Today, most users prefer to take pictures on smartphones, since the quality of built-in cameras is growing every year. However, many eventually cease to have enough "smartphone" quality. Today we will tell you about an inexpensive SLR camera designed just for those who are thinking about switching to serious photographic equipment from a smartphone or compact camera.
What's this?
One of the most inexpensive and compact SLR cameras available on the Ukrainian market.
It uses the same 18-megapixel APS-C sensor as Canon's more expensive cameras. In addition, the novelty, like other Canon devices, is compatible with all EF optics, among which there are very good and inexpensive lenses.
What does it look like?
Like a typical SLR camera. Frame Canon EOS 1200D is made of rough black plastic, on the right there is a characteristic “grip” under the arm. The dimensions of the EOS 1200D can be called quite compact for a SLR camera, in absolute values the camera is not so different from some APS-C mirrorless camera.
Is it convenient to use?
Yes, it's convenient. The control scheme on EOS SLR cameras - both older and younger models - has been tested for decades. In the EOS 1200D, the most frequently used keys can be reached with the thumb of the right hand, and all important functions are placed on the buttons of the navigation center. As a result, you can change the main shooting parameters - such as exposure compensation, sensitivity, white balance, focus point, and so on - without entering the camera menu.
In addition, the EOS 1200D has a proprietary “quick menu” that opens when you press the Q button. In this menu, in addition to the options already listed, you can change the image style (only when shooting in JPEG format), metering type or drive mode (single shooting, continuous shooting, bracketing, etc.)
In general, the camera menu is traditional for EOS models. Owners of other Canon cameras will feel right at home.
At the same time, the camera, traditionally for Canon, has fast autofocus and is very responsive. The only time I saw the sign “Wait, the memory card is busy” was when I tried to view the footage immediately after shooting the series.
The battery capacity of 860 mAh is enough for about 500 shots. This is one of the main advantages of DSLRs over mirrorless ones - they consume almost no energy in standby and framing.
Does it shoot well?
One of the main strengths of the EOS 1200D is that it uses the same 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor as Canon's more expensive models and produces the same quality photos. So the difference between these cameras is rather in control and the availability of various kinds of special features (for example, reportage 7D boasts much more flexible autofocus and more high speed continuous shooting).
In general, the EOS 1200D delivers Canon's typical image quality: photos are smooth, with nice, natural colors. Dynamic range may not be the best on the market this moment, but it starts to limit the user only in situations with maximum contrast.
The kit lens (Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II) is notable for good sharpness, especially in the center of the frame, but it has strong chromatic aberrations. However, this is not so scary: when shooting in JPEG, the camera itself corrects them, and when shooting in RAW, they are eliminated literally in one click in any modern RAW converter.
Sample shots taken with the Canon EOS 1200D (gallery with full size files):
In the dry matter
The Canon EOS 1200D is a good entry-level DSLR that's a great buy for people buying their first serious camera. It features convenient operation, good image quality, and compatibility with all EOS camera lenses. A nice bonus will be the price, which starts from 6500 hryvnia for a kit with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens.
4 reasons to buy Canon EOS 1200D:
- this is one of the most inexpensive "DSLRs" on the market;
- typical for Canon good quality Images;
- compatible with Canon's full line of EF optics;
- fast autofocus.
1 reason not to buy the Canon EOS 1200D:
- low screen resolution.
| Technical Canon specifications EOS 1200D | |
|---|---|
| System | Canon EF |
| Image sensor | 22.3x14.9 mm CMOS, 18 MP, aspect ratio 3:2 |
| autofocus | 9 AF points |
| Working range of focus | -3 to 18EV |
| Focus modes | single-frame, tracking, intelligent, manual |
| metering | evaluative, partial, spot, center-weighted |
| Excerpt | 1/4000 - 30 s (in 1/2 or 1/3 increments), manual continuous |
| white balance | automatic + 9 presets with the ability to adjust ±9 steps in two axes |
| Viewfinder | pentamirror, coverage 95% of the frame, magnification 0.8x |
| Display | (3") Clear View TFT, 460,000 dots |
| Flash | E-TTL II, guide number 9 |
| Burst shooting | Max. 3 fps |
| Types and sizes of photo files | JPEG, RAW |
| Video file type | MOV (H.264 with intraframe/interframe compression), FullHD, 25/30p |
| Recording media | SD, SDHC or SDXC card (UHS-I) |
| Microphone jack | No |
| Food | Lithium-ion battery LP-E10, approx. 500 frames |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 130 x 100 x 78mm |
| Weight | 480 g with battery and memory card. |
To paraphrase one old advertisement for a non-photo market product, this is a very accurate description of Canon's most budget camera. Without the taste of lemon and without the lottery - just a camera, and it shoots well.
