The EOS 650D is the first-ever EOS to feature a dual AF system, which ensures high levels of detail in stills and continuous autofocus tracking when shooting movies. At the camera's heart is an 18-megapixel Hybrid CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 processing, enabling the capture of sharp, full resolution images at up to 5fps.

The EOS 650D's newly-developed 18mp APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor can capture poster-sized images that Canon says are rich in colour and detail. Ideal for shooting in low light without flash, the camera features a native 100-12,800 ISO range, allowing the capture of natural-looking shots with minimal noise, while an expanded ISO 25,600 range also offers the ability to shoot in more extreme low-light conditions.

The EOS 650D is the first entry-level EOS to be powered by Canon DIGIC 5 processing, which Canon says offers greater speed, responsiveness and advanced colour rendition. DIGIC 5's 14-bit image processing provides subtle transitions between colour tones, such as those of an evening sky, and its vastly-increased power also makes the camera ideal for capturing fast-moving action such as football or other sports.

The new dual AF system makes it easy to capture sharply-focused shots of all subjects, whether capturing stills or movies. A superior 9-point all cross-type AF system provides exceptional performance during stills shooting, offering precision accuracy when capturing sports, action and wildlife. Additionally, a new Hybrid AF System offers continuous autofocusing during movie recording, and when shooting in Live View AF in Live View and Movies - subject to use with Canon stepping motor (STM) lenses mode.

The new 7.7cm (3.0") Vari-angle Clear View LCD II Touch screen features capacitive technology and supports a variety of multi-touch gestures, such as pinching and swiping - making it easy to access shooting modes, alter settings and even capture a shot using the screen alone.