The Canon 1200D, also known as the Rebel T5 in some regions, is a gateway to the world of DSLR photography for aspiring photographers. This camera, celebrated for its simplicity and effectiveness, strikes a perfect balance between user-friendly features and the quality output synonymous with Canon’s EOS series.
Designed with beginners in mind, the 1200D makes DSLR photography accessible and enjoyable.
Its 18.0 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor captures images with clarity and vibrant colors, ensuring every shot is as memorable as the moment itself. The camera’s ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 12800, allows for shooting in various lighting conditions, making it a versatile companion for different environments.
Moreover, the 1200D steps into the world of Full HD with its 1080p video recording capability, a significant leap from its predecessor’s 720p limit. This feature enables users to not just capture still images but also record life’s moving moments with impressive detail and clarity.
Describe Key Features of Canon 1200D:
The Canon 1200D, also known as the Rebel T5 in some markets, is a feature-packed DSLR camera that offers a blend of performance, ease of use, and value. Here are some of its key features, based on information:
18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor:
The 1200D boasts an 18.0 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor, which is a significant improvement over its predecessor. This sensor captures high-resolution images with fine details and excellent color accuracy.
DIGIC 4 Image Processor:
Equipped with Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor, the 1200D offers quick processing of images, which results in faster operation and responsive performance in various shooting conditions.
ISO Sensitivity:
With an ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 12800, the camera performs admirably in various lighting situations, from bright daylight to dimly lit environments.
Full HD Video Recording:
The Canon 1200D steps up its game in video recording by offering 1080p Full HD video. This allows users to capture detailed and high-quality video footage.
3 fps Continuous Shooting:
The camera is capable of capturing images at a rate of 3 frames per second, which is suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects in sports or nature photography.
9-Point Autofocus System:
It includes a 9-point AF system with one center cross-type AF point, ensuring accurate focus, which is particularly useful in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
3-inch LCD Monitor:
The 1200D features a 3.0-inch LCD screen, providing a clear and bright display for composing shots and reviewing images and videos.
Scene Intelligent Auto Mode:
This mode simplifies the shooting process for beginners by automatically selecting the best settings for the scene, making it easier to capture great photos without extensive knowledge of camera settings.
Built-in Feature Guide:
The 1200D includes a helpful feature guide that explains various functions and how to use them, which is particularly beneficial for those new to DSLR photography.
Creative Filters:
The camera offers a range of creative filters, such as Toy Camera, Fish-Eye, and Miniature, allowing users to add artistic touches to their photos.
Lightweight and Ergonomic Design:
The 1200D has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and carry around, especially for extended periods of shooting.
Compatibility with a Wide Range of Lenses:
As part of the EOS system, the 1200D is compatible with a wide range of EF and EF-S lenses, offering flexibility and options for different types of photography.
Built-in Flash:
The camera includes a built-in pop-up flash, useful in low-light conditions or for fill-in flash in backlit situations.
Battery Life:
The 1200D offers a respectable battery life, capable of capturing around 500 shots per charge, which is quite adequate for a day’s shooting.
These features make the Canon EOS 1200D a versatile and user-friendly option for both beginners and enthusiasts in photography.
Canon 1200D Build and Handling Quality:
The Canon 1200D, known for its solid build and ergonomic handling, offers a comfortable and intuitive experience, particularly for those new to DSLR photography. Here’s an overview of its build and handling quality:
Build Quality:
The Canon 1200D has a carbon-fiber reinforced polycarbonate body, contributing to its lightweight yet sturdy feel. Weighing around 480 grams with the battery and card, the camera is surprisingly light, making it easy to carry and handle for extended periods. The textured surface of the camera provides a decent grip, enhancing its usability during long shooting sessions.
Control Layout:
The camera features a user-friendly control layout with most of the important controls placed on the right-hand side of the rear panel. The large buttons and 3-inch LCD screen with a 460K resolution make it easy to navigate settings and view images, even in sunlight. Additionally, the camera has a pent mirror optical viewfinder offering 95% coverage of the scene and 0.8x magnification, which includes diopter control for those who wear glasses.
Handling Experience:
The handling of the Canon 1200D is straightforward and elegant, with a generous allocation of labeled, single-function buttons. The Q button allows easy access to key settings without having to delve into the main menu. The camera’s handling is enhanced by its straightforward design, resembling pricier models like the Canon EOS 700D, albeit lacking some advanced features like an articulated touchscreen.
Additional Features:
The Canon 1200D includes several scene modes like Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Sports, and more. It also boasts drive modes including Single Shot, Continuous Shooting, Self-timer, and Remote Controlled Shooting. In Continuous Shooting mode, it captures images at a speed of 3 fps for up to 69 Large Fine JPEGs or 6 RAW files.
Autofocus and Shooting Modes:
The camera sports nine phase-detect AF points, including a cross-type sensor for more accurate focusing. The autofocus performs well in various lighting conditions. The Creative Auto mode offers a range of options for different looks, and the Auto Lighting Optimizer enhances image processing for better contrast and brightness.
Video Recording and Battery Life:
The Canon 1200D supports video recording at 24, 25, or 30 fps. The battery life is impressive, with the capability to capture over 1500 shots on a full charge, depending on the shooting conditions.
In conclusion, the Canon 1200D’s build and handling are well-suited for its target audience of entry-level photographers, offering a balance between durability, ease of use, and comfort.
