Canon Thursday announced the launch of world's smallest and lightest DSLR camera - the EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera.

The camera features a newly developed 18.0 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and a high-performing DIGIC 5 image processor for outstanding image quality and shooting speed up to four frames per second (fps).

"The EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera represents a new era in DSLR versatility: ultra-portable, full-featured DSLR cameras," Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. said in the press release.

 "The EOS Rebel SL1 combines the high speed, high image quality and expanded shooting range of a DSLR camera, with the easy and fun usability of a point-and-shoot camera."

As the world's smallest and lightest DSLR, the new camera body is 4.6 x 3.57 x 2.74 inches, and weighs only 424 grams. In comparison, the EOS Rebel SL1 is approximately 25 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than the EOS Rebel T4i digital camera.

The camera also includes a new nine-point center cross-type autofocus (AF) system to help achieve fast, sharp focus. The new AF system also includes a new Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor, which provides a wider focus area when shooting photos, or recording video in Live View mode, and a continuous AF speed that's increased from previous EOS models.

Users can also access advanced imaging features like the new Effect Shot mode, which automatically creates two different shots; one with selected creative filter and one without filter. In addition, the Creative Filters and Background Blur Simulation can now be displayed in real time during Live View shooting.

The new EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera is scheduled to be available in April for an estimated price of $649.99 for the body alone or $799.99 bundled with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens.

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