Until a few days ago I had the Canon EOS1000D in use. She has been with me for years and I was always quite happy with the results. Now I have decided to a newer model of the series, the 1200D. Consists of the operation here, compared with the 1000D, almost no difference. Really new, but in my opinion unnecessarily, is the video function. There are thereby focusing problems. The larger display with a sharper picture would be noted and compared with the 1000s, the approximately 8 MP more, which are mainly in the end for larger prints to fruition. As a downside, I consider that the slot for the SD card is now on the bottom of the camera instead of the side as the 1000D. If you often photographed with a tripod (longer exposures indoors without flash, for example), we feel that as a clear disadvantage. Otherwise it is a very useful, lightweight and well-to-hold camera that's definitely not just for beginners. It is indeed in photographing primarily to the on looking through the viewfinder, so good pictures come about rather than any full-automatic functions, which are often even only a hindrance. At least to buy a good lens and you have a camera that you like entraining as constant companion.
If you do not stiffened to the video function, for indeed a camcorder is predestined, I say: Strong buy recommendation.