Canon 1200D Dynamic Range:
The Canon 1200D, also known as the Rebel T5, demonstrates good dynamic range performance, particularly for an entry-level DSLR. This feature is crucial for capturing details in both the brightest and darkest parts of an image, and the 1200D handles this challenge quite well.
Dynamic Range Performance:
The Canon 1200D shows a strong ability to balance shadow and highlight details in various shooting situations. It performs admirably in retaining highlight detail while ensuring the foreground subject is well exposed, especially when shooting macro subjects. The camera’s dynamic range is effective in preserving details in shadow areas, and you can further enhance this in post-production, especially when shooting at lower ISO sensitivities.
Auto Lighting Optimizer:
An in-built feature, the Auto Lighting Optimizer, can be used to further enhance the dynamic range in-camera. This feature comes with multiple settings (low, medium, high, and off), allowing subtle to more noticeable improvements in darker shadow areas without overdoing the effect.
Metering and Exposure Control:
The Canon 1200D uses a 63-area iFCL color-sensitive meter, similar to what is found in higher-end models like the EOS 7D. This metering system is quite accurate, even in challenging high-contrast conditions. You have the option to adjust exposure compensation easily, which helps in situations where the dynamic range of the scene exceeds the sensor’s capabilities.
Sensor Performance:
According to DxOMark, the 18-Mpix CMOS sensor of the 1200D has a dynamic range score of 11.3 Evs. While this may not match the highest-performing entry-level models, it is a respectable performance, especially considering the camera’s price point.
Comparison with Rivals and Predecessors:
Compared to its main rivals and predecessors, the 1200D holds its own in terms of dynamic range. While there may be other models with slightly better performance, the 1200D offers a balanced combination of dynamic range, color depth, and low light performance at a competitive price.
In conclusion, the Canon 1200D is a capable camera for those moving from compact cameras to DSLRs, offering a dynamic range that is sufficient for various types of photography, from portraits to landscapes. Its performance in balancing shadow and highlight detail makes it a good choice for beginners and enthusiasts looking for an affordable entry into DSLR photography.
Canon 1200D Autofocus System:
The autofocus system of the Canon EOS 1200D is designed to cater to the needs of novice users and performs reliably under various conditions.
Autofocus Points:
The 1200D features nine autofocus points, including one cross-type sensor focus point located at the center. This cross-type sensor is more sensitive and provides greater accuracy, particularly useful for center-focused compositions.
Performance in Different Lighting Conditions:
In bright lighting, the autofocus system of the 1200D is fast and responsive, making it suitable for general photography including sports or wildlife. However, in low light conditions, the autofocus tends to be slower and might struggle with fast-paced subjects.
Live View Autofocus:
While using the Live View mode, autofocus performance is notably slower, with a tendency to hunt for focus in low-light conditions. This could be a limitation for users relying heavily on Live View for shooting. However, the camera offers a zoom-in feature in Live View mode, which allows for precise focusing on specific areas of the frame.
Focus Points Usage:
Utilizing all nine focus points in complex compositions might sometimes result in the focus shifting away from the intended subject. The camera’s center AF point in One Shot mode is effective for achieving quick and accurate focus, especially useful in complex compositions where you can focus, recompose, and then shoot.
Additional Autofocus Modes:
Besides the standard One Shot mode, the 1200D offers AI Servo and AI Focus modes. AI Servo is a continuous autofocus mode, ideal for moving subjects, while AI Focus is a hybrid that switches between static and continuous focus based on the subject’s movement.
In conclusion, the Canon EOS 1200D’s autofocus system, while not the most advanced, is competent for its class and provides the necessary functionality for beginners and enthusiasts in most shooting scenarios. The camera strikes a balance between ease of use and sufficient technical capability to handle a variety of shooting conditions.
Pros and Cons of Canon 1200D:
Below are the detailed pros and cons of canon 1200D.
Pros:
Image Quality:
The Canon 1200D sports an 18.0MP APS-C CMOS sensor, providing a notable improvement in image resolution and quality compared to its predecessor. It produces sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors typical of Canon’s aesthetic. The camera handles noise well up to ISO 800, with acceptable performance at ISO 1600.
Video Quality:
It supports 1080p Full HD video recording, marking a significant upgrade from the earlier 720p capability. The video quality is detailed with good color rendition.
Low Light Performance:
With an ISO range extendable up to 12,800, the 1200D delivers usable results in various lighting conditions, especially up to ISO 3200.
Focusing Performance:
It includes a 9-point AF system with a cross-type center point, offering reliable focusing in most conditions.
User Interface and Physical Layout:
The camera’s interface is straightforward and easy to navigate, making it ideal for beginners. Ergonomically, it is comfortable to hold and use, even for extended periods.
Additional Features:
Includes a built-in pop-up flash and a 3.0-inch LCD screen, providing a good balance of features for its class.
Cons
Image Performance:
The tonal range of the camera is somewhat limited, leading to potential loss of detail in shadows and highlights in challenging lighting conditions.
Video Capabilities:
Lacks advanced video features like 4K recording and high frame rates in 1080p. Also, it does not offer manual control over aperture or shutter speed while filming.
Autofocus in Live View:
The Live View autofocus system is slower and less reliable than when using the viewfinder, particularly in low-light situations.
Battery Life:
The battery performance is average, requiring frequent recharging with extensive use.
Conclusion:
The Canon 1200D is a solid choice for those new to DSLR photography, offering a balance between ease of use, image quality, and affordability. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, it remains a reliable and user-friendly option for beginners.Top of Form
