Canon has extended the capabilities of its EOS Rebel consumer D.S.L.R.’s with the new EOS Rebel T2i, which brings some of the features of the midrange EOS 7D to the starter camera space.

The new EOS Rebel T2i will be packaged with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens.

The new T2i employs the same size 18-megapixel APS-C sensor and 63-zone metering system as the 7D. It’s not as fast, however, with a shooting speed that’s rated at 3.7 frames per second, which is in line with the TS1.

As for video, the T2i moves up to full high-def video capture at a resolution of 1920×1080. Canon has added selectable frame rates, full manual exposure control, and a new external stereo mic input.

For those who shoot a lot of low-light scenes, the T2i has a basic ISO range that extends to 6400 and a ± 5 EV exposure compensation range. The T2i’s crisp 3-inch LCD has a resolution of 1.04 million pixelsi. The camera also supports new SDXC memory cards, which will come in capacities of up to a whopping 2 terabytes. (NYT)