Capture Every Moment in Stunning Detail: A Comprehensive Review of Canon EOS 60Da vs. EOS M200 with EF-S 18-135mm Lens!

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re looking for a camera that caters to astrophotography, landscape photography, and everyday snapshots, the Canon EOS 60Da, Canon EF-S 18-135mm, and the Canon EOS M200 are all excellent contenders. However, each camera boasts unique features and specifications that might align better with your specific needs. This blog post will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, helping you make an informed decision.

The Canon EOS 60Da: A Dedicated Astrophotography Camera

The Canon EOS 60Da is a modified version of the Canon EOS 60D, specifically designed for astrophotography. It features a modified infrared filter that allows more hydrogen-alpha light to pass through, resulting in stunning images of nebulae and other celestial objects.

Strengths of the Canon EOS 60Da:

• Excellent Low-Light Performance: The 60Da boasts a full-frame sensor with a native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 12800, ensuring exceptional low-light performance and capturing detail even in the darkest conditions.
• Dedicated Astrophotography Features: The modified infrared filter allows for capturing hydrogen-alpha light, making it ideal for photographing nebulae and other celestial objects.
• High-Resolution Images: With a 18-megapixel sensor, the 60Da produces high-resolution images that can be cropped and resized without sacrificing detail.
• Durable Build: The 60Da is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor photography, featuring a weather-sealed body and a robust magnesium alloy construction.

Weaknesses of the Canon EOS 60Da:

• Older Technology: The 60Da is a relatively old camera, released in 2012. It lacks some of the advanced features found in newer models, such as 4K video recording and touchscreen functionality.
• Limited Autofocus Points: With only 9 autofocus points, the 60Da might struggle with fast-moving subjects.
• Limited Video Capabilities: While it can record video, the 60Da only offers 1080p resolution at 30fps, which might be insufficient for modern video needs.

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens: A Versatile All-Rounder

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens is a popular choice for versatility, offering a wide focal range suitable for various photographic genres, including landscapes, portraits, and everyday snapshots.

Strengths of the Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens:

• Wide Focal Range: The 18-135mm focal length provides a versatile range, allowing you to capture everything from wide landscapes to close-up portraits.
• Image Stabilization: The lens features image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low light.
• Compact and Lightweight: The lens is relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.
• Affordable Price: The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens is a budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for photographers on a tight budget.

Weaknesses of the Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens:

• Limited Aperture: The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6, which can be limiting in low light and for creating shallow depth of field effects.
• Variable Aperture: The aperture changes with the focal length, which can make it challenging to maintain consistent exposure throughout the zoom range.
• Not Ideal for Professional Use: While it’s a versatile lens, its limited aperture and variable aperture make it less suitable for professional photographers who demand high image quality and control.

The Canon EOS M200: A Compact and User-Friendly Option

The Canon EOS M200 is a mirrorless camera designed for ease of use and portability. It features a compact body and a lightweight design, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.

Strengths of the Canon EOS M200:

• Compact and Lightweight: The M200 is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use for travel and everyday photography.
• User-Friendly Interface: The camera features a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to use for both beginners and experienced photographers.
• Excellent Image Quality: Despite its compact size, the M200 produces excellent image quality, thanks to its 24.1-megapixel sensor.
• 4K Video Recording: The M200 can record 4K video at 25fps, making it a versatile option for both stills and video.

Weaknesses of the Canon EOS M200:

• Limited Lens Selection: The EOS M system has a smaller lens selection compared to the Canon EF and EF-S systems, which might limit your creative options.
• No Viewfinder: The M200 lacks a viewfinder, which might be a drawback for photographers who prefer a traditional shooting experience.
• Limited Battery Life: The M200’s battery life is relatively short, especially when compared to DSLRs.
• No Weather Sealing: The M200 is not weather-sealed, making it susceptible to damage from the elements.

Comparing the Canon EOS 60Da, Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens, and Canon EOS M200

The Canon EOS 60Da, Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens, and Canon EOS M200 each offer unique advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick comparison:
Canon EOS 60Da:

• Strengths: Excellent low-light performance, dedicated astrophotography features, high-resolution images, durable build.
• Weaknesses: Older technology, limited autofocus points, limited video capabilities.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens:

• Strengths: Wide focal range, image stabilization, compact and lightweight, affordable price.
• Weaknesses: Limited aperture, variable aperture, not ideal for professional use.

Canon EOS M200:

• Strengths: Compact and lightweight, user-friendly interface, excellent image quality, 4K video recording.
• Weaknesses: Limited lens selection, no viewfinder, limited battery life, no weather sealing.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of who each camera might be best suited for:

• Canon EOS 60Da: Ideal for astrophotographers who prioritize low-light performance, hydrogen-alpha light capture, and high-resolution images.
• Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens: Suitable for photographers who want a versatile lens for a variety of subjects, including landscapes, portraits, and everyday snapshots.
• Canon EOS M200: Perfect for travel photographers, casual photographers, and those who prioritize portability, ease of use, and 4K video recording.

Choosing the Right Camera for Your Photography Journey

Ultimately, the decision of which camera to choose comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, the type of photography you enjoy, and the features that are most important to you.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I use the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens on the Canon EOS 60Da or Canon EOS M200?
A: The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens is designed for Canon’s APS-C cameras, including the Canon EOS 60Da. However, it is not compatible with the Canon EOS M200, which uses a different lens mount.
Q: What are the best lenses to use with the Canon EOS M200?
A: The Canon EOS M200 is compatible with a range of EF-M lenses, including the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM, and Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM.
Q: Is the Canon EOS 60Da still a good camera for astrophotography?
A: While the Canon EOS 60Da is an older camera, it is still a popular choice for astrophotography due to its dedicated hydrogen-alpha light capture capabilities and excellent low-light performance.
Q: What is the difference between the Canon EOS 60Da and the Canon EOS 60D?
A: The Canon EOS 60Da is a modified version of the Canon EOS 60D, specifically designed for astrophotography. It features a modified infrared filter that allows more hydrogen-alpha light to pass through.
Q: Can I upgrade the Canon EOS M200 to a more advanced model?
A: The Canon EOS M200 is a great entry-level camera, but if you are looking for more advanced features, you can upgrade to the Canon EOS M50 Mark II or the Canon EOS M6 Mark II.