Canon's EOS 500D provides an impressive array of features. It's not the most extravagant camera in terms of characteristics, but it provides pretty much everything all but the most demanding of photographers demand. The camera is very easy to use - at least for a DSLR - not least because of the selection of scene modes and My Menu feature that lets you choose six menu items that you use the most and consolidate them in one place. Performance is also very strong for both images and video, although it doesn't match the hugely expensive EOS 5D Mark II. The EOS 500D even does a great job of shooing in low light at high ISOs above ISO 800, something that can't be said about all EOS models. Having said that, if you want to regularly capture successful home movies, you'd be better off with a dedicated video camera instead. The EOS 500D is definitely the best in its class and is also probably the best digital SLR you can currently get for under 1000. For those not bothered about video, opting for the EOS 450D will save you around 200.