Coming soon: Canon's EOS Rebel T2i SLR

In addition to the four new PowerShot digital cameras Canon just introduced, Canon announced its latest SLR: The 18-megapixel EOS Rebel T2i.

The new model has a lot in common with the one it succeeds, the 15-megapixel T1i. It includes a 3-inch live-view LCD, uses 9 autofocus points, can capture HD-resolution video and has a 14-bit A/D converter, which Canon says will produce images with finer tonal gradations and wider color ranges.

In large part, Canon made only modest improvements to the new model: Aside from the increase in megapixels, from 15 megapixels to 18, you can now also shoot 1080 HD-resolution video at 30 fps (instead of just 20fps). The T2i's LCD has 1.04 million dots (instead of 920,000), and you can shoot photos more quickly: its burst mode has been increased from 3.4fps to 3.7fps.

The T2i includes an input jack, for attaching an external stereo mic, for improving audio during video capture. Canon has also expanded the exposure compensation range to +/- 5 EV (instead of +/- 3 EV on the T1i) for more versatility when shooting in low- or bright-light situations and for high dynamic range (HDR) shooting. The T2i will also be compatible with SDXC memory cards, which will eventually be able to store as much as 2 terabytes of data.

Available in early March, The Rebel T2i will cost around $800 body-only and $900 with a 18-55mm kit lens.

—Terry Sullivan