Canon T4i compared to the SL1

I have an sl1 that i picked up with the 18-55 stm lens. I used to use the t4i with the regular 18-55. i also have some older nikon lenses that I use with an adapter.

First thought. Its really small, really small. I have normal size hands and i'd have to adjust how i use it compared to the t4i or a 6d i've used before.
Second. With the stm lens and the little updates it has compared to the t4i, when testing it out (i've only had it for a few hours). I noticed it doesn't hunt around as much when focusing.
The stm lens is really quiet, i've used the 40mm stm and this one seems even quieter. Although I might miss the articulating screen, I never used it really. The only major benefit was it protected the lcd when you closed it. But i'm happy, i'll just have to get used to the size.

I think the most common comment on the SL1 was the reduced size. I don't have large hands, but when I held it, it felt like I was cupping a baby duckling in my hands. I like the idea of the weight and the size, but ultimately it was too small for me.

yea, it is tiny. i'm going to take it out today and see if i still want to keep it.

I was impressed with the images that it produces. I looked at it for it's compact size and because I had lenses that would work on it, and I could easily slide it into my bag with my laptop. I just couldn't find a comfortable way of gripping it, which is why i passed on it. It was more fear of dropping it or fumbling it on my behalf, but it really is a sweet body if you can handle it well. I could have put a grip on it for better handling, but for me that was defeating the purpose of the smaller body size. If someone gave me one, I would definitely put it to use.

Heya,

It's the same camera virtually. The size difference and minor feature differences are the key.

For me, I like to have a grip, so the SL1 is not for me. For a small powerful APS-C, I use an EOS-M when I want small.

Very best,

I have the 5DII and 7D, so getting the SL1 was an interesting choice. But I wanted something capable DSLR-type small enough to fit in my always with me bag. The SL1 with pancake lenses and 18-55 is perfect for the shots my iPhone can't get right. It's actually quite fun with L lenses, too. But it is small, shockingly small at first, but so fun. If you like the chunkier camera bodies, don't get the SL1 or keep it. Every time you pick it up, you'll wish you had a bigger camera. But as for it's abilities, don't underestimate that. It's a great little gem.

I was worried about the size of the SL1 when I got it, but I adjusted my grip and all was well. I have average size hands for a 5'11" man, too. My pinky rests under the camera instead of on the front.

Not to mention the SL1 probably provides the same IQ as the 7D, 70D, etc. - just in a smaller package and a few less bells and whistles.

thats for the reply guys. I've noticed the focusing is faster than i noticed with the t4i

I have an SL1 and I love it. Yes it is on the smaller side, however maybe I am in the minority but at some point in the future I hope/wonder if Canon plans on making an updated/higher end version of it. The technology is clearly there to pack even more features in a smaller DSLR. Some may say go mirror-less, however......whether smaller or larger, there is just that feeling of having something that feels/grips like a DSLR.

AirNikesNHats wrote in post #17465357
I have an SL1 and I love it. Yes it is on the smaller side, however maybe I am in the minority but at some point in the future I hope/wonder if Canon plans on making an updated/higher end version of it. The technology is clearly there to pack even more features in a smaller DSLR. Some may say go mirror-less, however......whether smaller or larger, there is just that feeling of having something that feels/grips like a DSLR.

I'm guessing there will be a 150D/SL2 in 2016, after a year of selling the T6i/T6s. It'll include the new 24mp sensor and possibly a few other goodies.

The mirrorless thing... you're stuck with extremely limited lens selection, or you use the EF adapter and lose most of the size advantage, while also having slow autofocus and no OVF. I don't get the appeal.

LonelyBoy wrote in post #17465811
I'm guessing there will be a 150D/SL2 in 2016, after a year of selling the T6i/T6s. It'll include the new 24mp sensor and possibly a few other goodies.

The mirrorless thing... you're stuck with extremely limited lens selection, or you use the EF adapter and lose most of the size advantage, while also having slow autofocus and no OVF. I don't get the appeal.

I would definitely pick one up, if the image quality and features were worth it. I'm not a fan of mirror-less yet. I think it needs to come further along before its viable to add and/or make the switch. The limited lens selection is a huge deal breaker for me.

There are always updates. My SL1 is wonderful, not looking to upgrade even when the new one comes out.

I recently used the 7DII for a shoot and also brought my 7D and 5DII. I had not worked enough on the 7DII before the shoot, but tried it along with my 5DII. The focus issue was there, but only because I did not have it set for center focus. My 7D, though, was terrific. Updates come and go, but good friends always perform well.

The new technology may be attractive to some, but for me, I already feel my gear is doing a great job. And I bought a N*kon One a while ago, mirrorless, and was not impressed. I like the DSLR type so much more. I also love speed. I think the limited selection of lenses is the main reason I haven't invested in that yet. With the T6 series here now, I think Canon is trying to make consumer level gear faster and slightly more complicated. But the reason why the SL1 is great is the size for what you get. I'm still blown away by the quiet fast focusing of the STM lenses. What I don't like it how confusing the lenses are to purchase. The STM versions are new, mainly used for video for fast and quiet focusing. The older non-STM versions cost less now, but people get confused. I get a lot of questions about it.

SuzyView wrote in post #17477220
There are always updates. My SL1 is wonderful, not looking to upgrade even when the new one comes out.

I recently used the 7DII for a shoot and also brought my 7D and 5DII. I had not worked enough on the 7DII before the shoot, but tried it along with my 5DII. The focus issue was there, but only because I did not have it set for center focus. My 7D, though, was terrific. Updates come and go, but good friends always perform well.

The new technology may be attractive to some, but for me, I already feel my gear is doing a great job. And I bought a N*kon One a while ago, mirrorless, and was not impressed. I like the DSLR type so much more. I also love speed. I think the limited selection of lenses is the main reason I haven't invested in that yet. With the T6 series here now, I think Canon is trying to make consumer level gear faster and slightly more complicated. But the reason why the SL1 is great is the size for what you get. I'm still blown away by the quiet fast focusing of the STM lenses. What I don't like it how confusing the lenses are to purchase. The STM versions are new, mainly used for video for fast and quiet focusing. The older non-STM versions cost less now, but people get confused. I get a lot of questions about it.

Why do you say STM is "mainly used for video"? It's certainly marketed as good for that, but it's also certainly better for stills than the basic AF motors that were used before. My 18-135 has never been used for one frame of video, for example. People aren't "confused"; they're buying the new STM versions because they're better.

LonelyBoy wrote in post #17477246
Why do you say STM is "mainly used for video"? It's certainly marketed as good for that, but it's also certainly better for stills than the basic AF motors that were used before. My 18-135 has never been used for one frame of video, for example. People aren't "confused"; they're buying the new STM versions because they're better.

Yes, there is no reason to confused about STM lenses. Forget video. They are great for still photography because:

1) STM lenses are sharper than the old non-STM versions

2) STM lenses focus faster than the old non-STM versions (only the 24 STM and 40 STM are a little slower)

3) STM lenses have non-rotating front elements