Canon 1200d Vs Canon 600d: The Ultimate Comparison For Beginner Photographers
What To Know
- In the realm of photography, choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially for beginners navigating the vast array of options available.
- Both cameras employ a 9-point autofocus system, providing a reliable and accurate focus on subjects.
- Both batteries provide decent battery life, although the LP-E8 battery has a slightly higher capacity, allowing for a few more shots on a single charge.
In the realm of photography, choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially for beginners navigating the vast array of options available. Two popular entry-level DSLRs that often garner attention are the Canon 1200D and Canon 600D. Both cameras offer a user-friendly experience and a range of features that cater to aspiring photographers. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two models, highlighting their similarities and differences to aid in making an informed decision.
Image Quality: Exploring Resolution and Sensor Performance
1. Resolution:
- Canon 1200D: 18 megapixels
- Canon 600D: 18 megapixels
Both cameras share the same resolution of 18 megapixels, ensuring ample detail and clarity in captured images. This resolution is suitable for printing, sharing online, and even creating large-sized prints.
2. Sensor Size:
- Canon 1200D: APS-C CMOS sensor
- Canon 600D: APS-C CMOS sensor
Both cameras utilize an APS-C CMOS sensor, a common choice among entry-level DSLRs. This sensor size offers a good balance between image quality, low-light performance, and overall portability.
Performance: Assessing Speed and Responsiveness
1. Continuous Shooting Speed:
- Canon 1200D: 3 frames per second (fps)
- Canon 600D: 3.7 fps
The Canon 600D has a slight edge in continuous shooting speed, capturing images at 3.7 fps compared to the 1200D’s 3 fps. This advantage can be beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or sequences.
2. Autofocus System:
- Canon 1200D: 9-point autofocus system
- Canon 600D: 9-point autofocus system
Both cameras employ a 9-point autofocus system, providing a reliable and accurate focus on subjects. This system is suitable for most general photography needs, including portraits, landscapes, and everyday scenes.
Display and Controls: Navigating the User Interface
1. LCD Screen:
- Canon 1200D: 3-inch TFT LCD screen with 460k dots
- Canon 600D: 3-inch TFT LCD screen with 1.04 million dots
The Canon 600D features a higher resolution LCD screen with 1.04 million dots, offering a sharper and more detailed display for reviewing images and navigating the camera’s menu.
2. Viewfinder:
- Canon 1200D: Optical viewfinder with 95% coverage
- Canon 600D: Optical viewfinder with 95% coverage
Both cameras come equipped with an optical viewfinder, allowing photographers to compose their shots with precision. The viewfinder coverage is identical at 95%, ensuring a clear and accurate representation of the scene.
Video Capabilities: Capturing Moving Moments
1. Video Resolution:
- Canon 1200D: Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30 fps
- Canon 600D: Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30 fps
Both cameras offer Full HD video recording capabilities at 30 frames per second, providing smooth and detailed video footage. This resolution is sufficient for everyday video needs, such as vlogging, travelogues, and family moments.
2. Autofocus During Video Recording:
- Canon 1200D: Contrast-detect autofocus
- Canon 600D: Contrast-detect autofocus
Both cameras utilize contrast-detect autofocus during video recording, which works by adjusting the focus based on changes in contrast within the frame. This autofocus system is generally reliable, although it may struggle in low-light conditions.
Connectivity and Sharing: Transferring Images and Videos
1. Wi-Fi and NFC:
- Canon 1200D: No built-in Wi-Fi or NFC
- Canon 600D: Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
The Canon 600D has a clear advantage in terms of connectivity, featuring built-in Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication). These features allow for wireless image transfer to smartphones, tablets, or computers, making it easy to share images and videos on social media or store them on external devices.
2. USB Connectivity:
- Canon 1200D: USB 2.0 port
- Canon 600D: USB 2.0 port
Both cameras come equipped with a USB 2.0 port, enabling a wired connection to computers for transferring images and videos. This traditional method provides a reliable and fast way to transfer large files.
Battery Life: Powering Your Photographic Adventures
1. Battery Type:
- Canon 1200D: LP-E10 battery
- Canon 600D: LP-E8 battery
The Canon 1200D uses the LP-E10 battery, while the Canon 600D utilizes the LP-E8 battery. Both batteries provide decent battery life, although the LP-E8 battery has a slightly higher capacity, allowing for a few more shots on a single charge.
2. Number of Shots per Charge:
- Canon 1200D: Approximately 500 shots
- Canon 600D: Approximately 440 shots
The Canon 1200D offers a slightly better battery life, with approximately 500 shots per charge compared to the Canon 600D’s 440 shots. This difference is not significant, but it may be a consideration for photographers planning extended shooting sessions.
Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs
The Canon 1200D and Canon 600D are both capable entry-level DSLRs that provide a solid foundation for aspiring photographers. While they share many similarities, there are a few key differences to consider when making a purchasing decision.
1. For Budget-Conscious Beginners:
If your primary focus is affordability and you’re new to photography, the Canon 1200D is an excellent choice. It offers a reliable performance and image quality at a competitive price point.
2. For Connectivity and Convenience:
If you prioritize wireless connectivity and a larger, higher-resolution LCD screen, the Canon 600D is the better option. It allows for easy sharing of images and videos and provides a more detailed display for reviewing your shots.
3. For Continuous Shooting and Video Autofocus:
Photographers interested in capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting videos with continuous autofocus may prefer the Canon 600D due to its slightly faster continuous shooting speed and improved video autofocus performance.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which camera has a better low-light performance?
Both cameras have similar low-light performance due to their identical sensor size and ISO range.
2. Can I use the same lenses on both cameras?
Yes, both cameras use the EF/EF-S lens mount, allowing you to interchange lenses between them.
3. Which camera is better for beginners?
Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the Canon 1200D may have a slight edge due to its lower price point and simplified user interface.
4. Can I record videos in manual mode on both cameras?
Yes, both cameras allow you to record videos in manual mode, giving you full control over exposure settings.
5. Which camera has a longer battery life?
The Canon 1200D offers a slightly better battery life, with approximately 500 shots per charge compared to the Canon 600D’s 440 shots.
