The pricy, pro-quality 5DS and 5DS R weren’t the only DSLRs Canon launched recently. The company hasn’t forgotten about the more affordable end of the market, and the new 750D and 760D will form its new entry-level offerings.

Replacing the popular 700D, the two cameras are aimed chiefly at photographers making the step-up from compact cameras or smartphones. Both are similarly specced-out with 24.2MP APS-C sensors, DIGIC 6 image processors, an ISO range of 100-12800, 19-point autofocus, 1080p video shooting, Wi-Fi, NFC and vari-angle LCD screens.

The biggest difference lies in the control layout. The 750D is your standard entry-level DSLR when it comes to dials and buttons – simple and basic – but the 760D features a control layout more akin to the company’s pricier, enthusiast-friendly models: a top-plate LCD panel, a Quick Control Dial and an Intelligent Viewfinder. The 760D also offers extra creative modes for movie shooting.

The two models will be available from April 2015.

THAT’S THE MAGIC NUMBER

Canon has also expanded its EOS M range of compact system cameras with the M3. Despite being far more small and lightweight, the EOS M3 comes with much the same capabilities as the 750D: a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, 100-12800 ISO range, vari-angle screen, Wi-Fi and NFC, and 1080p movie shooting. It also includes a new 49-point Hybrid CMOS autofocus system.

The Canon EOS M3 – which uses the same EF lenses as Canon’s DSLR range – will be on sale from April. Again, expect a delay for a South African launch.