Touch screen helps operation speed and best with STM lenses.

The price has fell a lot so I decided to buy the 700D. I thought I made the error of buying the wrong kit as for an extra £190, I could have bought the camera with 18-135mm STM lens, instead of the the kit with the 18-55mm STM, extra battery and lens cloth. I have since purchased the 18-135mm STM lens for £195. I also got £50 cashback on the 700D kit.

The camera itself works very well. The touch screen very responsive. Since I also own a 600D getting around the camera is straight forward.

If live view, the camera can take photos by touching the subject on the screen.

The camera has a new hybrid AF which helps the camera in live view mode. This camera has been made to work with STM lenses, and has an extra focus mode not available on the 600D.

The camera live view AF is set to 'Quick Mode' by default, so the camera will revert to the standard AF system. This is better in lower light/slow lens, when the camera would normally struggle to lock on. By holding the shutter down the camera will take the photo, but if you release the shutter after the initial press, the camera will display what the camera has focused on, not actually capture the image. Press the shutter again to complete the process. I usually press and hold the shutter.

When using my Nissin flashes (I have 2), the AF illuminator does not always fire, but the camera does get a fast focus lock. My old Sigma flash works fine!

On that subject, why do Canon use the internal flash for focus assist illumination? It is not very subtle, and can be annoying. Also not good where flash photography is banned. At least it can be kept off and the Canon AF seems to work well in low light.

Video is the same as on my old 600D but with the added feature of stereo microphones and STM lenses it make the 700D a better video.

Talking of STM lenses, Canon have been introducing more with some replacing non-STM lenses in the range. Optical performance has also increased and the pricing quite good. I have the 10-18mm STM which is a great bargain. I am not planning to change the 55-250mm II lens as I rarely use that for video, nor the EF 50mm 1.8 II.

The camera photos come out well and changing settings easy.

Battery life is very good and with 5 genuine Canon LP-E8 batteries shared between the 700D and 600D, running out of power should never be an issue.

I originally wanted the 650D a couple of years back, but it was superseded by the 700D after a short time, so I waited until the price came down.

I recommend the 700D but with the 18-135mm STM lens.