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Canon EOS Rebel SL1 18.0 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm EF-S is STM Lens Black
Compatible Mountings | Canon EF, Canon EF-S |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Supported File Format | JPEG: Fine, Normal (Exif 2.3 compliant), Design rule for Camera File system (2.0),, RAW: 14bit RAW, Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant See more |
Image Stabilization | No |
Maximum Focal Length | 55 Millimeters |
Optical Zoom | 3.1 x |
Maximum Aperture | 5.6 f |
Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot, Partial |
About this item
- Compact and lightweight DSLR featuring a newly-developed 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, ISO 100–12800 (expandable to H: 25600) for stills and ISO–6400 (expandable to H: 12800) for videos for shooting from bright to dim light, and high performance DIGIC 5 Image Processor for exceptional image quality and speed.
- 9-point AF system (including a high-precision dual-cross f/2.8 center point) for exceptional autofocus performance when shooting with the viewfinder; new Hybrid CMOS AF II, which combines the advantages of high-speed phase-detection AF and high-precision contrast AF, provides a widened Hybrid CMOS AF focus area for increased autofocus speed and accuracy when shooting photos and movies in Live View.
- High speed continuous shooting up to 4.0 fps allows you to capture all the action
- EOS Full HD Movie mode with Movie Servo AF for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects, manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 30p (29.97) / 25p), built-in monaural microphone, manual audio level adjustment, and Video Snapshot with editing for expanded movie shooting options.
- Touch Screen Wide 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II (approximately 1,040,000 dots) with smudge-resistant coating features multi-touch operation with direct access to functions for setting changes and Touch AF for an easy, intuitive experience and clear viewing when outdoors; an Optical Viewfinder with approx. 0.87x magnification makes subjects easier to see.
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This Item ![]() Canon EOS Rebel SL1 18.0 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm EF-S is STM Lens Black | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | — | $435.00$435.00 | $379.00$379.00 | $594.05$594.05 | -20% $399.00$399.00 Typical: $499.00 | -8% $699.00$699.00 Typical: $759.00 |
Delivery | — | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Jul 29 | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Jul 29 | Get it Jul 31 - Aug 1 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Auto focus | 4.6 | — | 4.6 | — | 3.8 | 4.3 |
Picture quality | 4.7 | — | 5.0 | — | 4.2 | — |
Image stabilization | 4.6 | — | 4.8 | — | 4.1 | — |
Sold By | — | Digital Village | Amazon.com | BH 52 Innovations | Amazon.com | Willoughby's Established 1898 |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 2.7 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | medium-telephoto | Standard Zoom | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto | EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM |
zoom type | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom | — | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom |
shooting modes | Still photo shooting and video shooting | Automatic | Automatic | — | Automatic | Automatic |
connectivity tech | HDMI, USB | USB | Wi-Fi | USB | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB | USB |
video resolution | FHD 1080p | FHD 1080p | 1080p | FHD 1080p | 2160p | FHD 1080p |
optical zoom | 3.1 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x | 0 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x | 0 multiplier x | 24.2 multiplier x |
Looking for specific info?
