics that are vastly different. How it fits your hands, where and how you access the controls etc. It's probably not a big issue for most people, as they will adapt to whatever they use...but I would certainly get frustrated if I had to use a Rebel, because I've been using higher bodies for so many years.

But as mentioned, in terms of pure image quality...probably little or no difference.

+1,000,000

This made a huge difference to me when I upgraded from my T1i. Went into Be** Bu* (only place in town...) and was able to physically hold the cameras I was looking at, the 7D, 60D, and D7000. And being able to hold each one really helped make up my mind on which one to buy. Wen't with the 7D, just felt good in my hands lol.

 

[subscuck]

I would also add, if true, the 7D on up are also "weather resistant" where as I don't think the 60D is.

It is true. While all DSLR's have weather proofing, as you move up the line, it gets better.

To the OP; There are a lot of things that numbers won't tell you. Two cameras can spec out the same (or nearly so), but with a higher end body, there will be intangeables that numbers won't show. Things like body material, number of buttons and their placement, etc., that seem meaningless to a newbie or amateur, but are extremely important to a pro or semi pro. Being able to make changes on the fly without removing your eye from the view finder, for example. Durability and longevity for another example.

 

[sovietdoc]

While you can argue that t2i image quality is the same as 7D if you nail the focus, in a lot of situations that "if you nail the focus" is what makes all the difference between the two.

7D has more AF points (19) AND they're all crosstype, so not only it has bigger AF area to play with, but the points themselves are more accurate than on t2i. ANd like other have mentioned, 7D has TWO processors so that AF is super quick.

In a sense this is similar to comparing IQ of 5d2 with the 5d3. Yes, the pictures will look about the same "if you nail the focus" but good luck nailing the focus in the 5d2 in all situations but studio and landscapes. AF system is one of the most important things in a camera if not THE most important.