Canon T2i vs Canon T5i

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Canon T2i vs Canon T5i

APS-C 332.3mm²
18.0 megapixels
ISO 100 - 6400

Go in depth with our full Canon T2i Review.
See real-world photos taken with the T2i.

APS-C 332.3mm²
18.0 megapixels
ISO 100 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Canon T5i Review.
How does it shoot? Canon T5i in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the T5i.
Compare Canon T5i image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Canon T5i conclusion.

Succeeded by the Canon T3i
Compare T2i vs T3i

Succeeded by the Canon T6i
Compare T5i vs T6i

Compare CANON T3I vs CANON T6I

Buy From

Differences

Canon T2i advantages over Canon T5i

Fast startup
~0.40 vs 0.7 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
T2i test data on DxO Mark T5i test data on DxO Mark

784 vs 681 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise

Canon T5i advantages over Canon T2i

Tilt-swivel screen
Tilt-swivel vs none
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
More cross-type AF points
9 vs 1
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
Faster JPEG shooting
4.8 fps vs 3.6 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Bigger JPEG buffer
15 vs 10 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
4.8 fps vs 3.6 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Higher extended ISO
25600 vs 12800 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Pentaprism viewfinder
Neither provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read T2i User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read T5i User Reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon T2i

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon T5i

Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens

Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
Body Only
Kit with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens

Review Excerpt

Read our Canon T2i Full Review

Excellent image quality; 9 cross-type AF points; Stereo microphones; Built-in touchscreen; Multi-shot modes; Improved kit lens; Even more affordable.
Little-changed from the earlier T4i; Slow Live View and video autofocus; High ISO performance is unimproved; Below-average battery life; No dedicated AF illuminator.
Read our Canon T5i Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon T4i

Canon T2i

Canon T4i

$692
APS-C

Less expensive
Fast startup

$700
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

Compare Canon T2i vs Canon T4i

Canon T5i

Canon T4i

$539
APS-C

Lighter weight

$700
APS-C

More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon T5i vs Canon T4i

Compared to Pentax K-7

Canon T2i

Pentax K-7

$692
APS-C

Less expensive
Fast startup

$1300
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T2i vs Pentax K-7

Canon T5i

Pentax K-7

$539
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$1300
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T5i vs Pentax K-7

Compared to Sony A55

Canon T2i

Sony A55

$692
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$734
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T2i vs Sony A55

Canon T5i

Sony A55

$539
APS-C

Lens selection
Tilt-swivel screen

$734
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T5i vs Sony A55

Compared to Nikon D5100

Canon T2i

Nikon D5100

$692
APS-C

Shoots 60p video

$650
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Larger sensor

Compare Canon T2i vs Nikon D5100

Canon T5i

Nikon D5100

$539
APS-C

Touchscreen
On-sensor phase detect

$650
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

Compare Canon T5i vs Nikon D5100

Compared to Sony A57

Canon T2i

Sony A57

$692
APS-C

Lens selection
External Mic Jack

$800
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon T2i vs Sony A57

Canon T5i

Sony A57

$539
APS-C

Lens selection
Tilt-swivel screen

$800
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon T5i vs Sony A57

Compare Other Cameras?