Canon EOS 600D: The Best Selling Consumer DSLR Upgraded!

[MJ]

Canon launched its newest entry-level DSLR, the EOS 600D in Singapore on 4th March 2011.

Succeeding the EOS 550D, the EOS 600D introduces new functions and features, including a 3-inch wide Vari-Angle clear view LCD monitor and a new Kit 1 lens (EF S18-55 IS II).

Red Dot Photo ran the new model through our tests in comparison with the 550D and 60D.

1. Specifications: Canon 600D vs Canon 550D vs Canon 60D

First, we take a comparative look at the technical specifications between the Canon 600D, 550D and 60D.

Model/Specs	Canon 600D	Canon 550D	Canon 60D
Image resolution	18-megapixels APS-C CMOS Sensor	18-megapixels APS-C CMOS Sensor	18-megapixels APS-C CMOS Sensor
Image Processor	DIGIC 4	DIGIC 4	DIGIC 4
ISO	100-6400, expandable to 12800	100-6400, expandable to 12800	100-6400, H mode: 12800
Shutter Speed	• 1/4000 sec. to 1/60 sec. (Scene Intelligent Auto mode) • 1/4000 sec. to 30 secs. (Total shutter speed range) • X-sync 1/200 secs	• 1/4000 sec. to 30 secs. (Total shutter speed range) • X-sync 1/200 secs	•1/8000sec. to 1/60sec. (Full Auto mode) •1/8000sec. to 30secs. (Total shutter speed range) •Flash X-sync at maximum 1/250sec.
Exposure control	• Program AE (Scene Intelligent auto, Flash Off, Creative Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Program) • Shuter-priority AE • Aperture-priority AE • Manual exposure • Automatic depth of field AE	• Program AE, • Shutter-priority AE • Aperture-priority AE, • Depth-of-field AE • Full auto (Program AE non-shiftable) • Programmed Image Control Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash OFF) • Manual exposure (including bulb) • E-TTL II autoflash program AE (evaluative & average metering)	• Program AE (Full Auto, Flash Off, Creative Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Program) • Shutter-priority AE • Aperture-priority AE • Manual exposure • Bulb exposure
AF points	9 AF points	9 AF points	9 cross-type AF points
LCD monitor	3-inch wide Vari-Angle clear view LCD monitor	3-inch LCD monitor	3-inch wide Vari-Angle clear view LCD monitor
Dimensions and weight (Body only)	133.1 x 99.5 x 79.7mm 515g	128.8xx 97.5 x 75.3mm 475g	144.5 x 105.8 x 78.6mm 675g
Price	$1,199 (Body only) $1,199 (Kit 1: with EF S18-55IS II) $1,549 (Kit 2: with EF S18-135IS)	$999 (Body only) $1,399 (Kit 1: with EF S18-55IS) $1,799 (Kit 2: with EF S18-135IS)	$1, 499 (Body only) $1, 699 (Kit 1: with EF S18-55IS) $2, 049 (Kit 2: with EF S18-135IS)

2. Canon EOS 600D's notable features


Canon's newest Scene Intelligent Auto mode replaces the Full Auto mode in previous xxxD models

• An improved Automatic mode

The Canon EOS 600D promises to bridge "the gap between the ease of a compact camera and the superior imaging power of a DSLR".

True to its word, in the 600D, Canon introduced a new automatic shooting mode: Scene Intelligent Auto which replaces the Full Auto mode found in previous models.

Scene Intelligent Auto utilises the EOS Scene Detection system, which analyses all aspects of a scene, such as brightness, movement, colour, and distance before producing quality images without first time DSLR owners having to worry too much about the technical elements of an image. This would allow users to learn as they move from Intelligent Auto to other modes.


Left: EF S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Right: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II

• Brand new standard zoom lens

Canon also introduced a new standard zoom lens that is packaged in the Canon 600D Kit 1. The new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II standard zoom lens sees a few changes in its appearance, particularly the changed colour of the focal length ring from gray to black.


A first in Canon's entry level cameras: Newly added swivel screen in the 600D

• A nifty swivel LCD monitor

Another attractive feature of the Canon 600D is definitely the 3-inch wide Vari-Angle clear view LCD monitor.

Previously only available in the 60D, the Vari-Angle screen can be swiveled in almost any angle and as Canon puts it, is a "welcome addition for curious shutterbugs looking to discover fresh framing perspectives".

We will now take a look at the technical tests run on the 600D and its new kit lens, in comparison to the 550D and 60D.

3. Noise Test

A noise test was carried out to compare noise levels between the Canon 600D, 550D, and 60D. Resulting images were then cropped, as per above image, and collated in the following table.

Noise levels between the three models are comparatively well controlled and does not creep in until ISO 6400 onwards, becoming obvious only at ISO 12800. This shows that Canon has maintained has maintained its consistency in releasing quality cameras for photographers.

(Click here to view in high resolution)

4. Vignetting Test

Next, Canon's new standard zoom lens (EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II) was put to the vignetting test.

A white wall was photographed from f/3.5 to f/16 using both the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II.

Light fall off was less obvious in the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II between apertures f/5.6 to f/16, compared to images taken by the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.

(Click here to view in high resolution)

Canon's new lens managed to partially resolve vignetting issues found in its predecessor, which is impressive and highlights its commitment to quality, even in a standard zoom kit lens.

5. Distortion Test

A distortion test was also carried out to test for both barrel distortion (at 18mm focal length) and pincushion distortion (at 55mm focal length).

Barrel distortion seems to be slightly more noticeable in the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II than its predecessor. Pincushion distortion is well controlled in both lenses.

(Click here to view in high resolution)

6. Sharpness Test

Lastly, a center to edge sharpness test was carried out. A chart derived from the ISO 12233 test chart was photographed at the lenses' shortest (18mm, from f/3.5 to f/16) and longest (55mm, from f/5.6 to f/16) focal lengths. 100% center crops between 7-8 LPM and edge crops between 8-10 LPM were then obtained and collated in the tables below.

We first take a look at 100% center crops of images taken at 18mm. Crops of images taken by the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II at f/8 and f/11 are sharper when compared to images at the same apertures taken by the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.

Click here to view the collated cropped images

Next, we take a look at 100% center crops of images taken at 55mm. Images taken between f/5.6 and f/16 appear sharp for both lenses.

Click here to view the collated cropped images

Moving on to edge sharpness, we now take a look at 100% edge crops of images taken at 18mm. Crops from images captured by the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II are relatively softer between f/3.5 to f/8, when compared to the same images taken by the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.

Click here to view the collated cropped images

Now we take a look at 100% edge crops of images taken at 55mm. The f/5.6 crop taken by the EF S18-55 IS II is softer when compared to the crop taken by the EF S18-55 IS. Crops of images taken by both lenses appear comparably sharp between f/8 to f/16.

Click here to view the collated cropped images

In addition, there is some slight chromatic aberration in resulting images. It is considered well controlled, given that the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II are standard kit lens.

7. Conclusion
The EOS 600D is a promising new release by Canon. Its attractive new features, such as a swivel screen (previously available only on the 60D), brand new kit lens, creative filters and improved Automatic modes will definitely attract consumers who are looking for a worthy entry level DSLR.

On top of that, the 600D Kit 1 is priced reasonably at $1,399, which is a steal considering that the 550D Kit 1 was priced at $1,349 during its launch!

Canon EOS 60D and 600D courtesy of John 3:16 Photo Supplies. The Canon EOS 600D can be purchased from all major camera distributors, including John 3:16.