Re-beginning DSLR photography

IF the 80d seems like "too much", you might take a look at the 77d.

Has more focus points than the SL2, and a 2nd "control wheel" on the back (rather than "4 buttons" like the SL2).

Having said that, the SL2 still looks like a very nice package.

R2D2 wrote:

dmi wrote:

I find myself perusing the current Canon DSLR offerings, and needless to say, there's a lot to choose from. I'm content with the APS-C sensor, and I'm thinking about the SL2. I know it has its limitations, but I thought it might be a decent entry point to get back into the system. I enjoy street photography, architecture, and I like to take photos when I travel (the light weight of the SL2 is a point in its favor there).

IMHO the SL2 punches way above its price (esp if you go refurb). Great bang for the buck.

It has Canon’s latest dual pixel sensor with that incredible dual pixel autofocus. For candid shots DPAF Live View with the Articulating Touchscreen simply rocks. The combination of these threee features also makes shooting video a dream. Absolutely no hunting. Just touch where you want the focus to go.

Get one of the STM kit lenses to go along with it and your autofocus (in any mode) will be fast, decisive, and completely silent. (I always recommend picking a single AF point for best results).

I’ve been using this technology for years with my 70D and now M5, and it truly takes the shooting experience to a whole new level.

As far as IQ goes (I had the T4i which is the T5i’s virtual twin), you’ll gain a complete stop with the new 24mp sensor. This alone lets you either use a highr ISO (comfortably), or lets you crop in more without penalty. I don’t own the SL2, so be sure to check out the ergonomics and fit in person.

Good luck with your search!

R2

I have and adore the SL2 and I have a 50D and I agree with everything R2 wrote above enough to want to second it.
I primarily use the SL2 with the Canon 28-135IS which I mention because the lens is almost bigger than the camera.  And yet it is a supremely comfortable kit to carry and hold and use.  The dual pixel AF is just amazingly good, combined with the fully articulated screen it opens up new possibilities.
I'd like to also emphasize, the SL2 really is that small and that light.  The difference to something like a XXD is pretty dramatic.

I have had the SL2 for over a year now. It has far exceeded my expectations on nearly every level. If you don't need the shot buffer or AF of the higher model Rebels then it will serve you very well. Its image quality is identical to any other APS-C DSLR Canon currently sells. Live view performance is very good too with DPAF.

I bought the trifecta of EF-S lenses (EF-S 10-18mm, 18-55mm and 55-250mm) and am very happy with the overall kit. It is affordable, small, lightweight and fits in a small bag. It gives me an effective range of 16-400mm. The image quality from these lenses is very good.

R2D2 wrote:

dmi wrote:

I find myself perusing the current Canon DSLR offerings, and needless to say, there's a lot to choose from. I'm content with the APS-C sensor, and I'm thinking about the SL2. I know it has its limitations, but I thought it might be a decent entry point to get back into the system. I enjoy street photography, architecture, and I like to take photos when I travel (the light weight of the SL2 is a point in its favor there).

IMHO the SL2 punches way above its price (esp if you go refurb). Great bang for the buck.

It has Canon’s latest dual pixel sensor with that incredible dual pixel autofocus. For candid shots DPAF Live View with the Articulating Touchscreen simply rocks. The combination of these threee features also makes shooting video a dream. Absolutely no hunting. Just touch where you want the focus to go.

Get one of the STM kit lenses to go along with it and your autofocus (in any mode) will be fast, decisive, and completely silent. (I always recommend picking a single AF point for best results).

I’ve been using this technology for years with my 70D and now M5, and it truly takes the shooting experience to a whole new level.

As far as IQ goes (I had the T4i which is the T5i’s virtual twin), you’ll gain a complete stop with the new 24mp sensor. This alone lets you either use a highr ISO (comfortably), or lets you crop in more without penalty. I don’t own the SL2, so be sure to check out the ergonomics and fit in person.

Good luck with your search!

