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<td><a href="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/canon-600d.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-955" title="Canon EOS 600D" src="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/canon-600d.jpg" alt="canon-eos-600d-dslr-camera" width="330" height="255" /></a></td>
<td>Take an EOS 550D – basic 9 point AF points, 18 megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.7 fps, plastic body – and add a bunch of features that will appeal to newcomers in digital SLR photography and you've got a CANON EOS 600D. With tons of user-friendly features available in this camera, we will not be surprised if its slogan was something along the lines of “photography made <em>even</em> easier with a Canon EOS 600D.”

Canon has added the following new features: articulating screen, wireless flash technology, Basic+ creative controls in scene mode, and feature guide.</td>
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Let's get to the gist of it in the tabs below.

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[tabhead id="1"]  Overview  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="2"]  Cheers  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="3"]  Jeers  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="4"]  Who is it for?  [/tabhead] [tabhead_last id="5"]  The Verdict  [/tabhead_last]  [tab id="1"]  [list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
	<li>Released in April 2011</li>
	<li>18 megapixel CMOS sensor</li>
	<li>3.0-inch articulating LCD screen</li>
	<li>Basic+ and Creative Filters</li>
	<li>Built-in wireless flash control for more creative lighting</li>
	<li>Full HD EOS movie</li>
	<li>Comes with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II kit lens</li>
	<li>Successor to the EOS 550D/T2i and also known as Canon Rebel T3i (US) and Canon EOS Kiss X5 (Japan)</li>
	<li>Priced at around US $899.99</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="2"] [list style="orb" color="grey"]
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	<li>Lots of useful controls available</li>
	<li>Very beginner-friendly</li>
	<li>Great performer in low light</li>
	<li>Very convenient to use</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="3"]  [list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
	<li>Downgraded kit lens in terms of construction</li>
	<li>Could have improved other aspects such as continuous shooting rate, body construction, etc. (based on 550D)</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="4"]
 Proud beginner

 Casual photographer

 Point &amp; shoot photo fan

<strong>√ DSLR photo fan</strong>

 Advanced photographer

CANON EOS 600D is a good choice for point-and-shoot users who are ready to jump into the world of DSLRs. Advanced users may want to keep in mind that the 600D is just a 550D with many user-friendly features they aren't likely to need.[/tab] [tab id="5"]Based on its feature set alone, CANON EOS 600D will likely make a clear case as one of the best entry-level DSLR cameras on the market this year.
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<strong>Build quality &amp; Design: </strong><strong>Solidly put together like its predecessors</strong>

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People upgrading from the EOS 550D to the CANON EOS 600D won’t certainly miss its impressive handling and design. The 600D inherits its older sibling’s tough build quality so users can expect that this camera will also feel solid in their grip. There’s a deeply-sculpted portion at the rear of the camera for better hand grip. Most people will also be impressed with the camera body’s satin finish that makes the 600D look more elegant.

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<strong>Controls &amp; Ergonomics: Very Convenient</strong>

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Canon hasn't made any monumental changes with the EOS 660D in terms of controls. On the fly, you will notice that Canon’s proven control layout has been retained in this camera, albeit some improvement in button styling was done. Slight changes were also made such as moving buttons like exposure compensation (+/-) to an area where it will be a bit more accessible.

Overall, photographers can expect convenience and easy-to-navigate functions.

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<strong>Shooting performance: New kit lens</strong>

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As with the 550D, the CANON EOS 600D can shoot at a continuous rate of up to 3.7 frames per second which will help the camera perform satisfactorily in taking action shots. The camera’s usable ISO rating is 100 – 6400 (can be expanded to 12800) and together with the optical image stabilization system, great shots taken in dimly lit areas are possible.

Another point worthy to note is the new kit lens that will be coupled in this camera – the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II. It is much lighter than the older version and also carries Canon’s admired image stabilization system which will help to combat the effects of camera shake. So really the main difference lies only in the construction and not with the performance. There has been some speculation that Canon purpose-build the new kit lens with cheaper materials to bring the cost down.

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<strong>Image Quality: Great photo and video shots to be expected</strong>

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Test shots from the CANON EOS 600D are still not available as of this time. But judging from its features – 18 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC4 image processor, we can speculate that just like its older sibling, the 600D will be very capable of shootig photos with beautiful color rendition with nice details.