What the buyer gets for the minimum money: read in this review.
Design and ergonomics
Competition in the budget segment is high, and companies are constantly working to improve their products. Compared to the previous version (1100D), the design has not undergone significant changes, but pleasant little things are worth noting.
Firstly, there is a texture on the overlays, which undoubtedly contributes to the reliable holding of the camera with one hand. Secondly, the contours of the body have become stylistically closer to SLR cameras of a higher class. Finally, finishing material ceased to produce a feeling of budget plastic.
The controls are concentrated on the right side of the case, on its upper and rear faces. Any operation for changing parameters or setting with some skill can be performed with one hand.
The power is turned on by a lever located coaxially with the shooting mode selection ring. The disc does not rotate 360°, but the inconvenience is felt only when switching from photographing to recording video and vice versa. The discreteness is perfectly fixed, it will not work to skip the desired mode without even looking at the disk.
The button for switching to Live View mode (it also turns on video recording if the shooting mode switch is set to the appropriate position) is now moved to the viewfinder eye and, thanks to the rounded convex shape, is excellent to the touch.
Surrounding the five-button switch are four more hardware buttons. To the right of the thumb, on the ledge, are two important buttons - select the AF point and lock exposure metering.
The LCD screen is not touch, it is hardwired into the rear panel.
Under the cover on the left panel, there are sockets for connecting a wired remote control, a TV (HDMI) and a computer (USB).
The battery and memory card are installed in slots on the bottom of the case. The compartment cover is located at a slight distance from the tripod socket and can be covered by even a medium-sized platform.
In general, the device can be described as convenient when shooting - thanks to the precise balance, even with a heavy lens, it is comfortable to hold it, the sags on the rear panel and the grip on the front make it possible to work with one hand.
All controls are located within the reach of the thumb and forefinger of the right hand.
The dimensions of the case remained the same - 130x100x78 mm, the weight without a lens even slightly decreased and is 480 g.
Functionality
If the external differences between the Canon EOS 1100D and 1200D are not easy to notice, then the functionality of the cameras differs significantly in favor of new version device.
The 1200D uses an 18-megapixel matrix. Compared to its predecessor's 12 megapixels, this means more framing options in post-production.
For an APS-C-sensor, the indicator today is normal, it does not lead to a radical increase in noise, you can see for yourself by looking at the sample frames.
The sensitivity range is extended by one step and is ISO 100-12800. The latter indicator is achieved only if the Hi option is enabled in the corresponding menu.
The proven DIGIC 4 processor is responsible for data processing.
Mechanical shutter with electronic control and electronic front curtain. It works out shutter speeds from 30 to 1/4000 s. In manual mode, there is no official exposure limit.
The shooting speed in the series is 3 fps (up to 6 RAW or 69 JPEG).
The phase detection autofocus sensor contains nine points. Central - cruciform, works with apertures up to 5.6.
The last digit can confuse beginners - does autofocus really not work with aperture 8 or 11? Of course, it works, only focusing is performed at the maximum open aperture (for better light transmission), and at the time of shooting it closes to the value set by the automation or the photographer.
In other words, the device is able to automatically focus when any autofocus lens with a maximum aperture of 5.6 (or more) is installed in the corresponding section of the focal length.
This parameter is desirable to take into account when buying zoom lenses. For obvious reasons, the choice will fall not on top fast apertures, but on budget cameras corresponding to the class. So, Canon offers lenses with a maximum aperture of up to 5.6, while third-party manufacturers also meet with 6.3. As a result, both misses and uncertain focusing may occur at a far teleposition.
