The entry-level DSLR stakes have just gone up thanks to the Canon EOS 500D. If you've ever used an entry-level Canon DSLR before, it'll all be very familiar. But there are slight improvements that make a lot of difference. The CMOS sensor has been bumped up to 15 Megapixels and you now get HD video recording as a standard feature. Visibly, the only things distinguishing the 500D from the 450D are the name badge and a new metallic mode dial.

The 450D will continue to be on sale alongside the 500D and some of the best bits from the EOS 450D have been carried over. Like the sensor-equipped LCD that turns off when you hold the camera up to your eye to shoot, the self-cleaning CMOS sensor and the characteristic ease-of-use.

Of special mention is the huge 3.0-inch LCD which is one of the brightest and sharpest around.

Even though it does full HD (1080p) video recording, it does so at a reduced frame rate of 20 fps. To get completely smooth video, you'll have to shoot at 720p or 1280 x 720 pixels. I can't help but feel that this was a deliberate move on Canon's part to differentiate it from the (much more expensive) EOS 5D Mark II. The DIGIC 4 processor certainly seems capable of handling full HD video at 30 fps, considering that it can churn out seven 15 Megapixel still photographs every two seconds (without breaking a sweat, in a constant burst of 170 shots with a fast SD card).

I liked thet fact that you can still use the autofocus feature while recording video and you don't have to shuffle through numerous modes to start video; just press one button and the recording begins! However, what I didn't like was that there is no HDMI cable in the box. It uses a non-standard mini HDMI port, so you'll have to buy a HDMI to mini HDMI adapter or cable in addition (approx Rs 500 extra). With the standard supplied video cable, you can only watch standard definition video on your TV. Secondly, it has only a single microphone, so any video that you record only has mono sound. This comes at a point when many prosumer cameras are offering CMOS sensors with full HD video recording at 30 fps & stereo sound recording (like Canon's own SX1 IS, Sony's HX1).

Canon EOS 500D Rs 52,990	Performance Coolness
Pros Supremely capable entry DSLR Cons Lower frame rates at full HD video Sold by Canon India, www.canon.co.in	Specs 15 Megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4, Canon EF lens mount, built-in flash, 9-point autofocus system, ISO 100 to 3200, 0.1 sec startup time, 3.0-inch LCD, Li-ion battery pack, SD/SDHC card, 480 grams (without lens) Verdict

All the same, the flexibility, expandability and low light performance that the EOS 500D offers still makes it the choice for the photography enthusiast. You'll have a huge range of Canon and third-party lenses available instantly. Highly recommended!