600D/T3i Specs [CR2]

[Catastrophile]

presuming the rumor is true, i hope the 18MP sensor will be a bit different from the three we have seen so far, especially WRT dynamic range/shadow noise/low contrast detail (the three things are interrelated i guess). also if the only Rebel coming soon is the 600D (no 2000D), this will further support the idea that Canon has decided to do away with the xxxxD and rely on the before-last Rebel (550D in a few days) as the their cheapest SLR. A good idea to replace one series more frequently (12 months instead of 18) and use the old model as a cheaper offer, the 550D will still feel pretty much current and fresh spec-wise and history-wise until it gets discontinued next year.   

[neuroanatomist]

...if the only Rebel coming soon is the 600D (no 2000D), this will further support the idea that Canon has decided to do away with the xxxxD and rely on the before-last Rebel (550D in a few days) as the their cheapest SLR...

Buzzzz.  Thanks for playing, try again next time.   

Seriously, though, Canon knows that the vastly overwhelming majority of their profit comes from the bottom end of the lineup, and they'd be foolish to abandon the cheapest entry-level dSLR (priced comparably to high-end P&S cameras).

[CR Backup Admin]

...if the only Rebel coming soon is the 600D (no 2000D), this will further support the idea that Canon has decided to do away with the xxxxD and rely on the before-last Rebel (550D in a few days) as the their cheapest SLR...

Buzzzz.  Thanks for playing, try again next time.   

Seriously, though, Canon knows that the vastly overwhelming majority of their profit comes from the bottom end of the lineup, and they'd be foolish to abandon the cheapest entry-level dSLR (priced comparably to high-end P&S cameras).

Yes, I certainly agree.

Canon needs a low end camera to balance what others are offering.  It also provides a way for stores to advertise the low price model, and then convince would be buyers to step up to the more profitible T3i. 

[pgabor]

About the grip and handling thing, here's a quote from dpreview:

"In the past we've not been big fans of Canon's entry-level models in terms of handling; since the EOS 350D they've been afflicted by a tiny, slim grips that seem to have been designed for the smallest of hands. The 600D finally addresses this with a grip that's slightly deeper, front to back, than its predecessor's, coupled with a sculpted channel on the back that provides a positive anchor point for your thumb.

This makes a big difference to the feel of the camera in your hand, and while users with large mitts may well still find it cramped, it's likely that a lot of users will find the 600D much more comfortable to hold than its predecessors. Personally I found it to be a huge improvement, and the first 'Rebel' class camera that I've been happy to carry around one-handed for an extended session of shooting since the original 300D. "