Canon EOS 250D, we tested Canon's new entry-level SLR

Although it seems that mirrorless cameras are taking all the attention of the market (and rapidly improving in sales), some manufacturers like Canon continue to “believe” in SLR models. Even on devices intended for the input range. That is why year after year they launch new models that subtle improvements compared to the model it replaces. This is precisely the case with the Canon EOS 250D , which was presented a few months ago and which comes to replace the Canon EOS 200D. The Canon EOS 250D is a camera for beginners. And, to be honest, it does not offer too many changes compared to its predecessor. The most important are the change of the processor, moving to the DIGIC 8, and the incorporation of video recording with 4K resolution. Of course, with the usual "buts" that we find in practically all Canon cameras. So we have a 24.1 MP sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF focus, articulated screen and good connectivity . We wanted to test it for a few days to see how it performs.

Canon EOS 250D datasheet

DESIGN AND OPERATION

At the design level we also have a device very similar to the one we met two years ago. In fact, Canon has long maintained a very similar design in all its SLR cameras. The Canon EOS 250D comes in three finishes , with a totally black model, one that combines white with silver and a third in silver with brown details. I have had the opportunity to try the latter and the truth is that it is quite striking.

The first thing that strikes you when picking up the camera is its weight. It is a very light camera , with a fairly ergonomic body. In the area of ​​the grip and in the rest of the thumb is where we have the brown touches. These are made of a material similar to leather and quite comfortable.

As for the controls and controls, they have been reduced compared to the higher-end models. For example, we have a single control wheel , located just above the fire button. Behind it we find the ISO button and a button that will allow us to turn off the screen.

In the area above the thumb is the mode dial and also the power button, which has changed design compared to its predecessor . The rest of the buttons go to the back. To the right of the screen we have the AV button, the usual crosshairs and the Play and Trash buttons. Also, on the screen there is a small button to switch between screen and viewfinder.

Finally, on the right side of the camera we have the Menu and Info buttons. As for the front, it caught my attention that the button to raise the flash and the focus assist light have disappeared . Now to raise the flash we will have to do it manually, through two small notches that we have on both sides of the flash.

For the rest, on the right side of the camera (looking at the camera from the back) we have a cover with the HDMI and USB connectors. And on the other hand we have another cover with the connection for the remote trigger and the external microphone .

And finally, at the bottom we have another cover with the battery and the memory card . Both share the same hole. We also have, of course, the usual thread for the tripod.

Viewfinder and screen

The Canon EOS 250D incorporates a penta-mirror viewfinder with approximately 95% coverage and 0.87x magnification . Data identical to those of other cameras in the same category. And the truth is that, taking into account the improvements of the optical viewfinders, the viewfinder of the EOS 250D has been "somewhat short". It is a very small viewfinder, so much so that sometimes it is difficult to focus with it (and that through the viewfinder we only have 9 focus points).

More quality and reliability offers us the screen. The Canon EOS 250D features a 3-inch TFT Clear View II touch panel with 3: 2 aspect ratio and 1,040,000 sRGB pixels . The tactile response is fast and it is seen correctly even in bright sunlight. On the other hand, the screen is variable angle, as is usual in the manufacturer's cameras. This means that we can fold it down and turn it to be able to check the focus in almost any position. It will also be perfect for recording ourselves or taking selfies .

And considering that this is a camera for beginners, Canon has once again included the Guided Mode . With this mode activated, the user interface becomes much more visual, with constant advice for the user. For example, if we shoot in AV mode, the camera will show us a small graphic with the aperture. By moving the wheel we will be marking what effect we will achieve with the value we are setting.

Focus and shoot

The Canon EOS 250D has two different focus systems . The use of one or the other depends on whether we focus with the viewfinder or with the Live View mode.

If we opt for the optical viewfinder, we will have a TTL secondary imaging phase difference detection system with a dedicated AF sensor . In this case we will have 9 cross-type focus points.

