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Canon's EOS Rebel T2i, known in some markets as the EOS 550D. Photo provided by Canon. Canon announces Rebel T2i
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(Monday, February 8, 2010 - 09:00 EST)

Canon has today announced its Rebel T2i, the latest addition to (and new flagship model for) its EOS Rebel series, and we've just published our Canon T2i preview.

Also known in some markets as the EOS 550D, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i is based around a variant of the eighteen megapixel image sensor from the company's EOS 7D prosumer digital SLR, modified to provide four-channel rather than eight-channel readout. The EOS T2i also has a slightly restyled body which accomodates a 3:2 aspect ratio LCD display with an approximate resolution of 720 x 480 pixels, matching the image sensor's own 3:2 aspect ratio nicely. The T2i's body redesign also reshapes several buttons, adds a new Quick Menu button as previously seen on the 7D, and dedicates the Live View / Movie button solely to the task of starting or stopping Live View mode or Movie Recording (depending on the Mode dial position).

The Canon EOS T2i is capable of burst shooting at 3.7 frames per second for as many as six Raw or 34 large/fine JPEG frames in a burst, before slowing down - a noticeable (if not dramatic) boost over the 3.4 frames per second burst speed of the previous Rebel T1i model. The EOS Rebel T2i inherits a variant of the 63-zone dual-layer iFCL metering sensor from the 7D, tweaked to account for the T2i's nine autofocus points (rather than the 19-point AF of the 7D). Sensitivity in the Canon Rebel T2i varies from a minimum of ISO 100 to a maximum of ISO 6,400 ordinarily, expandable to ISO 12,800 through a custom setting. Available shutter speeds range from 1/4000 to 30 seconds, plus bulb. Exposure compensation is now available within a range of +/- 5.0EV, making it more useful to fans of HDR photography.

Another area that's received a significant overhaul in the Canon T2i is its video mode. While the resolutions available - 1,920 x 1080 pixels, 1,280 x 720 pixels, or 640 x 480 pixels - the frame rate can now be selected for all three modes. At the highest resolution, there's a choice of 24, 25 or 30 frames per second. The two lower resolutions both allow 50 or 60 fields per second recording. In addition, the Rebel T2i now allows manual exposure control for movie recording, in much the same manner as that of the EOS 7D. The T2i also now provides not only a built-in monaural microphone, but also a stereo microphone input jack. There's also a new - and rather unusual - Movie Crop mode, which simply records only the centermost 640 x 480 pixels from the camera's sensor at 1:1 resolution, creating a VGA movie with an effective 7x fixed zoom in addition to the current optical zoom.

A few other changes of note in the EOS T2i include compatibility with the latest generation of SDXC storage cards, and with the HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) standard which allows remote control of certain playback functions using the remote control of an attached (and compatible) high-definition display. The Canon Rebel T2i uses a new 1120mAh LP-E8 battery, and is also compatible with two other new accessories - a BG-E8 battery grip and RC-6 remote control.

Availability for the Canon EOS Rebel T2i has not been announced at press time. Pricing is expected to be in the region of $899 for a kit bundle that includes the same EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens which currently ships with the T1i, while a body-only variant will cost $799. The Canon EOS Rebel XSi has now officially been discontinued, leaving the flagship T2i with two Rebel-class siblings - the Rebel XS being the entry-level, and the T1i remaining available as the mid-level model.

For more details, read our Canon Rebel T2i preview.