During testing, shooting was carried out with two lenses of different classes. The first is a complete zoom 18-55 / 3.5-5.6. The second is the top macro 100 / 2.8. The autofocus system has shown itself with better side: no obvious misses found.
In addition to the single-frame autofocus mode, the camera has tracking and intermediate modes. In the latter, the lens starts to refocus if the object in the frame has changed its position relative to the camera.
The optical viewfinder shows about 95% of the area of the future frame (earlier, in budget models, there were much lower values). It is quite bright and allows you to manually focus even in medium-light scenes.
Live View mode will come to the rescue when shooting in twilight. Focusing manually helps to increase the selected area of the frame. It is gratifying to note that the refresh rate of the picture in low light does not drop to blurs that are inconvenient in real work at the slightest movement of the camera or object.
Compared with the previous model, the size of the LCD screen has been increased - it has become three-inch, and the number of image elements has grown to 460 thousand. Doubling the number of pixels has benefited the detail. Now the menus are read well, and reviewing the footage gives more information about the quality.
The built-in flash is used for autofocus illumination. Its power is enough to reduce the contrast of the scene when shooting against a light source. As a stand-alone source of artificial light, the built-in flash only works when there is some light, in semi-darkness (not to mention complete darkness) the results will be mediocre.
The button to raise the lamp can be reassigned in the menu. The only option for a new feature is to change the sensitivity. The lamp will then rise through the Q-menu item.
Sheepskin is worth the candle if you shoot video. The fact is that you can change the sensitivity manually only in this bypass way - the hardware button for calling the ISO selection menu when shooting a video only moves the focus area.
Video recording on the Canon EOS 1200D has been improved over the 1100D with a Full HD mode. However, it should be noted that this is an amateur camera, the connection of an external microphone is not provided, as well as advanced sound recording functions.
The device is powered by an LP-E10 battery (7.4 V, 860 mAh). From one charge, according to the manufacturer, you can make up to 500 frames at normal temperature and up to 450 at zero.
For several days of shooting, I was not able to completely drain the battery, the total number of shots is about 500, but I hardly used the Live View mode.
Canon understands that many 1200D buyers will never change lenses. This is one of the reasons for the lack of a matrix cleaning mechanism. So after a vacation or just an active summer filming season, it is highly recommended to visit service center and order preventive cleaning there.
Frame quality
Traditionally, raw files are available for download from the cloud at this link.
The JPEG from the camera doesn't look sharp enough. This is due to the settings of the device. The fact is that the image styles “standard” and “neutral” come out of the box with an underestimated sharpening.
Of course, through the menu you can raise this figure and even get "unnecessarily" sharp images, but since I prefer to edit everything before use, you can see files with settings from the manufacturer.
On a scale of 0 to 7, only the "landscape" style has a setting of 4, but if I didn't resort to editing, I would prefer 5 or even 6, taking into account the reduction before publishing or printing.
The softness of JPEG is not a drawback, but a feature of the device. When editing, this is a boon, since operations with tonal range and colors can easily lead to overemphasizing sharp edges, which will be perceived as a drawback. Files from 1200D contain enough information to sharpen in graphics editor, and in a variety of ways.
The picture of the 1200D was reminiscent of old (by digital standards) Canon cameras - smooth, maybe even too "beautiful".
RAW from the Canon EOS 1200D can withstand significant correction. Underexposure three stops corrected with acceptable growth noise even at ISO 1600, at ISO 200 there are no problems at all. Overexposure in two steps can still be corrected, but it is already difficult to extract the details in the highlights, and you will have to tinker with the yellow color. One extra step does not cause difficulties during processing.
Results
The Canon EOS 1200D is a great first DSLR for beginners. On it, you can learn the basic tricks of shooting and understand which direction (technically and creatively) to move on.
Canon EOS 1200D kit (18-55mm) EF-S IS II
Notify when available
Ergonomics and design
The camera is solidly built, made of matte rough plastic that is pleasant to the touch and lies quite well in the hand. Subjectively, the size is medium-universal, suitable for almost everyone. For owners of a large brush, the little finger will hang a little - this is a typical drawback of all initial models of DSLRs.