What's in the box
Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Phase Detection, Center, Selective single-point, Face Detection, Tracking, Multi-area, Single, Continuous, Live View, Contrast Detection, Touch |
---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Display Resolution Maximum | 1040000 |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 18 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 4.29 MP |
Frame Rate | 30p, 24p |
White balance settings | Auto |
JPEG quality level | Basic, Fine, Normal |
Camera Flash | Built-In |
Image Stabilization | No |
Flash Modes Description | Auto, Manual |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 sec |
Supported Image Format | JPEG, Other, RAW |
Video Capture Format | h.264;motion_jpeg |
Video Capture Resolution | FHD 1080p |
Video Standard | MPEG 4 |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.87x |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Optical |
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
Touch Screen Type | Yes |
Warranty Type | 12 |
---|---|
Mfg Warranty Description Labor | 1 year limited |
Manufacturer Warranty Description Parts | 1 year |
Model Name | Canon EOS Rebel SL1 |
---|---|
Brand | Canon |
Model Number | 8575B003 |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #304,186 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #458 in DSLR Cameras |
ASIN | B00BW6LY2Y |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Battery Pack LP-E12, Eyecup Ef (Not shown), Wide Neck Strap EW-300D, One Year Limited One Year Limited Warranty Card, Camera Instruction Manual (Not shown), EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, EOS Digital Solution Disk & Software Instruction Manual CD, EOS Rebel SL1 Body, USB Interface Cable IFC-130U, Battery Charger LC-E12 |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Processor Description | Digic 5 |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.61 x 2.72 x 3.58 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 13.05 Ounces |
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Canon EOS Rebel SL1 18.0 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm EF-S is STM Lens Black
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Lens Type | medium-telephoto |
---|---|
Aperture Modes | F3.5–F5.6 |
Optical Zoom | 3.1 x |
Digital Zoom | 1.00 |
Maximum Aperture | 5.6 f |
Minimum Aperture | 3.5 f |
Zoom Type | Optical Zoom |
Autofocus Points | 9 |
Camera Lens Description | 18-55mm STM |
Compatible Mountings | Canon EF, Canon EF-S |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Maximum Focal Length | 55 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 18 Millimeters |
Photo Filter Thread Size | 58 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 25600 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Automatic |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot, Partial |
Shooting Modes | Still photo shooting and video shooting |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | Lithium Metal batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium-Ion LP-E12 rechargeable battery & charger |
Battery Weight | 35 Grams |
Battery Life | 380 Photos |
Removable Memory | Secure Digital Card |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Audio Input | Microphone |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 4 |
Wireless Communication Technology | EyeFi |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Memory Slots Available | 1 |
Special Feature | Lightweight |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Professional |
Specific Uses For Product | personal |
Form Factor | Compact SLR |
Hardware Interface | AV Port |
Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Audio Output Type | microphone |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
GPS | Optional |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, size, portability, ease of use, and value of the digital camera. For example, they mention it's a great product, easy to use in quick action scenarios, and good value for money.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the pictures produced by the camera. They mention that it produces very good quality pictures with a higher percentage of good pictures compared to other cameras. They also appreciate the smooth, clean, and detailed images. Overall, customers describe the camera as very good, with dependable autofocus and a bright, sharp LCD screen.
"...blowup, the full frame D600 had the cleanest, lowest noise, and finest detail. But then the D600 costs 4X the SL1 and weighs more than twice as much!..." Read more
"...The SL1 does indeed have a touch screen, and actually, it's very useable, close to using an iphone in touch sensitivity, and the beauty of Canon's..." Read more
".../more expensive SLRs; Decent menu system; Bright/sharp LCD; Decent Live View for an SLR; The Automatic White Balance & Metering almost always gets..." Read more
"...Image quality is very good (though possibly not as good as what Nikon offers at this price point), and the camera is very responsive...." Read more
Customers like the size of the digital camera. They mention that it's very compact, great for low lighting, and fits their hands perfectly. Some say that it has an APS-C size sensor.
"...real beef with the SL1 is that while the whole point of it is it being small and portable as all heck, my hand wants just a little bit more depth in..." Read more
"The Canon SL1 is a really small and light DSLR. At just 13 ounces, the SL1 body is lighter than some point and shoot cameras (ie the Canon G15)...." Read more
"...truly an asset...I think the major point of this camera is that it is smaller and lighter than the other cameras and Canon is trying to use it to..." Read more
"...Its biggest asset, though, is its size. It really is tiny. And light...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera lightweight and easy to carry. They say it's great for travel and the strap makes it easy to wear around the neck. Some customers mention that the lens is heavy.
"...But it's also very light. And it's so handy I'm going to take it with me when I travel as opposed to leaving my big full frame Nikon at home...." Read more
"...SL1 is that while the whole point of it is it being small and portable as all heck, my hand wants just a little bit more depth in the grip itself...." Read more
"...: Terrific Image Quality under almost all conditions; Really small and light yet with almost all the features of larger/more expensive SLRs; Decent..." Read more
"...Its biggest asset, though, is its size. It really is tiny. And light...." Read more
Customers find the camera easy to use. They mention that it's designed for ease of use, has auto settings that make it easy to handle comfortably for long periods, and is a breeze for newer DSLR users to just point and shoot while they work their way. They also appreciate the touch screen, which is intuitive and easier than menu surfing. Overall, customers say the camera is simple to use and is as simple as taking pictures with your phone.
