Canon EOS 100D/Rebel SL1 Hands-on Preview

March 2013 | By Amadou Diallo

Preview based on a pre-production Canon EOS 100D / Rebel SL1

Last year Canon made its long-anticipated entry into the mirrorless camera market with the EOS M, taking aim at compact-camera upgraders who desire better image quality but don't want the bulk or intimidating controls of a DSLR. Yet the company has long hinted that another path to competing with mirrorless entries from Nikon, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic lay in the miniaturization of its familiar SLR design. With the announcement of the EOS 100D / Rebel SL1, Canon has laid its cards on the table. Billed as 'the world's smallest, lightest APS-C DSLR', the EOS 100D unabashedly merges the Rebel-series' DSLR operational hallmarks with an impressively small body.

Thanks to a downsizing of internal components that has resulted in a smaller shutter mechanism, thinner sensor module and smaller-footprint circuit board, the EOS 100D is significantly smaller and lighter than the co-announced EOS 700D, while offering the same 18MP pixel count, DIGIC 5 processor and, presumably image quality. The EOS 100D is, in fact, comfortably the smallest DSLR we've yet seen, and not so far off 'SLR-style' mirrorless models such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5.

As attention-grabbing as the EOS 100D's small footprint undoubtedly is, what's equally impressive is that Canon has been able to retain most of the controls and features typically found on a Rebel-series camera. A front dial and dedicated ISO, exposure compensation and AF/AE lock buttons are among the controls that will be familiar to any Canon DSLR user. Its touchscreen is identical in resolution to that on the EOS 650D and 700D, but is fixed, rather than articulated.

The EOS 100D introduces version two of Canon's Hybrid CMOS AF system, originally seen in the EOS 650D. While Canon is making no claims about focus speed improvements of its hybrid phase/contrast detect system, the new version covers a significantly greater portion of the live view area (80% of the area). This should make it a significantly more useful option than the version found on the EOS M and 650D.

Canon EOS 100D / Rebel SL1 key specifications

Small form factor DSLR weighing 400g/14oz.
18MP APS-C sensor with 14-bit DIGIC 5 processor
'Hybrid CMOS AF II' system with 80% frame coverage
Continuous autofocus in movie mode with subject tracking
ISO 100-12800 (expandable to ISO 25600)
4 fps continuous shooting
1080p30 video recording, monaural microphone (stereo input jack)
3-inch fixed capacitive touch-screen (same as EOS M)
9 point AF (central sensor is cross-type)
'Creative Filters' image-processing controls, previewed live on-screen

Compared to the Canon EOS Rebel 700D / T5i

This front view shows that the EOS 100D / Rebel SL1 is substantially smaller than the co-announced EOS 700D / Rebel T5i - itself not exactly a giant.


However, the 100D retains the majority of the external controls found on the larger camera. Although both cameras feature the same rear touchscreen, the 100D's screen is fixed, not articulated.

The top-plate controls are essentially the same too, but the 100D only has space for a mono microphone on the top left shoulder. The offset shutter button may look odd, but works well.

The EOS 100D achieves its notable size reduction without sacrificing much in the way of external control compared to the EOS 650D. On the 100D the button at the center of the 4-way controller does double-duty as both the Q menu and Set button, and the surrounding buttons have lost their dedicated functions. The 100D has a lower capacity flash, with a guide number of 9m (versus 13mm on the 650D) and houses a mono versus stereo microphone, though it does retain a stereo mic input. And while the handgrip is not as deep as the one on its larger sibling, the 100D still provides a distinctly DSLR handling experience.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens

Introduced alongside the EOS 100D is the EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. This is the standard kit zoom for the 100D and brings the total number of EF-S STM lenses to three, with a 40mm pancake and 18-135mm (both shown below) also on offer. Canon's STM lenses are designed to take full advantage of the Hybrid AF system found in the EOS 650D, 700D and 100D. They offer quiet autofocus, helpful when shooting video, and full time manual focus. The 18-55mm lens has a close focusing distance of 0.25m and a circular seven-bladed aperture. An internal focusing motor means the lens does not extend while turning the focus ring.

The EOS 100D's Hybrid AF II system is designed to work optimally with Canon's three-lens STM lineup which consists of an 18-55mm, 18-135mm and fixed 40mm pancake lens.


Compared to the previous EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, the STM version is slightly longer to accommodate the internal focus system, and has a 'proper' manual focus ring at the front of the barrel that drive the focus group electronically. As with the older design it's physically shortest in the middle of its zoom range, and extends on zooming either to 18mm or 55mm (click here for a comparison at 55mm).