The camera display has improved compared to its predecessor EOS 1100D. The enlarged diagonal allows for a more comfortable viewing of photos, the resolution is not too high, but sufficient for most situations. Viewing angles are good.
The optical viewfinder is also quite convenient for sighting. Its design uses a pentamirror rather than a pentaprism, which reduces the cost of the camera design, but at the same time, it practically does not affect the convenience of sighting. The manufacturer saved on the eye proximity sensor, but used a budget "half-measure" - when the shutter button is pressed, the display turns off. Also traditionally available is a diopter correction wheel.
Contrary to newfangled trends, charging the camera is implemented in the old fashioned way - I took out the battery, inserted it into the charger and connected it to the network. No recharging from USB cable. But you can safely work with several batteries: we charge one, remove the other.
Functionality
The matrix in the EOS 1200D has been "pumped" - the resolution has grown from 12 to 18 megapixels compared to the previous model. The detail of the shots should grow, which is great. In addition, there is an opinion that the matrix is the same as in the EOS 700D - with a sufficiently high image quality for an amateur camera.
At Prophotos, we deeply believe that a photograph becomes real only after it has been printed on paper.
Don't let photos sit in your computer's memory year after year. Only a material photograph has real value - hanging on your wall or pasted into a family album.
To print pictures from this camera, we recommend the Canon PIXMA MG5740 All-In-One. This inexpensive model is equipped with 5 separate ink tanks. It supports paper sizes up to A4, allows you to use different media (from matte to glossy paper), so you can choose the optimal texture for the nature of your picture.
Canon PIXMA MG5740 is equipped with a Wi-Fi interface: you can connect to local network or directly to the camera. Also, the Wi-Fi module allows you to print documents from mobile devices.
Turning on the device is subjectively rather slow, about a second and a half - not so little ... But let's not forget that this is not a top segment, not an average, but an initial class of SLR cameras. In addition, it is possible that in serial samples the performance will increase.
Autofocus in the camera is built according to the phase scheme, it works as expected quickly and accurately. But in Live View mode, you can also focus on the contrast principle: a little slower, but with a lively picture on the screen.
The shutter sound is barely audible, unlike when the mirror is raised. The shutter lag is noticeable, but still present.
The camera's rate of fire is about 3 frames per second. Hand on heart, I will say that for most amateur photographers this is enough.
The DIGIC 4 processor is basically sufficient for all operations, and the stutter is only noticeable when viewing the footage - during zooming and viewing details. However, here the matter may not even be in the processor, but in the flash drive.
Interface and control
The control interface of the Canon EOS 1200D does not raise any particular complaints, you quickly get used to it. Most of the functions and control reactions are quite intuitive, especially for those who have dealt with Canon DSLR cameras. And after playing with the camera for about 15 minutes, you can no longer go into the instructions.
In addition to the standard PASM modes, automatic modes, selecting presets for various scenes, and shooting video. In the “automatic” the camera shoots well, and for beginner amateur photographers this will be a definite plus.
By the way, Canon has created a free camera reference guide for amateur photographers as an application for popular mobile platforms. It's called the Canon EOS Companion. It is assumed that the user can always have at hand in the smartphone such an application that will help find answers to questions about camera control, technical nuances and shooting examples.
The application is only in English so far, but let's hope that by the start of sales of the Canon EOS 1200D camera, the "companion" will acquire Russian. You can change certain parameters in the Canon EOS 12000D both using individual buttons and in the quick on-screen menu. The Q button is used to change a number of photography options directly on the screen. The settings dial, which is located next to the shutter button, allows you to change shooting settings depending on the mode.
The mirror up and Live View image button works when taking a photo. If you switch to the video recording mode using the PASM controller, it will serve to start recording video.
Viewing the footage is not difficult. You can change the scale with the corresponding buttons next to the thumb, and switch between frames using the buttons on the navipad. The control wheel on the top panel in playback mode allows you to jump every 10 frames.
How long does a camera last? Usually - a few years, but many manufacturers manage to shake up the entire lineup once a year or two - to maintain interest. Only flagship cameras are rarely updated - a lot of money is invested in their development, but sales volumes are significantly less than that of budget DSLRs: it is often financially unprofitable to release new "best" cameras.
