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Canon RP vs SL3

The Canon EOS RP and the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (labelled Canon 250D in some countries) are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2019 and April 2019. The RP is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the SL3 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (RP) and an APS-C (SL3) sensor. The RP has a resolution of 26 megapixels, whereas the SL3 provides 24 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon RP
versus
Canon SL3
Canon RP   Canon SL3
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Canon RF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
26 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/25p Video
ISO 100-40,000 (50 - 102,400) ISO 100-25,600 (100 - 51,200)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Swivel touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
250 shots per battery charge1070 shots per battery charge
133 x 85 x 70 mm, 485 g 122 x 93 x 70 mm, 449 g
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Check RP price at
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Check SL3 price at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS RP and the Canon EOS Rebel SL3? 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 RP and the Canon SL3 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The SL3 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the RP is only available in black.

Size Canon RP vs Canon SL3
Compare RP versus SL3 top
Comparison RP or SL3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon RP and the Canon SL3 are of equal size. However, the SL3 is markedly lighter (7 percent) than the RP. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the RP nor the SL3 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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

The power pack in the RP can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras 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 RP 133 mm 85 mm 70 mm 485 g 250 n Feb 2019 1,299 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon SL3 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 449 g 1070 n Apr 2019 599 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R8 133 mm 86 mm 70 mm 461 g 220 n Feb 2023 1,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon T8i 131 mm 103 mm 76 mm 515 g 800 n Feb 2020 749ebay.com
5.
 
Canon M50 Mark II 116 mm 88 mm 59 mm 387 g 305 n Oct 2020 599ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T7 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 475 g 500 n Feb 2018 449 amazon.com
7.
 
Canon R 139 mm 98 mm 84 mm 660 g 370 Y Sep 2018 2,299ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 77D 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 540 g 600 n Feb 2017 899ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 549ebay.com
10.
 
Canon M5 116 mm 89 mm 61 mm 427 g 295 n Sep 2016 979ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX1 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-7 120 mm 67 mm 43 mm 400 g 430 n Aug 2011 1,349ebay.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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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 SL3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 54 percent) than the RP, which puts it into a different 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.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon RP features a full frame sensor and the Canon SL3 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the SL3 is 61 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.6. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon RP and Canon SL3 sensor measures

With 26MP, the RP offers a slightly higher resolution than the SL3 (24MP), but the RP nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.76μm versus 3.72μm for the SL3) due to its larger sensor. It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation.

The Canon EOS RP has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 40000, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

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.

RP versus SL3 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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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 RP Full Frame 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.311.9297785
2.
 
Canon SL3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/25p23.913.4179182
3.
 
Canon R8 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004k/60p24.514.7329593
4.
 
Canon T8i APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/24p24.013.5187383
5.
 
Canon M50 Mark II APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/24p24.013.6193983
6.
 
Canon T7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p23.813.3168481
7.
 
Canon R Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.513.5274289
8.
 
Canon 77D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.397178
9.
 
Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
10.
 
Canon M5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.4126277
11.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
12.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
13.
 
Sony RX1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.114.3253493
14.
 
Sony NEX-7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.113.4101681
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the RP provides a higher frame rate than the SL3. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the SL3 is limited to 4K/25p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the RP has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the SL3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the RP offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the SL3 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the RP has a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.54x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon RP, the Canon SL3, 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 RP2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
2.
 
Canon SL3optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon R82360 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon T8ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.5/s Y n
5.
 
Canon M50 Mark II2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon T7optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon R3690 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
8.
 
Canon 77Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Canon M52360 n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n
11.
 
Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Sony RX1optional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Sony NEX-72359 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The SL3 has one, while the RP does not. While the built-in flash of the SL3 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

The Canon RP and the Canon SL3 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the RP and the SL3 write their files to SDXC cards. The RP supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the SL3 can use UHS-I cards (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 RP and Canon EOS Rebel SL3 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 RPYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Canon SL3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Canon R8Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Canon T8iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Canon M50 Mark IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Canon T7Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon RYstereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Canon 77DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
9.
 
Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
10.
 
Canon M5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
11.
 
Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
12.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony RX1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
14.
 
Sony NEX-7Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
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It is notable that the RP has a headphone jack, which is not present on the SL3 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Both the RP and the SL3 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The SL3 replaced the earlier Canon SL2, while the RP does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the features and operation of the RP and SL3 can be found, respectively, in the Canon RP Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon SL3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon RP better than the Canon SL3 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS RP:

  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/30p versus 4K/25p).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.54x).
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).


Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS Rebel SL3:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1070 versus 250) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (54 percent cheaper at launch).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the RP is the clear winner of the match-up (12 : 4 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

RP 12:04 SL3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon RP and the Canon SL3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the RP or the SL3 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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 RP4/5+4/5..4.5/54/5 Feb 2019 1,299 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon SL34/5o4.5/579/1004/54/5 Apr 2019 599 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R84.5/5+ +4.5/587/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2023 1,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon T8i4.5/5+3/580/1004/53.5/5 Feb 2020 749ebay.com
5.
 
Canon M50 Mark II4/5..4/5..4.5/53.5/5 Oct 2020 599ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T7..o3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 449 amazon.com
7.
 
Canon R4/5o4/579/1004.5/54/5 Sep 2018 2,299ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 77D4.5/5..4/582/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 899ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SL24/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 549ebay.com
10.
 
Canon M54/5+4/582/1004/54/5 Sep 2016 979ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX15/5....79/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-75/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2011 1,349ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time 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, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Canon RP vs Canon SL3

    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 RP Canon SL3
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon RF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2019 April 2019
    Launch Price USD 1,299 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Canon RP Canon SL3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 22.3 x 14.9 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 332.27 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 26.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 26 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6240 x 4160 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.76 μm 3.72 μm
    Pixel Density 3.01 MP/cm2 7.22 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/25p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 40,000 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 8 DIGIC 8
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 85 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.3 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.9 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2977 ..
    Screen Specs Canon RP Canon SL3
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.54x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon RP Canon SL3
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations100 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board 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-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon RP Canon SL3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Canon RP Canon SL3
    Battery Type Canon LP-E17 Canon LP-E17
    Battery Life (CIPA)250 shots per charge1070 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 133 x 85 x 70 mm
    (5.2 x 3.3 x 2.8 in)
    122 x 93 x 70 mm
    (4.8 x 3.7 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 485 g (17.1 oz) 449 g (15.8 oz)
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    Check SL3 price at
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