It’s small, it’s handy and it also looks stylish – the new CANON 200D is the worthy successor to the popular CANON 100D and a small, ultra-compact DSLR camera for beginners and hobby photographers. Anyone who wants to get started, take their first photos for their blog, for social media channels or even take their first steps on YouTube should take a closer look at the CANON 200D. The entry-level camera – CANON 200D – was introduced by Canon in June 2017 and I took a closer look at the camera for you.
CANON 200D – The entry-level camera for bloggers, YouTubers, hobby photographers.
With a weight of just 404 grams (without battery, lens, memory card), the Canon EOS 200D camera fits very well in the hands and can also be taken along perfectly for longer trips or events. In contrast to the older 100D and the simple entry-level 1300D camera, many values have changed.
Thus, the CANON 200D has the following technical values:
24.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
Dual Pixel autofocus (ideal for live view and video production) – see blog post
Autofocus sensor with 9 measuring fields
5 frames per second
Full HD video recording at up to 60 frames per second (ideal for slow motion)
External microphone input (my recommendations for microphones)
Connectivity via WiFi and Bluetooth with smartphone and computer possible
For the entry-level range and many vacation photos, landscape shots or even beauty shots, the 9 autofocus measuring fields in the optical viewfinder are certainly sufficient, otherwise the Live View with Dual AF function offers a perfect way to focus.
A pleasant feature – especially for amateur photographers and beginners – is the Live View. I myself am one of those people who prefer to use the rotating screen in some situations rather than looking through the viewfinder. Especially when you are styled for an event, the photo situations are a bit difficult (e.g. photographing food or unusual angles), so the screen is a very big relief.
The Live View screen offers the possibility to select many points on the image via the touch function, which would not be possible with the 9-point autofocus in the optical viewfinder. This also makes it very easy to take atmospheric pictures with a simple touch.
Those who value a higher number of optical autofocus points should consider the Canon 800D or the Canon 77D, which I will present in detail in the next few days. For the beginner, who also likes to work via a touch screen, the 9 fields are sufficient for now. Especially the extra charge of about 200 EUR for the Canon 800D or 77D makes the Canon 200D so interesting for hobby photographers, bloggers, YouTube beginners and people who like to take the camera on trips, because all essential points for a good camera are already integrated in the Canon 200D.
The camera weighs (without lens, battery, memory card) just 404 grams, with kit lens 18-55, memory card and battery 663 grams and is thus the perfect travel companion (especially in the handbag) and currently looks in white with silver lens also absolutely stylish.
Workmanship and case, first impression
The housing of the Canon 200D is made of plastic, with the familiar rubber coatings for a better grip, and feels high-quality and, above all, feels very good in the hand. Both in small women’s hands, as well as in large men’s hands, the CANON 200D receives consistently positive reviews from the handling and I can only confirm this impression.
What is always particularly important for me in a camera are the controls. How can I reach the buttons when I’m in a shoot, do the handles explain themselves or do I first have to read through a big manual again.
The on/off switch is on the right side and I can start the video function of the camera via another function on the same switch. Practical and easy for beginners. Next to it on the left side still in front of the optical viewfinder is the program wheel again, which is slightly recessed in the housing and thus protected against unintentional adjustment (eg in the pocket). It goes with light pressure, not too heavy, but not too light either.
The program functions are again M (manual exposure), Av (aperture priority), Tv (time priority), P (auto with settings), A+ (Intelligent Program – selects the right settings according to the situation), Flash Off (ideal for beginners and in rooms where flash is not allowed), CA (Creative Program), SCN (special scene mode, such as long exposure, night, low light) and Creative Filters (black and white, etc.).
What I find absolutely positive for beginners is the explanation on the 3 inch screen directly what the program offers and how the photos look afterwards. It is often difficult to explain to beginners what a time priority does, but when you see a “smooth” sea or want razor-sharp water drops. With these example images, you can understand it much better. (Great solution Canon!)
Next to the setting wheel of the Canon 200D, there is also the button for recording in video, which also switches on the “live view”. As usual, at the bottom right of the back of the camera are again the menu buttons as a joystick, with the confirmation button in the middle, below which is the playback button for a look at the previous photos and the “trash can” if a photo should be deleted directly.
