SL1 Thoughts

Looking at buying a SL1 for when I want to go light and compact. My 35/2 IS will probably live on the SL1.

I'd like to know performance-wise how it stacks up.

1. I used to own a 60D, and as much as I loved that body, low-light performance was a disappointment to me. Does the SL1 feature newer sensor tech that will handle high-ISO better than my old 60D did?

2. I shoot full manual 99% of the time. how is manual handling on the SL1? It lacks dials and what not, what does this mean? How do you change Shutter/ISO/Aperture in manual mode on the SL1? Is it laborious? Does it allow for custom function setting?

Have you ever owned a Rebel? That's all the SL1 is, a shrunken Rebel. Changing settings works just like other Rebels.
It has a touchscreen which makes changing settings a little faster and intuitive.
JPEGs out of camera will be better in the ISO department. You might find yourself surprised at how usable 6400 JPEGs are (it uses a DIGIC6 processor).
It is more comfortable to hold than it looks for most people.

SL1 has the exact same sensor in it that the 60D has. You will not see any improvement in noise.

Manual shooting with the Rebel interface is a significant step backwards as compared to the xxD line.
Yes, it has a very good LCD touch screen interface, which can make up for the lack of "standard" manual controls, but these do not work with your eye to the view finder. It is not the same.

Other than size, I think you are looking in the wrong direction.

I have not previously owned a Rebel, my first dslr was a 60D. I went straight for the 60D because I shot my s90 in full manual all the time, and just fell in love with the handling of the 60d

I assume you go through the q-menu via touch screen for everything?

BTW, that is good news about the high ISO. Digic6 sounds impressive on such a tiny beast!

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #17011616
SL1 has the exact same sensor in it that the 60D has. You will not see any improvement in noise.

Manual shooting with the Rebel interface is a significant step backwards as compared to the xxD line.
Yes, it has a very good LCD touch screen interface, which can make up for the lack of "standard" manual controls, but these do not work with your eye to the view finder. It is not the same.

Other than size, I think you are looking in the wrong direction.

What might you suggest?

EOS M if you need the smaller size. Currently no longer available in the USA but can still be found with a little searching.

I bought the SL1 for small size, then shortly after bought the EOS M. For my needs the EOS M worked best and I gave the SL1 to my son who really likes the compact but more traditional DSLR. My main DSLR is a 6D but I'm very comfortable using the EOS M for travel and other occasions when I don't want to carry a large kit. I carry the EOS M, the 22mm pancake, 18-55 zoom, 11-22 zoom, 90EX flash and spare batteries in a very small (9x6x3.5 inch) case. FWIW, the EOS M also accepts all Canon lenses.

The EOS M is not for everyone but the photos that it is capable of producing are just stunning.

BrickR wrote in post #17011587
Have you ever owned a Rebel? That's all the SL1 is, a shrunken Rebel. Changing settings works just like other Rebels.
It has a touchscreen which makes changing settings a little faster and intuitive.
JPEGs out of camera will be better in the ISO department. You might find yourself surprised at how usable 6400 JPEGs are (it uses a DIGIC6 processor).
It is more comfortable to hold than it looks for most people.

The SL1 has the Digic 5 processor, not Digic 6. The 60D has Digic 4.

The SL1 handles low light very well. I was shooting at twilight at ISO 1600 with EC set at -2 and got very acceptable images with very low noise.

Your biggest issue will be the interface. Shooting in manual on a Rebel is much different than your 60D. It's nowhere near as fast. Ditto on exposure compensation. You might want to download the user manual to see how it's done.

In manual mode on 100D the main dial adjusts shutter speed.

Change aperture by:
Press (and hold) the Aperture/Exposure Compensation button and now main dial adjusts Aperture.(Changes seen in viewfinder.)
There are other ways to do it. I find that method easiest, I just rotate thumb slightly to hit the AV/Exp button.

Take a moment to think about it, it's good. It is not slower than any other Canon body. Different, not slower.
The way most people would hold the body, AV/Exp button is right next to your thumb.

As you can see from my signature I have D bodies for my main work but also use the SL1 for travel and casual family type things. I use it primarily with the 18-135 STM and the 40 STM. It is fast enough to freeze a fast ball in minor league baseball.

It really depends on your needs and desires. I have had a 60D in the past. Nice body and does nice work. Ultimately worked my way to the 1D and 5D series and won't look back for professional work in sports and portraits.

SL1 is a nice camera just understand it for what it is .

Had an EOS-M and liked it with the 22mm lens but missed the viewfinder and speed with all of my lens collections.

Good luck with your choice.

The SL1 (or 100D across the pond) is virtually scaled down 700D. I'm getting fabulous image quality out of my 700D. My 40mm f/2.8 lives on my 700D.

yogestee wrote in post #17014102
The SL1 (or 100D across the pond) is virtually scaled down 700D. I'm getting fabulous image quality out of my 700D. My 40mm f/2.8 lives on my 700D.

You're pretty much right. I have the 650d/t4i. The only difference is the sl1 only has one cross type center focus while the t4i/t5i has all 9 cross types. And 4fps instead of 5

But if you can find one for a good price you won't be disappointed. And the 40mm stm is awesome too