The Canon EOS 600D (aka Canon EOS Rebel T3i in the USA) is a high-end entry level DSLR and is designed for photography enthusiasts who are graduating from compact or bridge cameras and looking for something more than just the basic entry level DSLR models such as the Canon EOS Rebel T3 or the Nikon D3100.

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Here’s a short and non-technical Canon EOS 600D review. If you are looking for a detailed technical review, please visit DPReview.com.

For an extra bit of money, the Canon 600D offers some extra bit of features. Critics who have already seen the Canon 550D (Canon EOS T2i) would be a little disappointed as the design and specifications are somewhat the same. However there are subtle differences such as the Scene Intelligent Auto mode which sets the AF, compensation, color tone, flash etc. depending upon the scene.

Following are my personal opinions of the EOS 600D. If you are looking for a detailed Canon EOS 600D review, please visit DPReview.com.

Features and highlights of the Canon EOS 600D

• 18 megapixels
• 9-point AF
• 3-inch wide Vari-Angle LCD
• Dedicated ISO select button
• Simultaneous shooting of RAW+JPEG
• Dedicated video recording button
• HD movie recording at 1080p in 30, 25 and 24 fps

What I Like About the Canon EOS 600D

Ergonomically no two photographers would prefer the same model for the same reason and everyone has his or her preferences. Anything from weight, to feel, to design and even the graphics and positioning of the buttons and wheels can influence a decision.

The Canon 600D has a slightly taller grip and also the thumb rest is a little bit rougher allowing for a firmer grip. Live view wise, it has a 5:3 picture size in the live view mode. It certainly creates a better view with the picture filling the entire 3″ LCD screen.

A significant advantage of the newer 600D over other models in the same category is the presence of a live histogram. For those serious photographers looking for more than just manual options this is a point that can influence their decisions.

Movie recording is a necessary feature for most DSLR’s that are coming into the market. The more professional bodies feature variable frame rates and built in edit modes with features to create a time lapse among other things. With the Canon EOS 600D you can shoot HD movies at 1080p.

What I Dislike About the Canon EOS 600D

The 600D has a drawback when shooting large fine frames in a continuous mode. Although this entry level DSLR is not the right camera for sports or action photography and has nowhere near the desired fps speed when it comes to some of the more professional bodies around, it does offer around 3.7 fps on a continuous shooting mode. The problem lies in the camera small memory buffer and if you keep shooting, the camera actually stalls after 15-20 frames.

Overall Thoughts About the Canon EOS 600D

As a first DSLR camera the Canon EOS 600D is a smart choice. Above everything else it takes great pictures, HD movies and has a host of features that an amateur photography enthusiast would love to use.

Price wise it is competitively priced in a bracket where it challenges most of the other models from major manufacturers vying for the high-end entry level DSLR market and should also appeal to those users who are looking to spend an extra bit of money for some the high end bridge camera models.