The STM focus motor is extremely quiet and, when using the optical viewfinder, impressively fast, offering a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. But switch the camera to live view and, just like the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, it slows down significantly. This is a unfortunate - Canon's live view AF system still distinctly lags behind the competition.

The filter thread on the STM lens remains 58mm. The inner-focus design means it doesn't rotate on autofocus, and allows the use of an optional petal-type lens hood rather (than the relatively ineffective bowl-type hood of its predecessor).	As we'd expect at this level, the lens mount is plastic. This is an EF-S, lens so only fits on Canon's APS-C cameras.

Hands-on preview video

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Comments

Total comments: 311

Wow. A canon version of the Pentax k-01 in a Panasonic g1 body. Which is smaller because it lacks physical controls... However could the mighty canon have come up with this desperate attemp... I mean world beating design.

And full size aps lenses too? Great, I've always wanted a tiny body with a massive lens, you know what I mean....

My mirrorless is going to eBay now!!!

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

7 upvotes

Unlike the K-01 it actually has PDAF (both separate and on-sensor) which makes a lot more sense for a DSLR mount.

Comment edited 8 seconds after posting

1 upvote

@ Andy Crowe, but it still focuses slower than the E-M5 and GH3, neither of which require focus adjustment of lenses...

0 upvotes

Once again a Canon which is known by different names in different markets.
When are Canon going to adopt a common naming policy for their products?
A 1 DX and an EOS 5D and EOS 7D are the same in every market, so why can't they do it with the budget end of the range?

4 upvotes

Canon has been doing this since their very first "Rebel" SLRs (which have different names in different regions). It certainly has not hurt the sale of these cameras. In fact, this line of cameras has been the best selling line of cameras in photo history. If it works, why change it?

3 upvotes

@T3 they are only best selling because they are the cheaper, mass-market lines so no surprise that they outsell the 1/5/7 ranges.

I think the point of the "Rebel" nomenclature is because that is more appealing/memorable to mass-market than "1000D" and it's unlikely they will drop it. That said, other manufacturers do fine.

1 upvote

Is it really smaller than the Olympus E-420?
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse420/2

1 upvote

It doesn't have to be because they're calling it the smallest APS DSLR, which excludes 4/3rds cameras.

2 upvotes

The advantage is . . . if you have Canon lenses, and have been looking at a m4/3 or other MILC because you want to have a small fun kit, this can be an option to travel light, but not have to re-invest in all new lenses. And stay with Canon. :)

0 upvotes

Any reason Canon couldn't come out with a collapsible zoom for this, like Sony, Panasonic have for their mirrorless cameras?

2 upvotes

They can, but the lens will always be bigger, because the distance between the lens and sensor has to be larger. They cannot change that, without changing the mount.

0 upvotes

I know a few guys who would like to have one of these nice little things in their bags as B-camera.

1 upvote

How about lenses? If I need to put DSLR lenses on it, I don't really care about how small the body is. A "compact" camera needs to also have "compact" lenses. The lens lineup on EOS M (excluding DSLR lenses) is really poor when compare to Oly/Pan/Sony.

0 upvotes

Imagine you have a 5D or other fullframe and want a back-up camera. In comparison to FF the 100D is really a dwarf and I wonder wherher you gain more (meaning less bulk) whan choosing EOS M (where you have to have specific lenses).

1 upvote

Some of Canons slower primes like the 40mm f2.8, 35mm f2, 28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8 , 85mm f1.8 and kit zooms are quite small lenses and should balance well with this body, given it wont be as compact as a the mirrorless cameras available but the form factor brings it down to the size and weight of some of the old 35mm film cameras of the past, now if they could make a compact 17mm f2.8 that would be great.

2 upvotes

This doesn't seem smaller enough to matter in terms of total size with lens mounted or in terms of total kit size.

It's small the the 40mm on, but that's not exactly an everyday lens at 64mm equivalent.

1 upvote

I think it's a camera that will be a lot smaller in real life than it looks in pictures. Body depth is never going to change that much, but the difference in body height, width, and weight are definitely going to be noticeable. I think this is just going to be a camera that you have to get into your hands in order to appreciate.

