Digital camera Canon 1200D: reviews of professionals and conclusions

Model 1200D series Canon EOS was created in order to become a new digital SLR camera base level, replacing the EOS 1100D. Since the camera is aimed at beginners and those who are not familiar with the use of Digital SLR, the manufacturer has released a new application for devices running Android and iOS, so that users can learn how the camera works. The application covers the basics, including the operation of the mode switch, changing settings, and teaches how to hold the device to get the best photos.

Features

1200D, also known in the US as the Rebel T5, is available both without a lens and with EF-S optics 18-55 mm DC III and EF-S 18-55 mm IS II with built-in optical image stabilization.

The device is equipped with a 18-megapixel sensor APS-C, used in the 700D model and other EOS-cameras manufacturer, which replaced the matrix in 12 Mp in the 1100D. In addition, the camera has a 3-inch screen, which is also an improvement of the old 2.7-inch screen. Instead of 720p, Full HD video appeared. As a result, the Canon EOS base camera almost equaled Nikon's similar DSLR offerings, though without ever getting a continuous 4-fps shoot, an external microphone jack and an 11-point autofocus offered in the D3200, content with relatively slow three frames in Second and a 9-point AF system.

There are a number of creative shooting modes, as well as scene modes with simple settings described in a clear language, so you do not need to understand the apertures and shutter speeds, for example, to change settings, create a blurry background or a brighter image. To change the camera settings and get the desired results, simply change the screen option.

Key Features:

• 18-megapixel sensor CMOS APS-C,
• 3 '' screen with 460.000 points,
• Processor DIGIC 4,
• High definition video 1080p,
• Easy to use Intelligent Auto,
• ISO 100-12800 (extended),
• The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 s,
• 9 AF points located throughout the frame.

1200D was released with an application called the EOS Companion App, which can be downloaded from Google and Apple stores. It has several parts. Fundamentals of the photo are set out in the training section. Then follows the introductory section, where you can find out more about the camera and its settings, and behind it - "Inspiration", intended for further introduction into the photo after the initial acquaintance with the camera.

Canon 1200D Review: reviews by professionals

The camera perfectly sits in the hand thanks to a good rubber grip with textured rubber for the thumb on the back side, along with a textured plastic case that is better than the 1100D model. The optical viewfinder is equipped with a rubber frame, which will be needed for those who wear glasses. The screen is quite difficult to use in bright sunlight, but at other times it is bright enough, with good color rendering and easily readable text and options. The camera controls provide access to the necessary functions, and the "Q" button provides quick access to frequently used rear screen settings.

Menu

The menu system Canon 1200D reviews of professionals are logically well thought out. The items used in shooting are highlighted in red, the playback menu is marked in blue, the settings are in orange, and the custom menu is green. It allows you to place all your favorite settings on one page for quick access to frequently used functions. In addition, the camera allows you to get help on each menu item, which together creates a very convenient system.

Battery life

According to the test results Canon / CIPA, the battery is designed for 500 shots. This is a lot, but from digital SLR cameras, we expect a better battery life.

Canon 1200D: reviews of professionals and description

To check the speed of the device from turning on to take the first photo, focus, time between pictures, etc., several pictures were taken. The values obtained were averaged, which yielded the following results, which make it easy to compare the camera with other cameras:

• The time of the shutter: 0.1 s;
• The same with a wide focus: 0.3 s;
• The same with a full zoom: 0.25 s;
• Switching time: 0,4 s;
• Time between shots without flash: 0.4 s;
• The same with a flash: 0.5 s;
• Speed of shooting in JPEG (number of frames before deceleration): 3 fps (16 frames);
• The same with flash: 2 fps (36 frames);
• Shooting speed in RAW: 3 fps (6 frames and stop).

The focus and shutter response are fast, the camera quickly turns on and quickly takes off, even when using the Canon 1200D flash. Reviews of professionals the characteristics of the camera when viewed across the screen is called unacceptable, and when shooting moving objects it is better to avoid it, except when you need to use the device far from the eyes at different angles.

Control

The controls are simple and functional. The four navigation buttons allow you to change the ISO sensitivity, shooting mode (single, series and 2-, 10-second and custom self-timer), white balance and autofocus settings (one, AI and Servo AI).

Exposure compensation, video recording, on-screen display, menus, quick controls, playback and on-screen buttons occupy the rest of the space around them. All keys are flat, with a little tactile feedback. The exception is the exposure lock and AF point selection buttons located under the thumb. They still manage to remain soft to the touch.

The "Set" button in the center can be programmed so that you can improve the image quality, compensate for the flash exposure, preview the depth of field, turn the LCD on or off. True, a preview of depth of field, as a rule, can not be seen in small dim viewfinders, like this camera, so that the owner is very limited in the choice of appointments. In addition, you can remap the flash button to control the ISO speed, although there is already a special button on the rear panel for this. A limited set of functions does not require much flexibility for direct access.

On the top panel there is a hot shoe, a mode switch, a flash button and a power switch. The mode dial contains the usual modes: manual, semi-automatic and automatic. Unlike many manufacturers who have smart or intelligent automatic mode (automatic mode in which you can change some settings), Canon calls it "creative automatic". And the intelligent scene mode for Canon is actually a simple, old automatic.

Test shots

Exposure Canon 1200D reviews of professionals called reliable, the camera allows you to obtain images with excellent color, good level of saturation and very pleasant skin tones. Portrait photos taken with flash do not give the effect of red eyes. Images taken in low light have good color rendition, and a complete lens can take close-up photos with a pleasantly blurred background.

