Canon announces 550D Rebel T2i

Canon announced the newest addition to the Rebel line yesterday: The Canon 550D, aka, the Rebel T2i

The newest DLSR offers photographers a 18 megapixel APS-C sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor. The new rebel will also record HD video.

Sharing a feature with its big brother the Canon 7D, the Canon 550D uses the iFCL metering system. New is the ability for users to set a top limit for auto ISO – a new way to control noise in images.

The 550D continues with the DLSR trend of HD video capabilities. The 550D shoots video at full 1920x1080p HD resolution, and photographers can select frame rates from 30, 25 and 24fps. 720p video at 60 and 50fps is also available on the new Canon DSLR. The EOS 550D has a 3.5mm microphone jack for using an external mike when shooting video.

The display on the new 550D is a 3-inch 3:2 Clear View LCD screen with resolution of 1,040k dots. Canon says 100% of captured images (with no borders) are visible on the LCD. The display has anti-reflective and water-repellent coatings, making it easier to view in bright conditions and from different angles.

Nikon EVIL Surprise, Colorful Olympus E-PL1, and the latest on the Canon 60D

As the industry prepares for the PMA in Anaheim, CA, the rumors are flying.

Nikon Rumors

Nikon Rumors is speculating on the future of the Nikon EVIL camera: Hiroshi Takashima (General Manger of Imaging Division at Nikon) said in an interview that Nikon has some surprises up it’s sleeve this year. Stay tuned for more.

Pre-PMA, Nikon is scheduled to make an announcement February 3.  What about? No new DSLRs apparently. Nikon Rumors reports that four new CoolPics cameras will be released. Two lenses, the AF-S 24mm f/1.4 prime and the AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR zoom lenses could be announced, as well as two new teleconverters.

The new Nikon 300mm f/2.8G AF-S ED VR II lens has been reported  in stock. Check your favorite online retailer for more info.