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Canon SL2 vs M5

The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (called Canon 200D in some regions) and the Canon EOS M5 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in June 2017 and September 2016. The SL2 is a DSLR, while the M5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon SL2
versus
Canon M5
Canon SL2   Canon M5
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF-M mount lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (100 - 51,200) ISO 100-25,600
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.2" LCD – 1620k dots
Swivel touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
650 shots per battery charge295 shots per battery charge
122 x 93 x 70 mm, 453 g 116 x 89 x 61 mm, 427 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 and the Canon EOS M5? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon SL2 and the Canon M5. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The SL2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the M5 is only available in black.

Size Canon SL2 vs Canon M5
Compare SL2 versus M5 top
Comparison SL2 or M5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon M5 is notably smaller (9 percent) than the Canon SL2. Moreover, the M5 is markedly lighter (6 percent) than the SL2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SL2 nor the M5 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 adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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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 SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 549ebay.com
2.
 
Canon M5 116 mm 89 mm 61 mm 427 g 295 n Sep 2016 979ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SL3 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 449 g 1070 n Apr 2019 599 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon T7 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 475 g 500 n Feb 2018 449 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon 77D 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 540 g 600 n Feb 2017 899ebay.com
6.
 
Canon M6 112 mm 68 mm 45 mm 390 g 295 n Feb 2017 779ebay.com
7.
 
Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T7i 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 532 g 600 n Feb 2017 749ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T6 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 485 g 500 n Mar 2016 449ebay.com
10.
 
Canon M3 111 mm 68 mm 44 mm 366 g 250 n Feb 2015 679ebay.com
11.
 
Canon M10 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 301 g 255 n Oct 2015 499ebay.com
12.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
13.
 
Canon SL1 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 549ebay.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 listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The SL2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 44 percent) than the M5, 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. 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 generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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 tend to be more expensive and 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 SL2 and Canon M5 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 24 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the SL2 and the M5 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the SL2 is a somewhat more recent model (by 9 months) than the M5, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS M5 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

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.

SL2 versus M5 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
2.
 
Canon M5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.4126277
3.
 
Canon SL3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/25p23.913.4179182
4.
 
Canon T7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p23.813.3168481
5.
 
Canon 77D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.397178
6.
 
Canon M6 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.6131778
7.
 
Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.9127278
8.
 
Canon T7i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.1158680
9.
 
Canon T6 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.778166
10.
 
Canon M3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.811.8116972
11.
 
Canon M10 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.475365
12.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
13.
 
Canon SL1 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
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. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the M5 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the SL2 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 SL2 and Canon M5 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar 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 SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon M52360 n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon SL3optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon T7optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon 77Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon M6optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n
8.
 
Canon T7ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Canon T6optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Canon M3optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
11.
 
Canon M10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.6/s Y n
12.
 
Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Canon SL1optical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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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 SL2 has 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 SL2 and the M5 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 Rebel SL2 and Canon EOS M5 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 SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
2.
 
Canon M5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
3.
 
Canon SL3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Canon T7Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon 77DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
6.
 
Canon M6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
7.
 
Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
8.
 
Canon T7iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
9.
 
Canon T6Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
10.
 
Canon M3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
11.
 
Canon M10-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
12.
 
Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
13.
 
Canon SL1Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
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Both the SL2 and the M5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The SL2 was replaced by the Canon SL2, while the M5 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the SL2 and M5 can be found, respectively, in the Canon SL2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon M5 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon SL2 better than the Canon M5 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS Rebel SL2:

  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1 EV of extra DR).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (650 versus 295) on a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (44 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 9 months after the M5).


Advantages of the Canon EOS M5:

  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1040k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2016).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the SL2 comes out slightly ahead of the M5 (7 : 6 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

SL2 07:06 M5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SL2 and the Canon M5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the SL2 and the M5 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 SL24/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 549ebay.com
2.
 
Canon M54/5+4/582/1004/54/5 Sep 2016 979ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SL34/5o4.5/579/1004/54/5 Apr 2019 599 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon T7..o3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 449 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon 77D4.5/5..4/582/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 899ebay.com
6.
 
Canon M6......80/1004/54/5 Feb 2017 779ebay.com
7.
 
Canon M1003/5+....4/53.5/5 Aug 2017 499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T7i4.5/5..3.5/580/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 749ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T64/5o4/573/1004/54/5 Mar 2016 449ebay.com
10.
 
Canon M34/5o..75/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2015 679ebay.com
11.
 
Canon M10..........4/5 Oct 2015 499ebay.com
12.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
13.
 
Canon SL14/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 549ebay.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 assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. 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 a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Canon SL2 vs Canon M5

    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 SL2 Canon M5
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF-M mount lenses
    Launch Date June 2017 September 2016
    Launch Price USD 549 USD 979
    Sensor Specs Canon SL2 Canon M5
    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 24 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.72 μm 3.72 μm
    Pixel Density 7.22 MP/cm2 7.22 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 51,200 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor DIGIC 7 DIGIC 7
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 79 77
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.6 23.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.4 12.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1041 1262
    Screen Specs Canon SL2 Canon M5
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.54x .. x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1620k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon SL2 Canon M5
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 9 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations100 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    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 SL2 Canon M5
    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 Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Canon SL2 Canon M5
    Battery Type Canon LP-E17 Canon LP-E17
    Battery Life (CIPA)650 shots per charge295 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 122 x 93 x 70 mm
    (4.8 x 3.7 x 2.8 in)
    116 x 89 x 61 mm
    (4.6 x 3.5 x 2.4 in)
    Camera Weight 453 g (16.0 oz) 427 g (15.1 oz)
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