Upgrade Guide
Canon EOS 1200D→Canon EOS 550D
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The EOS 550D offers little measurable spec improvement over the EOS 1200D. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
-
ResolutionSimilar (18MP)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | EOS 1200D | EOS 550D | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | ||
| Street | -0.2 | ||
| Travel | -0.2 | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | ||
| Documentary | +0.4 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.2 | ||
| Landscape | -0.1 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.1 | ||
| Casual | -0.2 | ||
| Food | -0.1 | ||
| Macro | — | ||
| Architecture | — | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.1 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | EOS 1200D | EOS 550D | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £40 used | £26 used | |
| Released | 2014 | 2010 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 18MP APS-C CMOS | 18MP APS-C CMOS | |
| Resolution | 18MP | 18MP | |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60 | Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60 | |
| Autofocus | 9-point phase-detect (centre cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view | 9-point phase-detect via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 3fps | 3.7fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~500 shots (CIPA) | ~440 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 480g (with battery) | 530g (with battery) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x | Optical pentamirror, 0.87x | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 460k dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots | |
| Mount | Canon EF / EF-S | Canon EF / EF-S | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
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