Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (200D)
Announced June 29, 2017
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
Strong
The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 is a compact and lightweight DSLR that provides a user-friendly experience for beginners, featuring an intuitive vari-angle touchscreen and reliable Dual Pixel autofocus for video. Although it lacks modern features like 4K recording and a sophisticated autofocus system for the viewfinder, it remains a highly capable and portable option for those looking to upgrade from smartphone photography.
Weighted from 40 reviewer scores
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Dual Pixel autofocus system for fast, accurate tracking
- Fully articulating touchscreen LCD
- Intuitive interface and beginner-friendly features
- External microphone input for video
Cons
- Basic 9-point viewfinder autofocus system
- Lack of 4K video recording
- Absence of advanced controls like a second dial or custom presets
- No weather sealing or headphone jack
- Limited viewfinder coverage and magnification
- Launch price $549 (USD)
- Sensor 24.2MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 40 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 78/100
For those who want a small camera with the traditional controls and viewfinder of a DSLR, the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 is easy to recommend. It’s not spectacular in any one area, but it’s easy to use and performs well in most situations.
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Keeping in mind the entry-level category and compact size, the Canon SL2 is a nice little DSLR, and one that deserves a thumbs-up [...]
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The entry-level EOS 1300D / T6 may remain Canon's cheapest DSLR, but with its smaller body, superb movie autofocus, mic input and flip-out touchscreen, the EOS 200D / SL2 is simply much more compelling for first-time DSLR buyers who are willing to spend a little extra.
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If you do decide to buy this camera, I believe you will be impressed at its overall quality, especially compared to its competitors.
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The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / 200D is a small and light camera that is easy to take with you everywhere. If you always have a camera available, you are going to get images that were not otherwise possible.
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I think for some people that have small hands and want a nicely sized travel starter camera this could be a good option for them for those that are just looking for a compact body to bring along maybe. As a secondary body for a bigger system, it's an interesting option.
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So this camera represents great value. I love the image quality, I love the small design that you're gonna get here, and yet they've crammed so much into it.
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With a gap of four years, the Canon EOS 200D offers a significant update to the 100D, with a 24mp sensor, white priority white balance (great for product shots), improved continuous shooting speed (5fps), improved battery life (650 shots), impressive Live view focus [...]
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The new Canon EOS 200D represents a big step forward from the 4-year-old 100D / SL1 model, with a deeper hand-grip, vari-angle LCD screen, faster Dual Pixel Live View auto-focusing system, 1080p movies at 60fps, Bluetooth connectivity and longer battery life.
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If compactness matters most and you’re willing to pay a premium for it, the 200D is certainly a more powerful and desirable camera than its predecessor. It would be ideal for beginners and for travel photography.
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The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 is the smallest SLR camera in the company's lineup. It boasts a modern 24MP image sensor, but its autofocus system isn't as good as the larger T7i.
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The compact proportions of the original Rebel SL1 / 100D meant it was truly novel amongst its peers, but the slightly bulkier proportions of the EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D make it feel more like a slightly pared-down Rebel T7i / 800D than anything unique.
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The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 performs admirably for its class and price, thanks to a solid mix of beginner and advanced features.
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The biggest surprise is that this has Dual Pixel AF, which is the best, most organic feeling AF around for video, making the video feature pretty damn solid for entry-level and why I think this is the best all-around first DSLR.
- Digital Trends 6/10
After four years, the Rebel SL2 is a significant improvement over the original. Everything but the AF system (when using the viewfinder) has changed.
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So again, if you're looking for a camera specifically for shooting video, definitely you can have a look at it.
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If you're looking for an interchangeable lens camera that's not too big then a mirrorless model might be the obvious option. But with a whole raft of EF lenses to grow into, the EOS 200D is a DSLR with strong footing for a keen newbie to grow into a photographic enthusiast.
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It doesn’t exactly set the world alight, but if you’re in the market for this kind of camera, it’s definitely a good option.
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The Canon SL2 is the perfect camera for the average user looking for something that will take better pictures than an iPhone without adding too much weight or breaking the bank.
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If you think it fits your needs, definitely pick one up.
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The Canon SL2 is a marvelous performer technically, but can require more fiddling to get perfect exposure and focus compared to more advanced cameras.
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The SL2 is an entry-level camera, but it can take great pictures, just maybe not with the kit lens. Its auto modes deliver, but when situations or your creativity demand more, it has all the manual controls you need as well.
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[T]he big upside to this camera and the one feature which makes this entry level camera something that we might recommend to some people is the addition of the dual pixel system for video AF [...]
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Canon EOS 200D is a DSLR camera which means you could modify the looks of the photos by exchanging its lens and exposure settings.
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Okay, so I think the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (200D) would be an outstanding choice for you if you're looking for a full-featured DSLR camera to vlog, just create YouTube content in general, or even if you just want a really nice light and portable camera for photography.
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If you guys are going to buy a DSLR around 40,000 and you are going to make videos for which you need autofocus, then this is the definite choice.
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I think that this is the best beginner camera that you can buy on the market today, bar none.
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Between the touch screen, fast focus, Live View mode, and connectivity, this camera is great for beginners or anyone who wants to add a small colorful DSLR to their collection.
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Not only did I enjoy my food, but the camera itself was great. With all its different modes, it's incredibly versatile, but super quick and easy to use to capture loads of different types of shots.
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It simply works and it's a fantastic option for people who want to be able to take incredible photos to print or post online but don't want that hefty price tag that can come with a DSLR setup.
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It combined with its features, it's fairly impressive with the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (200D)'s intuitive UI, slight weight, and features, and makes it a perfect beginner camera for vloggers, photographers, and anyone who's going out to travel.
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It’s a compact Mirrorless competitor that’s friendly for beginners, and especially those looking to travel or save on space.
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From my point of view, I don't have anything to criticize on this APS-C sensor camera. It's super light, compact, and easy to use, ideal for beginners, bloggers, and for those of you who need a second SLR body.
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The Canon EOS 200D provides some outstanding value for money with a plethora of exciting features, brilliant images and a camera that can be used by everyone.
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[I]t won't disappoint you at all.
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The SL2 is the best bang for the buck when it comes to buying your first Canon DSLR.
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The one thing I think you guys need to know is that if something happened to my 5D Mark IV, I would have no problem shooting stills on the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (200D).
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Here, spoiler alert, I think this is the best deal and one of the best cameras that Canon makes today.
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So if you're new to photography or looking to get yourself your first DSLR, the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (200D) is a great choice to consider.
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So looking back at all the test footage that I have shot so far, I have to say I am genuinely surprised at how just crisp this footage look, but the amount of detail that you can capture with this Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (200D) camera is just absolutely phenomenal.
