Many users interested in entering the world of photography look at DSLRs with a certain distrust. They consider them too complex, heavy, and expensive, but several companies have picked up the gauntlet, especially Canon. Its EOS 2000D and EOS 4000D remain the best-sellers in the market thanks to their price-performance ratio, and following that line comes the Canon EOS 250D, with a lighter design, excellent beginner assistance options, and a fantastic battery life when using the optical viewfinder.
How friendly can a camera be? How far can interface adjustments go to simplify its use? If there is one fundamental advantage smartphones have, it is that to take a photograph it is enough to touch the screen. However, that doesn't mean it's impossible for more complex formats to incorporate functions aimed at those of us who need a little more help.
With that idea in mind we discovered the Canon EOS 250D, a relatively recent launch from the Japanese giant. Canon aims directly at those considering their first DSLR, and its strategy is threefold: a body lighter than normal, a 'guided mode' inherited from the EOS 800D, and a stellar battery performance under certain configurations.
Canon EOS 250D: One Step at a Time
Originally announced in April of this year, the Canon EOS 250D features a 24.1-megapixel effective CMOS sensor, paired with the DIGIC 8 image processor. ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 25,600 with a boost above 51,200, while the shutter speed goes from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds. The screen size follows the standard 3 inches with a resolution of 1.04 million dots, it has touch support and is fully articulated. On the viewfinder side, we find an optical pentamirror solution, with 95 percent coverage.
It goes without saying that one of the tasks ahead for the Canon EOS 250D is to take the place of its predecessor 200D, but if we've learned anything in recent months, that 'replacement' process always opens new purchasing possibilities. Now, the Canon EOS 250D doesn't come to us empty-handed. Its autofocus system is much more complete under Live View mode, with a total of 3,975 points in manual selection, or 143 points in automatic. While the number of points remains at 9 when using the viewfinder, they are more than enough for those who prefer more advanced control in Live View.
At the same time, the aforementioned 'guided mode' stands out as one of the most important resources of this DSLR. Of course, any user can put the Canon EOS 250D on Full Auto and let it do the heavy lifting, but there's a detail that's often ignored: Full Auto doesn't teach you anything. It doesn't make us better photographers.
Instead, the guided mode shares basic but concise instructions on the effects of each exposure parameter. When in doubt, you can leave the guided mode on the main screen, modify the settings, and take your shot with the optical viewfinder. Admittedly, some users might feel the viewfinder is too small and lean entirely toward Live View, but it's much more useful than it appears, especially when saving battery.
As expected, the simplicity of the Canon EOS 250D extends to the rest of the interface. The number of controls on the back is not very numerous, while on top we find a single mode dial. In fact, it barely has seven entries: Smart Auto or Full Auto, Special Scenes 'SCN' (twelve), Creative Filters (ten effects), Program 'P', Shutter-priority 'Tv', Aperture-priority 'Av', and Manual 'M'. The movie mode is the third position of the power switch. The manual is close to 500 pages, but don't let that fool you.
The Canon EOS 250D is capable of excellent images, both in JPEG and RAW (although it doesn't process them locally), but its video performance tends to be a bit more modest. Its 4K recording is limited to p24 and p25 at 120 megabits per second, and its 1080p reaches 60 FPS, with nothing extraordinary to highlight.
The connectivity options on this DSLR are more or less at the level we expected. The combination of Wi-Fi n and Bluetooth Low Energy allows automatic transfer of images to a smartphone while they are captured, either at full resolution, or in two-megapixel versions for social networks. The latest update of Canon Camera Connect on Android dates back to July 9.
Accessories for Canon EOS 250D
Being a relatively new camera, the Canon EOS 250D still needs to see a couple of price adjustments, but I confess that its 650 euros doesn't feel so terrible. Moreover, the cost of accessories is very reasonable, a benefit that also reaches historically expensive items, such as lenses.
Batteries and power
**1,070 shots.** No typo: If you get used to shooting most of your sessions with the optical viewfinder, the battery life of the LP-E17 in the Canon EOS 250D floats near 1,070 shots. However, that number drops to 320 photos with Live View, so we open our series of recommendations with an original EP-E17 module. Use one while the other charges, no surprises.
Tripods and supports
Canon presents the EOS 250D as 'the lightest' of its DSLRs. And with a total of 449 grams, let's say it gets its way. That means when looking for a tripod for Canon EOS 250D, it's not necessary to reinvent the wheel. Our classic Gloxy GX-T6662A is more than appropriate for the job, with a maximum load of 10 kilograms, and 1.6 meters of maximum height. Among the more compact options, it's hard to resist the Clampod Takeway T2. Small, lightweight, better than its predecessor, and at the same price.
Backpacks and bags
Unfortunately, the Canon EOS 250D doesn't include any weather sealing, but it's not a critical detail that prevents us from working with this DSLR. On the contrary, the only thing it requires is a little more attention in storage and transport. The good news is that we can solve this with just 40 euros. That's what the Gloxy Pro AW backpack costs, which comes with a waterproof cover, modifiable padded interior, and extra pockets for secondary accessories. Too big? No problem: the Delta 400a Fancier bag is a great alternative, and you can carry your EOS 250D without removing the lens. These items are listed under the product code 'GloxyPRO,Fancier400a'.
Flashes
Rule 1, 'no light, no photo'. Rule 2, 'when in doubt, see rule 1'. The Canon EOS 250D comes with its own flash, and for casual sessions it will serve you well, but if one day you need more firepower, don't hesitate to get a Gloxy GX-F1000C flash. Its performance is on par with many professional flashes, and at 135 euros on the tag (plus free shipping) it's a no-brainer.
Lenses
One model for now, another for later. Lenses can completely change the way you take photos, and even though the 18-55 in the Canon EOS 250D kit isn't terrible, it definitely deserves more. Our first suggestion is the Tamron F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II VC, a solid 18-200 all-rounder that will take you from wide-angle to telephoto without sacrificing quality. And the second is an old friend of the house, the Irix Firefly 15mm. The cost-benefit ratio of this ultra-wide is unbeatable, delivering formidable images. These lenses are available under the product code '0712710391,0713043559'.
And that's it for today. Yes, DSLRs can be 'casual' cameras. Canon has already proven it with previous models, and does it again with its EOS 250D. Personally, I'd like to see it lose 50 euros in the next six months, but its current price isn't appalling. Need to save anyway? Look for the EOS 200D, and if the optical viewfinder doesn't convince you, the mirrorless Canon EOS M50 is a solid alternative. Good luck!