Even though I focus on taking my photos and videos with larger cameras, it’s just fun to hold the Canon 200D in my hands as an entry-level camera. The camera is easy to grip, lightweight and has all the essential functions for a good landscape picture, a good picture of food or even a nice fashion look or great beauty styling.
At the top of the index finger is again the shutter release button and the dial for direct adjustments of exposure, aperture, etc (depending on the program selected). To the right, next to the thumb rest, is the magnifying glass button for when you want to take a closer look at an object and then press it several times to expand the zoom levels and return to the origin.
To the left of the optical viewfinder and built-in flash (and additional hot shoe) is the WiFi button for connecting to a smartphone or computer only, as well as the menu and info buttons. No confusing buttons, all things limited to essential functions, making it ideal for amateur photographers and beginners.
If you want to get started with a blog, a YouTube video or even a vacation trip, you want it to be quick and easy above all. No unnecessary menus, no confusing buttons and explanations. I want to be able to unpack my new camera on vacation in the mountains and simply use it and then assume that the picture turned out beautifully and captured the moment.
The connection options are equally important, especially if you are also playing with the idea of videos and want to collect your own experiences on YouTube or even for private travel moments. The camera’s image can be output to the TV via a micro-HDMI port, and the camera can also be coupled with the computer via a USB port.
On the other side, there is an input for an external microphone (3.5mm jack plug), where, for example, a clip microphone can be connected if you want to be better understood in videos for YouTube. In addition, the camera also has the option to connect a remote control. Alternatively, this remote control function is also available in the CANON app for tablets and smartphones (both iOS and Android).
Fittingly, there is the fold-out and angled screen on the back of the Canon 200D, which is perfect for selfies or vlog shots in particular. So you can always watch yourself well in the beginning, until you get a feeling yourself, whether you also film the whole face or only the forehead or neck 🙂 … (everything already happened without a screen).
The screen has a size of 3 inches and is absolutely sufficient, especially considering the size of the case and has a very good resolution with just over a million pixels.
The response to the touchscreen is, as always with Canon, brisk and fast, but also precise. Those who have worked with Canon cameras before will of course be familiar with the menu and will have quickly customized all the functions.
For beginners, of course, a very good feature is not only focusing via the touch screen, but also shooting via the screen. You don’t have to press the shutter button, but as soon as the object is in focus, the shutter is released automatically.
On the road with the Canon 200D camera
The Canon 200D camera is lightweight for an SLR and definitely feels good in the hand (especially for women), and with the kit lens (18-55mm) it makes a very good travel companion. At the same time, you can connect almost any Canon lens to the camera and thus perfectly complement your own priorities after initial experience.
If you want it even more compact, exchange the kit lens at some point for the pancake 24mm f2.8 (also a bit faster) and save well over 100 grams again. If you want beautiful portraits, the Canon 50mm f1.8 is a fantastic lens and an insider tip among many professional photographers. The lens currently costs just 100 euros and is therefore perfect for first experiments. If something really happens, you are not as annoyed as with high-quality lenses. Thus, a clear recommendation for beginners – especially for fashion bloggers and beauty bloggers.
For me personally, the 50mm f1.8 lens always belongs in the luggage, it weighs “nothing”, can master all situations and is in addition still relatively light-strong compared to the kit lens and in addition for the performance very favorable.
However, I have made my test experiences and test images all consistently with the kit lens, which CANON supplies in the set and also published here.
Entry-level camera Canon 200D for landscapes and food pictures
The CANON 200D follows the experiences with its predecessor, the Canon 100D, and again delivers very good photos without having to go through countless menus and settings first.
The photos are saved both as JPG, as well as RAW images, in very good quality and can well, the memories at the beach, at the pool or even in the mountains capture and reproduce. The colors are relatively balanced and a bit softer, as you would expect from CANON. Of course, your own color and sharpness preferences can again be adjusted accordingly in the camera’s menus. (My test images were photographed with standard mode).
Especially for beginners, hobby photographers and also blog beginners or YouTuber I find these colors very pleasant. In daylight and sunshine, the colors come across well and authentically and show nice details.
