Canon has announced a slew of new digital SLR models today, ready for the summer, but the two we're most interested in are the mid-range EOS 750D and EOS 760D.
The two new models are something of a departure for Canon; despite both using the same underlying hardware, the 750D is aimed at new digital SLR users that want the reassurance of automatic modes to fall back on, while the 760D is aimed at enthusiasts that are comfortable adjusting ISO, aperture, exposure and white balance.
Both cameras weigh the same and use the same body, but the 760D moves the mode dial from the right to the left to make room for a mono LCD display which shows key settings like ISO, shutter speed and aperture without having to glance at the touchscreen. It also has a second command dial on the back to make changing settings that little bit easier than via the touchscreen alone. The 750D has fewer buttons and dials to avoid confusion, although it retains almost all the 760D's software features.
Both use the same 24.2-megapixel sensor, which is brand new for 2015 and puts Canon on par with Nikon's D3300 and D5500 for the first time. It is paired with Canon's DIGIC 6 image processor and is capable of shooting at an ISO range of 100-12,800. Flicker Detection technology, first seen in the EOS 7D Mark II, also makes an appearance for creating consistent exposures under artificial light. The Hybrid CMOS AF III autofocus system has 19 cross-type AF points, which Canon says is four times faster than the version II seen in the EOS 100D and significantly quicker than the original system used in the EOS 700D.
They each shoot at up to 9fps in continuous mode, and can film video at up to 1,920x1,080 resolution at a choice of 24, 25 or 30fps. 3in touchscreen displays on the back of each camera have a 1,040,000-dot resolution and articulate for convenient shooting at awkward angles.
We can't wait to get hold of both cameras and see how the new sensor performs, as well as pit the two against each other to see whether the enthusiast controls make all the difference. The EOS 750D and EOS 760D will be going on sale from April 2015, with prices starting from £600 for the 750D body only, £690 for the 750D with an 18-55mm IS STM lens kit, and £650 for the 760D body only.