Lens

The photos have good exposure and dynamic range, and the automatic lighting optimization function improves detail in the shaded and light areas of the image. Lens Canon EOS 1200D Kit reviews of professionals are characterized as an apparatus with a good level of detail of the images both with wide-angle shooting, and using a telephoto lens. The photos are less contrasting in the corners, have a purple halo and chromatic aberrations, also more in the corners, especially when photographing with high contrast. The optics are quite resistant to glare, even when shooting with the sun in the center of the frame. Focusing with the optical viewfinder is fast and reliable, but much slower with the on-screen sight.

Noise characteristics

To achieve the lowest noise and highest detail in the Canon 1200D, professional reviews recommend using ISO100-800. For lower illumination levels, ISO1600-3200 still yields good results, although the amount of noise increases and the detail is reduced. When ISO6400 noise becomes strong, and professionals recommend avoiding this setting, if possible. True, if the image size is reduced, the images can still be usable on the Internet. ISO12800 is best avoided, since the noise is extremely high, and the detail is low. To assess the impact of interference on images in the Canon 1200D, reviews of professionals and buyers recommend viewing them in a 100% increase.

White balance

With the warm light of incandescent lamps, the automatic white balance (AWB) works well. The corresponding preset gives a similar result, and to achieve a more accurate color transfer, it is recommended to use a custom white balance. AWB works very well with fluorescent lighting. Preset allows you to shoot no worse.

Digital filters

The camera has several "auto-creative" modes, each of which gives the pictures a slightly different look and style. In order to shoot in the expanded dynamic range, you need to use autoexposing bracketing and independently combine photos with "Photoshop" or another image editor. An alternative is to record the image in RAW files.

Video

Video quality when recording at 1080p at 30, 25 or 24 fps is good, although due to the fact that the lens does not stabilize the image of the manual video, chances are most likely that the camera will tremble. For best results, it is recommended that you select the IS version or use a tripod. For more serious work with video in the Canon 1200D, reviews of professionals and owners are advised to use a camera with a jack for an external microphone.

Price and quality

The camera is available with an 18-55 mm lens, without or with image stabilization, with a very good price-performance ratio, which makes the camera one of the cheapest Canon digital SLR cameras with a 18 megapixel sensor. The price is in the same range as the 24-megapixel Nikon D3200 and the 20-megapixel Sony Alpha A58. Before choosing a Canon EOS 1200D Kit, reviews of professionals recommend considering the following alternatives:

• Canon EOS 600D, 18 Mp, 3.7 fps, 18-55 mm IS;
• 1100D, 12 Mp, 3.2 fps, 18-55 mm (without IS);
• 100D, 18 Mp, 4 fps, 18-55 mm (without IS);
• Nikon D3100, 14 Mp, 3 fps, the lens VR;
• D3300, 24 Mp, 5 fps, VR II;
• D3200, 24 Mp, 4 fps, VR II;
• Sony Alpha A58 (EVF), 20 Mp, 5 fps with continuous autofocus;
• Pentax K-50, 16 Mp, 6 fps, the lens and the case are weatherproof.

You can also consider the following mirrorless cameras, if you need a smaller camera with a built-in electronic viewfinder:

• Panasonic Lumix G6, 16 Mp, 7 fps.
• Panasonic Lumix G5, 16 Mp, 6 fps.

In addition, you will need to purchase a memory card and a carrying case or bag so that the device is safe and protected.

Verdict

The 1200D offers a decent upgrade for the 1100D, featuring an APS-C 18-megapixel sensor, an improved rubber grip and a more ergonomic body, with improved finish, compared to the rather budget and "plastic" 1100D. Also, the camera can shoot Full HD and provides bright colorful images. Nevertheless, for those who used to use a compact camera, the sight on the screen will be depressingly slow when focusing. The technical characteristics, which, compared to the 1100D, improved in the Canon 1200D, reviews of professionals are not considered competitive or corresponding to the more impressive characteristics of the basic level offerings from Nikon, Sony and Pentax. These companies have significantly increased the bar of the SLR for beginners.

The camera Canon 1200D reviews of professionals called the long-awaited and long overdue update, which instead of its technical characteristics and functions make a serious competition to competitors, offers a fairly standard set of options. Nevertheless, for those who want to purchase a digital SLR camera Canon EOS base level, the 1200D provides excellent image quality and has a comfortable body with good ergonomics. The Canon 1200D reviews professional reviews characterize as a device that is easy to use, with an application useful for both beginners and those who want to learn more about their camera. The low cost of the kit with the lens makes it extremely competitive, although the lack of image stabilization in comparison with competitors looks mediocre. For beginners or those who want to have an optical viewfinder, along with the ability to change lenses, which Canon has a lot, the EOS 1200D will be a good choice.

Advantages and disadvantages

In Canon 1200D reviews of professionals of advantage find such:

• Good value for money;
• Excellent color rendering;
• The presence of an application that is convenient for beginners;
• Ease of use;
• Good noise characteristics;
• Fast focusing (except for the screen sight);
• Large battery capacity.

The Canon 1200D reviews the following shortcomings of professionals:

• The lens included in the kit does not have image stabilization;
• There is no automatic mode of the expanded dynamic range (Auto-HDR);
• Small focusing at the screen;
• The speed of continuous shooting is only 3 fps.