Canon Announces World's Smallest DSLR - EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D

[Photo-John]

Canon announced a few cameras today. But the interesting one is the new EOS Rebel SL1 (100D outside the US). It's the world's smallest digital SLR - basically a mini version of the T4i / 650D. Here's a my intro article:

World’s Smallest Digital SLR – The New Canon EOS Rebel SL1 >>



The interesting thing about this camera is how it will compete with mirrorless cameras. Personally, I don't think it's a mirrorless alternative. It's really small for a DSLR. But it's still a lot bigger than a mirrorless camera.

I'm curious about what the rest of you think. Is this a mirrorless competitor? Or is it just a new entry-level Canon DSLR? Is this a camera that interests anyone here?

[ksbryan0]

I'm sure some folks will buy it, but I just can't see it seriously competing for the mirrorless market. If you want small, you're not going to buy this body. But then again, I just don't understand people who say they want a small camera, so they get something like an EOS M and then slap a big whopper lens on it. To me, I think this is just a new entry-level DSLR.

[Greg McCary]

I would look at it as a more entry level DSLR. With some of the new auto features it looks aimed at the novice, casual shooter.

[Franglais]

The only way to tell is to take it in your hands and see how it feels. This camera looks very small especially on the left-hand side where you support the camera in your palm with your fingers under the lens working the zoom. But it might work. The rest of the controls seem to have been reduced to the minimum - mode dial, ISO and exposure compensation with a knurled wheel to change the settings. Probably as much as the casual snapshhoter can understand.

My personal opinion - having observed people trying to handle a bulky 18-200 lens mounted on a tiny NEX-3 body - is that some mirrorless cameras are too small to be comfortable to use. This thing is small but it still looks easier to ahndle to me.

[Photo-John]

My personal opinion - having observed people trying to handle a bulky 18-200 lens mounted on a tiny NEX-3 body - is that some mirrorless cameras are too small to be comfortable to use. This thing is small but it still looks easier to ahndle to me.

It often seems to me like I'm the only one, but handling small cameras has never been an issue for me. My hands aren't small, either - I wear extra large gloves. I think that since the size and weight savings are more important for me than camera handling, I just never even worry about a camera being too small. Slippery can be an issue, though.

I actually do like the looks of this camera, though. One thing that I didn't mention in the article is that since the SL1 is an SLR, it will have better continuous auto focus than any mirrorless camera besides the Nikon 1s. That would make it a good option for outdoor action photographers who need to go really small and light.

[Franglais]

I like to be able to operate the essential controls with the camera up at my eye - focal length, focussing zone and mode, aperture, shutter speed. For that I have to have a camera with a set of buttons and dials that fall in the right place. This is why I stick with the Nikon mid-range pro DSLR's. They all work almost the same.

I don't mind too much if the camera is heavy when I'm using it. Weight improves stability, even though vibration reduction technology has made this less important.

I think that weight and size most important when you're NOT using the camera and you're carting it around. You need a bag that you're comfortable with. For years I have been using Billingham Hadley shoulderbags because they fit in with my urban style of photography, waterproof, secure, quick to get the camera out and put it away. First I used them with the Leica but even a D800 + 24-85 and 70-300 will fit quite comfortably.

[Photo-John]

I think that weight and size most important when you're NOT using the camera and you're carting it around. You need a bag that you're comfortable with. For years I have been using Billingham Hadley shoulderbags because they fit in with my urban style of photography, waterproof, secure, quick to get the camera out and put it away. First I used them with the Leica but even a D800 + 24-85 and 70-300 will fit quite comfortably.

That is a *very* good distinction, Charles. I never really thought about it like that before. And you're right. When I'm shooting, I'd like the very best camera possible - preferably the Canon EOS-1D X :-) But I can't really mountain bike with the 1D X. It's just too big and heavy to be practical. It ends up being a very serious limitation - even with an awesome backpack.

[samchester]

Here is what I think the main points of this camera are:
People who want a small camera to take with them but still be able to have fast af
Something to start out with
Parents who want to photograph stuff but have no idea what they are doing.
Maybe also to sell the camera as the smallest dslr?
If i think of something else i will post it.

[Photo-John]

That's pretty much how I see it too, samchester. I think the biggest thing is Canon being able to make the claim that they make the smallest digital SLR. The auto focus will work better than most mirrorless cameras, too. I've been playing with the T4i / 650D, which shares the same basic AF system, and I am really impressed with how well the movie mode continuous AF works with an STM lens. Frankly, it's really surprised me. Actually, the SL1 has a new sensor that's supposed to make the movie mode AF even better.

[samchester]

Would make a good sort of mini dslr for video

[samchester]

also maybe for video on a budget

[samchester]

or an expensive crash cam