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Do Canon DSLRs have a better autofocus than the M6 or 350d in low light?

Started Oct 31, 2017 | Discussions thread
007peter
007peter Forum Pro • Posts: 12,933
I don't have SL2 but base on my EOS-M & DSLR experience, yes
1

I would say YES, based upon my past experience with both EOS-M & Canon DSLR:

I see a dramatic AF Speed & Reliability with every Digic CPU upgrades:

my Digic II cameras (20d, 30d, Rebel XT (350d), Rebel XTi (400d) all perform largely the same. It'll struggle in lowlight unless you use the Center-AF only with a fast prime

my Digic III camera (40d + Rebel XSi (450d) - AF is quicker & more assuring but still need to rely on center-AF only for lowlight

my Digic IV camera (50d + Rebel T1i (500d) + Rebel T2i (550d) - AF in lowlight is now super-reliable, even all 9 points AF is useable.

my Digic V camera (EOS-M1) struggle in AF regardless of day or night. This is Canon's 1st mirrorless so AF suck regardless. My friends SL1 (100d) focus noticeably quick than my M1 using the same Digic processor.

I switch out of canon after Digic V, but based on my experience, I would say YES, that:

  • Canon DSLR outfocus Canon EOS-M by miles (even now)
  • Canon AF is more reliable with each CPU upgrades

If Lowlight AF is important to you as it is to me, there are only 2 solutions:

  • 1 buy a modern Canon dSLR with newest Digic processor (Canon SL2)
  • 2. switch to Panasonic M43, where it focus down to -4 ~ -5 EV in the dark.

I shoot mainly in ultra-dark low-light and my cheapo Pansonic GF6 can focus @minus -4 EV that my Canon T2i cannot do.

 007peter's gear list:007peter's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 Panasonic 20mm F1.7 II
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