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Canon 100D vs SL1

The Canon 100D and the Canon SL1 are identical cameras that only differ by name. Canon sells the camera in different regions of the world using an alternative designation because of marketing and warranty considerations. Hence, there is not much to differentiate the two. You might want to move across to the CAM-parator app in order to select two other camera models for a more meaningful comparison, or just scroll down to the tables on this page to see how the Canon 100D (aka Canon SL1) relates to a set of comparators.

The Canon EOS 100D (called Canon SL1 in some regions) and the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 (labelled Canon 100D in some countries) are two digital cameras that were officially introduced in March 2013. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 17.9 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 100D
versus
Canon SL1
Canon 100D   Canon SL1
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
17.9 MP – APS-C sensor 17.9 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (100 - 25,600) ISO 100-12,800 (100 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
4.9 shutter flaps per second 4.9 shutter flaps per second
380 shots per battery charge380 shots per battery charge
117 x 91 x 69 mm, 407 g 117 x 91 x 69 mm, 407 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 100D and the Canon EOS Rebel SL1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon 100D and the Canon SL1 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, white).

Size Canon 100D vs Canon SL1
Compare 100D versus SL1 top
Comparison 100D or SL1 rear

In this particular case, the Canon 100D and the Canon SL1 have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. Moreover, the two cameras also share the same weight. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 100D nor the SL1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 100D 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 549ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SL1 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 4000D 129 mm 102 mm 77 mm 436 g 500 n Feb 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 200D 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 549ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1300D 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 485 g 500 n Mar 2016 449ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1200D 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 480 g 500 n Feb 2014 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 700D 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 580 g 440 n Mar 2013 649ebay.com
9.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
10.
 
Canon T5i 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 580 g 440 n Mar 2013 649ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 650D 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
12.
 
Canon M 109 mm 66 mm 32 mm 298 g 230 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
13.
 
Canon T4i 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
14.
 
Canon 600D 133 mm 100 mm 80 mm 570 g 440 n Feb 2011 599ebay.com
15.
 
Canon T3i 133 mm 100 mm 80 mm 570 g 440 n Feb 2011 599ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The two cameras under review were launched at the same price and fall into the same market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 100D and Canon SL1 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 17.9 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the 100D and the SL1 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. Moreover, the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation.

The Canon EOS 100D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

100D versus SL1 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 100D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
2.
 
Canon SL1 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
3.
 
Canon 4000D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.469563
4.
 
Canon 200D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
5.
 
Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
6.
 
Canon 1300D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.778166
7.
 
Canon 1200D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.372463
8.
 
Canon 700D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.268161
9.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
10.
 
Canon T5i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.268161
11.
 
Canon 650D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
12.
 
Canon M APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.282765
13.
 
Canon T4i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
14.
 
Canon 600D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.579365
15.
 
Canon T3i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.579365
16.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/30p).

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 100D and the SL1 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (95%), as well as the same magnification (0.54x). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 100D, the Canon SL1, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 100Doptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
2.
 
Canon SL1optical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 4000Doptical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon 200Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon 1300Doptical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon 1200Doptical n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon 700Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
10.
 
Canon T5ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Canon 650Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Canon Mnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.3/s n n
13.
 
Canon T4ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Canon 600Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
15.
 
Canon T3ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 100D and the SL1 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 100D and Canon EOS Rebel SL1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 100DYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon SL1Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 4000DYmono / mono--mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon 200DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
6.
 
Canon 1300DYmono / mono--mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon 1200DYmono / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon 700DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
10.
 
Canon T5iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Canon 650DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Canon MYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Canon T4iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
14.
 
Canon 600DYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
15.
 
Canon T3iYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
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Both the 100D and the SL1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 100D was replaced by the Canon 200D, while the SL1 was followed by the Canon SL2. Further information on the features and operation of the 100D and SL1 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 100D Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon SL1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon 100D better than the Canon SL1 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 100D:

  • Well, not many: Does not have any feature that gives it a substantial advantage over the SL1.


Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS Rebel SL1:

  • Well, not many: Does not offer any functionality that gives it a clear advantage over the 100D.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie (0 points each).

100D 00:00 SL1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 100D and the Canon SL1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 100D and the SL1 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 100D4/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 549ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SL14/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 4000D2.5/5o3/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 200D4/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SL24/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 549ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1300D4/5o4/573/1004/54/5 Mar 2016 449ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1200D3/5+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2014 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 700D......76/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2013 649ebay.com
9.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
10.
 
Canon T5i......76/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2013 649ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 650D4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
12.
 
Canon M3/5+....4/54/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
13.
 
Canon T4i4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
14.
 
Canon 600D3/5o..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2011 599ebay.com
15.
 
Canon T3i3/5o..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2011 599ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Canon 100D vs Canon SL1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 100D Canon SL1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date March 2013 March 2013
    Launch Price USD 549 USD 549
    Sensor Specs Canon 100D Canon SL1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.3 x 14.9 mm 22.3 x 14.9 mm
    Sensor Area 332.27 mm2 332.27 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 26.8 mm 26.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 17.9 Megapixels 17.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3456 pixels 5184 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.31 μm 4.31 μm
    Pixel Density 5.39 MP/cm2 5.39 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 5 DIGIC 5
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 63 63
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.8 21.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 11.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 843 843
    Screen Specs Canon 100D Canon SL1
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.54x 0.54x
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon 100D Canon SL1
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 4.9 shutter flaps/s 4.9 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon 100D Canon SL1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon 100D Canon SL1
    Battery Type Canon LP-E12 Canon LP-E12
    Battery Life (CIPA)380 shots per charge380 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 117 x 91 x 69 mm
    (4.6 x 3.6 x 2.7 in)
    117 x 91 x 69 mm
    (4.6 x 3.6 x 2.7 in)
    Camera Weight 407 g (14.4 oz) 407 g (14.4 oz)
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