Canon EOS 550D Rebel T2i
Canon's EOS Rebel T2i, known in some markets as the EOS 550D. Photo provided by Canon. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeSLR
ManufacturerCanon
Model NumberT2i
Dimensions5.1 x 3.8 x 3.0 in.
(130 x 97 x 76 mm)
Weight18.7 oz (530 g)
Planned Price$900
Image Capture
Sensor TypeCanon CMOS
APS-C (approx. 1.07 in. diagonal)
18.70 megapixels (total)
18.00 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Focal Length Multiplier1.60
Aspect Ratio16:9, 4:3
Image Dimensions5184 x 3456 (17.9 megapixels)
3456 x 2304 (8.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1728 (4.5 megapixels)
Capture SpeedContinuous: 3.7 frames per second for 34 frames
Image Quality2 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.87x mag., 19mm eyepoint
LCD3.0 in. diagonal
1,040,000 dots (approx. 347,000 pixels)
Playback Zoom10.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeInterchangeable Lens
3x optical zoom
58mm lens thread
Lens MountCanon EF, EF-S
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length18.0 - 55.0mm (actual)
29 - 88mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 - 22 / f/ 5.6 - 38
Focusing SystemAF-dedicated CMOS Sensor, 9-point, center cross-type high-precision at f/2.8, light source detection
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing RangeNormal: 10" - infinity (25 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100 - 6400 in 1/3 or 1EV steps, H=12800
Shutter Speed30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure ModesAperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes63-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Partial (9%), Spot (4%)
Exposure Compensation+/- 5.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom
Internal FlashGuide Number: 13
Modes: E-TTL II
Range: Lens aperture dependent
Flash Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV increments
Creative
Scene ModesCreative Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night portrait, Flash off, Auto Depth-of-field
Self TimerYes, 10 or 2 seconds
Movie Format.MOV (H.264) with audio
Max. clip length: 720 seconds () / 1,440 seconds ()
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format.CR2 RAW (14-bit), JPEG
Connectivity
VideoHigh definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMini HDMI-CEC, External Microphone Jack, Wired Remote
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeble
Battery Form FactorProprietary LP-E8
Product Bundle
SoftwareC non Solutions Disc (EOS Utility, ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser, Digital Photo Professional.Picture Style Editor, Movie Edit Task, PhotoStitch)
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary LP-E8 Lithium-ion rechargeble battery and charger
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes, Metal
Remote ControlYes, Optional Wired or Wireless
NotesFlagship Rebel model. Full HD (1080p) Video, New Movie Crop Mode (640x480, 7x magnification), 9-point AF, 3-inch 3:2 LCD, EyeFi Card Status Display.
More Photos
Canon's EOS Rebel T2i, known in some markets as the EOS 550D. Photo provided by Canon. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS Rebel T2i, known in some markets as the EOS 550D. Photo provided by Canon. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS Rebel T2i, known in some markets as the EOS 550D. Photo provided by Canon. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS Rebel T2i, known in some markets as the EOS 550D. Photo provided by Canon. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS Rebel T2i, known in some markets as the EOS 550D. Photo provided by Canon. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

The New Canon Rebel T2i Digital Slr Takes Aspiring Photographers Beyond The Still With Advanced Video Features

The Family Camera is Back, Introducing the EOS Rebel T2i Featuring a Large 18-Megapixel CMOS Sensor and Full HD Video Recording with Selectable Frame Rates up to 30 fps

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 8, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the new flagship model for the Company's highly popular Rebel DSLR line: the Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Today's photo enthusiast is looking for a camera that will grow with them as they learn, and that is a perfect description of the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Retaining all of the traditional characteristics that have made the EOS Rebel series beloved by entry-level photographers and an industry best-seller, the new Rebel T2i succeeds in bridging the gap between an entry-level camera and a true pro-sumer camera.

The Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera includes a variety of new features for photographic assignments as varied as grabbing that action shot from the sidelines or creating memorable family portraits, including: 3.7 fps shooting, an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800), a 63-zone Dual Layer Metering System, and Canon's DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor. There are some moments in our lives where video helps capture the moment better than a still image, and the Rebel T2i offers the best of both worlds with Full HD 1080p video as well as 18-megapixel still images. The Rebel T2i DSLR continues Canon's industry-leading trend in Full HD DSLR video capture with manual exposure control, selectable frame rates and a new external microphone input. There is also a new feature for standard definition recording, Movie Crop, which provides an approximate 7x additional zoom with no loss of image quality when shooting SD quality video.

"There is no question that HD video is the biggest trend in DSLR technology and because of this we are seeing the creativity of still photographers transferring to the moving image. Still photographers are using the various lenses and accessories they are already familiar with to create amazing video footage," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "Taking that HD video quality and putting it in the hands of entry-level photographers with cameras like our new EOS Rebel T2i, we are seeing a new generation of creative digital artists emerge."

Lights, Rebel, Action – EOS HD Video
Canon's EOS HD video capture has helped spark a major movement in digital imaging, empowering still photographers with the ability to experiment, learn and capture stunning high-definition video through a variety of creative lenses. Continuing this imaging revolution, the new EOS Rebel T2i puts entry-level photographers on the frontline equipped with all the latest EOS HD video features including full HD video at 1920x1080 resolution, selectable frame rates, full manual exposure control and the visual options of interchangeable lenses. Manual video exposure control provides novice filmmakers with the image control they are accustomed to in a still camera, all while shooting professional-level cinematic video. Professional photographers utilize creative lighting, adjustable depth-of-field and a variety of lenses to create powerful still images and video footage, and these are exactly the tools that the new Rebel T2i gives to budding photo and video enthusiasts. Adding a new professional-level feature for EOS cameras, the Rebel T2i includes an Auto ISO function that works in all Creative Zone exposure modes including Manual where users can set a limit to the highest ISO the camera will use, enabling them to retain the lighting and look they desire for a scene. By setting an Auto ISO range, videographers can retain dark shadow areas and avoid blowing out highlight areas in a scene while still retaining the benefit of automatic ISO adjustments. The Rebel T2i DSLR captures video in both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards at selectable frame rates including Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 (29.97), 25 or 24 (23.976) fps, and HD 1280 x 720 or Standard Definition 640 x 480 quality video, at 60 (59.94) or 50 fps.

