If phones are the new compacts and compacts the new DSLRS, where does that leave entry-level DSLRs? For committed enthusiasts, we’d argue that a small, affordable DSLR like the Canon 650D is the new semi-pro tool. Sure it doesn’t look the part, but it’s a lot cheaper and there’s not much it can’t do when compared to the big boys. To ensure a fair and proper test we got our hands on a Canon 650D DSLR and then took it with us on a trip to Nepal.

Sharp:

· We tested the kit that comes with two lenses, the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STMand the very flat “pancake” 40mm f/2.8 STM. Both lenses are a joy to use. The zoom is very well stabilized and the fixed 40mm is an excellent low-light portrait lens that produces beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds.
· Image quality is impeccable, and with 18 megapixels, you’ve got a big canvas to play with.
· External flash control is a welcome addition (something Nikons have had for years) to let you get arty with your flash.
· The autofocus is fast, the camera is reasonably quick (5 frames per second even when shooting RAW) and controls are well laid-out. Overall, it’s a camera that gives you a real sense of control, even if you’re used to the higher end models’ extra dial.
· The touch screen is neat, but we didn’t use it that often. The fact that it tilts and swivels is very useful to explore creative angles; though, and a feature that is actually becoming rarer on cameras these days.
· The Full HD 1080p video is gorgeous, too, if you can nail the focus (see below).

Blurred:

· Canon is very proud of its Movie Servo Autofocus. Fact is, it’s only a marginal improvement and still doesn’t work as well as mirror-less system cameras like the Sony NEX series. DSLRs just don’t focus well when shooting video.

Verdict:

People tend to get cameras that are overkill given what they end up using them for. If you’ve never edited a video or tweaked a RAW file in Lightroom, but feel a bit limited by your compact, we think you might be better served by the Sony NEX series. If you’re a true enthusiast, though, this camera’s only limits are your talent and the lenses you can afford to put on it, meaning we highly recommend it.

Canon 650D with 18-135mm f/3.5/5.6 IS STM. 18MP Digic 5 sensor, HD 1080 video, max iso 12,800. B29,900. Canon EF40mm f/2.8 STM, B6,900.