"...*Interface and ease of use...." Read more
"...Having used the 7D, the 60D, and the SL1, I can say the SL1's user friendliness and ease of use is up with the 7D, and indeed better than the 60D or..." Read more
"...I am definitely NOT bored! I feel like it's easy enough for a beginner but there is so much to learn with photography that it will propel you..." Read more
"...This camera is as simple as taking pictures with your phone, but provides the professional look that no camera phone can accomplish...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the digital camera. They say it's good value for money, and is worth your money. Some customers also mention that it'd be the best camera deal for DSLR photography.
"...lens which takes lovely still photos without much fuss in an affordable tiny package...." Read more
"...using the viewfinder infinitely more useable, and it's a very inexpensive accessory...." Read more
"...If you are seeking an affordable, small, true DSLR with an emphasis on image quality, The Canon SL1 should be near the very top of your list...." Read more
"...so much time...so far, I am very happy with this purchase as it was low in price and is keeping me very happy...it has absolutely no problems..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the touch screen of the camera. They mention that it is great, brilliantly implemented, and intuitive. They also appreciate the simple menu and autofocus touch screen.
"...Canon is somewhat easier to figure out than most, and the touch screen is a definite plus...." Read more
"...The SL1 does indeed have a touch screen, and actually, it's very useable, close to using an iphone in touch sensitivity, and the beauty of Canon's..." Read more
"...It has Multi-frame noise reduction, high resolution rear touch screen, shoots full HD 1080p at 30 fps, most of its intelligent and creative modes..." Read more
"...A few things that I love that I didn't know I would love is the touch screen. I also love the super quiet auto-focus on the STM lens...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the features of the digital camera. For example, they mention it has many nice features, the feature set seems pretty complete, and the multitude of functions is quite impressive. Some say the menu features explain what each mode does, and that it boasts some relatively high-end features that were first found on the 5D. Overall, most are happy with the settings and functions of the product.
"...yet with almost all the features of larger/more expensive SLRs; Decent menu system; Bright/sharp LCD; Decent Live View for an SLR; The Automatic..." Read more
"...fantastic...took some family pics and found some really helpful, nifty features that make taking a family Xmas pic profoundly easy...my last camera..." Read more
"...The helpful menu features on the camera explain what each mode does which is perfect for the novice...." Read more
"...Overall, the settings and functions are just better in everyway compared to my T5. The body isn't that much smaller but it does feel less bulky...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the speed of the digital camera. They mention that it takes great pictures very fast, with no appreciable lag. The autofocus is fast and accurate, with nine AF points available for use. The camera is quick to fire and has instant availability of video. The interface is easy to use and responsive.
"...about the 'only one cross-type' sensor, but I've found the autofocus points to be speedy and smart and accurate...." Read more
"...move around a lot...it worked exactly as I needed it too...saved me so much time...so far, I am very happy with this purchase as it was low in price..." Read more
"...Additionally, the SL1 is a super fast camera and can keep up with toddlers very easily...." Read more
"...is noticeable, as there seems to be less visual noise and faster operations. Video is also better but I'm not really into videos...." Read more
Reviews with images
![Amazing little and lightweight Rebel.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/transparent-pixel._V192234675_.gif)
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* Incredibly small and incredibly light. The biggest single reason for the recent spate of mirrorless cameras (Sony NEX, Fujifilm X) is now negated! I am sitting here looking at the SL1 next to my Fujifilm XE-1 with a comparable 18-55 zoom lens. The SL1 is lighter and smaller than the Fuji mirrorless camera with its electronic viewfinder. The SL1 optical viewfinder, while more compressed than the one in a large high-end DSLR, to my eyes is still far superior to any electronic viewfinder, which is like looking at a fuzzy little television from the 1960's. Canon appears to have achieved the small size by repackaging the sensor and shutter; impressive engineering and I expect that Nikon and others will have to follow suit. Let's hope we will now see a new generation of tiny DSLRs.
*Image quality: OK you say, it's small. So what am I giving up? Answer is - not really much. Image quality is excellent. The electronics of sensors have advanced rapidly in the last few years and the newest entry level camera is going to perform better than the high end product you bought two years ago. And new half frame sensors may be comparable to full frame sensors from a few years back. Also, the entry level DSLR market is the most competitive. Nikon (D3200) and Canon (SL1 or T5) are forced to give you more for your money than with high end full frame cameras. The SL1 is a bargain. Yes, you can get a marginal improvement in images and controls by going up market, but you will pay 3X as much in dollars, and in weight, and in volume. The cost of any technology is usually on a log scale; 90% of state of the art costs X and 95% costs 3X and 99% costs 9X. It makes no sense to ride this curve unless you do very specialized or commercial photography. For most of us, the most important thing is whether we have the camera with us when the photo opp comes up.