But inexpensive SLR cameras are updated quite quickly. For example, the three thousandth Nikon family has been replenished three times over the past five years, and in total there are four devices in the series (D3000, D3100, D3200 and the recently reviewed D3300). Pentax does not lag behind, which over the past two years has updated the budget line twice, at the same time expanding it. But what about Canon? This manufacturer has the cheapest DSLR with a swivel screen updated almost once a year, but the Canon EOS 1100D had to wait for three whole years to update. All in all, life cycle the cheapest Canon DSLR had no less than the flagship products.
However, for the most affordable Canon series, such a long wait for an update has already become the norm, because the replacement of the EOS 1000D also had to wait about three years. So what has changed over such a long period of time? The appearance of the novelty has undergone only cosmetic changes, the resolution of the images has increased from 12 to 18 megapixels, and the display has grown both physically - by 0.3 inches, and in terms of resolution - from 230 thousand to 460 thousand dots. A Full HD video shooting mode has also been added, because in modern conditions no way without it. Otherwise, at first glance, the Canon EOS 1200D does not differ from its predecessor: the same viewfinder, the same battery, the same number of white balance presets and focus points, and the metering module with the processor are similar. An old camera in slightly updated packaging? Even so, experience suggests that sometimes a good firmware revision can significantly transform a camera.
⇡ Specifications declared by the manufacturer
| Canon EOS 1200D | |
|---|---|
| Image sensor | 22.3x4.9mm CMOS sensor, total resolution: 18.7MP |
| Effective number of points, MP | 18,0 |
| Image save format | photo frame: RAW, JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver. 2.3) Video: MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM) |
| lens mount | Canon EF-S |
| Frame size in pixels | photo frame: JPEG: up to 5184x3456 (3:2); RAW: 5184x3456 Video: 1920x1080, 1280x720, 640x480 |
| Sensitivity, units in ISO equivalent | AUTO (100-6400), 100-6400 in 1 step ISO extension available up to H:12800 During movie shooting: Auto (100-6400), 100-6400 (in 1-stop increments) |
| Shutter speed range | 30-1/4000 s (in 1/2 or 1/3 increments), Bulb |
| metering | 63-zone |
| exposure metering | Evaluative, partial, center-weighted metering |
| exposure compensation | From ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps |
| Built-in flash | Yes, guide number 9.2 at ISO 100 |
| Self-timer, with | 2, 10, custom |
| Information storage device | SD, SDHC or SDXC |
| LCD display | 7.7 cm (3.0 inches), 460K dots |
| Viewfinder | Optical with 95% coverage and 0.8x magnification |
| Interfaces | HDMI, USB 2.0/AV-out, wired remote control |
| Food | Li-ion battery LP-E10, 6.36 Wh |
| Dimensions (WxHxD), mm | 129.6x99.7x77.9 |
| Weight, g | 480 (with battery and memory card) |
⇡ Delivery set
The scope of delivery is quite standard - a shoulder strap, a charger, a battery, a data cable, a bayonet cap, a removable eyecup, a user manual, a pair of information brochures, and two CDs, one of which contains software, and the second is a multilingual user manual. The "whale" kit, which came to us for testing, also includes a Canon EF-S 18-55 mm 1: 3.5-5.6 IS II lens.
⇡ Appearance
As already noted, outwardly Canon EOS 1200D is quite similar to its predecessor: dimensions similar to a tenth of a millimeter, and the mass has become only 15 grams less. Of course, a heavy "carcass" is a kind of stabilizer when shooting, but in the case of the most affordable DSLRs, which are often used as a camera for every day, it is still more important than light weight, and not additional stabilization. However, the novelty is not the lightest DSLR even in its class, because the Nikon D3300 weighs 50 grams less. The camera lies very comfortably in the hand, and, which cannot but rejoice, the cheapest Canon DSLRs finally have rubber grips on the handle and on the thumb rest on the back, thanks to which the EOS 1200D, unlike its predecessor, is no longer tends to slip out of his hands. In addition, the surface of the body panels is now rough, rather than smooth, as in the 1000D and 1100D models, so the novelty looks more expensive than its predecessors.
