Canon EOS 200D

Canon's latest entry-level DSLR is one of the smallest and lightest models on the market and aims to be the perfect choice for beginners

- Daniel Lezano

WITH CHRISTMAS APPROACHING, camera stores will be preparing for the busiest time of the year, with thousands of digital SLRs and mirrorless models set to be purchased. In particular, those towards the budget end of the price range will be the most popular, with many bought as gifts for first-time users who have previously only taken pictures on compact cameras or smartphones.

The EOS 200D is Canon's latest entry-level DSLR and updates the popular EOS 100D, which has been around for four years, making it a veritable veteran in today's arena. The EOS 100D's small size and light weight were two of the key factors in its success and so it's no surprise that the latest model is equally diminutive – in fact at launch the EOS 200D is one of the world's smallest and lightest DSLRs with a vari-angle screen. It sits in the range above the (£300) EOS 1300D and (£450) EOS 700D and below the (£570) EOS 750D and (£800) EOS 800D.

As you'll discover from the first time you raise the camera and switch it on, this model is targeted at complete beginners. The neat arrangement of clearly-labelled controls and the LCD monitor's interface are designed to help users get to grips with how settings such as apertures affect depth-of field or how shutter speeds affect motion.