*Comparison. The images coming out of this Canon SL1 are lovely, contrasty and with excellent colors. I compared directly with my full frame Nikon D600 and also Sony NEX 6 at ISO 400. Results; unless you are a fanatical pixel peeper, they are all in the same ballpark. Only by blowing up the central 10% to fill the computer screen can one begin to see significant differences. If you do make this extreme blowup, the full frame D600 had the cleanest, lowest noise, and finest detail. But then the D600 costs 4X the SL1 and weighs more than twice as much! And anyway, does it really matter if some other sensor is s-l-i-g-h-t-l-y better? No it doesn't. Having the 'best' equipment is just not the determining factor in capturing beautiful photos that I will take pride in years down the road. The SL1 gives me 90% of the quality I will get from any camera anywhere at 1/4 the cost of a high end DSLR. The main difference is that the viewfinder is cramped and the settings are in menus rather than dedicated buttons. Big deal. You can still do any creative thing you want and win photo contests with this camera.
*How about the kit lens?: Just fine. By profession I am interested in the details of lens design and I admire beautiful finely crafted Zeiss lenses just as much as as the next fanatic. But as a photographer I can tell you that for actually capturing once-in-a-lifetime handheld photo opportunities with a sharp high quality image, there are two things that matter much more than ultimate optical quality: a) image stabilization and b) zoom so you can scale the desired image to fill your sensor. Are high quality prime lenses "better?" In practical terms, usually not. For most photography, they will not produce a more detailed image unless your camera is on a tripod and the scene just happens to be matched to the focal length. For general opportunistic or travel photography, squeezing out the last iota of lens quality is close to irrelevant. This is especially so these days when the camera JPG engine corrects typical lens defects such as distortion and chromatic aberration automatically. Modern lenses no longer have to be perfect in the glass; they all end up pretty much alike after the software corrections are applied. This is also why spending hours diddling around with RAW images in Photoshop no longer makes much sense for most of us - the JPEG engine has been programmed to optimize the specific lens - and it will take much time and skill to equal or improve on this on one's own. Today, post processing is not optional so JPEG is how cameras should be judged.
Image stabilization in particular has a lot more to do with sharpness for handheld photos then ultimate lens quality. The stabilization on this Canon lens works fine, showing its best advantage with shutter speeds around 1/10 to 1/25 second and giving effective reduced jitter as if you were shooting at 1/200. (If the required exposure is much slower than 1/25, let's say 1/5 or slower, even IS will not help - and if it's much faster, don't need IS and it won't improve anything.) And as noted, using a zoom has a lot bigger impact on quality then the niceties of a prime lens because one doesn't need to crop down. If I crop to the central 1/4 of the image area because my lens did not frame the scene optimally, I am throwing away 3/4 of my pixels, so I no longer have 18MP anyway. Overall results will be better with a zoom, even if it's optically imperfect.
*So is mirrorless no longer needed? There is one factor which does still favor mirrorless over SLR; the size of lenses, which are limited by the laws of physics and the long flange-to-sensor distance that comes with an SLR mirror. For the Canon SL1 or any SLR, zoom lenses will usually be bigger than the body. So I also bought the 40mm f2.8 Canon pancake lens which is compact for walk-around, although if I have to use a fixed lens I would prefer a wider angle. Canon makes a dozen other mid range zooms such as the 15-85, but you will have to accept a weight of 575-645 g compared to 205 g for the kit lens. In fixed focal lengths, Canon also makes two nice wide angle (24 mm and 28mm) lenses with image stabilization that weigh only 260-281 g and would offer a good match for the SL1. The 50mm f1.8 should be considered instead of the 40mm; faster and costs less. And of course you may already own a shelf full of Canon EF or EF-S lenses.
*But isn't the SL1 plasticky? Yes, it is plasticky, and there are tacky "sculpted" buttons on the back, ala consumer cameras, and the shutter release is not as snappy as my Nikon D600. It does not give the impression of a professional tool. I regret that Canon interpreted "small and light" as "entry level;" I would have been willing to pay more for a compact but higher precision package. But it's also very light. And it's so handy I'm going to take it with me when I travel as opposed to leaving my big full frame Nikon at home. And if it gets stolen or dropped, not such a tragedy. Every camera is a compromise. In my opinion enthusiasts sometimes obsess too much over 'build quality.' Yes, there is a tactile pleasure to high precision Leicas from the 1950's, but that kind of mechanical quality is no longer necessary for quality photos. Cameras today, like so many other products are made of plastic and software but the results - photographs - are better than ever.
