Replacing the popular Canon EOS 50D , Canon's latest 60D has a whole lot to live up to. Reviving the vari-angle screen for DSLRs of this level seems to be a significant focus point, not least that none of the competition at this price-point offer such a feature.

Image quality; vari-angle LCD

Limited updates over 50D; not a tough build

The EOS 60D sits between the EOS 50D and the EOS 7D in Canon's mid-range digital SLR offerings. It's fast, has a vari-angle LCD screen, shoots high-definition video, and has useful built-in image processing. So far, so good.

Fast burst mode; excellent high ISO performance; hinged LCD screen; full HD video recording

8-way control button feels terrible and doesn't always respond

The Canon EOS 60D is a pumped-up powerhouse of a digital SLR. It's crammed full of class-leading but consumer-friendly features that could make it the only camera an amateur photography enthusiast will ever need.

Packs in just about every feature the keen amateur could want in a dSLR; Robust build quality; Swivel-and-tilt LCD screen aids low- and high-angle shooting; Can record 1080p video

Expensive; Bulky and weighty

Ever since the introduction of Canon's EOS 10D in 2003, their twin digit named digital SLRs have proved a popular choice for photographers after more than the entry level bodies offer, but without the extortionate expense of Canon's top-line professional bodies.

Swivel screen for live view shooting; Decent ISO performance; Simplified controls; Excellent handing; Superb video quality; Battery life; Wireless flash facility

Auto ISO could offer more parameters; Shutter lag during live view shooting

It's only natural to view the Canon 60D as a replacement for the semi-pro EOS 50D .

Pivoting LCD; In camera editing; Wireless flash control; Good image quality; Good video quality; Solid feeling build

Use of plastic on body; Price; Some fiddly controls

The Canon EOS 60D is not an impulse purchase by any means, a body-only version costing a wallet battering £800 Ours was supplied with a stunningly sharp 17-55m f/2.8 image-stabilised zoom (there's no body integral anti shake), at a price in the region of £1,600 if camera and lens are bought

The Canon 60D is a DSLR camera aimed at the serious amateur. Not quite ready to part with the funds to net Canon's 7D or 5D MkII? This, says the manufacturer, is the camera for you: a ruggedly built, feature-stuffed snapper that counts full 1080p video among its charms.

Superior ergonomics – particularly the bigger viewfinder and articulated screen – make this a shrewd choice for Canon upgraders willing to look beyond the 550D.

The Canon EOS 60D is not simply a direct replacement for the 50D with a few extra features. Instead it represents a new category of Canon DSLRs designed to precisely fill the gap between the consumer level EOS 550D / Rebel T2i and the semi-pro EOS 7D.

The Canon EOS 60D digital SLR camera is fast, performs well in the dark, takes crisp and vibrant pictures, and it offers plenty of physical improvements over the Canon EOS 50D .