R2

Thank you for the great response. I ordered a refurbished SL2 from Canon. I went ahead and got the 18-55mm kit lens because it was only $60 more than the body only. That will get me out the door shooting, and I can figure out what lens to get next.

lhp wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

dmi wrote:

I find myself perusing the current Canon DSLR offerings, and needless to say, there's a lot to choose from. I'm content with the APS-C sensor, and I'm thinking about the SL2. I know it has its limitations, but I thought it might be a decent entry point to get back into the system. I enjoy street photography, architecture, and I like to take photos when I travel (the light weight of the SL2 is a point in its favor there).

IMHO the SL2 punches way above its price (esp if you go refurb). Great bang for the buck.

It has Canon’s latest dual pixel sensor with that incredible dual pixel autofocus. For candid shots DPAF Live View with the Articulating Touchscreen simply rocks. The combination of these threee features also makes shooting video a dream. Absolutely no hunting. Just touch where you want the focus to go.

Get one of the STM kit lenses to go along with it and your autofocus (in any mode) will be fast, decisive, and completely silent. (I always recommend picking a single AF point for best results).

I’ve been using this technology for years with my 70D and now M5, and it truly takes the shooting experience to a whole new level.

As far as IQ goes (I had the T4i which is the T5i’s virtual twin), you’ll gain a complete stop with the new 24mp sensor. This alone lets you either use a highr ISO (comfortably), or lets you crop in more without penalty. I don’t own the SL2, so be sure to check out the ergonomics and fit in person.

Good luck with your search!

R2

I have and adore the SL2 and I have a 50D and I agree with everything R2 wrote above enough to want to second it.
I primarily use the SL2 with the Canon 28-135IS which I mention because the lens is almost bigger than the camera. And yet it is a supremely comfortable kit to carry and hold and use. The dual pixel AF is just amazingly good, combined with the fully articulated screen it opens up new possibilities.
I'd like to also emphasize, the SL2 really is that small and that light. The difference to something like a XXD is pretty dramatic.

Thank you! I just ordered a refurbished SL2 from Canon. I got it with the 18-55mm -- it was only a little more than the body only, and since I don't have other Canon lenses I might as well get it.

MikeJ9116 wrote:

I have had the SL2 for over a year now. It has far exceeded my expectations on nearly every level. If you don't need the shot buffer or AF of the higher model Rebels then it will serve you very well. Its image quality is identical to any other APS-C DSLR Canon currently sells. Live view performance is very good too with DPAF.

I bought the trifecta of EF-S lenses (EF-S 10-18mm, 18-55mm and 55-250mm) and am very happy with the overall kit. It is affordable, small, lightweight and fits in a small bag. It gives me an effective range of 16-400mm. The image quality from these lenses is very good.

Thanks for the reply. I just ordered a copy, with the 18-55mm. I tend to like wider angles, so my next lens will probably be the 10-18mm, or the 24mm f/2.8.

dmi wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

dmi wrote:

I find myself perusing the current Canon DSLR offerings, and needless to say, there's a lot to choose from. I'm content with the APS-C sensor, and I'm thinking about the SL2. I know it has its limitations, but I thought it might be a decent entry point to get back into the system. I enjoy street photography, architecture, and I like to take photos when I travel (the light weight of the SL2 is a point in its favor there).

IMHO the SL2 punches way above its price (esp if you go refurb). Great bang for the buck.

It has Canon’s latest dual pixel sensor with that incredible dual pixel autofocus. For candid shots DPAF Live View with the Articulating Touchscreen simply rocks. The combination of these threee features also makes shooting video a dream. Absolutely no hunting. Just touch where you want the focus to go.

Get one of the STM kit lenses to go along with it and your autofocus (in any mode) will be fast, decisive, and completely silent. (I always recommend picking a single AF point for best results).

I’ve been using this technology for years with my 70D and now M5, and it truly takes the shooting experience to a whole new level.

As far as IQ goes (I had the T4i which is the T5i’s virtual twin), you’ll gain a complete stop with the new 24mp sensor. This alone lets you either use a highr ISO (comfortably), or lets you crop in more without penalty. I don’t own the SL2, so be sure to check out the ergonomics and fit in person.

Good luck with your search!