*Interface and ease of use. Canon along with all other Japanese camera brands cram their interfaces with all sorts of useless clutter in the form of indecipherable icons, unnecessary modes and confusing redundancies. What does that odd little icon which looks like an upside down flag with a teardrop mean? Why not just use plain old WORDS to label it? And has anyone you know actually used the "Food Mode?" Is it really more convenient to have three or four redundant ways to change the ISO setting, or just confusing? Canon and the other makers should really drastically simplify the whole thing - look at your iPhone, which does many more things than a camera but has very few icons and labels and buttons. All the major Japanese cameras have the same overly complicated philosophy, but the SL1 Canon is somewhat easier to figure out than most, and the touch screen is a definite plus. In any case, although this is considered an 'entry level' DSLR, the full manual nevertheless runs to 388 pages, so plenty of options. There is also a remote control available as an option, to get yourself in family photos or for nature photography. In short, there is very little you can't do with the SL1.
*Flaws? There is one real photographic deficiency. When I switch to Live View for still photos (this means lock up the mirror and use the LCD to frame photos, like a point-and-shoot), the autofocus becomes very slow and hunts for a lock. The mirrored autofocus runs on a fast phase detection principle but in Live View the sensor focusses using some combination of contrast detection (slow in poor light) with special phase pixels. The solution; don't use Live View for still photos, keep it for movies. Other minor annoyances: the on/off switch is not in the most natural place. Also the optical viewfinder picture is not only cramped but also does not capture 100% of the full sensor field; more like 79%, so you will have to learn to compensate by overfilling the viewfinder frame a bit. I wish the buttons on the back were bigger (Note to Canon: Just because the back of the camera is small does not mean the buttons have to be small - get it?) Finally the flash pops up when I don't want it to, although there is mode dial setting to suppress that.
*Movies. Since one cannot use the optical SLR viewfinder to make movies, an SLR like this is not really the best camera for movies. In you want to concentrate on movies, the Sony NEX design is much better suited.
*Bottom line: This is a great little state of the art camera and lens which takes lovely still photos without much fuss in an affordable tiny package. It benefits from the latest up to the minute sensor technology, the photos are quite comparable to high end mirrorless or other half frame DSLR cameras and only slightly inferior to full frame costing much more and weighing much more. Yes, it is cluttered with too many modes and icons, but they all do that. With the kit lens you get the benefits of zoom and image stabilization and still the overall package is very portable. There is very little one might wish to do in art photography which cannot be done with the SL1. Speaking for myself, a small half-frame camera with an optical viewfinder is just the ticket - the best overall combination of image quality, viewfinder and functionality for the size and weight. It seems to me that the main justification for half frame mirrorless designs with electronic viewfinders has been negated. Is there a time when I won't use the SL1? Yes, for street photography where people may be intimidated by having a camera pointed at them - the Sony NEX with its articulated rear display is better for that. But for any photography where SLR works best, Canon has produced an advance similar to that of the Olympus OM series in the 1970's. Small is beautiful. Bravo, Canon; you will sell a lot of these!
Note added in response to comments below:
Thanks to everyone who commented but perhaps I did not make my viewpoint clear. Yes I know a knowledgable PhotoShop artist who spends time fiddling with an image may produce a better result than the in-camera JPEG. That's not the point. Post RAW processing is no longer optional since lenses are now designed assuming their distortions and aberrations will be corrected in software. Since the efficiency of the in-camera JPEG is part of the product and the mode most people will use, it should be part of the review. For any hobbyist who insists on doing it all by hand, be my guest, knock yourself out!
Second, yes it is possible to get somewhat better, somewhat lower noise images at high ISO from a full frame sensor such as the D600. But in my tests this was only apparent if I crop to a small part of the original image. Normally the difference - in my judgement - is not great enough to make it worth lugging the big heavy D600.
One more update: Consumer Reports just reviewed the SL1 and rated it near the top of DSLR overall
It's odd, because it's also one of the cheapest DSLR's Canon sells, but the nature of the game, is that Canon introduces the best technology into their more expensive lines first, the 7D in 2009, for example. The same sensor technology and advances has then been put into each successive camera, the T3i, the T4i, the 60D, etc., and finally, it has trickled down into the Eos SL1.
