Canon EOS Rebel SL1 (100D)
Announced March 21, 2013
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 is an exceptionally compact and lightweight DSLR that maintains high image quality and a familiar, capable interface for photographers transitioning from point-and-shoot cameras. That said, its diminutive size creates ergonomic challenges for those with larger hands and limits the balance of the camera when paired with heavier lenses.
Weighted from 31 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality and high ISO performance
- Responsive touchscreen interface
- Extremely small and lightweight form factor
- Improved autofocus speed and accuracy
- Compatibility with extensive Canon lens library
Cons
- Lacks modern features like built-in Wi-Fi and articulated screen
- Ergonomically cramped for users with larger hands
- Unbalanced handling with larger lenses
- Slow autofocus performance in Live View
- Limited burst shooting speed
- Launch price $649.99 (USD)
- Sensor 18MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 31 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 78/100
The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D is an ideal camera for consumer users looking for better image quality, with improved Live View and movie-mode autofocus in a small body.
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Poor battery life In many ways, the Canon SL1 provides the best of both worlds, pairing the compact, lightweight body of a mirrorless camera and the performance and image quality of a DSLR.
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As someone who’s been using mirror-less cameras a great deal over the past year I admit to approaching the EOS SL1 / 100D with some skepticism.
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In ads for ILCs and DSLRs, you’ll most likely be told about video shooting these days, but we’re not convinced that people are shooting more videos than stills with these kinds of cameras.
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The convenience of the form factor of this DSLR however was a very pleasing when using it in a travel environment and could very well be something hobby videographers enjoy.
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I really enjoyed using the Canon EOS 100D. In terms of size, it certainly doesn’t feel like the body is much of a compromise and it packs in all the features that would be expected from a mid-range enthusiast DSLR.
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If impressive image quality in an extreme light weight & small size but still fully-capable, full-featured DSLR camera appeals to you, the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D has your name on it.
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The Canon EOS 100D offers excellent image quality in the smallest DSLR body available.
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The EOS 100D / Rebel SL1 is the smallest and perhaps the most surprising DSLR camera that Canon have ever released.
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Canon has once again produced an incredibly capable DSLR, which produces excellent images.
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Would I buy this camera? If you're looking for the Canon T5i and want something small, I would definitely go for this; you're going to save a hundred bucks.
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The Canon EOS 100D breaks new ground in that it’s the smallest and lightest DSLR ever made.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The Canon EOS SL1 is a good DSLR, although a bit pricey – you can pick up a kit for $649 and $799 with an additional 55-250mm zoom.
- CNET 7.6/10
The SL1 is a fine dSLR, and I enjoyed shooting with it. But from a buying-advice perspective, its only real advantage over dSLR alternatives is its size, and in that respect it’s simply not small enough [...]
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The compact size of the Canon EOS 100D is its upside as well as its downside. Thanks to the fact that it has an EF mount, you have access to Canon’s rich library of DSLR lenses.
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Canon's new EOS Rebel SL1 is the smallest digital SLR the company has ever made, but it produces really impressive images and video.
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The Canon SL1 is a hit. I had a blast using this camera – it was the most fun I have had with a DSLR since the 5D Mark II came out nearly 5 years ago.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
The relatively small size and light weight of the EOS 100D will make it a sought-after DSLR for travellers, bushwalkers and anyone who finds the current cameras have been too big and heavy.
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It's an impressive bit of kit.
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The 100D is easy to like. Its ergonomics are surprisingly successful and image quality is only significantly bettered by full-frame cameras.
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The Canon 100D is a great camera with many plus points. It takes fantastic photos and shoots lovely video, is small, light and well built, and has the best Live View performance of any APS-C camera (at least until we test the forthcoming EOS 70D).
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[T]his DSLR provides a well-rounded modern performance in a more compact than ever body.
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The Canon Digital Rebel SL1 is the smallest and lightest DSLR ever, and it has exactly the same resolution as Canon's top professional $6,800 Canon 1D X, 5,184 x 3,456 pixels.
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I was surprised by how little effort it took to take really decent pictures; in fact, I'd say it's pretty difficult to have a photo fail.
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Paying a premium just for the compact size, which largely depends on which lens you are using, and lesser.
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You should buy this camera if you want the smallest ‘proper’ DSLR around.
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While the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 does not stem the mirrorless threat (or maybe mildly so at best), it does provide an interesting solution for a subset of the DSLR market.
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[T]he Canon EOS SL1 would be a fine choice for anyone wanting to upgrade from an earlier EOS Rebel camera, anyone buying their first DSLR, anyone wanting to minimize the size and weight of their DSLR or indeed an experienced EOS shooter [...]
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It is a pretty good DSLR for a beginner, I would say.
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The Canon EOS 100D is an excellent DSLR that presents an interesting alternative to CSCs in terms of specification and size, as well as fitting in well with Canon’s entry-level DSLR selection.
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It’s small, light, and a very capable camera that is well suited for all types of photographers. If you’ve grown out of your point of shoot camera, this should be on your list to look at.
