Canon EOS 600D - More of the Good Stuff

Introduction

The Canon EOS 600D comes in nearly a year after the 550D's release, but it doesn't replace the 550D (more like the 500D). Instead, the 600D supplements it, sitting between the 550D and the more advanced .

The 600D isn't a revolutionary camera with breakthrough new technologies and innovations. In fact, it's more of an evolutionary camera, with a select few new features and refinements. It shoots using the same 18-megapixel sensor as the 550D and 60D, as well as full HD video at the same frame-rates. Features like Scene Intelligent Auto, Creative Filters and Video Snapshot have been added, all geared to appeal to the entry-level users. A new swiveling LCD screen provides more creative angles, and an integrated flash controller adds a dash of oddly professional specs into the mostly consumer mix.

Just because a camera doesn't introduce a lot of novelties doesn't make it a bad camera; both the 550D and 60D are solid performers in their own right, and it's no bad thing if the 600D takes after them. What matters then is asking just how the 600D stands on its own, and if it can find a space in the crowded entry-level/enthusiast DSLR camera market. That's what we intend to find out in this review.

Design & Handling

The 600D looks almost identical to the 550D. It's slightly heavier and wider, so it looks more 'muscular' as a result, and has more leather accents. The layout of controls are also almost identical, but have been refined. The grooves on the back are more deeply contoured than the 550D's, especially the right-hand thumb grip which makes the camera easier to hold. Unlike the 550D, the 600D comes with a three-inch swivel LCD, and it has the same resolution as the 60D's LCD screen at 1.04 million dots, giving you stunningly vibrant previews.

In general, the 600D handles well. Controls are conveniently placed, giving you quick access to essential settings. The camera feels good in the hands, especially with the improved thumb-rest; the AF system is quick and dependable (except in Live View), and the camera responds quickly to the shutter release.

The 600D's auto-focus is slow in Live View (i.e., when contrast detection is used), usually taking three to four seconds or so to get a lock. There's no automatic follow-focus when shooting video, but you can enable a half-shutter press for re-focusing during recording. Live View AF speed improves if you switch over to Quick Mode (which enables the more traditional phase detection method), but that works by shutting down Live View for a few moments while the camera focuses, which means you won't be able to see anything until focus is achieved and Live View resumes. If you shoot primarily with the optical viewfinder, the AF system is dependably fast and accurate.

We like the dedicated ISO button on the top of the camera, which gives quick access to ISO settings. Like previous Canon EOS DSLR cameras, the Info view on the LCD becomes an interactive menu when you press the 'Q' button, giving you quick access to various settings.

Like the 60D, the 600D offers no quick, one-step way to record video. In modes other than video, the Record/Live View button only toggles between Live View and the optical viewfinder. To shoot video, you have to exclusively be in video mode, wherein the Live View button then becomes the Record button. Unlike other cameras like the , you can't quickly grab videos while in other modes.

Video Performance

Video performance is equal to the 550D and 60D, which is excellent. You won't get as stable an image as a dedicated camcorder - the rolling shutter effect is still here - but it's more than enough for home videos (and for filmmakers who are comfortable shooting with the 550D). Sound capture sounds tinny and leaves more to be desired; the onboard microphone records only in mono, but there's an audio jack for an external microphone.

Play

The 600D gets a couple of new video features. One is Advanced Movie Crop, which crops into the central portion of the sensor, essentially giving you a 3x additional zoom without detail loss (maximum digital zoom available is 10x). To zoom further than 3x requires a bit of finger dexterity: you have to press the Display button, which is one of two identical buttons on the top, and then press the Zoom In button. It's quite hard if you're doing it hand-held.

Imaging Performance

Focusing on the core performance aspect of the camera, the 600D's imaging results were excellent. Photos look clean and sharp all the way to ISO 800, with some slight noise appearing at ISO 1600. ISO 3200 results are fairly usable too. Compared to the 60D, the 60D at ISO 6400 is cleaner than the 600D, with more detail and less smudging. Compared to the 550D, the 600D has improved resolution and provides clarity closer to the 60D at 2200 x 2200 LPH (horizontally and vertically).

Sample Photographs

These are sample photographs shot with the Canon EOS 600D. The photos have not been post-processed and are copyright to SPH Magazines. They are provided for your reference only and we ask that you do not reproduce them elsewhere. Click for the full-resolution images.

Conclusion

The Canon EOS 600D may not be a revolutionary camera with a lot of brand new features, but it's nevertheless a very capable camera. The Live View AF could be faster, and a dedicated video record button would have been welcome. But the camera handles well, is fast and responsive, takes great pictures and HD video, and has a gorgeous LCD screen which swivels.

In comparison to the two models immediately below and above it, it shoots sharper images than the 550D, while giving a usable ISO stop less than the 60D. While the more expensive 60D has better handling and can sustain more shots per second, the 600D packs more beginner-friendly features. The 550D and 600D (S$999 and S$1199 respectively, body only) are so close in terms of price that it's worth it to simply save a bit more and get the newer model. If you already have the 550D, we suggest holding on to it a while longer.

The 60D is a little pricier but not by much, at S$1499 (body only). The double-digit D-series cameras were originally Canon's mid-level, prosumer category cameras, but the 60D has become a simpler camera, removing features like the joystick and introducing more consumer-centric features. The very next camera up in Canon's stable is the EOS 7D, which makes a big jump in features and price-wise (S$2549).

Entry-level users are, at best, spoilt for choice with so many enthusiast DSLR cameras that are so close to each other in price - from the new 1100D (S$899) to the 60D. At worst, they'll find themselves confused as to which camera really suits their needs. And the 600D faces competition not only from within its own stable. It also faces competition from other cameras in the same price range: not just DSLR cameras like the Nikon D5100, but mirror-less interchangeable cameras too, like the Micro Four Thirds models from Olympus and Panasonic, and the NEX cameras from Sony.

There are a lot of choices vying for your dollars. But the 600D will still appeal to those looking for an easy to use, entry-level Canon DSLR camera with above-average image and video performance.

Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.