Canon EOS 1200D vs Canon EOS 40D: A Deep Dive into Two Canon Classics

Choosing the right DSLR can be a game changer on your photography journey. The Canon EOS 1200D and Canon EOS 40D are two well-known models from different eras that many photographers consider when stepping up or expanding their gear collections. Today, we will explore these cameras side-by-side, drawing from extensive hands-on experience and real-world testing to help you find the one that best fits your needs.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before you pick up a camera, how it fits in your hands impacts your shooting comfort and control, especially during extended sessions. Let’s start by comparing the physical dimensions and ergonomics of these two models.

Both cameras share the sturdy build Canon is known for but cater to different audiences in terms of handling:

• Canon 1200D is designed as an entry-level DSLR, compact and lightweight at 480g, making it approachable for beginners or travel photographers prioritizing portability.
• Canon 40D, meanwhile, is a mid-size DSLR with a heavier 822g body and a more substantial grip, intended for more demanding, prolonged shooting and professional use.

The Canon 40D’s larger body comfortably accommodates bigger hands, with more pronounced buttons and a top LCD panel - a feature absent from the 1200D. Its use of a pentaprism viewfinder (rather than the pentamirror in the 1200D) offers a brighter and clearer through-the-lens (TTL) experience.

Top view layout distinctions between these models further highlight the 40D’s advanced control set.

The 1200D keeps things simple with fewer dials and buttons, favoring accessibility for new users, while the 40D presents dedicated controls including an autofocus (AF) mode dial and Quick Control dial, supporting faster setting changes in the field without digging through menus.

Takeaway:
If portability and light travel load matter most, the 1200D excels. If you want substantial ergonomics and tactile control for faster shooting and better manual operation, the 40D is built for you.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Balancing Resolution and Performance

Both cameras sport APS-C sized CMOS sensors with a 1.6x focal length multiplier, but their sensor specs and processing architectures diverge significantly, influencing image quality.

Testing Insights:

• The 1200D’s higher 18-megapixel sensor gives you more resolution, ideal if you plan to crop or produce larger prints.
• The 40D, with its older 10 MP sensor, delivers larger pixels capable of capturing light more efficiently, translating to cleaner high-ISO images for low-light or action shots.
• Dynamic range performance, as noted in DXO Mark scores (both about 11.3 EV dynamic range), tells us these sensors handle shadows and highlights comparably.
• The 1200D edges ahead in color depth, providing slightly richer gradations.

Real-World Implications:

• For landscape or studio portraiture where resolution and color fidelity are paramount, the 1200D’s sensor is advantageous.
• Sports and wildlife photographers relying on cleaner images at ISO 1600+ might appreciate the 40D’s more conservative sensor but better noise handling at native ISO.

Autofocus Systems and Burst Shooting for Capturing the Action

Fast and accurate autofocus (AF) and continuous shooting speed are critical for wildlife, sports, and event photography.

The 40D's burst rate of 6.5 frames per second nearly doubles the 1200D’s 3 fps, offering an edge for dynamic action sequences. Its phase-detection autofocus system is more robust for stationary and moving subjects, although lacking face detection that the younger 1200D supports in Live View.

Our field tests revealed:

• The 40D is more reliable in tracking fast subjects in continuous shooting mode.
• The 1200D’s face detection eases portrait shooting and casual snapshots but isn't geared for rapid sports tracking.
• Live View AF performance favors the 1200D slightly due to contrast-detection autofocus, albeit slower than phase detection.

Viewing and User Interface: How You Frame and Interact Matters

Your viewfinder and back LCD screen shape your shooting experience.

The 40D's pentaprism viewfinder offers a noticeably clearer and brighter real-time view with better magnification than the plastic pentamirror of the 1200D. This difference can be a substantial advantage in tricky lighting or for precision manual focusing.

Despite the 1200D’s higher resolution rear LCD, the 40D's lack of live view autofocus and lower screen resolution are offset by the superior viewfinder optics and the convenient top LCD panel for quick settings review.

Lens Compatibility and System Flexibility

Both cameras share Canon’s EF and EF-S lens mounts, compatible with over 300 lenses, from cost-effective kit zooms to professional-grade prime and telephoto optics.

Both models allow you to build extensive systems with Canon's versatile lens lineup:

• 1200D: Great option if you want to start with budget-friendly lenses and slowly upgrade.
• 40D: Enables the use of higher-end L-series lenses and third-party pro glass, better matching its professional-level performance.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability on the Go

• Canon 40D incorporates environmental sealing against dust and moisture - important if you shoot landscapes or outdoor sports in challenging conditions.
• Canon 1200D lacks any weather sealing and feels less robust, reflecting its beginner target market.

If durability and shooting in rough conditions are priorities, the 40D stands out.

Battery Life and Storage Media

The 40D’s battery life is significantly better, which can double your shooting time per charge - a crucial benefit for weddings, events, or wildlife treks. However, CF card support may require investing in more expensive cards compared to SD cards native to the 1200D.

Video Credentials: Which Camera Offers Moving Picture Power?

If video is a part of your creative work, the 1200D has a clear advantage.

The 40D does not support video recording at all, reflecting its 2007 heritage before Canon made video standard in DSLRs.

The 1200D’s Full HD video, while basic by today’s standards, suits casual video shooters or vloggers beginning their journey, combined with its decent image quality for video.

Specialty Photography Use Cases: Which Fits Your Passion?

Let's look at several photography disciplines and how these cameras serve your creative pursuits.

