Less than a year after the EOS 650D was announced, the Canon EOS 700D has been launched. Designed to be a direct replacement for the EOS 650D, the Canon EOS 700D mirrors its predecessor in many areas of its specification and includes the same 18MP Hybrid CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 image processor and ISO range from 100-12,800, that can be expanded to an ISO equivalent of 25,600.

The burst rate remains the same at 5fps, and the wide-area 9-point all cross-type AF system also remains the same, while the 3in, 1040k-dot touchscreen delivers the same vari-angle control and user experience. This touchscreen has also been adopted by the recent Canon EOS 100D.

Perhaps the biggest change to the Canon EOS 700D comes to the mode dial. It’s now embossed and offers 360 degree rotation through the modes to save you having to turn one way and then the other. The EOS 700D has also adopted a new external finish borrowed from Canon’s mid-range EOS models that Canon claims delivers a more robust and durable finish.

The EOS 700D will be bundled with a new 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, replacing the USM version as previously sold with the Canon EOS 650D. The new STM lens features an impressive 0.25m closest focusing distance, 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer and an STM motor for smooth focus transitions while capturing video footage. Finally, it also a non-rotating front element, making it more suited for filters, which would otherwise rotate when focus is changed.

Body-only prices are expected to be £619, while the Canon EOS 700D bundled kit with the new STM kit lens comes in at £749. Shipping of the Canon EOS 700D is expected to start at the end of April.

At a glance:

18MP Hybrid CMOS sensor

5fps burst shooting

9-point all cross-type AF

3in, 1040k-dots vari-angle touchscreen

ISO 100-12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600)