For easier video recording operation and familiar functionality for beginners, the Rebel T2i's autofocus can be operated before or during video recording by pressing the shutter button half-way down in video mode. Another feature debuting in the Rebel T2i is Canon's new Movie Crop mode, where the user can achieve 7x magnification when shooting SD video for a significantly increased "telephoto" effect. Unlike the digital zoom feature found in many compact digital cameras, Canon's new Movie Crop mode actually crops the image directly from the CMOS sensor at full SD resolution to preserve maximum image quality and provide additional zoom power. The new Movie Crop feature is especially helpful for achieving extra full resolution zoom power when filming youth sports, such as a child running to the furthest end of a field. For better sound quality when shooting video, the Rebel T2i DSLR includes an external stereo microphone jack, a first for an EOS Rebel model, in addition to its built-in monaural microphone. These audio and video features supplement a tremendous range of additional must-have video features in an entry-level Digital SLR camera.

For enhanced viewing pleasure and easy video sharing at home, the HDMI video-out capability of the Rebel T2i DSLR includes a new Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) compatibility which allows users to play back still or video files on a CEC-compliant HDTV, using the TV remote to control the camera when connected via HDMI interface.

Camera Feature Set
The EOS Rebel T2i DSLR features a newly developed 18-million-pixel Canon CMOS imaging sensor providing outstanding resolution and light sensitivity for amazing poster-sized prints with fine detail and stunning color. The camera exhibits exceptional low-noise performance incorporating many of the same technologies used to reduce noise in professional cameras such as the EOS 7D. The Rebel T2i camera's basic ISO range is an amazing 100~6400, and via a Custom Function, it can be extended to ISO 12,800. The outstanding ISO range combined with its noise reduction technology allows the Rebel T2i to capture outstanding low-light pictures at events such as candlelit birthday celebrations or recitals where flash photography may be prohibited.

The camera provides 3.7 fps continuous shooting for still photos, making it the fastest shooting Rebel model to date and enabling users to capture that great image of a little leaguer's first swing. The camera features Canon's proprietary iFCL 63-zone dual-layer metering system offering intelligent Evaluative metering with much finer segmentation than any previous EOS Rebel model. The new Rebel T2i also has an expanded ± 5 EV exposure compensation range allowing for much more versatility when shooting in extremely bright or dark environments; or when shooting HDR (high dynamic range) images.

The Rebel T2i DSLR includes a number of professional-level user-selectable Canon image processing features to enhance the image quality of in-camera JPEG files, and to tag RAW images for processing later through Canon's Digital Photo Professional software (included with the camera). These features include Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer to enhance shadow detail and add contrast to "flat" scenes, Highlight Tone Priority adding up to one stop of detail in bright highlight areas, Peripheral Illumination Correction for automatic correction of vignetting, High ISO Noise Reduction with four user-selectable settings, and Long Exposure Noise Reduction applied to exposures one second or longer. These Canon image enhancements provide new photographers with professional quality automatic image correction on JPEG files right out of the camera.

The EOS Rebel T2i digital camera includes a new enhanced 3-inch LCD monitor featuring 1.04 million dots with a wide 3:2 aspect ratio, wider than previous EOS models. The Rebel T2i camera's LCD monitor can display a full-screen video image utilizing the entire screen during playback. For maximum storage capacity the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is the first EOS model to support SDXC memory cards. With all the new and exciting features of the EOS Rebel T2i, the Rebel series continues to provide great Canon features such as Live View, a built-in pop-up flash, and the EOS integrated cleaning system, as well as compatibility with Canon EX-series Speedlites and Canon EF and EF-S lenses allowing users to fully explore multiple creative photographic possibilities. The new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is also compatible with Canon's new BG-E8 battery grip and new RC-6 wireless remote control for both still images and video capture.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in early March, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $799.99. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications, availability, and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
HDMI, HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are registered trademarks or trademarks of HDMI licensing, LLC.

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