Canon announces two new SLRs: the Rebel EOS T3i and T3

Feb 7, 2011 12:42 PM

The Canon EOS Rebel T3i
Photo: Canon

In addition to announcing several new point-and-shoots today, Canon updated its line of Rebel SLRs, which are among the most popular models in the SLR category. The new EOS Rebel T3i and T3 include live-view LCDs, have a top ISO setting of ISO 6400, and are compatible with SD, SDHC, and the new SDXC memory cards.

The pricier model is the 18-megapixel Rebel T3i, which has similar specs to its predecessor, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i. New in the T3i is a swiveling, high-resolution 3-inch LCD, which can be helpful for shooting otherwise hard-to-reach photos. Like the T2i, the T3i can capture 1080i HD video. The T3i will also feature four artistic filters: soft-focus, grainy black-and-white, toy camera, and miniature effect.

The Canon T3i's swiveling LCD
Photo: Canon

The EOS Rebel T3, Canon's budget consumer SLR, has a new feature guide with menu screens designed for first-time users and beginners, with step-by-step tutorials and more detailed descriptions of various exposure settings. But unlike the T3i, the T3's LCD is only 2.7 inches and doesn't swivel, and it can capture HD-resolution video only at 720p.

The T3i is available in several configurations: body only ($800), with a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens ($900), or with a longer 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens ($1,100). The T3 ($600) will come with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens. Both models arrive in March.

The Canon 320EX external flash with LED option
Photo: Canon

In addition to the new SLRs, Canon also unveiled several accessories, including two new inexpensive external flashes. The new 320EX ($250) not only offers "bounce flash" features (which let you reflect light off walls, ceilings, and so on) but also includes a built-in LED continuous-light option for video capture. Canon also announced a budget strobe, the 270EX II ($170).

And finally, Canon introduced two very expensive telephoto lenses, geared mostly for wildlife shooters and photojournalists: The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens ($12000), will be available in June, and the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens ($9500) arrives in May.

—Terry Sullivan