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However, it is impossible to say that this is a breakthrough in the field of budget cameras, because the three thousandth Nikon family, as well as budget Sony and Pentax DSLRs, pleased only with rough plastic, and manufacturers did not forget about rubber pads. Rather, Canon has finally caught up with the competition in this regard. However, the novelty did not get rid of some generic problems, remaining the only modern SLR with the installation of memory cards under one cover with a battery. Why is not clear. But the build quality is high, so there is actually nothing to complain about.
On the front is a metal mount, a built-in monaural microphone, and an auto-shutter timer indicator lamp.
On the back side, the arrangement of various elements has been generally preserved, although the shape of the keys has been slightly changed. Most of the rear surface, of course, is occupied by the display, above which is a viewfinder with a diopter control, but without a proximity sensor. The right part is occupied by the keys, the location of which has not changed much - a slight reshuffle was made only with the keys for exposure compensation and switching to LiveView mode. From a subjective point of view, a very successful castling. Although there is something to complain about. For example, the keys for changing the display mode, as well as switching to the view mode, are moved a little closer to the screen, which is why pressing them is not as convenient as in the EOS 1100D. Although this is again a purely subjective assessment.
A pop-up flash is installed on top with a “hot shoe” at the base. To the left of it, only the system speaker is visible, and to the right is the mode dial, supplemented by the power lever, the shutter button, the control dial, and the electronic flash lock button.
At the bottom there is a connector for mounting on a tripod, as well as a door that hides the compartments for the battery and memory card - when the camera is mounted on a tripod, it is impossible to get to the card. This could be dealt with if the subject had a built-in Wi-Fi module, but it does not. In general, once again we have to state that Canon, with perseverance worthy of better use, continues to step on the same rake.
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The left side surface is empty, on the right, under the rubber plug, there are connectors for connecting USB / AV and HDMI cables, as well as a connector for connecting a wired remote control.
Canon EOS 1200D is lightweight and compact camera with a laconic design.
Dimensions Canon 1200D - 129.6 × 99.7 × 77.9 mm, weight (body) - 480 grams. Compared to its predecessor, the Canon 1100D, appearance Canon 1200D has undergone significant changes. The monitor of the new model has become larger, the buttons have shifted and become more compact. The Live View button has moved closer to the viewfinder, and the speaker has moved from the back to the top. The control keys on the rear panel are flat and practically do not protrude from the case, which is why they are poorly perceived by touch. Unlike its predecessor, the Canon 1200D has a rubberized grip and thumb rest, making it comfortable to hold the camera in your hand.
On the left side of the camera there are connectors: USB-port (with PAL/NTSC video output), mini-HDMI output and remote control. At the bottom there is a thread for a tripod pad and a joint compartment for a memory card and battery. When using a tripod, access to them will be difficult, and this is a minus in this case.
In terms of build quality, the Canon EOS 1200D performs well for an entry-level DSLR.
The camera runs on a proprietary LP-E10 battery. When tested according to CIPA standards (a method for measuring the autonomy of a device for cameras), it is enough for 500 shots. By the way, the hero of the review is significantly inferior in terms of autonomy to the Canon 1100D, whose batteries were enough for 750 shots.
Functional
The Canon EOS 1200D has all the basic features a beginner needs to shoot (Live View, lots of on-screen tips, customizable Picture Styles), but there aren't any advanced features on this model.
Canon 1200D offers its users a wide range of shooting modes. The Creative Zone modes (manual setting) give amateur photographers the ability to control settings on their own. So, here you can choose the shutter speed, aperture, white balance and ISO settings yourself (in the range of 100-6400 with an extension of up to 12800). This includes the following modes:
- "Software machine" (P)
- "Shutter Priority" (Tv)
- Aperture Priority (Av)
- "Manual mode" (M).
In the basic zone modes (automatic modes), the user is already limited in the choice of settings, which at the same time simplifies the process of photographing. Simply select the desired usage scenario and the Canon 1200D will automatically optimize the required shooting parameters.
