For three years, Canon’s EOS 1100D enjoyed a good run as the most basic and least expensive camera in the manufacturer’s DSLR line-up. But three years is a long time in the gadget industry, where upgrades matter a lot. Nonetheless, Canon now has a new entry-level DSLR, the EOS 1200D.

We go hands-on to see how this camera fares, in a time where users are increasingly upgrading from point-and-shoot cameras to DSLRs and Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras.

What’s new?

While we expected some radical upgrades in Canon’s latest entry-level DSLR, the manufacturer has decided to throw in just a few basic changes. For starters, the sensor now captures 18.1 effective mega-pixels, over the predecessor’s 12MP. But the camera retains the old DIGIC 4 image processor. While we have no problems with the old image processor, we think it would have certainly appreciated a faster image processor for faster burst modes et al.

Even the number of AF points has been kept at 9, same as the 1100D. The closest competitor, the Nikon D3300, has two more AF points.

The LCD display at the rear has grown bigger to 3-inches, and has a better resolution too, at 4,60,000 dots, though it is not a touchscreen. If you consider competition, that’s not a concern, as the Nikon D3300 is also not equipped with a touch-sensitive monitor. But if you were to take in Mirrorless ILCs into the equation, then the EOS 1200D is missing out on one very important feature.

Also, by now we had expected Canon to throw in Wi-Fi capability in even its entry-level cameras, as that is again a must-have feature. Sadly though, the EOS 1200D does not pack in a Wi-Fi radio.

But movie enthusiasts have a reason to be happy as the EOS 1200D finally brings full-HD (1920x1080 @ 30fps) movie recording with it.

Performance

Canon’s EOS 1200D is a very user-friendly camera in terms of ergonomics. The body is small, very well-built and offers a very good grip. For an entry-level DSLR, the camera is equipped with ample buttons for beginners to master manual control, and yet not be overwhelmed. The buttons are very accessible and offer a sharp tactile response.

The shooting experience is very typical of Canon – easy, fast and responsive. The AF is quick to respond in even moderately lit conditions, when used with the viewfinder. While shooting in Live View mode, however, the AF is still a bit slow. We had expected Canon to address this issue with this camera.

Images taken on the pre-programmed or the automatic shooting modes are bright, and are slightly on the warmer side. While shooting in Manual or Priority modes, we found that extent of manual tweaking is quite high, with custom white balance and ISO functions being available as readily as the shutter speed and aperture controls.

There’s decent noise suppression until ISO 3200, after which graininess is evidently visible. We also found that the EOS 1200D’s two kit lenses that are being offered in the bundle, the 18-55mm and the 55-250mm EFS lenses, are very easy to use and learn for beginners.

Verdict

The Canon EOS 1200D, like its predecessor, is a very user-friendly and economical entry-level DSLR.

The images are great, and the entire experience is very hassle free. However, we do feel that Canon should have thrown in wireless features, when the need to upload vacation pictures on social media is paramount.

₹30,995 onwards

Love – Very user-friendly; brilliant image quality

Hate – No Wi-Fi; Slow AF in Live View Mode

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