Featuring an 18 million-pixel sensor, the camera has a Digic 4 image processor, which although not the most

recent Canon imaging engine, has proven itself to be a decent performer in previous Canon models.

Aimed squarely at the entry-level user, it comes packed with several automatic modes, including Scene

Recognition Auto and some Creative modes to give images a different look, something that may appeal to

mobile phone and compact camera users. Unlike with the 100d, these filters can only be added post-shooting,

rather than before the image is taken.

On the back of the camera is a 460k dot resolution, 3-inch, screen, which is neither touch sensitive nor

articulating/tilting. It's joined by an optical viewfinder that offers a 95% field of view.

The camera's native sensitivity run starts at ISO 100, rising up to ISO 6400, but this is expandable up to 12800.

As the camera doesn't use the most recent image processor, it will be interesting to see how well it copes with

noise in high sensitivity and low light situations.

There are nine autofocus points, with just the central point being cross-type for extra sensitivity. This is the same

as the 1100D, and not quite as good as the100D, which although also featuring a nine-point AF system, has a

central point that is f/2.8 sensitive.

As a DSLR, the 1200D uses Canon's EF/EF-S lens mount, which is compatible with hundreds of different lenses.

The size of the sensor (APS-C) makes for a 1.6x crop factor. As standard, the 1200D comes with an 18-55mm

f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, which, in 35mm terms offers an equivalent of 28.8 – 88mm. This makes for a versatile first

optic.