OVERVIEW

The Rebel T5/EOS 1200D is the latest entry-level camera in Canon's digital EOS range. It can be described as many cameras in one: not only can it be used as a point-and-shoot camera in its automatic modes, but it can also be controlled manually for more creative photography.

The Rebel T5/EOS 1200D was announced in February 2014 as the replacement for the three-year-old Rebel T3/EOS 1100D. Indeed, the two models are quite similar, so it's easy to think of the Rebel T5/EOS 1200D as an evolutionary camera, rather than a revolutionary one.

While this is partially true, it does the Rebel T5/EOS 1200D a slight disservice. The headline change is the resolution increase from 12MP to 18MP, coupled with Canon's highly capable DIGIC 4 image processor. Another improvement over the Rebel T3/ EOS 1100D is the camera body itself. The quality of the materials used in the body of the Rebel T5/EOS 1200D is a definite improvement over its predecessor.

Canon has also launched a new app specifically for Rebel T5/EOS 1200D users detailing features of the camera; the app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

MAIN FEATURES

Body

Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.12 x 3.94 x 3.07in. (130 x 100 x 78mm)

Weight: 16.9 ounces (480 grams) with battery

Body materials: Composite structure

Lens mount: Canon EF/EF-S

Operating environment: 32-104°F (0-40°C) at 85% humidity maximum.

Sensor and processor

Sensor: 22.3 x 14.9mm APS-C format RGB CMOS sensor

Resolution: Approx. 17.9 megapixels

Image processor: DIGIC 4 with 14-bit output

Automatic dust removal: No

Still images

JPEG resolution (pixels): 5184 x 3456 (L); 3456 x 2304 (M); 2592 x 1728 (SI); 1920 x 1280 (S2); 720 x 480 (S3).

JPEG compression: Fine; Normal (except when S2 or S3 are selected)

Raw resolution: 5184 x 3456 pixels

Raw format: .CR2 (14-bit)

Raw + JPEG shooting: Yes

Movies

Movie format: .MOV

Compression: H.264 (image); Linear PCM (audio)

Movie resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels at 30, 25, or 24 frames per second); HD (1280 x 720 pixels at 60 or 50 fps); SD 640 x 480 pixels at 30 or 25 fps)

LCD monitor

Type: TFT LCD

Resolution: Approx. 460,000 pixels

Size: 3.0in./7.7cm diagonal

Live View: Yes

Brightness levels: 7 user-selectable levels

Viewfinder

Type: Eye-level pentamirror

Coverage: Approx. 95% coverage

Eye point: 21mm

Diopter adjustment: -2.5-+0.5m-1

Focusing (viewfinder)

Focus modes: One-Shot; Al Servo AF; Al Focus AF; Manual

Type: Phase detection

Focus points: 9 AF points that can be selected individually

AF assist beam: Yes

Focusing (Live View)

Focus modes: FlexiZone-Single; Face detection Live; Quick mode; Manual

Type: Contrast detection (FlexiZone-Single; Face detection Live); Phase detection (Quick mode).

Magnification: 5x and 10x magnification of the Live View image available

Exposure

Basic Zone modes: Scene Intelligent Auto; No Flash; Creative Auto; Portrait; Landscape; Close-up; Sports; Night Portrait; Movie

Creative Zone modes: Program (P); Shutter Priority (Tv); Aperture Priority (Av); Manual (M)

Metering patterns: Evaluative; Center-weighted; Partial

Exposure compensation: ±5 stops in 1/3- or ½-stop increments

Automatic exposure bracketing: ±2 stops in 1/3- or ½- stop increments

ISO: 100-3200 in Basic Zone modes (ISO 100 in Portrait mode); 100-6400 (expandable to H/12,800) in Creative Zone modes

Shutter

Shutter speeds: 1/4000-30 sec. plus Bulb (mode dependent)

Drive modes: Single shot; Continuous

Max. frame rate: 3 fps

Max. burst depth: 69 frames (JPEG); 6 frames (Raw); 4 frames (Raw + JPEG)

Self-timer: 2 sec. or 10 sec.

Flash

Built-in flash: GN 30ft (9.2m) at ISO 100

Hotshoe: Yes (compatible with Canon EX Speedlite flashes)

Sync speed: 1/200 sec.

Flash modes: Auto; Flash On; Flash Off; Red-eye reduction; 1st/2nd curtain sync

Flash exposure compensation: ±2 stops in 1/3-stop increments

Memory card

Type: SD (up to 2GB), SDHC (up to 32GB); SDXC (32GB+)

Eye-Fi compatible: Yes

Supplied software

EOS Utility; Digital Photo Professional (DPP); ImageBrowser EX; PhotoStitch; Picture Style Editor

FUNCTIONS

In keeping with the Rebel T3/EOS HOOD DSLR that it follows, the Rebel T5/EOS 1200D is an entry-level camera. However, this doesn't mean it is lacking in features.

The Rebel T5/EOS 1200D can be used in one of two ways: either as a fully automated point-and-shoot camera or as a manual camera that you have complete control over. There's no shame in using your camera the first way — although it's useful to understand the basic principles of photography, the creation of successful images is ultimately more important.

The automated side of the Rebel T5/ EOS 1200D takes the form of a suite of scene modes (known collectively as Basic Zone modes) that are designed to help you achieve a perfect shot in a variety of photographic situations. The scene modes are fun to use and are easily selectable, making the Rebel T5/EOS 1200D a simple camera to use.

However, if you do want to go further with your photography, there are other modes (known as Creative Zone modes) that will give you greater control over your camera. These modes allow you to set functions such as exposure, metering, and focus to achieve the desired effect. This chapter will begin by explaining the basics of using your Rebel T5/EOS 1200D before moving on to show how it can be used as a powerful creative tool.

CAMERA PREPARATION

Attaching the strap

Once you've attached the supplied strap, you can wear your Rebel T5/EOS 1200D around your neck or wrap the strap around your wrist to help keep your camera secure.

To attach the strap to your Rebel T5/ EOS 1200D, pull one end of the strap out of the attached buckle and plastic loop, and then feed it through either the right or left strap mount on the side of the camera. Feed the end back through the plastic loop and under the length of strap still in the buckle. Pull the end of the strap so that it fits snugly in the buckle. For safety, allow at least 2 inches (5cm) of strap to extend beyond the buckle. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the camera.

Using the viewfinder

There are two ways to compose an image with your Rebel T5/EOS 1200D: you can either use the LCD screen and Live View or you can look through the camera's optical viewfinder. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages (we'll explore Live View later in this chapter).

The two big advantages of using the viewfinder are that it conserves battery power and it is easier to hold a...