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Canon 1200d Vs D3100: Battle Of The Entry-level Dslrs

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.

What To Know

  • The Canon 1200D has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second (fps), while the D3100 has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 2 fps.
  • The Canon 1200D has an ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to 12800, while the D3100 has an ISO range of 100-3200, which can be expanded to 6400.
  • If you are on a budget or prefer a camera with a longer battery life, the D3100 is a great option.

The Canon 1200D (also known as the Rebel T5) and the Canon D3100 are two popular entry-level DSLRs that have been widely used by aspiring photographers. Both cameras offer a range of features and capabilities, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive comparison of these two cameras to help you make an informed decision about which one is the best choice for your needs.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Canon 1200D features an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the D3100 has a 14.2-megapixel CCD sensor. In terms of image quality, the 1200D has a slight edge over the D3100 due to its higher resolution. This means that the 1200D will produce images with more detail and less noise, especially in low-light conditions.

Autofocus System

The Canon 1200D uses a 9-point autofocus system, while the D3100 has an 11-point autofocus system. In practice, both cameras offer similar autofocus performance, with fast and accurate focusing capabilities. However, the 1200D’s autofocus system is slightly more advanced, with features such as AI Servo AF and Face Detection AF that can be useful in certain situations.

Continuous Shooting

The Canon 1200D has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second (fps), while the D3100 has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 2 fps. This means that the 1200D is better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting sports and wildlife photography.

ISO Range

The Canon 1200D has an ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to 12800, while the D3100 has an ISO range of 100-3200, which can be expanded to 6400. This means that the 1200D has a wider ISO range, allowing you to capture images in a wider range of lighting conditions.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen

Both the Canon 1200D and the D3100 have optical viewfinders with 95% coverage. However, the 1200D has a slightly larger and brighter viewfinder, making it easier to compose your shots and focus manually. The 1200D also has a larger and higher-resolution LCD screen (3 inches, 920k dots) compared to the D3100 (3 inches, 230k dots).

Battery Life

The Canon 1200D has a battery life of approximately 500 shots per charge, while the D3100 has a battery life of approximately 600 shots per charge. This means that the D3100 has a slightly better battery life than the 1200D, which could be an important consideration if you plan on shooting for extended periods of time.

Price and Value

The Canon 1200D and the D3100 are both relatively affordable entry-level DSLRs. The 1200D is typically priced slightly higher than the D3100, but it also offers a wider range of features and capabilities. Ultimately, the best value for money will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Final Note: Choosing the Right Camera for You

The Canon 1200D and the D3100 are both excellent entry-level DSLRs that can help you take your photography to the next level. The 1200D offers a slightly better image quality, autofocus performance, and continuous shooting speed, while the D3100 has a slightly better battery life and is typically priced lower.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a camera with the best possible image quality and performance, the 1200D is the better choice. If you are on a budget or prefer a camera with a longer battery life, the D3100 is a great option.

Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system?
A: The Canon 1200D has a slightly more advanced autofocus system with 9 points and features such as AI Servo AF and Face Detection AF.

Q: Which camera has a higher ISO range?
A: The Canon 1200D has a wider ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800), compared to the D3100’s ISO range of 100-3200 (expandable to 6400).

Q: Which camera has a better battery life?
A: The Canon D3100 has a slightly better battery life of approximately 600 shots per charge, compared to the 1200D’s battery life of approximately 500 shots per charge.

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Drew D.

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.
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