Canon EOS 1000D - the most recent and lightest edition (at 450g) to the EOS family, has its sights firmly set on dominating the more affordable entry-level DSLR market. Not surprising at a very reasonably £580 price point, and that includes an 18-55mm IS (image stabilisation up to 4 stops) kit lens.
So what do you get for your money? Well it's a little bit like a souped up EOS 400 to be honest - but that's no bad thing. 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 7-point autofocus system and up to 3 frames per second continuous shooting head up the features set.
Pinching a range of technologies found in Canon's professional EOS-1 series of cameras, such as the DIGIC III image processor and Live View, bodes well for up-to-the-minute technology in an affordable package.
Canon's own software provides the necessary image processing tools - including Digital Photo Professional, a RAW converter that provides RAW image processing control. Plus there's standard compatibility with EF and EF-S lenses and Speedlite flash guns.
Available July 2008
Price: £500 (body only) / £580 (with 18-55mm IS kit lens)
Info: www.canon.co.uk