Canon EOS T3i vs. T2i (600D vs 550D): Which one to buy?

Canon EOS T3i /600D vs. T2i / 550D

Despite all the buzz created by the MILC (Mirrorless interchangeable Lens Cameras) these days , traditional DSLRs -especially entry level models- are still the best sellers in almost all interchangeable camera markets around the world. Canon T3i / 600D and T2i / 550D shares the top 2 spot currently (and almost always on Top 3 since their introduction) on the US market best seller list (Check Amazon's Best Seller DSLR List) and there actually are very little that differentiates these two besides the price difference. If you don't look close enough, you may not be able to distinguish them. So I just wanted to list out the advantages/disadvantages of these two and add my comments in order to help you in your decision process.

Canon T3i / 600D advantages over T2i / 550D:

• Fuly articulated LCD screen vs. Fixed LCD Screen
• Wireless flash control capability (with T2i you need a master flash like the 580EX II or a Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter to control other wireless flashes)
• More Image Ratio options: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 vs. 3:2

 Canon T2i / 550D advantages over T3i / 600D:

• Lower selling price: $625 vs. $771 (both with 18-55mm IS Kit lenses)
• Smaller: 129x98x62 mm vs 133x99x79 mm
  
• Lighter: 530 g vs 570 g
• Slightly larger viewfinder: 0,54x vs 0,53x (due to higher magnification ratio - 0.87x vs. 0.85x)
• Faster startup: Delay 400 ms vs 1500 ms

Conclusion:

As you see, both cameras has their own advantages and it depends on your priorities and shooting style if the T3i / 600D justifies the $150 price difference or not.

• If you are into off-camera flash photography, T3i has a big advantage of wireless flash control capability. If you need a similar capability with the T2i, you need to buy an expensive flash  to use as a master like Canon 580EX II to control your other off-camera flashes wirelessly.
• The most important deciding factor in my opinion is the articulated screen of the T3i. I have to confess when the first DSLRs with flip-out or articulated screen came out, I was strongly against them cause I have seen it as a point-and-shoot type of camera feature. But once I used a DSLR with one, I didn't want to go back. It gives you such a flexibility in some difficult angles and positions that it was almost impossible to shoot properly with a fixed screen. But again, it depends on how frequent you encounter such shooting positions.

So for me, the advantages of T3i / 600D over T2i / 550D justifies the $150 price difference. But then again, if you are not interested in off-flash photography nor  the articulated screen, I say go for the  Canon T2i / 550D. It gives %95 of what T3i offers in a smaller and lighter package for a lower price. (Below you can see a spec comparison table for further detail)

Buy / Read User Reviews: Canon EOS T3i / 600D with 18-55mm IS Lens Kit on Amazon

Buy / Read User Reviews: Canon EOS T3i / 600D Body Only on Amazon

Buy / Read User Reviews: Canon EOS T2i / 550D with 18-55mm IS Lens Kit on Amazon

Buy / Read User Reviews: Canon EOS T2i / 550D Body Only on Amazon

Canon EOS T3i / 600D vs. T2i / 550D Comparison