olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

If buying used be careful about how much you pay, used DSLR values are down (in general) gauged by what the major re-sellers are giving for used on trade or buying. A good rule of thumb, if you pick a camera model, go to one of the major used buyers, (KEH, MPB.com, UsedPhotoPro for starters) and see what they will give for the model you are interested in (do your best to be accurate on description), once you have that price, figure on adding another 40-60% (sometimes more for high end) to get to a reasonable price (reasonable for buyer and seller).

I have one quick example (also have a few others, but this makes the point), pristine, very low click (<2K) Nikon D7100 body, US model, box and all the goodies. Top offer even after asking for adjustment based on stellar condition (3 vendors) - $215.00, and as low as $135.00. The used market is flooded with this very popular DSLR, due to continued new model releases, and folks trading in. If anyone does not believe me, I will PM the evidence. They will then turn around and offer it up for around $400 (+/-). Ebay is like a roller coaster right now, prices are all over the place. Shop carefully.

Make sure you can return in reasonable time, and shop someone who offers at least a 6 month warranty. Watch out for shabby bundles. Good luck in your venture.
My $.02

anotherview Loc: California

Yes, the camera will work for that purpose. You may also wish to consider attending a workshop in basic DSLR operation. A workshop in basic photo editing could help, too.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

The Canon T2i was the top of the "Rebel" series line, in it's day. Outside N. America, it's known as an EOS 550D. It's a nine year old model, so probably isn't supported by Canon any longer (repairs, if ever needed, might be possible with an independent shop).

It's 18MP with a simple, 9-point AF system (one higher performance "dual axis" AF point, at the center of the array), and can take 4 shots per second in continuous shooting mode.

For comparison, the Canon T7i (800D) is the current top of the Rebel line (although the EOS 77D actually has very similar specs and might be considered a notch higher). The T7i is 24MP with a more advanced, 45-point AF system (all "dual axis" type) that's able to focus in lower light conditions and with more lens/teleconverter combinations. The T7i can shoot at 6 frames per second.

The T7i also has an articulated Touch Screen LCD on the back. It tilts and rotates to be able to view it from different angles or even from the front of the camera (i.e., "selfie" or "blogger" mode). The T2i's screen is fixed and isn't Touch-enabled. The T7i also has Canon's "Dual Pixel Auto Focus" (DPAF) in Live View mode and when shooting video (i.e., when the rear screen is used for composition, focusing, etc.... instead of the viewfinder). DPAF is a form of "phase detection" autofocus that's MUCH faster than the contrast detection autofocus used in the T2i and other cameras of that age.

There's nothing at all "wrong" with T2i... it's just an older Rebel series model. Since they are no longer available new, you'll need to shop used. It may be possible to check how many "shutter actuations" a used camera has seen (sort of like mileage on a car). Canon predicts cameras at this level will be good for about 75,000 "clicks"... This is merely an estimate, an average life expectancy across all copies of any given model, and not a guarantee by any means. But, it might be useful to know how much a camera has been used. There are apps that can "read" how many clicks some Canon cameras have seen, which might give you a rough idea how much "life" is left in it. I'd try to get that info, if at all possible.

Some have commented, and I agree, that lenses are more important than the camera.

T2i would have normally been sold with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS "II" or EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS "STM" lens... the latter has considerably faster and quieter auto focus. Another difference is that the STM lens' front barrel doesn't rotate when the lens is focused. The II's barrel does rotate, which can be frustrating when trying to work with a filter like a Circular Polarizer, which changes effect when it's rotated. Theses lenses are somewhat plasticky. They are inexpensive "kit" lenses, after all. But they are generally capable of making nice images. (Note: There have actually been six different versions of Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens... those two are just the most likely ones to have been originally fitted to a T2i).

These cameras have also often been offered in a two-lens kit with the 18-55mm and a second, telephoto zoom lens. Most commonly that would have been an EF-S 55-250mm IS "II" or EF-S 55-250mm IS "STM".... where the latter is preferable for some of the same reasons as the 18-55mm STM lens. Another, lower priced lens sometimes included in the kit is the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 "III". Avoid this lens.... it's simply not very good... slow, noisy autofocus ("micro motor")... lacks Image Stabilization... has pretty poor image quality. The EF-S 55-250mm IS STM is a much better lens in all respects.