Having used the 7D, the 60D, and the SL1, I can say the SL1's user friendliness and ease of use is up with the 7D, and indeed better than the 60D or the T2i (haven't used T4 or the new T5). Another strange thing about Canon, is they'll sometimes put really neat features into their lower end cameras to kind of see how they work out, as a test of sorts.
The reason I say the SL1 is better than the 7D is the 7D had the digic 4 processor while this has the digic 5 processor. sensors being even identical, the better processor will enhance noise reduction in low light shooting, and the speed of the processor being 6 times faster adds to snappyness all around.
The SL1 does indeed have a touch screen, and actually, it's very useable, close to using an iphone in touch sensitivity, and the beauty of Canon's design is, you can turn it OFF, and you can navigate all the menus without using it at all either, which is something very important to me. I don't want my nose hitting the screen to suddenly change a setting while looking through the viewfinder, or maybe i want to save that extra bit of battery life, etc.
it is indeed small, and my only real beef with the SL1 is that while the whole point of it is it being small and portable as all heck, my hand wants just a little bit more depth in the grip itself. otherwise, a perfect little camera. I'm sure some third party vendor is going to come out with an extension grip, or one of those hand strap accessories to remedy this.
I wear glasses, and this viewfinder will be smaller than a 5DmkIII or 7D, and again don't like my nose smashing on the screen, so, I HIGHLY recommend the EP-EX15II extender for the viewfinder. Just look it up on amazon. it makes using the viewfinder infinitely more useable, and it's a very inexpensive accessory.
That being said, I think Canon has a winner on their hands. I will take the SL1 + 40mm pancake combo over the FujiX100S or even Canon's G1X, or any other compact, 4/3's, or other 'lightweight' body camera. This is the one to beat!
people complain about the 'only one cross-type' sensor, but I've found the autofocus points to be speedy and smart and accurate. The only time this should even be an issue is when holding the camera vertical/portrait mode, but what I tend to do is half-press to focus the center point where I want focus, and then compose the shot with button still pressed, then push all the way to take the shot. even with 20 cross-type focus sensors, you're better off just using the center to get focus anyways. At least, that's how I shoot.
One other caveat is you should get at least one STM lens for this body. The kit lens is probably good, I didn't get it, the 40mm STM is a beautiful lens, perfect wide open, so at least get one STM lens, so you can appreciate the very fast focus speed and better autofocus during video shooting. An STM on this body makes autofocus during video actually possible and useable! a feat Canon had not accomplished until now.
Top reviews from other countries
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If I had to choose again a camera for entry level, I would go with this one again. To top it all, I have also
bought the 40mm pancake lens, an impressively small lens that takes awesome pictures and makes my
SL1 feels even smaller.
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If you’re looking for your first digital cam, it’s a fair choice. The kind of camera I didn’t feel bad reselling to a friend.
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This camera fits nicely in hand with nice grip.
great pictures. live feed on touch screen. Auto focus is very very useful.
i also bought 40mm pancake lens, and i use it 90% of time.
Slow to focus, no wifi,
This is cheap, small and great camera, but its still heavy and cant be put even in a big pocket. Size is only drag. I knew its big when i bought it, but cant get over the fact that its big.
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Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2023
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This is my very first DSLR (or SLR for that matter) so like the proverbial old dog I have to learn new tricks. I reached the point where I got the most out of my old Canon A720IS and I have to say that the SL1 machine outperforms it in every aspect except possibly convenience. Also, I now tend to protect the SL1 and use the A720 for "dirty" jobs in the workshop or dusty environment. I use the SL1 mainly in conjunction with my light box to photograph products (mainly jewellery). Contrary to the prevailing opinion the kit lens does more than adequate job and at this stage I find no need to upgrade to macro. The ability to close the aperture well beyond what was possible before makes it much easier to get a decent depth of focus.
The battery life is less than other DSLRs in its class especially using the live view but it still lasts comfortably through a shooting session unlike the A720 which was fed on AAs.
Because there are so many more options available with this camera I will not pretend that I am getting the most out of it. However, each day I discover a new hack and my photos are improving (or so I would like to think!).
The only issues I would like to pick at: 1) Getting the lens cap on is a bit of a kefaffle, and 2) Surely Canon could have afforded to throw in a couple of bucks' worth of a lens hood?
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