Sharp: The Canon 600D refreshes an already solid DSLR shooter, the entry-level Canon 550D, with the notable addition of a LCD screen on the back which can swivel out. That’s particularly handy for making beautiful videos, something the 600D is very, very good at. It’s also a really solid camera. We remember the days when there was a world of difference between Canon’s entry-level cameras and the pro models—well, not anymore. Auto-ISO, remote flash control, highlight adjustment—not much is missing feature-wise on the 600D compared to the big boys. Oh and the pictures look stellar even in low-light.

Blurred: Advanced users will prefer a 7D for its improved handling—the grip size feels puny on the 600D. You’ll also quickly outgrow the cheap kit lenses bundled with the camera, but that’s an age-old problem on entry-level cameras. Finally, live view autofocus is borderline unusable (making shooting video very tricky). For that reason alone, you may prefer the more compact mirror-less cameras that are actually designed to work with live view.

Verdict: It’s got a single dial for manual settings and a smallish grip, but in most respects, this is a camera loaded with nearly every pro feature out there. The question is, do you care? It’s bulkier and more complicated than the mirror-less interchangeable cameras and the extensive controls will only be a bonus if you’re an advanced amateur who knows what they’re doing. This relatively affordable camera was designed with pro wannabes in mind, a segment hitherto reserved to the range above (currently the 7D). In that sense, it’s a bargain. But if you’re not committed to getting at least one extra lens (we recommend the 50mm f/1.8, equivalent to an 80mm on this camera, for B3,800) and some photography classes, you’d probably be happier with something simpler and more compact.

Specs: 18MP, 570 grams, ISO 100-12,800, B29,900 for the 18-55mm kit lens or B38,900 for the 18-135 kit lens.