Are there big reasons to prefer the Canon 600d vs Canon 550d?

Question

I'm just wondering wither there is any big(ish) reasons I should get the Canon 600d and not the Canon 550d. I'm interested in the difference in video quality and low light performance (if there is any) and obviously intersected in difference of all round image quality.

Answer

The performance of these two is expected to be pretty much identical since they share the same sensor.

If you get the cheaper one (550D) then you should invest the difference towards a better lens. This will have much more impact on your photography than anything else.

EDIT To answer comment. Compared to the 550D, the 600D:

• Lacks an Eye-Start sensor, you have to manually turn on or off the status display.
• New 'intelligent' mode added to Auto & Scene modes. More 'artsy' filters.
• Live-View can shoot at different aspect ratios, basically an automatic crop.
• LCD can be rotated outwards and titled.
• Can control flashes wirelessly.

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