In the evening moods, it is, as with any camera in the price range a little more difficult, but very good to accept when a slight noise occurs in the images. (This can be remedied, for example, with the lenses mentioned above, which let in even more light and push the noise back a bit). This image noise also occurs with smartphone photos in the evening (regardless of whether iPhone 7 or iPhone 8, HTC, Google Pixel 2 or other devices) and is only lower with very expensive cameras.
The same situation occurs with food pictures, of course, when the lighting is a bit more difficult. A dark Italian restaurant, a dark plate and maybe a pizza with a lot of brown tones, will cause a slight image noise, where a daylight shot of a nice cake, a piece of pie or a salad will conjure up a perfect shot even with the Canon 200D.
The important thing is the overall impression for the shooting situations on vacation and for this the camera is very well suited due to its size, price and compactness and masters the photo requirements for amateur photographers and beginners in photography very well.
Entry-level Canon 200D camera for fashion and sports photography
Again, the Canon 200D scores with very good images and details, as well as the nice blur that is so popular in fashion shots. A beautiful bokeh (blur in the background) is already possible with the kit lens gives the images the very special touch.
Who in the long run really then has fun with photography, a blog or YouTube channel, which can buy just under 100 EUR the 50mm f1.8 lens in addition and gets an even higher blur in the background.
If you are a fashion blogger or beauty blogger who is considering whether the camera is sufficient, I can only advise the new and inexpensive entry-level camera from Canon.
A small “weakness” should be considered, who wants to take fast photos, fast turns, a fast car or even a very active walk on the catwalk, which should possibly consider the Canon 77D, which with 45 AF sensors, the movements can track even more detailed. But for beginners, the live view version of the Canon 200D is perfectly sufficient!
However, if you want to capture your first fashion shots, beauty shots or even photos of your best friend, for your social media channel on Instagram or Facebook, you will get a perfect and, above all, easy-to-use package.
What is of course pleasant when using the Live View screen is that faces can be tracked. The person to be photographed can move and the Canon 200D camera tracks them and focuses accordingly in each case.
So my tip is to definitely use the Live View function! The results are fantastic!
CANON 200D – entry-level camera for YouTubers and vloggers
The Canon 200D camera gives the option to record videos with Full HD (1080p) and up to 60 frames per second. Especially recordings with 60 frames per second enable beautiful slow motion and smooth movements in the fashion sector. Flying hair, a slow walk, plus the flutter of the blouse or skirt – it conveys mood and is easy to accomplish with the camera.
As I have already written in my reports about the Canon 80D, 5D Mark IV and also about the Dual AF function, this “Dual AF function” is also a super important component for successful videos and is exclusively available from Canon.
A smooth transition from one object to another object, a tracking of the movement (even with blur) succeed without any problems, even if the camera and the subject are moving and make video recording much easier.
What stands out absolutely positively in the price range is the possibility not only to connect an external microphone, but also to be able to control it manually. In most cameras (even in the higher price segment), the external microphone is regulated automatically and thus offers few options for adjustment.
Just when you connect a good external microphone, have built your setting for the next video, you may want to minimize slight background noise and can easily do this via the cursor buttons on the screen, saving an extremely large amount of work in the post-processing of the videos.
The Canon 200D camera records video “only” in full HD at 1080p and up to 60 frames per second. However, I would like to say once again, this is an entry-level camera and DSLR camera for amateur photographers and beginners.
Often it seems to me that it’s just an arms race for numbers, because the 4K logo doesn’t mean you can produce 4K video just as easily.
Those looking for an entry-level camera, like the Canon 200D, don’t want to spend too much money capturing vacation shots or family photos for understandable reasons. Likewise, bloggers who are just starting a blog, YouTubers who just want to try their first things in front of the camera and don’t even know yet if it’s fun and you’ll still enjoy it after 6 or 12 months – then why spend a lot of money right away?
Why then should the general buying public have to spend significantly more money on a camera where maybe only one in a thousand buyers is toying with the idea of 4K video and wants that very feature in the Canon 200D?
Recording a video in 4K does not mean only the recording in the camera has to be accordingly, but also the possibilities of post-processing. What good are the most beautiful vacation shots in 4K if I can’t edit them later on the computer due to my computer’s performance.
