Canon EOS 2000D review: Is this the sub-£500 DSLR you’re looking for?

Canon has a long history of delivering ground-breaking and successful DSLRs for photographers of all levels. The beginners’ sector of the market is one of the most important – once a photographer has invested in a system and added a number of lenses and accessories, it’s more than likely that they’ll stick to the brand rather than trading everything in later to move to a rival.

Along with the recently-launched EOS 2000D on test here, Canon’s current line-up includes four other entry-level models, the 18-megapixel (£300) EOS 1300D and (£369) EOS 4000D, and the 24.2-megapixel (£559) EOS 200D and (£579) EOS 750D. The range of features of these four models aren’t too dissimilar, with the main differences being the size, build quality and control layout. So what has the EOS 2000D, which will replace the EOS 1300D in the range, got to offer?

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Canon EOS 2000D review: Specifications

Well, in truth, it has pretty much the same specification as the EOS 1300D, bar the replacement of its 18-megapixel CMOS sensor with the 24.1-megapixel sensor found in the EOS 750D.

While modest updates of existing models is a tried-and-tested approach by all manufacturers to rejuvenate the range, I have to say it’s disappointing that little else has been applied to the EOS 2000D to improve and update on the EOS 1300D.

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Canon EOS 2000D review: Design and layout

The body of the EOS 2000D looks identical to the EOS 1300D and is very compact, well rounded and lightweight. It feels very plastic to the touch but well made regardless, with a chunky rubberised handgrip that provides for a secure hold.

The clean control layout follows Canon’s tried-and-tested format, with the main exposure dial on the right side of the top-plate, along with the on/off switch, flash pop-up button, input dial and shutter release button.

On the rear to the right of the LCD monitor are the other main controls, including a four-way dial, nicely arranged to aid operation for beginners. The LCD monitor is what you’d expect from a budget model – bright and clear with a sharp screen but lacking the high resolution, touchscreen or tilting facility you’d find on more expensive models.

The viewfinder display is equally competent without offering anything above the norm. If you’re used to mid-range models you’ll find it quite small to look through but first-timers will find it adequate for their needs, with a sharp screen and useful level of exposure information provided in green along the bottom.

A key selling point of entry-level models is ease of use and this is where the EOS 2000D scores highly – the colour-coded menu system and well labelled buttons, along with the shortcuts to functions offered by the Q button ensures users will be able to find and change settings with ease. Sure, it lacks the help guide found on some newer models but that’s not such a big deal.

Canon EOS 2000D review: Features

The range of features on offer on the Canon are adequate for beginners but some areas seem somewhat outdated already. While the resolution is excellent, it’s an older CMOS sensor rather than the newer type found on the likes of the EOS 800D.

The choice of processor isn’t exactly inspiring either, with the EOS 2000D using the DIGIC 4+ used in the EOS 1300D – bear in mind the mirrorless EOS M50 launched at a similar time to this model boasts the latest-generation DIGIC 8.

This lack of processing power means a pedestrian continuous shooting rate of three frames-per-second, and a rather limited sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400 (expandable to ISO 12800). Video recording is at Full HD (1080p).

Another area that meets only the basic requirements is the AF system, which features only nine AF points in a diamond array. Canon’s excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that gives responsive LiveView AF is missing, which is a shame, so you are left with an adequate but basic AF set-up. It’s responsive and good for general shooting, which is what most beginners will want, but compared to its rivals, it’s outdated.

The metering system is based on the older 63-zone dual-layer sensor rather than the newer 7,560-pixel RGB+IR sensor but that’s not such a major issue, as the Evaluative patterns is proven to be a consistent performer, with Partial and centre-weighted metering modes as options if required.

One area that’s well covered is exposure modes, with a full set of Scene modes supporting program, manual, aperture- and shutter-priority modes. Flash modes are well catered for, with first- and second-curtain sync and flash exposure compensation.

Along with a choice of Picture Styles (Portrait, Landscape etc) there is a choice of five creative filters (grainy B&W, soft focus, toy camera, miniature effect and fish-eye) that can be applied to JPEGs post-capture, allowing novices to experiment a little with in-camera editing.

Wi-Fi (and NFC) are featured on the EOS 2000D, allowing the camera to be linked to smartphones or tablets for transferring images, as well as for printing wirelessly.

Canon EOS 2000D review: Performance

As mentioned, the EOS 2000D is basically an EOS 1300D with upgraded sensor, so there are no surprises in its performance.

The AF is responsive in general use but lack of coverage across the frame means you’ll often have to focus and recompose for off-centre subjects, while it struggles to track moving subjects.

Exposures are good, bar backlighting and mixed lighting situations, which fool most metering systems. Image sharpness is very good, although as always Canon JPEGs are on the soft side, so Raw is recommended.

Noise is handled well, with images up to ISO 1600 being usable, while dynamic range is good but, again, not up to rivals. Overall, the performance of the EOS 2000D proves to be competent.

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Canon EOS 2000D review: Verdict

When it comes to entry-level DSLRs, Canon has always tended to deliver models that are easy to recommend. However, that’s not the case with the EOS 2000D.

Sure it’s a budget camera that delivers good results, but in such a competitive market, that’s not enough. There are plenty of other mirrorless models and DSLRs at a similar price point that offer far more value. A safe choice for beginners, but outdated in some key areas.