Of course, buying used it's hard to say what lenses might be included with a used camera, if any at all. Often people have added a lens or replaced a kit lens with something better or more suited to what they do. They might even have bought the camera without a lens and bought a third party (such as Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, etc.) lens to use with it. You'll have to carefully research any lenses that you might be offered. There's a lot of info online.

Online there appears to be a wide range of prices for used T2i. Be careful. I see "refurbished" advertised at a number of stores, but what does that mean? Is it any better than just plain "used"? Actual "factory refurbished" Canon cameras have only been sold directly from Canon's own website for some years now. Not in stores. Canon sold out of refurb'd T2i long ago. Here's a link to the other, most similar models currently available refurb'd from Canon: https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-interchangeable-lens-cameras#facet:-810369798332555568,-810369798332821019810110832837650,-8103697983328210198101108328455105,-8103697983328210198101108328454115,-8103697983328210198101108328454105,-8103697983328210198101108328453105,-8103697983328210198101108328451105,-810765808345673240494654120329911411111241&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:11&pageView:grid&pageSize:72&

Note that not all those cameras are currently available. Stock often comes and goes quickly there. So you may have to wait for a particular model you're seeking. And, when it does pop up, you might need to move quickly! A nice thing about Canon refurbished is that they have the same warranty as new. Buying used from a dealer often comes with at least a 90 day "store warranty", too. Buying used from a private party may cost less, but generally means no warranty at all.

dick ranez

Any camera is a "good camera" for a beginner and the T2i is no better or worse than any other $150 used camera. Whatever you buy will have limitations, but whether you notice them or not depends upon how extensively you use it. A used $20 point and shoot with adjustable controls is equally good as a learning device so buy a good photo book, search you tube videos and other on-line instructional stuff and start off on a great hobby. You'll soon learn what you "need".

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Hey, Hawkeye, how did you get a little picture in the subject/title line of your post. A great idea.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

I suggest you test-fit ANY camera in your hands, for good hand-hold, comfortable, accessibility of controls with YOUR fingers, etc. Rebels are smaller-bodied cameras than other Canon DSLRs. Good for small hands, maybe not for big hands.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

I have a t2i camera that I will probably never upgrade based on my budget. I have the kit 18-55mm lens, a 50mm f1.8 for closeups, and a 55-250mm for reach, all decent if not top-drawer lenses (which I can't afford).
Personally, I'm glad I didn't spend extra money on a more basic camera but instead learned (and am learning) how to use it. Good idea to take a class so you don't do like I did when I first confiscated it from my son, who took a college class and never used it afterwards. My first three shots were of fence posts at a national park visitor center while I figured out where the shutter button was.

After you get the camera, search the internet on how to photograph whatever is your interest area (product, food, flowers, portraits, etc.) Lots of great advice on lenses to get and camera settings and techniques. In awhile you will get GAS (gear acquistion syndrome) and want more expensive equipment. Depending on your budget, you can then get whatever you can afford, but the t2i should suit you for a long time.

nikonnate Loc: Woodbury MN

I started my photography life a few years ago with a T5i. I shoot a D850 now but one of these days will go back to a Rebel system for some of those circumstances I don't want to take my big camera in to. My T5i didn't do very well in low light situations but was very capable with decent lighting. I sold it but now kind of regret it, even owning something as nice as the D850. A decent number of my friends have been very, very happy with their various T#i cameras. Just get a decent lens or two after learning some compositions tricks and the exposure triangle. Shooting RAW or JPG won't matter much for a while, but eventually the benefits of RAW become evident.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

This is a nice camera to work with. Make sure you get it as a kit with two lenses. One as a prime lens or a short zoom and one as a long zoom.
Most of all remember, the camera does about 1% of the photo. The remaining 99% of the photograph depends on the nut behind the camera. Learn the basic exposure triangle (shutter speed aperture and ISO.) Then, have some fun and post your photos. By the way, don't let anyone tell you their camera is better. In all, some people can't tell the difference between a $20 disposable film camera and a $10,000 Mirrorless camera. It takes a trained eye to see the difference. You should just have fun with this wonderful craft!

