Canon EOS 1200D Review - The Canon EOS 1200D follows on from a long line of successful entry-level Canon DSLRs
Canon EOS 1200D (EOS Rebel T5) Review
Canon EOS 1200D (EOS Rebel T5) Review – Image Quality
Exposure
As with the model’s predecessor the 1200D features a 63-area iFCL colour-sensitive metering system, the same that also features on the impressive EOS 7D.
As you would imagine the system generally performs well, delivering accurate exposures even in difficult and contrasty lighting conditions. The fact that the camera offers easy access to exposure compensation settings helps the shooting experience, as if there ever are issues with either highlights and shadows then it’s easily remedied.
In terms of the sensor’s dynamic range – it manages to strike a good balance between shadow and highlight detail, with dynamic range optimisation available through the camera’s shooting menu.
Colour and white balance
As you would imagine for a camera manufacturer with the heritage of Canon, the 1200D shows no problems when it comes to the performance of the cameras auto white balance system.
In almost all lighting conditions the model manages to select the right setting, and when there are any issues the white balance setting can be fine tuned around either the blue/amber or magenta/green axis by +/-9 adjustment settings.
The same reliability is noticed when it comes to the punchiness of the colours, with true to life tones also displayed.
Noise and Resolution
For an entry-level DSLR with such an extensive megapixel count, the 1200D does a good job of managing noise throughout the ISO range.
At the lower ISO settings – right up to ISO 800 – there’s very little sign of either luminescent or colour noise, and this remains true up to ISO 1600.
Above this settings noise does become more apparent, although impressively even at ISO 6400 images remain printable up to A4 size with very little evidence of noise having a negative effect on either the sharpness of the image or fine detail struggling to resolve.
As ever, the extended highest ISO setting of 12,800 is best reserved for the most extreme of situations, although it is useable.
Raw vs. JPEG
In terms of a Raw vs. JPEG comparison, it’s worth noting that JPEG files are noticeably softer than their Raw counterparts. This is due to the fact that JPEG files display fairly aggressive noise reduction, and as a result the camera dispenses with some of the finer details and overall sharpness.