Positioned as the new "flagship" for Canon's EOS Rebel line of Digital SLR cameras, the sub-$1000 EOS Rebel T2i is expected to hit store shelves in March.

The EOS Rebel T2i is notably smaller and lighter than Canon's popular but pricey EOS 7D, though it offers similar specs, including a big 18-megapixel sensor, HD video recording, and a slightly slower but still respectable 3.7 frame per second continuous shooting capability.

The EOS Rebel T2i will also feature an impressive ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800), allowing users to snap high-resolution photos and video in extremely low-light conditions or in situations where a flash is otherwise discouraged.

Reportedly, there are various improvements in the EOS Rebel T2i over the model it replaces, the EOS T1i. Video capture mode, for example, will be accessible by a dedicated live view/movie button positioned to the right of the viewfinder.

Otherwise, the unit's 3.0-inch LCD with 3:2 aspect ratio occupying the back panel is unchanged, while the control layout is very similar to that of the T1i. However, the Rebel T2i will be HDMI-CEC compatible, making it possible for users to control the camera with an HDTV remote when it is hooked up to an HDTV.

Accompanying Canon's newest DSLR are several new accessories, including a new battery grip and remote control. In addition to SD and SDHC cards, the T2i will accept the new higher-capacity SDXC card format, and it will work with most of Canon's other EOS accessories and lenses.