Canon SL1 vs Panasonic LF1

The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 (called Canon 100D in some regions) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in March 2013 and April 2013. The SL1 is a DSLR, while the LF1 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (SL1) and a 1/1.7-inch (LF1) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 12 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Canon SL1		Panasonic LF1
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		28-200mm f/2.0-5.9
17.9 MP, APS-C Sensor		12 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor
1080/30p Video		1080/60i Video
ISO 100-12,800 (100 - 25,600)		ISO 80-6,400 (80 - 12,800)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (200k dots)
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.0 LCD, 920k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
4.9 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
380 shots per battery charge		250 shots per battery charge
117 x 91 x 69 mm, 407 g		103 x 62 x 28 mm, 192 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1? 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.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon SL1 and the Panasonic LF1. 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 SL1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the LF1 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic LF1 is considerably smaller (40 percent) than the Canon SL1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SL1 nor the LF1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the LF1 has a lens built in, whereas the SL1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the SL1 and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

The power pack in the LF1 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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.

Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Canon SL1	4.6 in	3.6 in	2.7 in	14.4 oz	380	n	Mar 2013	549
	Panasonic LF1	4.1 in	2.4 in	1.1 in	6.8 oz	250	n	Apr 2013	499
	Canon T100	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.0 in	15.4 oz	500	n	Feb 2018	399
	Canon SL2	4.8 in	3.7 in	2.8 in	16.0 oz	650	n	Jun 2017	549
	Canon T6	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	17.1 oz	500	n	Mar 2016	449
	Canon M10	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.4 in	10.6 oz	255	n	Oct 2015	499
	Canon T5	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	16.9 oz	500	n	Feb 2014	449
	Canon G16	4.3 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.6 oz	360	n	Aug 2013	549
	Canon T5i	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.5 oz	440	n	Mar 2013	649
	Canon S120	3.9 in	2.3 in	1.1 in	7.7 oz	230	n	Aug 2013	449
	Canon M	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.3 in	10.5 oz	230	n	Jul 2012	599
	Canon T4i	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.3 oz	440	n	Jun 2012	849
	Canon T3i	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.1 oz	440	n	Feb 2011	599
	Nikon P7800	4.7 in	3.1 in	2.0 in	14.1 oz	350	n	Sep 2013	549
	Panasonic FZ200	4.9 in	3.4 in	4.3 in	20.7 oz	540	n	Jul 2012	599
	Panasonic LX7	4.4 in	2.7 in	1.8 in	10.5 oz	330	n	Jul 2012	499
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Metric

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 LF1 was launched at a lower price than the SL1, despite having a lens built in. 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. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SL1 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic LF1 a 1/1.7-inch sensor. The sensor area in the LF1 is 87 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 4.5. The sensor in the SL1 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the LF1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 17.9MP, the SL1 offers a higher resolution than the LF1 (12MP), but the SL1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.31μm versus 1.89μm for the LF1) 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 resolution advantage of the Canon SL1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the SL1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 13.8 inches or 52.7 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic LF1 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The SL1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 are ISO 80 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-12800.

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"). Of the two cameras under review, the SL1 provides substantially higher image quality than the LF1, with an overall score that is 11 points higher. This advantage is based on 1 bits higher color depth, 0.3 EV of lower dynamic range, and 2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

	Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
	Canon SL1	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.8	11.3	843	63
	Panasonic LF1	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	20.8	11.6	211	52
	Canon T100	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.4	695	63
	Canon SL2	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.4	1041	79
	Canon T6	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
	Canon M10	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.2	11.4	753	65
	Canon T5	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724	63
	Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
	Canon T5i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	681	61
	Canon S120	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.3	11.9	246	56
	Canon M	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.2	827	65
	Canon T4i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	722	62
	Canon T3i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.5	793	65
	Nikon P7800	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	21.2	11.7	200	54
	Panasonic FZ200	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.1	10.8	114	37
	Panasonic LX7	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	1080/60p	20.7	11.7	147	50

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the LF1 provides a faster frame rate than the SL1. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the LF1 has an electronic viewfinder (200k dots), while the SL1 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 table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon SL1 and Panasonic LF1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

	Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
	Canon SL1	optical	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.9	Y	n
	Panasonic LF1	200	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0	Y	Y
	Canon T100	optical	n	2.7	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Canon SL2	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
	Canon T6	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Canon M10	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	4.6	Y	n
	Canon T5	optical	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Canon G16	optical	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2	Y	Y
	Canon T5i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
	Canon S120	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	Y	1/2000s	12.1	Y	Y
	Canon M	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.3	n	n
	Canon T4i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
	Canon T3i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.7	Y	n
	Nikon P7800	921	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
	Panasonic FZ200	1312	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
	Panasonic LX7	optional	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0	Y	Y

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The SL1 has a touchscreen, while the LF1 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SL1 and the LF1 write their files to SDXC cards. The SL1 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the LF1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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 Rebel SL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

	Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
	Canon SL1	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic LF1	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon T100	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon SL2	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
	Canon T6	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon M10	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon T5	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon G16	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
	Canon T5i	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon S120	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
	Canon M	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon T4i	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon T3i	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Nikon P7800	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic FZ200	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic LX7	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the SL1 has a hotshoe, while the LF1 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

The LF1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the SL1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the SL1 was succeeded by the Canon SL2. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon SL1 or the Panasonic LF1 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Canon EOS Rebel SL1:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (17.9 vs 12MP) with a 25% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (11 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2 stops ISO advantage).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 920k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (380 versus 250) on a single battery charge.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.

Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1:

• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 4.9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the SL1 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (103x62mm vs 117x91mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the SL1).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the SL1 comes out slightly ahead of the LF1 (12 : 11 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SL1 and the Panasonic LF1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings 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 SL1 and the LF1 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	camera   labs	dp review	ephoto   zine	imaging resource	photography   blog	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Canon SL1	+	78/100	4/5	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	549
	Panasonic LF1	+	..	4/5	..	4.5/5	Apr 2013	499
	Canon T100	o	..	3.5/5	..	3.5/5	Feb 2018	399
	Canon SL2	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549
	Canon T6	o	73/100	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	Mar 2016	449
	Canon M10	..	..	..	o	4/5	Oct 2015	499
	Canon T5	+	..	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449
	Canon G16	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549
	Canon T5i	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2013	649
	Canon S120	+ +	..	4.5/5	o	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449
	Canon M	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	Jul 2012	599
	Canon T4i	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849
	Canon T3i	o	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	599
	Nikon P7800	..	..	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	549
	Panasonic FZ200	+ +	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	599
	Panasonic LX7	+ +	75/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	499
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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 use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~

Specifications: Canon SL1 vs Panasonic LF1

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.

Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.