2 upvotes

In real world practicality <grin> to me it makes a big difference. I've got a Nikon D5100 and Nikon D90. My Nikon D5100, because its shorter, I can toss on my 18-135mm lens and toss it in a really small bag that tucks nicely under my arm. When walking around on vacation I really forget its there. I can play with my girls and just forget about the camera. But its there if I want it. I toss that same lens on my Nikon D90 and its hard to "tuck" that camera away. That's why I'm taking my Nikon D5100 to WDW this summer, not my Nikon D90. But Canon's 40mm f2.8 pancake lens is a lot smaller than the Nikon 35mm f1.8 lens that I have as an option. :)

0 upvotes

Maybe. I do recall looking at the E510 and E410 in store once and while not that different on paper, the difference was significant. Perhaps you are right that I need to hold it to appreciate.

0 upvotes

Nice job. Seems very nicely designed. I even like that new textured pattern on the grip and around the shutter button. Gives it a more modern look than the old bumpy faux leather rubber texture pattern. Plus, it was smart that they designed the grip so that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the lens mount. As a result, the camera is as compact as possible when the lens is removed. Could have been even more compact if they had shortened the pop-up flash overhang. Maybe next time they'll make a pop-up flash that can extend/retract in length, thus making for a shorter flash overhang while still allowing it to achieve a good extension height.

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

1 upvote

In your hands on I'd love to see how this compares to one of the ollder/smaller rebels.

Is this truley something new or just cannon getting back to iwhere it was a few years ago?

1 upvote

Good job Canon. Now I hope Nikon follow with a similar offering.

0 upvotes

And in return, I hope Canon come up with a competitor to the D7100.

1 upvote

Having owned small 35mm film cameras such a the Olympus Om-4 in the past, I've always disliked the larger size of most DSLRs, they just aren't particularly practical for carry around or for street photography. Currently I've been lugging around a Canon 5d mk2 for street photography and I've seriously been considering getting a smaller mirror-less camera for this purpose, but that means having to buy into a totally new system. I dont like the EOS M, but this camera, with my current primes and their 40mm pancake, looks like it could be a viable and economical option.

0 upvotes

where is the Wifi connectivity?

1 upvote

It'll probably show up in the 2nd gen SL2 in 12-18 months. Canon never fires off all their bullets at once.

0 upvotes

Interesting little camera - especially in its relationship to mirror-less. I have a larger and heavier DSLR I'm not about to sell, but I also use a G1X as a travel and hiking camera. I find myself wondering if I'd have made the same decision if this camera had been available...... It's the smallest DSLR but still much larger with lens compared to a G1X with lens retracted. It weighs about the same - with lens - which is remarkable. I'd be fairly confident that it's VF and AF would be better. We'll have to wait to see what the IQ is like.

2 upvotes

In my humble opinion... this is a disappointed answer to the mirrorless segment if this what canon is trying to achieve.

4 upvotes

Canon's second failed attempt at taking a jab at mirrorless market. The longer they avoid producing something competitive to NEX/Oly/Panny, the more Canon will lag behind. And why would they put a 2009 sensor on it? Fail.

11 upvotes

I love when people say Canon is lagging behind. Should we compare Sony and Olympus profits to Canon?

1 upvote

This is not a "second failed attempt" at the mirrorless market because this isn't a mirrorless camera at all. Clearly, this is a camera catering to the still-popular mirrored/OVF camera market. And, of course, they will continue to develop their next mirrorless offerings. Ultimately, I wouldn't really call this camera a "failed attempt" because they'll sell boatloads. Wouldn't be surprised if it even outsold most of the mirrorless cameras out there. Besides, I think there's enough room in the camera market for all these various types of cameras.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

9 upvotes

Benarm, just because it has the same pixel count does not mean it is the same sensor as 2009 :-) Besides, I do not recall any of Canon's sensor from 2009 having PDAF pixels.

Ironically Canon's mirrorrless strategy hinges on that sensor. With AF points covering 80% of the sensor and if it performed up to scratch then Canon's next mirrorless would not be that far behind Sony and Oly anymore, would it?

1 upvote

T3 it is a second attempt to stem the flow of customers to mirrorless. It's a failure as a concept because putting big lenses on a smaller camera is just uncomfortable (and looks weird). I wouldn't be surprised if we see another announcement in 12 months from Canon senior management saying "we aren't sure why, but we didn't sell many of these cameras"... I can only see existing canon customers buying this camera.

tkbslc, people say canon is lagging behind because its the biggest and best horseshoe manufacturer in the business, but recently someone invented the motorcar, to use a metaphor.

If canon doesn't compete with mirrorless it will be hurt financially as the APS-C DSLR market shrinks. To go back to my metaphor, they think they can compete with motorcars by refining horseshoes...

1 upvote

It's even lighter than the OM-D! If they could only make some small pancake primes in EF-S mount to go with this...

