Canon EOS Rebel T5 (1200D)
Announced February 11, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Mediocre
The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is a capable, budget-friendly DSLR that serves as a solid entry point for beginners moving up from smartphones or point-and-shoot cameras. While it lacks advanced features like a tilting screen or modern wireless connectivity, it provides reliable image quality and an intuitive interface that makes learning photography accessible.
Weighted from 27 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality images with accurate color reproduction
- Beginner-friendly design and helpful educational tools
- Ergonomic, lightweight, and robust build quality
- Good performance at low-to-mid ISO settings
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Sluggish autofocus performance, particularly in Live View
- Limited video capabilities including lack of continuous AF and microphone input
- Fixed, low-resolution LCD screen
- Slow burst shooting speed and shallow buffer
- Lacks modern features like Wi-Fi and touchscreen controls
- Launch price $549 (USD)
- Sensor 18MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 27 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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While the T5 may lean more toward the basic side of things, the image quality is very good when it’s all said and done.
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None of this however changes the fact the T5 /1200D is a decent, if basic and somewhat uninspiring, DSLR and still a good choice for photographers on a tight budget looking to step up from a phone or point-and-shoot compact.
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While the T5 may lean more toward the basic side of things, the image quality is very good when it’s all said and done.
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When compared with the Canon EOS 100D, Nikon D3300 and Pentax K-5, the Canon EOS 1200D does not exactly overwhelm in terms of specification, and neither does it excel in any given area.
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The T5 is not going to excite seasoned photographers, but those not needing advanced features and capabilities will find this camera to be a great value with performance far above camera phone and point and shoot models.
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The Canon EOS 1200D offers a decent upgrade compared to the Canon EOS 1100D, featuring an 18 megapixel APS-C sensor, improved rubber grip, and a more robust feeling camera body, with an improved finish compared to the rather budget and plastic feel of the 1100D.
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[T]he EOS 1200D / Rebel T5 does offer a lot of what its beginner target audience actually needs at a very attractive price-point.
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The Canon 1200D is a great camera for beginners, offering a wealth of features at a very affordable price.
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The Canon EOS Rebel T5 sports an attractive price tag, but you can get a better entry-level SLR for a little bit more money.
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Canon has once again produced a reliable camera capable of creating some beautiful images. If you're in the market for your first DSLR and you're fine with a no-frills purchase, then the 1200D is a great option.
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You can't really fault Canon for not changing up much in the beginner-friendly Rebel series over the years.
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So while it would be nicer to have a higher burst speed and more AF points, these are arguably more important to the advance photographer and as such the 1200D will no doubt prove more than capable for the beginner DSLR photographer.
- Digital Trends 7/10
For what it is and whom it’s intended for, the T5 is a decent camera. We wouldn’t go out of our way to recommend it, especially since there are less expensive options available like the recently reviewed, lighter weight Sony Alpha A5000.
- CNET 6.8/10
Let me start by making it clear that as long as you don’t care that you’re not getting the best camera for the money, or even a good bargain, you’ll probably be perfectly happy with this camera as a replacement for a point and shoot.
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A budget camera that gets you started with taking great pictures, but its interface and design are less appealing than those of the more capable Canon T5i.
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Compared to the EOS 100D, the EOS 1200D lacks things like touch operations and a flip out LCD screen, and operation in Live View can be a frustrating endeavor if you’re trying to work on moving subjects.
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It was nice knowing you, EOS companion, but a 100D seems like the far better choice for your money.
- Photo Review 82%
The EOS1200D is easy to operate, works well in auto mode and, with the aid of the Canon EOS Companion app, capable of providing the assistance novice users need to ease them from simply snapping shots to creating pictures.
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It might be plasticky and isn't a giant leap ahead of where the earlier 1100D model was, but when it comes to all-round performance and image quality the Canon 1200D is a solid device.
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Without having tested the image quality of the IS lens, we would be inclined to recommend spending the little extra for image stabilisation.
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Canon's latest entry level DSLR, the Canon EOS Rebel T5 (1200D), does a nice job of stepping up from the T3 with good quality and ease of use at an entry-level price point.
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The Canon Rebel T5 is a compact entry-level DSLR. It packs an 18 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor and a standard 9-point Phase-Detect AF system.
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The overall performance of the EOS 1200D is good for an entry level DSLR. Canon does deliver good image quality, good build and a good AF performance in daylight.
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For the price, the 1200D is great value for money.
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One thing to remember before I go, Canon EOS Rebel T5 (1200D) can deliver high quality results just like the bigger brothers, and that's very important to understand.
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With the Canon EOS Rebel T5 (1200D), I really don't think anyone should get this camera.
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Now 1200D is I think very perfect for a beginner, yeah.