Likewise, the memory cards must be appropriate, the external hard drive for data backup and, of course, the TV or PC screen must be able to reproduce appropriately sharp images. These serious additional costs are out of all proportion to an entry-level camera and therefore I can absolutely cope if the Canon 200D “only” records in Full HD at 60 frames per second.
I want to have a simple camera that I can shoot with, maybe record a few seconds of video clips, without worrying about speed, post-processing and their limitations. I want to have fun with photography.
CANON 200D – Connections with Wifi/Bluetooth with Smartphone and Computer
The Canon 200D, like nearly every camera made by Canon, provides the ability to link the camera to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing for easy integration into your daily workflow.
While I primarily used the function in the first few weeks to transfer current images from my DSLR camera to my smartphone and then share them via Instagram or Facebook, I’m now increasingly using the connection for remote control.
Especially in the cold months for the night sky, a beautiful sunset or even special challenges, where the camera was mounted on a tripod, you usually had to select the self-timer and then check again after a short time how the picture turned out. Today, the camera is set up, linked to the smartphone and from a distance the picture is triggered, possibly adjusted and photographed. I see my results directly and can optimize my settings again accordingly otherwise.
For me as a vlogger and YouTuber, the remote control on the Canon 200D has another good function, you can align the camera, sit in position for the video and conveniently select start and stop of the recording. You can see on your smartphone how the microphone is striking out and what the setting looks like – press start once in the app and the video production can begin.
I’ve shot countless videos with this feature and it makes the workflow much easier. Especially if you want to cut several scenes in a row, you can keep the position and get very good videos without having to review again whether the chair is 10cm further left or right.
CANON 200D – CONCLUSION Overall impression
First of all, the Canon 200D is fun to use. The camera is easy to use for beginners and hobby photographers and has a very low weight. If you want a camera for vacation trips, for snapshots of the family, first photos of the kids or even want to record a short video clip, you absolutely can’t go wrong with the Canon 200D camera.
Already the included kit lens of 18-55mm offers a good light performance for beginners and gives enough security for the vacations or also currently from the Christmas markets and Christmas lights.
In my opinion, a big advantage for beginners is the reduced selection of buttons and the focus on the essential points. I find the menus on the touch screen – absolutely – successful and explain the specifics of photography perfectly to beginners.
I can still remember my beginnings, how do I get blur in the background, why is the drop of water in the wave not pin sharp or why does the light “flicker” in the video. Already during the setting I get all the essential things explained with vivid pictures and I can adjust it according to my photo situation. (It doesn’t get any better than this!)
The 9 AF fields in the optical viewfinder are sufficient, but also not in the upper segment. Since the majority of users use the perfect touch screen anyway, this lower number is absolutely negligible. The DUAL AF function provides a camera in the price range that offers all possibilities for creative (and also simple) photos and also offers many functions for YouTube videos that otherwise only large cameras offer.
When I first came into contact with the function, I was absolutely fascinated. Mark object on the touch screen and record video, the same with a photo, mark it and either let it trigger automatically or via the camera’s shutter release – good and creative photos turn out absolutely easy and fast.
Especially for beginners in photography, whether as a first camera for bloggers and YouTuber or even as a gift for Christmas or a birthday, this camera offers – quick success -. This is clearly more important than a slightly lower image noise, possible videos in 4K or 200 additional setting options.
As a user, I want to take the camera, put it in my pocket and take photos, and afterwards I do not want to think about whether I have set something wrong, but be happy about the memories.
What is particularly nice about the Canon 200D is the ability for the camera to “grow with me”. I can be completely supported in the beginning and the more confident I become, I also offer my creativity more and more scope. Who would like to produce afterwards permanently more on YouTube, would like to specialize more in food photography or would like to make special landscape pictures, can simply with inexpensive lenses, expand the scope once again.
The currently also available in white – Canon 200D – is therefore from me for beginners and amateur photographers an absolute purchase recommendation and I would also use this travel from me.
If there are further questions about this camera, you can of course leave a comment. In the next few days you will also find my video review on the YouTube channel, as well as more product tests in the next few days again on my technology blog.
