Differences between 550D vs 7D

[dryicerx]

Right now I have a 450D and I'm feeling the low light limitations, nothing over ISO800 is usable, and been kind of wanting video support. So for a while I've been eyeing the 7D... then came along news of the 550D

It looks to me like the 550D (from all the pre-release reviews, specs, etc) that the 550D is simply a baby 7D packing all it's features (minus weather sealing, build quality, faster fps), all for less than $1000 price of the 7D. The size difference can be fixed with a grip.

(I do photography as a hobby, so I am not sure the features I get on a 7D over a 550D are worth $1000)

Or Have I missed something else that's important between these two?


Quick references
Side by Side 550D vs 7D
550D Preview

[Tom]

The biggest difference is that the 550D doesn't have the same autofocus system.

The sensors are slightly different.
8 fps vs 3 fps
The 7D has a better shutter.
7D uses CF while the rebel uses SD.
Weathersealing
Magnesium-alloy vs plastic body

If you don't need the fast AF and the fps and don't mind having the smaller, plastic body, then you should be fine with the 550D.

[crazeazn]

Ignoring the video desire, why is nothing over 800 usable? The noise difference between these cameras at high ISOs over the years are marginally better at best. Are your images being exposed correctly or maybe you just don't like noise. I had a lot of wonderful images and prints from a Rebel XT/350 (I believe two generations before yours) at ISO 1600....

[dryicerx]

Originally Posted by crazeazn

Ignoring the video desire, why is nothing over 800 usable? The noise difference between these cameras at high ISOs over the years are marginally better at best. Are your images being exposed correctly or maybe you just don't like noise. I had a lot of wonderful images and prints from a Rebel XT/350 (I believe two generations before yours) at ISO 1600....

I am not pleased with the noise at 1600 at all on my XSi (usable: yes, enjoyable: not really). With the T2i/7D, you can use 1600 with noise that's comparable to about 400 on the XSi. Not to mention having 2 more usable stops up to 6400 available (not considering the expanded ISO as that looks like crap). I'm finding my self lately in really low light where a flash isn't practical, and these two stops can be quite useful as well.

[toverman]

I haven't used any of the newer Rebels, but had an original Rebel for several years and then an XTi. Even properly exposed images at ISO 800 started to get a little sketchy. I'd recommend looking at reviews for the T1i to see if that's better before jumping on to a T2i. Unless you have the budget, as a hobbyist the 7D might be a little bit of overkill.

Gripped Rebels do balance out better, but they still feel plasticky and small to me (of the two I've used).

[DoublyDan]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

The 7D has a better shutter.

Can anyone explain this to me?

[Tom]

It is rated for more actuations and can do a max of 1/8000th instead of 1/4000th

[bomboman]

ISO test between 550d and 7d shows that 7d has slightly better IQ. see here
Canon EOS 550D and EOS 7D ISO Comparison

[toverman]

If it matters, prosumer and pro-level DSLRs are also "ready to go" faster, can capture larger files and store them faster and have a much different feel (real and imagined) than the entry-level cameras. Anyone shooting fast-moving or fast-changing scenes needs to know that the camera is ready to go with just a hair touch. My Rebel experience (see my comment from months ago above) it that they are slow to react in many ways.

[jtriron]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

It is rated for more actuations and can do a max of 1/8000th instead of 1/4000th

How many actuations is it rated for ??