0 upvotes

Totally agree .... I'm very surprised it didn't come as a kit with the 40mm or a new pancake e.g. 22mm like they did with the EOS-M

0 upvotes

I also totally agree with you, I need a good and light Quality 35mm IS lens.

0 upvotes

Likely they will sell far more of these than any kind of EOS-M camera.

1 upvote

A great travel/backup camera when you already have more than a few Canon lenses. No need to reinvest in lenses in other mounts.

11 upvotes

Actually this product makes some sense as compared to the totally unnecessary T5i, but I wonder if it means Canon's heart is not really in mirrorless. An EOS-M2 + several more lenses would have than either of these cameras.

1 upvote

Maybe in terms of exciting camera nerds like those of us on the forum, but would it have meant much in terms of sales?

0 upvotes

Come on Canon, what a bad joke is this miniaturised dslr. Who on earth will buy this, people who are looking for small camera + lens combination will run away from this to m43, nikon1 etc. Shame, this was the last desperate shot from Canon, a missed one

6 upvotes

That's comical. Canon did $45 Bllion in sales in 2011,,, this is no parting shot,, they're not going anywhere. Deal with it. Run away to m43,,,lol, classic.

8 upvotes

Why will those interested in a small ILC run away from this? I very much like m4/3, but there are times when an APS-C sensor will do better, all other things about the camera being equal. I can certainly see this new Canon encroaching on m4/3 sales.

The real question for me is whether this product can compete with mirrorless models that also are APS-C, not m4/3. Can this camera go toe-to-toe with Fuji's XE-1 or Sony's NEX series?

I might not go with Canon's offering, but it's great to have so many choices.

1 upvote

"They" know that m4/3s makes more sense but don't won't to support the competitors.

1 upvote

I would buy it, I'm already heavily invested in the system, but I would like a small camera for street photography and just to carry around everyday without having to worry about my full frame getting lost, stolen or damaged.

2 upvotes

@Leichhardt I know where you're coming from in terms of being invested in a system. The problem with this being a small camera for street photography is that if you are heavily invested in the system then you are probably touting some good glass. And *that* is where a small body becomes questionable. I loved my 5Dii, but the weight of Zeiss and L lenses made it impractical to me as someone who takes a camera everywhere. This body wouldn't have made the difference for me to keep the system, I already had a 20D second body which was great, but last year the whole lot went in favour of a smaller APS-C mirrorless system and I have to say I'm loving that more.

But... choices are always a good thing to have, and we're all making different ones. I'm actually wondering how attractive this body would be to someone totally new to photography? It's easy to know how we react to it if we've had cameras for 30+ years, but what about today's new consumer?

1 upvote

@njb311, I have a range of lenses for different jobs, even some of the cheaper, small prime lenses that I specifically use for street photography. For me wide open performance is not really an issue on the street, focus and a decent depth of field is. I normally shoot street hyper-focally at f8 or above, at these apertures there are many inexpensive, non L glass primes that can do a fantastic job, like the 20mm f2.8 or 28mm f2.8 for example. I'm not saying this is the best system or that this set up is better than mirrorless for the job, but I think It's an economical alternative that I can make it work.

0 upvotes

Actually . . . what this has over the MILC crowd is an upgrade path to Full Frame with already existing equipement and lenses out there. But this camera to start out. Buy some lenses. Buy a flash unit. Upgrade to a Canon 7D down the road. Get some full frame lenses then. Eventually work your way into a Canon 6D or whatever is out there at the time. Pretty nice upgrade path potential.

Comment edited 38 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

I am sure some people will like this, but Cannon missed the point: with digital sensor technology, the extra reflection optics will be obsolete like the film. How small can you make those mirrors? Certainly not smaller than the sensor. Mirrorless is definitely the way to go. Look at Kodak and Fujifilm, be careful Cannon (and Nikon).

1 upvote

Congratulations Canon.

2 upvotes

I like the look of this to replace my XSi,, I almost pulled the trigger on a T4i,, this will suit me better as a 2nd body when I'm lugging my 1D around my high school football field. 14oz with battery,, I really like that. USB 3 would have been nice though.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

3 upvotes

Canon's answer to ILC? Not going all in on the M as an ILC solution? Works for me.

3 upvotes

I think they are just trying to be disruptive as possible to mirrorless systems while hanging on to high DSLR sales. I don't think they want a top selling mirrorless system because that market is peanuts compared to their compact and DSLR systems.

1 upvote

Bin the flash and add a FF sensor and they would sell zillions.

5 upvotes

Total comments: 311