World's 1st Touchscreen DSLR: Canon EOS 650D

With the continuous popularity of DSLRs for both professional and amateur usage, it's to no surprise when major electronic brands are coming up with new and advanced features to constantly improve the user experience. For one, Canon has introduced the world's first touch-screen interface on a DSLR with the launch of EOS 650D.

We'll spare you with the detailed specifications, but on top of its powerful 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 imaging processor, users will now have a more intuitive experience with the touch panel, where there'll be familiar touch gestures such as pinching, zooming and swiping.

"Touch screen technology has changed the way we use our devices and made them more accessible, which is why we have introduced it to the EOS 650D," said Andrew Koh, senior director and general manager of the consumer imaging and information products group, Canon Singapore.

What users can expect with the brand new three-inch 3:2 ratio touch panel: change settings like shutter speed or aperture value. It also features an anti-smudge coating (obviously necessary) and reduced reflective glare when taking pictures under bright conditions.

Onward to the camera body itself, photographers new and professional can take advantage of the improved functions and new creative imaging features, such as the wider ISO range from 100 to 12800 (expandable to 25600) for better quality images in a variety of light conditions.

Some additional functions include the multi-shot noise reduction (for detail improvement and definition) and handheld night scene mode for sharper night images without the need of a tripod, just to name a few.

And just to summarize, the new EOS 650D has a 31-zone, multi-point auto-focus (AF), and is able to engage contrast AF and phase-difference AF in both the live view as well as video recording modes.

While we'll leave you to explore your new cameras in time when you do get them, here's a quick tip: The FlexiZone Multi AF mode divides the scene into 31 AF zones, prioritising the centre and subject in the foreground; while the FlexiZone Single AF and Quick modes allow users to move a focal point with a touch of the LCD screen.

The in-camera editor also allows for quick edits without the need of a computer.

Interested in compact cameras instead of DSLRs? Check out our top five compact digital cameras and top five interchangeable-lens cameras .

The EOS 650D will be available from the respectively stated dates at all Canon authorized dealers, in the following kits at the following recommended retail prices:

Body only: S$1,149, end-June

Kit I (with EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II): S$1,299, end-June

Kit II (with EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM): S$1,699, mid-July

Pricing and availability of the EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and EF40mm f/2.8 STM lenses will be advised at a later date.