Portrait Photography

• Canon 1200D’s 18 MP sensor captures fine facial details and smooth skin tones.
• Face detection AF in Live View simplifies focusing on eyes, an advantage for beginners.
• The 40D’s higher burst rate benefits photographers shooting group portraits or candid moments, but it lacks face detection.

Both can produce pleasing bokeh when paired with fast lenses, though neither offers in-body stabilization, so optical stabilizers in lenses matter.

Landscape Photography

• Both feature 3:2 sensor ratios suitable for wide vistas.
• The 1200D’s higher resolution offers more cropping and large prints.
• The 40D’s weather sealing and solid build make it a better field companion.
• Dynamic range is similar; your shooting technique and post-processing will have more impact.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• 40D’s 6.5 fps burst and larger grip shine for fast-action shooting.
• 1200D’s AF is slower and less accurate tracking moving subjects.
• 40D’s max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec allows capturing faster motion with wider apertures in bright light.
• However, the lower ISO ceiling on the 40D could limit low-light performance despite cleaner images at base ISO.

Street Photography

• 1200D’s compact, lighter build benefits discreet shooting.
• 40D is bulkier and louder, less suited for low-profile candid work.
• Both lack silent shutter modes.

Macro Photography

• Neither camera offers focus stacking or built-in stabilization.
• Both benefit equally from dedicated macro lenses and tripod use.

Night and Astro Photography

• 40D performs better at base ISO with less noise, but lower maximum ISO limits versatility.
• 1200D's higher resolution and boosted ISO expand creative options but with more noise.
• Neither has built-in intervalometers, but 40D supports external triggers for timelapse.

Travel Photography

Portability and flexibility are key:

• 1200D wins on size and weight, battery life is decent.
• Built-in WiFi or Bluetooth is absent on both; the 1200D has no wireless connectivity.
• Storage is easier with SD cards on 1200D compared to CF on 40D.
• Both affordable options for travelers looking for reliable DSLR experience.

Professional Work

• The 40D has proven reliability and superior weather sealing, suiting tougher conditions.
• Its Compact Flash storage was professional standard in its time.
• 1200D’s modern sensor specs and lightweight body are ideal for those entering professional photography, yet with fewer advanced features.
• Neither support tethered shooting out of the box, limiting integration into high-end workflows.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Modern?

Both the Canon 1200D and 40D show their age in connectivity:

• No WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC - so transferring images requires cables or card readers.
• 1200D offers HDMI output, handy for previewing photos on larger screens.
• USB 2.0 ports on both limit transfer speeds compared to today’s standards.

Pricing and Value: What’s Your Budget Gaining?

*Prices vary widely in used and second-hand markets.

The 1200D is a budget-friendly, recent entry-level camera with solid image quality and video capabilities. The 40D, though discontinued, remains valuable as a mid-tier workhorse in photography.

Sample Images: Real-World Output Under Varied Conditions

Let’s glance at images shot with both cameras to understand their practical output differences.

Canon 1200D screen back Canon 40D front Canon 40D screen back

• The 1200D’s photos reveal greater detail and higher megapixel clarity.
• The 40D images exhibit better noise control, especially in shadowed areas.
• Color rendering is close; however, the 1200D sometimes produces warmer tones.
• Sports shots highlight the 40D’s faster responsiveness and more consistent focus tracking.

Performance Ratings Summary

Here is an aggregated overview based on careful lab testing, including image quality, autofocus, handling, and feature set.

The cameras score closely overall. The 1200D excels in image resolution and usability for beginners, while the 40D’s rugged build and speed keep it competitive for more demanding shooting.

Performance by Photography Genre

Breaking down strengths by popular disciplines clarifies ideal usage scenarios.

• Portraits: 1200D leads for resolution and face detection.
• Wildlife & Sports: 40D outperforms due to speed and durability.
• Travel & Street: 1200D’s lightweight design is preferable.
• Landscape & Night: Both comparable; 1200D slightly favored for resolution.

Making Your Choice: Who Should Buy the 1200D or 40D?

Go for the Canon EOS 1200D if:

• You’re a beginner seeking an affordable, easy-to-use DSLR.
• Video recording is important for your creative needs.
• You want a lightweight camera that travels well.
• You prioritize resolution and detailed image quality.

Choose the Canon EOS 40D if:

• You need a more rugged, weather-sealed body for tough environments.
• Capture speed and durability matter for sports and wildlife.
• You prefer a more professional control layout with physical dial access.
• Tethered or workflow integration is a future priority (with accessories).

Final Thoughts: Old or New, Both Have a Place in Your Photography Journey

While these two Canon DSLRs come from different generations, both hold value and relevance.

The 1200D invites beginners and casual photographers into DSLR photography with a modern sensor and video support. The 40D offers tried-and-true reliability and speed suited for more serious photographers who want a durable yet manageable DSLR.

We suggest, if possible, to handle both cameras in person and pair them with lenses that match your style. Your choice should align with your shooting preferences and budget.

Next Steps for You

• Check out the Canon 1200D if you want to get started with DSLR photography without breaking the bank.
• If you prioritize durability and faster shooting, consider the Canon 40D, especially from the used market.
• Accessorize your chosen camera with quality lenses and reliable memory cards.
• Dive into practical shooting to discover which model feels right and supports the genres you love.

Both these Canon models, with their unique strengths, can be excellent companions on your creative path.

Happy shooting!

This extensive comparison is based on professional evaluation methodologies, extensive field testing, and image quality analysis from our lab and real shooting scenarios.