This includes:
- "Intelligent scene mode" (Scene Intelligent Auto, analyzes the scene and independently selects the best settings for the frame)
- "Flashless Mode"
- Creative Auto (CA)
- "Portrait"
- "Landscape"
- "Macro"
- "Sport"
- "Night portrait".
The Canon 1200D lets you choose from seven Picture Styles: Auto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Accurate, Monochrome, and three Custom. Adjustments can be made for sharpness, contrast, saturation, and hue.
Auto Brightness Correction programmatically processes the contrast and brightness of a photo and is used to produce a more balanced image. It includes the following modes - "no correction", "low", "standard" and "strong" processing levels.
The camera menu is convenient and already familiar to amateur photographers familiar with Canon cameras. For those who use the camera of this company for the first time, it will not be difficult to master it, because it is simple and intuitive.
The Canon 1200D is equipped with a built-in flash with a guide number of 9.2 (a conventional number describing flash output) with focal length up to 17 mm. On the camera, you can select the following modes for setting the flash:
- "Auto"
- "Manual"
- "Red Eye Reduction".
Using the hot shoe mounted on the top panel, you can attach external flashes.
Live View is useful for shooting in low light or when using the viewfinder is difficult. In this mode, the user can track the subject while looking directly at the camera monitor. In Live View, you can display a histogram (a graph that displays the number of pixels with a specific brightness value), but there is no virtual horizon in this mode.
The focusing module in the Canon 1200D is the same as in the Canon 600D model - 9-point, with one cross-shaped dot in the middle.
There are four basic display options in view mode:
- clean frame
- overlay frame brief information
- small frame with shooting parameters and brightness histogram
- reduced frame with important parameters and expanded histogram.
Quickly and easily sort your photos for viewing on your computer with the rating function, which lets you rate your photos on a five-star scale.
Finished photos can be processed directly on the camera using a standard set of filters, the Canon 1200D has five of them: Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera Effect, Fisheye Effect, Miniature Effect. The intensity of each is adjusted in several levels.
For novice photographers, the Canon EOS 1200D Assistant is also a great bonus, designed specifically to get to know the camera. With its help, the user will be able to learn not only the basic techniques of working with the model, but also get acquainted with the basics of photography. True, only owners of devices on operating systems Android and iOS.
As with the Canon 600D, the Canon 1200D comes with a standard Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II entry-level lens, designed specifically for cameras with a crop factor of 1.6. Its advantages include a thread for filters of 58 mm (the most common diameter) and the presence of an optical stabilizer. Minus - when focusing, the front lens rotates, which makes it difficult to use some filters.
Photo quality
Photo quality is one of the most important camera parameters. The 18-megapixel APS-C sensor is responsible for this in the Canon 1200D, which allows you to make high-quality detailed images.
Here are the results of Canon EOS 1200D photo quality tests: noise, chromatic aberration, peripheral illumination correction, night shooting, auto-correction of brightness, and “priority of highlights”.
Noises(image distortion due to technical features camera matrices). The test shots were shot by the experts at Photographyblog at ISO 100-3200. Tests at more ISO value have not been done, because entry-level cameras always give good results with them. Image snippets show noise levels for each ISO setting, JPEG on the left and RAW on the right. In general, the noise level of the EOS 1200D can be considered acceptable.
Chromatic aberration(image distortions introduced optical system lens: loss of sharpness, appearance of color halos). During tests, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS showed a good level of chromatic aberration. The photographs show the worst results for this lens.
Night shooting. A maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and a Bulb mode designed for longer exposures is great news for all night photography enthusiasts.
"The Priority of Lights" can be set in the Custom Functions menu (C.Fn-6). The function is useful when photographing scenes in which light shades are combined with a dark background. The function does its job well.
Peripheral illumination correction. Peripheral Illumination Correction (or "Vignetting Correction") is designed to correct dark corners at the edges of the frame, which are caused by the laws of optics and lens design.
Video quality
The Canon EOS 1200D features a variety of frame rates, offering a choice of 24, 25 or 30 fps when recording Full HD video clips, and 50 or 60 fps when shooting at 720p (HD). Sound recording when shooting video from the Canon 1200D is monaural, and there is no way to connect an external microphone.
