Canon EOS 1000D / Digital Rebel XS

The Canon EOS 1000D reflects the narrowing gap between compacts and digital SLRs. With its lightweight build and 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, the dSLR is an unintimidating camera. Will its compact-style features pack enough punch to sway buyers from other...

Live view; bright display; stabilised kit lens

Budget feel; average performance; unadventurous specs

The 1000D feels like what it is: a cheap, basic dSLR. It's perfectly competent, produces good quality pictures and has all the controls that keen photographers will want as they gain experience. But while Canon's used the opportunity to improve...

labs test), the EOS 450D cost £75 to £200 more than rivals, but its superiority made it worth the extra

Enters the price war with guns blazing. A superb all-rounder, attractively priced.

Canon has been losing ground to arch rival Nikon of late when it comes to producing high-performance, good-value DSLRs. So will the budget-priced Canon EOS 1000D redress the balance?

Anyone choosing the Canon EOS 1000D as their first DSLR is best advised to opt for both camera and 18-55mm image stabilised zoom, as tested, for just £80 more than the body-only price. As typical with a DSLR you'll have to provide your own memory card. W