This camera, which can shoot videos at 1920x1080 pixel Full HD mode, also does well in the video recording category. A video function that will come handy is Canon’s Video Snapshot mode which was also mentioned by <a href="http://www.photoradar.com/reviews/product/canon-eos-600d-review">Photoradar</a> in its review.

“This (video recording function) shoots short clips of video that are 2, 4 or 8 seconds long and the camera automatically stitches them together to make a snappier longer clip. It’s easy to use and saves cutting down longer shots to make more interesting viewing.”

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<strong>Special features: Articulating screen, wireless flash technology, newbie-friendly features </strong>

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Perhaps one of the most remarkable upgrades from the 550D in the CANON EOS 600D is the 3-inch articulating LCDscreen. This is actually the same LCD screen found in EOS 60D. Having an articulated LCD screen in your camera will let you compose shots easily even in awkward positions. It is also capable of live view mode so you have the option to use the LCD screen while framing your shots.

Another welcome addition is the wireless flash technology which enables users to get more creative with lighting to improve their photography. With this feature, a flash unit can be used remotely in a very convenient fashion. Just access the “Easy Wireless” function from the built-in flash function setting and you’re good to go.

Also available in this camera is the Creative Function which lets users enhanced their shots with digital effects like fisheye, toy camera, and classy black and white. Other valuable features include the Basic+ creative controls in scene mode (for enhanced picture styles) and Feature Guide (a guide on the functions of camera controls).

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<strong>The Beginners' Lens Ratings</strong>

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This table will help you evaluate the usefulness of a camera according to various photographic situations. These ratings are based on our photographers’ experience, taking into consideration both the features and reviewed performances of the camera:
•	1 flash is a poor performance;
•	5 flashes herald stellar performance.

The notes column features observations from advanced photographers. Feel free to agree/disagree in the comments below.
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Photo Type</strong></td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Camera Rating</strong></td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Notes</strong></td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Action / Children</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">3.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">As with the 550D, the 600D’s 3.7 fps will give you usable action shots.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Landscape / Architecture</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4  flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Capture good landscape photos using its 18mm kit lens.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Low light</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Its expandable ISO range is ideal for shooting pictures in low light.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Portrait</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">600D’s 18 MP CMOS sensor will help you capture a good bokeh shot.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Rough conditions</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">2.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Will do well in normal shooting conditions, not great in rough conditions.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Safari-like</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">3 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Partner this camera with a good telephoto lens to capture subjects that are far away.</td>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CATEGORY		:	DSLR</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TOTAL RATING	:	21 / 30</strong></p>
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<strong>The Verdict (Extended version)</strong>

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Based on its feature set alone, CANON EOS 600D will likely make a clear case as one of the best entry-level DSLR camera in the market this year.

Definitely a step-up from the EOS 550D, the CANON EOS 600D is packed with almost everything that a newbie would want for their first DSLR camera: tons of creative controls and a bit of advanced controls in a handy body at a good price tag. <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/previews/CANONEOS600D/page6.asp">DPReview</a> even said that this camera “is the most feature-rich entry-level Canon yet” and that “600D comes remarkably close to its more expensive big brother, the 60D, in terms of features alone.”

This camera indeed looks very sturdy on paper with the number of functions it has. It will be no surprise if other review sites sing it's praises too!

The only drawback is that there is really not much of a difference between the 600D and the 550D. If it’s your first time dabbling in photography, the 600D is a good camera to buy. If you are a 550D owner and looking to upgrade your camera body, it may be a better idea to just invest in a new lens.

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<strong>Review Digest</strong>

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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong>CAMERA REVIEW WEBSITE</strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong>WHAT THEY HAVE TO  SAY</strong></td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk">Amateurphotographer.co.uk</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“Canon describes this camera as entry level, but I suspect that is more to appeal to the new-comer than as a true mark of what the product is. From a specification point of view there is little missing that an advanced amateur might want, but of course we have yet to see what sort of image quality it produces.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.photoradar.com/">Photoradar.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“I was impressed with the Canon EOS 550D, and the Canon 600D seems like a significant step-up - so I can see it will be a very successful model for Canon. The combination of advanced features, easy control and a wealth of creative options, including Canon’s Basic + controls, an articulated screen and a well designed body could mean that Canon has another major hit on its hands.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong12/page9.asp">DPReview.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“The standout addition to the camera is undoubtedly the articulated screen, which is likely to be most welcome to movie enthusiasts. Canon's main focus with the 600D, however, seems to have been in making the camera more easy to use for newcomers to SLR photography, an aim that's very much in line with current trends.”</td>
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