R2

Thank you for the great response. I ordered a refurbished SL2 from Canon. I went ahead and got the 18-55mm kit lens because it was only $60 more than the body only. That will get me out the door shooting, and I can figure out what lens to get next.

Congrats! I bought the kit lens for video use but was shocked at how good it is for photos. It was $60 well spent. Here are a few photos I have taken with it (click on "original size" to see the best detail):

dmi wrote:

MikeJ9116 wrote:

I have had the SL2 for over a year now. It has far exceeded my expectations on nearly every level. If you don't need the shot buffer or AF of the higher model Rebels then it will serve you very well. Its image quality is identical to any other APS-C DSLR Canon currently sells. Live view performance is very good too with DPAF.

I bought the trifecta of EF-S lenses (EF-S 10-18mm, 18-55mm and 55-250mm) and am very happy with the overall kit. It is affordable, small, lightweight and fits in a small bag. It gives me an effective range of 16-400mm. The image quality from these lenses is very good.

Thanks for the reply. I just ordered a copy, with the 18-55mm. I tend to like wider angles, so my next lens will probably be the 10-18mm, or the 24mm f/2.8.

The 10-18mm is a great lens.  A few I have taken with it (click "original size" for best detail):

MikeJ9116 wrote:

dmi wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

dmi wrote:

I find myself perusing the current Canon DSLR offerings, and needless to say, there's a lot to choose from. I'm content with the APS-C sensor, and I'm thinking about the SL2. I know it has its limitations, but I thought it might be a decent entry point to get back into the system. I enjoy street photography, architecture, and I like to take photos when I travel (the light weight of the SL2 is a point in its favor there).

IMHO the SL2 punches way above its price (esp if you go refurb). Great bang for the buck.

It has Canon’s latest dual pixel sensor with that incredible dual pixel autofocus. For candid shots DPAF Live View with the Articulating Touchscreen simply rocks. The combination of these threee features also makes shooting video a dream. Absolutely no hunting. Just touch where you want the focus to go.

Get one of the STM kit lenses to go along with it and your autofocus (in any mode) will be fast, decisive, and completely silent. (I always recommend picking a single AF point for best results).

I’ve been using this technology for years with my 70D and now M5, and it truly takes the shooting experience to a whole new level.

As far as IQ goes (I had the T4i which is the T5i’s virtual twin), you’ll gain a complete stop with the new 24mp sensor. This alone lets you either use a highr ISO (comfortably), or lets you crop in more without penalty. I don’t own the SL2, so be sure to check out the ergonomics and fit in person.

Good luck with your search!

R2

Thank you for the great response. I ordered a refurbished SL2 from Canon. I went ahead and got the 18-55mm kit lens because it was only $60 more than the body only. That will get me out the door shooting, and I can figure out what lens to get next.

Congrats! I bought the kit lens for video use but was shocked at how good it is for photos. It was $60 well spent. Here are a few photos I have taken with it (click on "original size" to see the best detail):

Nice! Is that a corgi?

dmi wrote:

MikeJ9116 wrote:

dmi wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

dmi wrote:

I find myself perusing the current Canon DSLR offerings, and needless to say, there's a lot to choose from. I'm content with the APS-C sensor, and I'm thinking about the SL2. I know it has its limitations, but I thought it might be a decent entry point to get back into the system. I enjoy street photography, architecture, and I like to take photos when I travel (the light weight of the SL2 is a point in its favor there).

IMHO the SL2 punches way above its price (esp if you go refurb). Great bang for the buck.

It has Canon’s latest dual pixel sensor with that incredible dual pixel autofocus. For candid shots DPAF Live View with the Articulating Touchscreen simply rocks. The combination of these threee features also makes shooting video a dream. Absolutely no hunting. Just touch where you want the focus to go.

Get one of the STM kit lenses to go along with it and your autofocus (in any mode) will be fast, decisive, and completely silent. (I always recommend picking a single AF point for best results).

I’ve been using this technology for years with my 70D and now M5, and it truly takes the shooting experience to a whole new level.

