Canon has announced its newest entry level DSLR, the Canon Rebel T2i. It has been less than a year since the last Canon Rebel descended on the camera universe. It would seem that Canon may be jumping the gun (pun intended) by releasing another version in its entry level classification, especially since the last one, the Canon Rebel T1i, has been received so well. Product sales are really good, as have been owner testimonials.

So, is this release truly necessary? And will the digital camera purchasing public react positively?

While it still continues to be known, the basic responses would certainly seem to be, Yes, it is time for the new release, and, Yes, the consumer will grab up this latest launch with gusto.

Here are the facts, and the facts are indisputable ("A Few Good Men").

1. There is now no doubt that HD Movie function is currently part of the system that photography enthusiasts will be in search of in their new DSLR buys. And movie mode in the T2i has been enhanced... not just a little, but to match the movie mode in the 7D semi-professional version (a 7D will cost you twice as much).

According to the Canon press launch: "The Rebel T2i DSLR captures videos 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."

This is really an improvement over the older model which had video abilities of 1080p at only 20fps that supplied undesirable level of quality for nearly all viewers.

2. An additional mic jack has been added for better sound recording in movie mode. This was the significant criticism from reviewers of the preceding model. Canon marketing experts heard the complaint and heeded the cries for improvement in this area.

3. Megapixels have improved to the same level as the 7D (again... cost is twice as much) at 18.7 megapixels. This is the highest number of pixels in the entry level class, and, while megapixels are not the end-all of features for selection criteria, this is rather impressive. The newer sibling had an already impressive 15 megapixel sensor.

4. ISO has been enhanced to a selection of sensitivity of 100 to 6400 (up from 3200 in the older model) with the opportunity of extending to 12800. This makes capturing pictures in low light significantly more feasible. For instance at concerts or indoor images without using a flash.

5. Exposure compensation has been enhanced from 2 stops plus or minus to 5 stops. This is definitely remarkable news for photo lovers who do HDR work.

6. Improved quality LCD panel. The resolution of the panel has been increased to 1.02 million dots. This means that there is superior quality screen resolution.

7. A slight improvement in the burst rate from 3.4 fps to 3.7 frames per second. This is a superior function for stop action shooting.

All of these improvements add up to a fantastic cause for a new launch. The price is a bit higher than the competition in the entry level market, but the new Canon Rebel T2i has characteristics that none of the competition can state.

If you are especially looking for a camera that can take quality video (and you should), still photo quality that matches that of the pros, and a full feature package that practically matches a much more pricey DSLR, think of the NEW Rebel T2i (550D) from Canon.

The prediction is that the Canon Rebel T2i will take the photography market by storm. Photographers love new gear, and this newest Rebel is a gem, and even though it is officially categorized as an entry level DSLR, it is a camera that photographers at every level of proficiency will want to have in their gear bag.