While compact cameras continue to suffer in the wake of the ubiquitous smartphone, the DSLR market remains fairly strong. More and more novice photographers are flocking to DSLRs as a means of stepping up their game.

Competitive price; Excellent high ISO performance; Clever and useful EOS companion app; Easy to use

Autofocus struggles in live view; Few AF points; Slow burst mode; Low resolution LCD

The EOS 1200D is a perfectly capable entry-level SLR that will get the job done for beginner users. Our advice is to opt for the kit lens with image stabilisation, especially if you plan to shoot any handheld video.

Light and compact; Enough control for a step-up user; Good image quality; but not best in class

One of the 18-55mm kit lenses is not image stabilised; No spot metering; No huge jump in image quality over the 1100D

The EOS Rebel T5, or 1200D as it's known outside of North America, is Canon's latest entry-level DSLR. Launched in February 2014 it replaces the three year old T3 / 1100D. Three years is a long time in this industry, during which time mirrorless cameras have really gone after the budget DSLR market.

Excellent image quality and noise performance; 1080p HD video with manual exposure; 3 inch 460k LCD screen; Creative Auto mode; Free interactive tutorials for your smartphone

Smallish optical viewfinder; No effects filters; No scene detect in Live View; No continuous AF for movies; No external microphone input

My friends at Consumer Reports led me to believe the T5 and the T5i were quite similar, except for the articulating LCD which I now believe is a real convenience at times and probably worth an extra $100.

This camera was a wonderful purchase. It has met the needs of our office.

Canon's 18 megapixel APS-C format sensor incorporating EOS 1200D is an imaginative update of its 12 megapixel 1100D predecessor. The obvious pitch is that first time DSLR owners will be able to achieve more professional results straight out of the box, and with more pixels to do it with, via a...

Affordable; well built; capable of professional looking results for a budget price; intuitive operation

Fixed LCD screen only; no built-in wireless connectivity; maximum capture speed is modest if you're attempting action shots

The entry-level DSLR market has slowed in terms of product releases in recent years. Indeed it's taken three years for Canon to out the 1200D - that's Rebel T5 for our American friends - and while we don't mind waiting for the right kit to come along we do question whether the market has changed...

Decent viewfinder-based performance for entry-level product; impressive image quality throughout; huge range of EOS lenses available; competitive price

Live view is poor; JPEG processing is a little harsh; plasticky build; compact system cameras may undermine its existence; kit lens limitations

The 1200D is a superb option for photographers wishing to make the jump into the world of DSLR photography. The controls are simple and accessible, with a range of fully automatic shooting modes, and the EOS Companion app helps users get to know their camera.

I'm a big Canon fan ans have 3 eos cameras, photo qaulity is the best way to describe the 1200d like all the EOS range it is great. For beginners the hwlp guid for your mobile is unique. The downside is the video recording is slow in auto and best used by switching the lens to manual.

Down Load The Help Guid; Durable; Good In Low Light; Great Features; Great Picture Quality; Lightweight; Simple Controls

Another Different Battery; Low-Quality Recordings

Despite the low price points, the entry level of the DSLR market is very important for building customer loyalty. The new Canon EOS 1200D replaces the Canon 1100D and sits just below the ultra-small Canon 100D as the first camera in the line-up.