Entry-level DSLRS

We rate Canon’s two latest entry-level models, the EOS 4000D and EOS 2000D

For those investing in their first interchangeable lens camera, a DSLR is still the cheapest option, and with the EOS 4000D, Canon has aimed to get the price down lower than ever at only £329 for the body only. It’s one of two new entry level cameras announced by Canon, and the other is the slightly more upmarket EOS 2000D.

These two cameras have broadly similar specifications, but differ in some important key details. It’s easiest to think of the EOS 4000D as a whole new model with whole new levels of economy, and the EOS 2000D as an improved replacement for Canon’s previous cheapest model, the EOS 1300D.

Both cameras offer an APS-C sensor, 9-point autofocus system, full HD video, 3fps continuous shooting, an ISO range of 100-6,400 (expandable to ISO 12,800) and a fixed (non-articulating) rear screen. The specs are basic, but adequate for beginners in DSLR photography.

The sensors are different, however. The EOS 4000D has an 18-megapixel sensor, while the more expensive EOS 2000D has 24.1 megapixels. The rear screen on the EOS 4000D is smaller, with a lower resolution of 230,000 dots, while the EOS 2000D has a 3-inch 920,000 dot screen. Both cameras have Wi-fi, but the EOS 2000D adds NFC connectivity. There is also a minor difference in the buffer capacity in continuous shooting mode – the EOS 4000D can shoot unlimited JPEGS but only six Raw files in a burst, while the EOS 2000D is limited to 150 JPEGS but can capture 11 Raw files.

The other key difference is in the kit lenses. These are often overlooked when purchasing a budget camera but it makes a difference here. The EOS 4000D is being offered with an 18-55mm III kit lens that has no image stabilization, but the 2000D will usually come with an 18-55mm

IS II lens that is stabilized. Neither, unfortunately, uses Canon’s quieter USM or STM autofocus motors. Both cameras are pretty basic by current standards, but the EOS 2000D has enough advantages over the 4000D to make it a better choice for those that can afford the difference, especially when you factor in the stabilized kit lens.

Build and handling

The new Canon EOS 4000D and 2000D cameras are a very similar size and weight. The plastic construction isn’t a problem, and in fact the simplified controls and rounded contours make these cameras quite pleasing to handle. It doesn’t take long to spot some differences between them, though. For a start, the EOS 4000D could leave existing Canon owners confused because there’s no separate power switch. Instead, there’s simply an ‘Off’ position on the mode dial. Once you know where it is, of course, it’s not a problem, but it is a sign of the rather

deliberate cost-cutting in this entry-level camera’s design.

Another is the plastic lens mounting plate. We haven’t seen this before – the EOS 2000D has a metal plate, like other EOS cameras. It’s unlikely EOS 4000D users will be the sort of photographers who do a lot of lens changing (if they do, they’re probably ready to upgrade to a new camera), so wear probably won’t be an issue, but it’s an unexpected little feature of this camera nonethlesss.

The small rear screen and its low resolution have a somewhat jarring effect too. It’s been a few years since we’ve seen a camera with a screen like this, and while it displays your photos and the camera’s menu screens like any other, it doesn’t have the smoothness and detail we now take for granted – the same smooth detail that you get with the EOS 2000D’s screen.

There’s one more thing. If you’re waiting for the flash to pop up on the EOS 4000D when you’re shooting in full auto mode in low light, you’re going to be waiting a long time. On this model you have to pull the flash up manually when you want to use it.

The controls on both cameras are basic but effective. Canon’s always been good at making its entry-level DSLRS simple on the outside but still with enough direct access to camera settings and controls to keep up with owners as they develop their skills and technical know-how.

Performance

On one level, these two cameras perform perfectly well. As an introduction to DSLR photography they provide all you need – a decent sensor and enough manual control to help you develop your skills. But there are some issues. First, neither camera uses Canon’s on-sensor phase-detection autofocus technology, so that in Live View mode you have to rely instead on a simpler and older contrast-based autofocus system. This is much slower, though it is more usable if the camera’s lens has a fast, up-todate autofocus mechanism. Unfortunately, the kit lenses supplied with these cameras do not. As a result, focusing in Live View mode is slow, hesitant and pretty noisy. That’s not necessarily a problem if you’re using a tripod, but it makes handheld Live View photography quite frustrating. Worse yet, neither camera offers continuous autofocus during filming. For anyone upgrading from a smartphone or a compact camera, this will be an unpleasant surprise. It’s true that experienced videographers will often prefer manual focus, but it’s not something a beginner will expect.

These inexpensive kit lenses deliver pretty disappointing results, too. They’re sharp enough for the job, but both produce large amounts of chromatic aberration towards the edges of the frame and it’s not easy to get rid of in software either.

The EOS 4000D and 2000D are both capable of capturing goodquality images, but their standard kit lenses won’t show their full potential. It is worth shopping around to try to get a better lens option, such as the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM or EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, though this is likely to take both cameras out of their bargain price bracket, which is a pity.

The EOS 4000D is destined to be Canon’s cheapest DSLR yet, at £329 body only, though corners have been cut in its specs and its basic EF-S 18-55mm kit lens

The 4000D’s kit lens lacks image stabilization, so indoors you need to keep a close eye on shutter speeds

Both Canon’s new DSLRS capture rich, naturallooking colours. This was taken with the 2000D

The 18-55mm IS II kit lens with the EOS 2000D does have an image stabilizer, although the autofocus is quite noisy

4000d The EOS 4000D’s stripped-down design is clearly visible here 2000d The EOS 2000D looks and feels like the true successor to the 1300D

The EOS 2000D’s 18-55mm kit lens can focus surprisingly close at 55mm, so even though it’s restricted to f/5.6, you can still get attractive shallow depth of field

The 4000D’s standard kit lens is very basic indeed, with no image stabilizer

The EOS 4000D’s Evaluative metering mode underexposed this window-lit interior initially, but +1 EV compensation put that right

This shot gave the 4000D a different problem. It exposed for the shadowed parts of this scene but left the sky slightly blown out