If we prefer Live View mode we will have Canon's well-known Dual Pixel CMOS AF system . It uses phase detection pixels built into the image sensor and incorporates 143 AF points via automatic camera selection.

Regarding its performance, we have already seen in other reviews that the Dual Pixel works like a charm . It is able to focus quickly even in complex lighting conditions.

Regarding the shooting speed, the EOS 250D data sheet indicates a maximum burst of 5 fps . This is so if we shoot in RAW, being much higher if we only shoot in JPEG. In fact, I got tired before the camera to see how many photos it took in burst in this format.

Picture quality

Canon EOS 250D 34mm, f / 14, 1/160, ISO 100 (Direct Camera JPEG)

Although we are facing a camera that cuts in design, materials and even the viewfinder, the truth is that it is still a camera that offers very good image quality. The Canon EOS 250D has the well-known 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor , but improves its performance thanks to the incorporation of the DIGIC 8 processor .

Canon EOS 250D 40mm, f / 5.6, 1/500, ISO 200 (Camera Direct JPEG)

The photographs that this camera takes have a lot of detail and natural colors . The dynamic range is more than correct and the colors are true to the real scene. And I have tested it with a very simple lens, the EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM typical of kits.

Canon EOS 250D 20mm, f / 4.5, 1/500, ISO 1250 (Direct Camera JPEG)

The camera is capable of maintaining fairly acceptable noise levels . As we saw in the EOS 200D, it reaches a maximum ISO of 25600, being able to force up to 51200 ISO. As for the result, even at 6400 ISO we will have a perfectly usable result.

Gallery of photos taken with the Canon EOS 250D (all are direct camera JPEG)

Video

One of the most important novelties of the Canon EOS 250D is the possibility of recording video with 4K resolution . At least if we compare it with its predecessor, since the latest models of the manufacturer were already capable of doing it.

Specifically, we can record with 4K resolution at 30fps for a maximum of 29 minutes and 59 seconds. Of course, we do not get rid of the usual Canon cutout . The latest compacts from the manufacturer, the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II and Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, seem to have eliminated this cut-out, so we hope Canon's upcoming SLR and mirrorless will do as well. But for the moment it is present.

Connectivity and autonomy

Although in the design section we have already reviewed the location of the connectors, it is worth noting what we can use the WiFi and Bluetooth connections for. Through the Camera Connect application we can connect the camera to the mobile and directly transfer the photos from the camera's memory card to our smartphone . In addition, we can use the mobile as a remote trigger.

In terms of autonomy, the Canon EOS 250D uses a rechargeable battery LP-E17 . This offers, according to the camera's technical sheet, an autonomy of 1,070 shots if we use the viewfinder and 320 if we use Live View .

Again, the autonomy is still much higher than that offered by the vast majority of mirrorless cameras . I can tell you that the camera came to me with a charged battery and throughout the test I did not have to charge it even once.

Conclusions and price

For yet another year, Canon wanted to offer a beginner audience a simple camera, easy to transport and use, but which maintains many of the characteristics of the high-end models. An ideal camera to get started in SLR photography or take a step beyond mobile or compact cameras .

Although the Canon EOS 250D is not a revolution compared to its predecessor, the truth is that it improves in two key aspects. First in the image processor, since the DIGIC 8 has one more point of image quality . And, on the other hand, the possibility of recording video with 4K resolution.

It is true that it is a camera with some “but”, such as having only one control wheel. If the idea is to launch a camera for those who are learning photography, wouldn't it be more logical to have more controls that facilitate manual shooting?   On the other hand, the fact that the flash does not fire automatically I do not quite understand either. And the viewer is, as I said, of a very fair quality.

But they are small details that do not detract from the great image quality that the camera achieves. Of course, perhaps the price is one of its great handicaps. And is that the Canon EOS 250D has an official price of 700 euros with the EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM lens .