As far as IQ goes (I had the T4i which is the T5i’s virtual twin), you’ll gain a complete stop with the new 24mp sensor. This alone lets you either use a highr ISO (comfortably), or lets you crop in more without penalty. I don’t own the SL2, so be sure to check out the ergonomics and fit in person.

Good luck with your search!

R2

Thank you for the great response. I ordered a refurbished SL2 from Canon. I went ahead and got the 18-55mm kit lens because it was only $60 more than the body only. That will get me out the door shooting, and I can figure out what lens to get next.

Congrats! I bought the kit lens for video use but was shocked at how good it is for photos. It was $60 well spent. Here are a few photos I have taken with it (click on "original size" to see the best detail):

Nice! Is that a corgi?

She is a Rat Terrier.  If you notice she has a missing right rear leg.  About 1.5 years ago she was diagnosed with cancer and had her leg amputated and went through chemo.  She is a trooper and gets around really good.

MikeJ9116 wrote:

dmi wrote:

MikeJ9116 wrote:

dmi wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

dmi wrote:

I find myself perusing the current Canon DSLR offerings, and needless to say, there's a lot to choose from. I'm content with the APS-C sensor, and I'm thinking about the SL2. I know it has its limitations, but I thought it might be a decent entry point to get back into the system. I enjoy street photography, architecture, and I like to take photos when I travel (the light weight of the SL2 is a point in its favor there).

IMHO the SL2 punches way above its price (esp if you go refurb). Great bang for the buck.

It has Canon’s latest dual pixel sensor with that incredible dual pixel autofocus. For candid shots DPAF Live View with the Articulating Touchscreen simply rocks. The combination of these threee features also makes shooting video a dream. Absolutely no hunting. Just touch where you want the focus to go.

Get one of the STM kit lenses to go along with it and your autofocus (in any mode) will be fast, decisive, and completely silent. (I always recommend picking a single AF point for best results).

I’ve been using this technology for years with my 70D and now M5, and it truly takes the shooting experience to a whole new level.

As far as IQ goes (I had the T4i which is the T5i’s virtual twin), you’ll gain a complete stop with the new 24mp sensor. This alone lets you either use a highr ISO (comfortably), or lets you crop in more without penalty. I don’t own the SL2, so be sure to check out the ergonomics and fit in person.

Good luck with your search!

R2

Thank you for the great response. I ordered a refurbished SL2 from Canon. I went ahead and got the 18-55mm kit lens because it was only $60 more than the body only. That will get me out the door shooting, and I can figure out what lens to get next.

Congrats! I bought the kit lens for video use but was shocked at how good it is for photos. It was $60 well spent. Here are a few photos I have taken with it (click on "original size" to see the best detail):

Nice! Is that a corgi?

She is a Rat Terrier. If you notice she has a missing right rear leg. About 1.5 years ago she was diagnosed with cancer and had her leg amputated and went through chemo. She is a trooper and gets around really good.

Oh, that's too bad. She looks really sweet. My wife and I have a yellow lab, and she just had a mass taken off her front leg. Luckily it was benign. Dogs really make life better. Once I get the SL2 I'm not going to leave mine alone -- usually she looks away whenever I point a camera at her, so I get a lot of pictures of her sleeping.

dmi wrote:

MikeJ9116 wrote:

dmi wrote:

MikeJ9116 wrote:

dmi wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

dmi wrote:

I find myself perusing the current Canon DSLR offerings, and needless to say, there's a lot to choose from. I'm content with the APS-C sensor, and I'm thinking about the SL2. I know it has its limitations, but I thought it might be a decent entry point to get back into the system. I enjoy street photography, architecture, and I like to take photos when I travel (the light weight of the SL2 is a point in its favor there).

IMHO the SL2 punches way above its price (esp if you go refurb). Great bang for the buck.

It has Canon’s latest dual pixel sensor with that incredible dual pixel autofocus. For candid shots DPAF Live View with the Articulating Touchscreen simply rocks. The combination of these threee features also makes shooting video a dream. Absolutely no hunting. Just touch where you want the focus to go.

Get one of the STM kit lenses to go along with it and your autofocus (in any mode) will be fast, decisive, and completely silent. (I always recommend picking a single AF point for best results).

