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The Canon EOS 650D combines very good image quality with easy access to shooting parameters and extensive manual control. Its touchscreen interface brings a new level of operational efficiency to the DSLR market. Added to this is a fast 5fps shooting rate and quick phase detection AF.

The Canon EOS Rebel T4i delivers top speed along with excellent image quality, and supports smooth video autofocus when paired with the right lens.

The Canon EOS Rebel T4i delivers top speed along with excellent image quality, and supports smooth video autofocus when paired with the right lens. It's a laudable performer, but doesn't quite edge out the Nikon D5100 as our top pick for under-$1,000 D-SLR.

A fine camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T4i's more expensive 18-135mm STM kit (or body with another STM lens) is the only version that merits an unqualified recommendation. You can probably find better alternatives if you just want a sub-$1,000 dSLR for still photography.

The Canon 650D has all the features you would expect on an entry-level SLR, but the shooting experience and extra bells and whistles make this a compelling camera.

As a whole this is one solid DSLR. It might be a little pricey at its initial launch, but it's the kind of camera that will last you for years to come.

The Canon EOS 650D is packed with cool features, including a multi-touch touchscreen, ... and a faster auto-focus with better noise performance. It's a serious package for new SLR users -- but Micro Four Thirds and other lens-swapping cameras offer similar features for less money.

With the new Canon EOS 650D comes a strong suit of video capabilities, a good feature set and better low-light performance in terms of resolving detail at high ISOs. We were impressed by Canon's ability to implement a responsive and fluid touchscreen display to complement its rear button layout.

The Rebel T4i is a fine camera for its target market; it checks all the major boxes and even tosses in a few class-leading features to sweeten the deal. But it’s not exciting, and it’s not new. It just is.

Canon's T4i raises the bar in terms of important enthusiast features, including a faster frame rate, new multi-shot modes, and Full HD stereo movies, but its new phase-detect autofocus falls short for movies.

The Canon EOS 650D has taken beginner-enthusiast D-SLRs to the next level. Although it ‘only’ has an 18-megapixel sensor, image quality is great, and high ISO performance is strong.

The Canon EOS 650D is a responsive SLR that's easy to use and takes excellent-quality photos. In fact, when it comes to taking pictures, this EOS is a sure success. The touchscreen is sleekly integrated and the video mode's continuous autofocus brings new possibilities for consumer users.

It may not have the pixel count of the Nikon D3200, but the Canon 650D is a very well-rounded DSLR with plenty of features for novices and enthusiasts. Image quality and high ISO performance is excellent.

The Rebel T4i / EOS 650D is an excellent all-round performer and a hard act to beat for first time buyers with a little extra in the budget or those looking to move up to the next level.

An interesting and logical progression for the EOS line, and once the price falls a little it will be a decent upgrade option for users of previous Canon DSLRs.

At around £230 more than the 600D though, the 650D can't be said to be particularly good value at the moment. Once the price falls a little though it will certainly make a decent upgrade option for users of previous Canon DSLRs.

Big improvements to video capture make this a strong contender for both still and moving images.