Canon EOS 1000D
Photo enthusiasts looking to take the next step need look no further than this entry-level D-SLR

This digital SLR camera boasts a price worthy of its namesake.

At just a little above the $1,000 price mark, the Canon EOS 1000D offers a bounty of features for those seeking an entry-level D-SLR.

In the imaging department, the 1000D features a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and a sharp 2.5inch LCD screen - great for doing quick post shot evaluations.

Photographers looking to do serious manipulation or editing of their photos will be thrilled to know that the 1000D also allows JPEG and RAW shooting simultaneously.

With a startup time of 0.1 sec and three frames per second (fps) continuous shooting in JPEG mode, you won't be missing the bulk of the action.

The camera body without a lens weighs a nifty 450g - really light for an SLR. Enthusiasts who are already using higher-end prosumer cameras might not even feel the difference.

Making the jump from compact digital camera to D-SLR may be a daunting endeavour for many budding photographers, and the 1000D shines in its ability to deliver great photos without requiring dedicated expertise.

The 18-55mm kit lens offers image stabilisation, and coupled with the 1000D's Auto or 'point-and-shoot' mode, produces sharp and high quality pictures.

The 1000D also offers a 'Live View' which allows shooting via a LCD preview screen, rather than through the viewfinder - a feature which will not doubt resonate with compact users, who will need more time to get accustomed to composing the traditional viewfinder way.

The results and payoffs for novice D-SLR users are instantaneous, and bear in mind that the 1000D still contains a whole host of functions waiting to be explored for even better photos.

In a sense, it's a camera to grow with for sometime till a higher range D-SLR is needed.

The EOS 1000D packs a punch in picture quality, weight and usability, and won't knock over the budgets of those seeking a decent entry-level D-SLR camera.