Product Reviews

Are you a prosumer? The latest craze in digital camera design is the SLR digital camera (DSLR) for the prosumer. This means that the camera is designed for the average consumer seeking a professional-grade camera. It also targets professionals seeking a back-up camera. One of the shortcomings of this plan is that most prosumer DSLR bodies weigh in at over a pound and are about 50-percent larger than most point-and-shoots. Transitioning from a point-and-shoot to a DSLR is more inviting if that DSLR was smaller and lighter. For consumers on the move, mobility is always a factor. Say hello to the camera for you.

Canon brings you the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR camera (to date): the new Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera, as a new entry in Canon’s 2013 line. It features a newly developed 18.0-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and high-performance DIGIC 5 Image Processor for exceptional image quality and speed. With its combination of lightweight size, ease of use and outstanding image quality, the EOS Rebel SL1 is perfect for users looking for the ideal camera to bring sightseeing on vacation or to capture the everyday. As the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR, the new camera body is 4.6″ (w) x 3.57″ (h) x 2.74″ (d), and weighs only 14.36 oz. In comparison, the EOS Rebel SL1 is approximately 25 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than the EOS Rebel T4i digital camera.

The camera includes a new nine-point center cross-type autofocus (AF) system to help achieve fast, sharp focus. The new AF system also includes a new Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor, which provides a wider focus area when shooting photos or video in Live View mode, and a continuous AF speed that’s increased from previous EOS models.

Most DSLR cameras treat video as a compromise. This Canon DSLR embraces quality video capture. To help capture video with ease, the EOS Rebel SL1 features Canon’s Movie Servo AF, which provides continuous AF tracking of moving subjects. When shooting video with one of Canon’s new STM lenses, such as the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM (available in the standard lens kit), Movie Servo AF takes advantage of the lens’ stepping motor for smooth and quiet continuous AF. The camera is capable of Full HD shooting in a number of recording sizes and frame rates, and enables easy manual control of exposure, focus and Live View features. The combination of Canon’s new Hybrid CMOS AF system II and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is ideal for shooting video helping to ensure only the sounds of the scene are recorded.

Allowing for clear and easy viewing even in bright environments, the Touch Screen 3-inch Clear View LCD monitor II provides a rich and expansive display as well as providing intuitive touch panel operation. Two finger touch gestures (multi-touch) can be easily used for zooming or changing images, accessing menu and quick control settings, and activating focus point and shutter release while shooting.

The EOS Rebel SL1 is equipped with Scene Intelligent Auto Mode, an advanced function that detects faces, colors, brightness, movement, contrast, distance and other factors and automatically adjusts and selects the exposure method needed. The results are photos with a wide dynamic range, ideal for users without advanced photography knowledge or experience. Users can also access advanced imaging features like the new Effect Shot mode, which automatically creates two different shots, one with a selected creative filter and one without. In addition, Creative Filters and Background Blur Simulation can now be displayed in real time during Live View shooting. Editing photos is also a snap with the Rebel SL1′s in-camera editing and cropping functionality. This feature allows users to view and crop the image using the camera’s LCD touch screen and save the edited version as a separate file.

As a prosumer camera, the Rebel SL1 offers the simplicity of a point-and-shoot with large, ample space for creative exploration but it weighs less and is smaller than other current DSLR models. The Rebel SL1 is priced as the fork in the road, at $649 for the body and $799 for the body and lens kit. This is the point of transitional choice. While it doesn’t have WiFi like Canon’s new PowerShot SX280 point-and-shoot, or some prosumer DSLR models over $1,000, casual photographers, seeking to upgrade from their more basic cameras, have a great camera to take them on the road they haven’t previously taken.

Rebel SL1 is a traveler that won’t weigh you down. Small, light, and feature-packed for wide-range use, the SL1 is for the person considering taking the prosumer path, without feeling the weight or the bulk.

As far as the WiFi issue, Eye-Fi makes WiFi compatible image storage cards that you can use to gain WiFi ability.

Size and weight, the Canon Rebel SL1 is about the same size as premium point-and-shoots that offer very long zoom range. Professionals argue that DSLR cameras are designed for better optics and performance. The Rebel SL1 argues that you now can have a DSLR with the similar size and weight to a premium point-and-shoot. You maintain the point-and-shoot modes but you also gain creative space and better quality. Are you looking for a prosumer DSLR? The Canon Rebel SL1, for both stills and movies, is a great prosumer camera for new parents, large families, and creative individuals who regard their photos as precious and timely.