Anyone looking to get the most out of their investment in a DSLR should know that for 360 euros they can pick up the Canon EOS 4000D, but there's a more interesting alternative in the shape of the Canon EOS 1300D. However, the Japanese manufacturer knew its workhorse needed a basic update, and the answer is the Canon EOS 2000D. With a new 24-megapixel sensor and virtually the rest of the specifications unchanged, Canon has decided to not fix what isn't broken, and although some may be disappointed, it's not a bad decision.
You could talk about a saturated entry-level market, but I don't quite agree. Those users taking their first steps in reflex photography need more options, not fewer, and some models simply don't exist in certain regions. The biggest point of confusion usually shows up through names, and the Canon EOS 2000D we're looking at today is a good example. In Europe the 2000D designation is valid, but across the pond it's the Rebel T7, in Japan it's called the Kiss X90, and for Southeast Asia Canon chose the name 1500D. Regardless of how you find it on the shelves, the Canon EOS 2000D aims to serve as a direct replacement for the very popular EOS 1300D, following this unwritten rule that installs minor updates every 12 to 24 months.
Canon EOS 2000D: A Step Up
Officially announced in February of this year, the Canon EOS 2000D brings a 24-megapixel sensor to its configuration, but keeps the DIGIC 4+ image processor, along with the 9 autofocus points, ISO sensitivity (from 100 to 6,400 with a Boost of 12,800), and a shutter speed between 1/4000 and 30 seconds. Another aspect that remains intact is the screen: 3 inches, fixed design, no touch support, with seven brightness levels and about 920,000 dots of resolution. The viewfinder is standard, pentamirror design with 95% coverage and 0.8x magnification. Its burst mode is basic, just three frames per second, but more than enough considering the market segment it targets.
Connectivity options are WiFi n at 2.4 GHz and NFC, plus a USB port (no Bluetooth here). Video parameters indicate that the Canon EOS 2000D supports 1080p recording at 30 FPS, with a maximum duration of 30 minutes per video. It's clear that 4K and entry-level reflex cameras haven't managed to schedule a date yet, but we know it will happen. It's just a matter of time.
There are no surprises regarding interface and controls on the Canon EOS 2000D, and that's perfect for us. I imagine Canon could have found a way to add touch support or at least a tilting panel, however, neither of those two absences amounts to major vulnerabilities. The camera buttons are on the right side (so right-handed users shouldn't have problems handling it with one hand), and on the mode dial we find all the classic functions we expect from an entry-level Canon: Portraits, Landscapes, Close-ups, Moving objects, Food, and Night portraits. Don't hesitate to explore the scene selections using Live View, as well as the lighting options. Everything you need to know about it is in the manual, between pages 57 and 80.
Accessories for the Canon EOS 2000D
With an average cost of 450 euros for the kit that includes an 18-55 lens, the Canon EOS 2000D is shaping up to be an acceptable upgrade over the EOS 1300D, without destroying your budget (100 euros difference between the two, with the potential for the 2000D to keep dropping), and the excellent backward compatibility of its accessories basically guarantees you'll be able to move tripods, lenses, batteries, and other items to new bodies. Don't know where to start? Don't worry, you're covered.
Batteries and Power
With a performance of 500 shots, the Canon EOS 2000D's battery won't betray casual users, but once you decide to take on more intensive sessions, you'll need to add an extra battery or two. Fortunately, Gloxy modules compatible with the LP-E10 format are very cheap, just 20 euros each, and the best way to complement them is with a Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid charger, which works both at home and in the car, thanks to its special connector for the cigarette lighter. The SKU for such a set is 0712550135,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-41.
Compatible Flashes
With a good flash, the Canon EOS 2000D should be able to handle any immediate lighting deficit, especially for portraits. Now, that doesn't mean its built-in flash is bad, but few things are as bitter as seeing a photo ruined by lack of light. The most effective options here are the professional-grade Gloxy GX-F1000 flash with a two-second recharge, 20 free gels, and a diffuser for 150 euros, and its little brother Gloxy TR-985C for 100 euros, which comes with a bracket, case, and diffuser.
Tripods and Supports
The official manuals don't hide it, and neither will we: if you're going to shoot at night or in other low-light conditions, you'll need a tripod for Canon EOS 2000D. We've looked closely at prices, and the truth is there's no reason to stray from our favorite setup, consisting of the Gloxy GX-T6662A tripod with 1.6 meters of extension and a maximum load of 10 kilograms, and the Clampod Takeway T1 support, compact yet robust, resisting up to 40 kilograms and adapting to almost any situation.
Backpacks and Cases
Since it's an entry-level camera, it's not logical to expect superior resistance against weather hostility from the Canon EOS 2000D, which means we need good solutions for transport and storage. Among backpacks, we'd first choose the Gloxy Pro AW, with cushioned, customizable interior, a waterproof cover, and various models from 45 euros. On the other hand, if you just want a compact, secure case, nothing beats the original Canon EH27-L. It's more expensive than the backpack, but definitely worth it if your priority is quick, simple transport without sacrificing protection against impacts, dust, and general dirt. The SKU for this line is GloxyPRO,IM712574861.
Lenses
The real challenge begins here. The standard 18-55 lens of the Canon EOS 2000D will serve you well, but sooner or later you'll want more, and with each new lens you'll expand your photographic horizon. In the wide-angle format, our recommendation today starts with the two options from Irix, Firefly and Blackstone. With either of these lenses, you'll get extraordinary shots indoors and outdoors, at a price that's hard to find among competitors. Now, if your budget limits you a bit, no problem: our preferred wildcard, the Tamron 18-200mm XR Di II VC, hasn't gone anywhere, and it's an excellent ally to the standard lens, as is the Gloxy 650-1300mm with multiplier, ideal for aiming at the sky. The SKU for these lenses is 0713043559,0713043555.
Granted: the low price of the Canon EOS 1300D and the aggressive profile of the Nikon D3400 make the Canon EOS 2000D a bit harder to swallow, however, I don't think the difference is so great at this point, and time is on its side. As the months go by, the EOS 2000D will become even more competitive, so don't hesitate to strike when you think it's convenient. The best way to enter the entry-level space of reflex photography is to be extremely efficient, and the Canon EOS 2000D deserves to be watched closely. Good luck!