I’ve been using this technology for years with my 70D and now M5, and it truly takes the shooting experience to a whole new level.

As far as IQ goes (I had the T4i which is the T5i’s virtual twin), you’ll gain a complete stop with the new 24mp sensor. This alone lets you either use a highr ISO (comfortably), or lets you crop in more without penalty. I don’t own the SL2, so be sure to check out the ergonomics and fit in person.

Good luck with your search!

R2

Thank you for the great response. I ordered a refurbished SL2 from Canon. I went ahead and got the 18-55mm kit lens because it was only $60 more than the body only. That will get me out the door shooting, and I can figure out what lens to get next.

Congrats! I bought the kit lens for video use but was shocked at how good it is for photos. It was $60 well spent. Here are a few photos I have taken with it (click on "original size" to see the best detail):

Nice! Is that a corgi?

She is a Rat Terrier. If you notice she has a missing right rear leg. About 1.5 years ago she was diagnosed with cancer and had her leg amputated and went through chemo. She is a trooper and gets around really good.

Oh, that's too bad. She looks really sweet. My wife and I have a yellow lab, and she just had a mass taken off her front leg. Luckily it was benign. Dogs really make life better. Once I get the SL2 I'm not going to leave mine alone -- usually she looks away whenever I point a camera at her, so I get a lot of pictures of her sleeping.

We have three.  They do make like better and are a good replacement when the kids are gone.  They are far less trouble.

Don't feel bad for Lily, our Terrier.  The only time I think she misses leg is when her right ear itches.

R2D2 wrote:

dmi wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

dmi wrote:

I find myself perusing the current Canon DSLR offerings, and needless to say, there's a lot to choose from. I'm content with the APS-C sensor, and I'm thinking about the SL2. I know it has its limitations, but I thought it might be a decent entry point to get back into the system. I enjoy street photography, architecture, and I like to take photos when I travel (the light weight of the SL2 is a point in its favor there).

IMHO the SL2 punches way above its price (esp if you go refurb). Great bang for the buck.

It has Canon’s latest dual pixel sensor with that incredible dual pixel autofocus. For candid shots DPAF Live View with the Articulating Touchscreen simply rocks. The combination of these threee features also makes shooting video a dream. Absolutely no hunting. Just touch where you want the focus to go.

Get one of the STM kit lenses to go along with it and your autofocus (in any mode) will be fast, decisive, and completely silent. (I always recommend picking a single AF point for best results).

I’ve been using this technology for years with my 70D and now M5, and it truly takes the shooting experience to a whole new level.

As far as IQ goes (I had the T4i which is the T5i’s virtual twin), you’ll gain a complete stop with the new 24mp sensor. This alone lets you either use a highr ISO (comfortably), or lets you crop in more without penalty. I don’t own the SL2, so be sure to check out the ergonomics and fit in person.

Good luck with your search!

R2

Thank you for the great response. I ordered a refurbished SL2 from Canon. I went ahead and got the 18-55mm kit lens because it was only $60 more than the body only. That will get me out the door shooting, and I can figure out what lens to get next.

Great purchase. Big congrats!

Be sure to tell us all about it here.

Happy shooting to you!

R2

ps. The 10-18 STM and 50 STM would be two excellent additions (if they fit your shooting style).

I am considering the 10-18, and possibly the 24mm f/2.8. I had the prior version of the 50mm f/1.8 and it felt a little long for what I like to shoot, and I didn't use it very often. However, I am looking at the SL2 as a way to grow my skills, so I may go for it again and see what I can do.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I chose free shipping which is slooooow, and now I am forced to wait.

unkownpug wrote:

Nice purchase!

I love taking pictures of my pug with the 50mm f1.8STM. If you find yourself shooting a bit longer the 50mm is an excellent lens. I usually stop it down to f2.8 to sharpen it up and to give me a bit more DOF.

Half of the pictures I have taken in the past year have been of my dog. I know I should branch out, but she is almost always doing something really sweet and I can't resist. I will definitely consider the 50mm. It's inexpensive enough that it seems like there is no reason not to have it. And think of the dog portraits!