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

You may want to look at the Nikon store comes with 2 lens plus case for 399.00

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

My T3i is great - I started with the kit 18-55 and 75-200 - recently I bought a Tamron 18-200 for the image stabilization as well as getting the range in one lens- $200 well spent.
You say you was to just shoot stills - 2 things- a good tripod and a book/class on lighting will be very helpful.
Harvey

LEGALDR Loc: Southern California

Hawkeye, the Canon T2i is a great camera. It was my second DSLR. I still have it and use it. I bought several other cameras because I needed (read "wanted") certain additional characteristics that the T2i did not have. Three frames per second was a bit slow for horseracing so I bought a Pentax KR. I have since acquired a Pentax K5 and a Sony A6000. Those of us who enjoy photography as a hobby and recreational sport, have learned that the eye behind the camera is the most important element in a good photo. The T2i is still in the stable and does get a workout on occasion. I have learned that almost all cameras manufactured in the last several years are very capable of doing what most of us want them to do. …….Take good pictures! Shop around and you will probably find some very good deals. I bought the kit lenses, EFS 18-55mm, EFS 55-250mm, 50mm 1.8 and for travel, a Tamron 18-270mm. Good lenses are available and sometimes the "hunt" is just as pleasurable as the "kill"! Dave Busch wrote several very good books on the T2i and I am sure that some used copies are available on EBAY at reasonable prices. Good luck and enjoy!

Dale Evans - Amaetur Loc: Baton Rouge, La

Sage Advice!
Everyone, myself included, wanted a DSLR so I could be a "real photographer".

Well, 3 Nikons later along with a bag full of lenses, I have decided that all I ever really wanted to do was to take good pictures and discovered that all of that gear wasn't really necessary.
It was too heavy to lug around so I never had my camera with me when that "great photo opportunity" came around.

I have discovered that a compact zoom camera that will shoot 4k video in burst mode, is all that I needed to take hard to beat photos and it is always in my pocket.

My main camera used to be a Nikon d7100 with a Sigma 18-300 lens. Heavy and too big to for a Walk Around camera.
Now it is a Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70 which fits into my pocket, will take any photo I want, and cost less than that Sigma lens on my Nikon.

Take the time to research Canon, Panasonic, and Sony compact zooms and I am sure that you will find a camera that will meet your needs without having to spend hundreds on extra lenses.

Oh yes, do take the time to learn how to shoot and process raw photos. It will open up a whole new level of photo quality for you.

Your Best Camera will always be the one have with you!!!


Dale

anotherview Loc: California

Voice of experience.

For my part, I have a Canon G9 X (Mark 1) pocket camera that takes good pictures with sufficient light. I try to carry it with me everywhere, in a sling pouch. I can have it out and ready to snap a picture in about 10 seconds.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Hey, HawkEye:
You have come to a GRRREAT! Forum. There are a many photographers at the table and best of all offer terrific advice. After reading your post, others chimed in and I forgot to mention some things. I learned something today.

My son took an interest in photography very early on. We both started in High School. My son liked the idea of capturing an image and have it tell a story. I lent him my Canon 5D Mark II. At first he was intimidated by the size of the camera, the weight of the camera and the intricacies of its use.
Within a short time I taught him composition, lighting, depth perception and the "exposure triangle." He picked up on photography very well.
So learn from all of us at the forum. After all, we are all learning from each other.
Pick up a book, any book will do . Or better yet, get one in the library.
Don't worry about spending a boatload of cash to buy a camera with all the bells and whistles. You will get easily frustrated. As you learn more, then you can upgrade. But most of all take your time and be patient with yourself as you learn this gentle craft.
Oh and by the way, I hope you noticed I didn't comment on the merits of the camera you asked us about. Simply, everyone will give you their opinion of the camera they use. It's not about the merits of the camera, it is about your merits as a photographer.

Happy Shooting!