The 550D shares the 7D's 18 million pixel resolution sensor but with fewer channels, according to Canon. It offers HD video resolutions of 1080p in the 24, 25 and 30 frame rates, with 720p video available at 50 and 60fps.

However, the new feature most likely to attract budding videographers is the inclusion of a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, which will enable the use of an external microphone when capturing video. The socket will bring high-quality sound recording to 550D users, who, according to Canon, have been unable to afford the 5D Mark II DSLR.

Photographers 'can also take manual control over exposure settings, changing the depth of field and degree of motion blur to shoot more creatively,' says Canon. 'To provide the best possible video quality, highlight tone priority can be set independently for movie capture, without changing any still image capture settings.'

As for still photography, the 550D has an ISO range of 100 to 6400, expandable to ISO12800. It offers 14-bit image processing, a nine-point autofocus system, continuous shooting at 3.7fps and, for the first time in an entry-level model, exposure compensation and bracketing.

The 550D has a 7.7cm LCD Clear View LCD screen, bigger and 'more intuitive' buttons and can support Eye-Fi memory cards for wireless transfer of images.

However, the 550D will not replace the 450D and 500D models, says Canon.

The 550D will retail from 24 February. Prices start at £800 (body-only) or £900 with the 18-55mm lens and £1100 with a 18-135mm lens. The double lens kit will retail at £1200.

For more information, visit canon.co.uk.