Canon EOS 350D

There aren't many people who would shell out £799 for a digital camera but, with more and more people getting interested in digital photography, some may feel the need for a higher-quality model.

Traditionally, the SLR label (single lens reflex) means that the viewfinder gives a view through the main lens rather than through a separate one. This gives a more accurate image, as a photographer can see exactly what picture the camera will take.

Canon's latest digital SLR, the EOS 350D, is an 8.3-megapixel device. That may not sound like a lot compared with what's available for £300, but this camera has a better lens, better CCD, and more advanced electronics than almost anything a compact camera can offer.

Being an SLR, the lens can be changed and, like all EOS cameras, this one will take any lens from the Canon auto-focus range. Our test unit came with an 18-55mm zoom model.

Picture quality is excellent, even with this inexpensive lens, and the 8.3 megapixels showed in the sharpness and level of detail available. The camera can emulate film speeds up to 1600 ISO, so it's possible to shoot in darker environments without a flash (although a small pop-up flash is built in to the camera).

It's lighter than most SLRs, but still heavier than a compact digital camera. Despite that, it's quite easy to handle due to the well-designed body which has handy grips in all the right places.