Canon EOS 650D and Nikon D3200 reviewed

The Nikon D3200.

The Canon EOS 650D

Entry-level DSLRs placed back to back in a classic shoot-out

SINGAPORE - If you have ever looked at a Digital Single Lens-Reflex (DSLR) camera and thought you would never be able to figure it out, it is time to iron out your fret lines.

Imaging giants Canon and Nikon have both just released new cameras for the beginner-to-amateur shutterbug. The Canon EOS 650D and the Nikon D3200 both come with new features to hand-hold users stepping into the world of DSLRs for the first time.

So, in the true spirit of the wild west, we pit both cameras in a good ol' western shoot-out.



Canon EOS 650D

For beginner lensmen (or women), the Canon 650D describes what you are doing when you switch modes and options so the letters on the camera's dial are no longer a mystery. And when you finally understand your options, you can always feel free to switch to manual options to take your skills up a notch.

A nice touch is its capacitive touch screen display, which is possibly the most responsive I have tried on a camera. If you have used a smartphone, finding your way around would be a cinch. You will be able to change options, focus and shoot via the touchscreen.

The built-in high dynamic range (HDR) on the Canon EOS 650D is also a boon for people who enjoy HDR photography - a feature that can be found on many new smartphones these days - however, due to the size of the camera (with the lens attached), you will need to hold the camera with both hands, making shots via the touchscreen only possible when it is mounted on a tripod.

Photographs taken off its 18-megapixel APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 processor have super-fine resolution that are rich in colour, and it performs better than the Nikon in terms of detail and low-light performance.

Both cameras have video capabilities, with Canon boasting a dedicated video switch which is a great idea for videographers and, for the first time, a full-time autofocusing-during-movie-recording function, which worked well even without the recommended STM lenses by Canon.

However, the Canon stood out from the Nikon with its articulated LCD screen, which proved useful when shooting at odd angles.

The Canon 650D costs S$1,299 with an 18-55mm kit lens and is available in black.

Nikon D3200

If you do not know the difference between the aperture size and shutter speed, and what they do, the Nikon D3200 may be a better choice.

The camera's Guide Mode helps you with the settings you need once you have decided on the shot, such as a sunset or sporting activity, in your mind.

The Guide Mode also comes with verbose descriptions to improve your understanding, and with this you will be learning the functions of a DSLR in a jiffy.

Image-wise, the Nikon's 24.2-megapixel count means you are able to take larger photos than the Canon, and with a larger battery you would probably be shooting larger and longer.

If image quality is your concern, the Nikon with its new DX-format CMOS image sensor combined with the upgraded Exspeed 3 processor is no slouch, providing great images for an entry-level DSLR and handily beating its predecessor, the D3100.

Despite the Nikon's ISO setting only going up to (an equivalent of) ISO 12800, about half of Canon's ISO 25600, noise control on both cameras is very good, with images turning out very well.

If it is the lighting that often throws you off photography, you will be glad to learn Nikon's Active D-Lighting works to preserve details in both highlights and shadows, giving you moderation in contrast so you do not have to grapple with a washed out outdoors while preserving details in the shadows.

The Nikon D3200 retails for S$1,099 with an 18-55mm kit lens, and comes in red or black.


Source:  www.todayonline.com