There was a lot of excitement recently as Canon launched its EOS 5D Mark III, which answered many ‘wants' that arose from the previous Mark II model and, while not replacing the earlier camera, the newcomer still kept the excitement going.

The EOS 650D replaces the popular EOS 550D at the top of Canon's entry-level DSLR line-up, sitting just above the EOS 600D. Many features from the 550D continue in the new model and, like its predecessor, the EOS 650D has been developed as a high-performing camera newcomers to DSLR photography can...

Our testing team was one of the first to get their hands on the new Canon EOS 650D. They've posted their full, scientific Canon 650D review over on our sister site TechRadar . So go there for all your image quality analysis, noise charts and more.

We found the articulated touchscreen responsive and easy to use; It enables quick settings adjustments and fast shooting from awkward angles, but if you don't want to use it you still have all the button controls you would expect on a DSLR

Although it has Canon's rating system that enables you to score images with up to five stars; there's no dedicated rating button; so it's not quite as quick to use as with the Canon 5D Mark III.

The Canon EOS 650D - or Canon EOS Rebel T4i in the US - sits above the Canon EOS 600D/Rebel T3i in Canon's DSLR range, and has been designed for beginners and enthusiast photographers alike.

However, it's worth remembering that that the 600D/Rebel T3i was priced at £679/$799 RRP body-only when it came out in April 2011, yet today it can be found for around £499/$579. It shouldn't be too long before the Canon EOS 650D street price becomes more palatable as well.

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. Thanks to the Digic 5 processor, it will also blast off 5fps to help you keep up with fast-moving subjects.

Touch-screen LCD; 5fps; Image quality and high ISO

Quite pricey; Touch-screen needs to be clean; Mixed materials on body

The Canon 650D is the latest addition to Canon's mid-range DSLR lineup. For the time being it will sit alongside the 18-month-old 600D , though it's likely it will eventually replace it completely.

Touch-screen adds to user experience; Improved autofocus performance; Good image quality

Touch-screen icons a little small; Slow processing of digital filter effects

The Canon EOS 650D is the world's first DSLR to be equipped with a touchscreen also arrives with a clever focusing system and a handful of extra features. The What Digital Camera Canon EOS 650D review investigates the extent to which their implementation has been successful

Responsive touchscreen with added bonus of touch-shooting and image reviewing; light body; consistent metering system

Auto white balance not always entirely accurate (more neutral than faithful); room for improvement with touchscreen; burst depth could be better

From how I see it, Canon EOS 650D is a precursor to an era of user-friendly DSLRs with ergonomic designs. That being said, EOS 650D is a huge leap from 600D and an upgrade you shouldn't hold back to.

The EOS 650D/Rebel T4i provides an interesting window into Canon's thinking with regard to the entry-level DSLR market. The Rebel series of cameras is one with long-standing success that predates the digital revolution. And they remain very popular today.

Comprehensive touchscreen interface that is intuitive and efficient; High image quality with good balance between detail and noise reduction in JPEG output; Good subject tracking AF in viewfinder shooting mode (compared to mirrorless competition; 5 fps with ample buffering in JPEG-only mode; Very

Slow 'hybrid AF' performance in live view and video modes (compared to mirrorless competition; Slightly higher noise levels than its peers; Default dynamic range lags a bit behind its peers; Using flash with Auto ISO enabled results in ISO 400 even in bright light conditions; Cannot configure common