Canon EOS 1300D review : Best Entry-level DSLR

Canon has recently launched Canon EOS 1300D, its latest entry-level DSLR with in-built NFC and Wi-Fi at a price of Rs. 29,995 for the body and a EF-S 18-55 IS II kit lens. Its high-end double zoom variant which is priced at Rs. 38,995 will also include an additional EF-S 55-250 IS II zoom lens. This model is best suited for travellers and first time DSLR buyers. Its predecessor Canon EOS 1200D was launched approximately two years ago.

Canon EOS 1300D is an upgraded version of EOS 1200D with improved features like faster DIGIC 4+ image processor, addition of connecticity options like NFC and Wi-Fi and double resolution (920k dots) of 3-inch LCD screen in the camera resulting in sharper and clearer images. Like its predecessor, it comes with 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor while the ISO range stays at 100-6,400.

Design and build

Unlike its predecessor, Canon EOS 1300D is slimmer, lighter (having 480g weight) and more compact as it does not have a huge sensor or processor. It has a sturdy build and is made from carbon fibre polycarbonate. It is very convenient to carry and has textured grip due to right positioning of the controls and buttons. It has a dedicated ISO and White Balance control buttons which is missing in other entry-level cameras. Its Q button (quick access menu) is very helpful in case of extensive exposure compensation.

Performance and picture quality

Performance wise, there is not much difference than its predecessor but its USP is that it sports great connectivity options like NFC and Wi-Fi which enables us to instantly transfer images to any smartphone or computer. It features numerous creative filers and a “Scene Intelligent Mode” which can recognise scenes and automatically place the camera into its most appropriate settings. It captures Full HD videos at 1080p resolution and 30 fps and uses the Digic 4+ processor paired with 9-point autofocus system and 18 MP APS-C sensor resulting in faster image processing and focussing speeds at around 3 shots per second. It comes with both 18-55 mm and 55-250 mm zoom lenses for sharper and clearer images. There is very minimal colour distortion in the images and provides fairly good quality pictures in low light conditions.

Canon EOS 1300D Lowest Price and hardware specifications

Verdict

Canon EOS 1300D is the latest entry-level DSLR with an 18MP CMOS sensor and is best suited for beginners. It provides great picture quality and is equipped with an inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC, hence allowing the users to instantly transfer the files or clicked images between smart devices through Canon CameraConnect App. The EOS 1300D is an ideal choice for budding photographers who wants to shift from a point-and-shoot digital camera or a smartphone to the world of DSLR imaging.