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Canon SL3 Comparison Review

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (called Canon 250D in some regions) is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was announced in April 2019 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 24 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon SL3 a good camera? The SL3 has a Camera Elo of 2545. This rating puts the SL3 among the top 10 percent of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the SL3 ranks among the top 20 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 5-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Canon SL3
Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor
4K/25p Video
ISO 100 - 25 600 (100 - 51 200)
Optical viewfinder
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Swivel touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second
1070 shots per battery charge
122 x 93 x 70 mm, 449 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Canon SL3 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Canon SL3 vs credit card front
SL3 versus credit card top view
SL3 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon SL3 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SL3 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 449 g 1070 n Apr 2019 599 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon T8i 131 mm 103 mm 76 mm 515 g 800 n Feb 2020 749 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon M50 Mark II 116 mm 88 mm 59 mm 387 g 305 n Oct 2020 599 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon M50 116 mm 88 mm 59 mm 390 g 235 n Feb 2018 779ebay.com
5.
 
Canon T7 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 475 g 500 n Feb 2018 449 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon 77D 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 540 g 600 n Feb 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 549ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T7i 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 532 g 600 n Feb 2017 749ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SL1 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 549ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T2i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 530 g 440 n Feb 2010 699ebay.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 listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon SL3 was launched in the US market at a price of $599. 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.

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Check SL3 price at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Canon SL3 features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon SL3 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Canon SL3 sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon SL3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/25p23.913.4179182
2.
 
Canon T8i APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/24p24.013.5187383
3.
 
Canon M50 Mark II APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/24p24.013.6193983
4.
 
Canon M50 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/24p23.813.3168481
5.
 
Canon T7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p23.813.3168481
6.
 
Canon 77D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.397178
7.
 
Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
8.
 
Canon T7i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.1158680
9.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
10.
 
Canon SL1 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
11.
 
Canon T2i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.578466
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The SL3 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the SL3 can use is 4K/25p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the SL3 has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 95% and a magnification of 0.54x. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon SL3 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
#   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 SL3optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon T8ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.5/s Y n
3.
 
Canon M50 Mark II2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon M502360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon T7optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon 77Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon T7ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Canon SL1optical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
11.
 
Canon T2ioptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The LCD screen on the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the SL3

One convenient feature of the SL3 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection 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 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
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon SL3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Canon T8iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Canon M50 Mark IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Canon M50Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Canon T7Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon 77DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
7.
 
Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
8.
 
Canon T7iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
9.
 
Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
10.
 
Canon SL1Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Canon T2iYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
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It is notable that the SL3 has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Further information on the features and operation of the SL3 can be found in the free online Canon SL3 Manual or on the Canon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the SL3 in practical situations. 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. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SL34/5o4.5/579/1004/54/5 Apr 2019 599 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon T8i4.5/5+3/580/1004/53.5/5 Feb 2020 749 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon M50 Mark II4/5..4/5..4.5/53.5/5 Oct 2020 599 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon M50..+4/579/100..3.5/5 Feb 2018 779ebay.com
5.
 
Canon T7..o3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 449 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon 77D4.5/5..4/582/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SL24/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 549ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T7i4.5/5..3.5/580/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 749ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SL14/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 549ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T2i..+ +..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 699ebay.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 are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check SL3 price at
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Canon SL3 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the SL3.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Canon SL3?

The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

Which image processing chip is used in the Canon SL3 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Canon equipped the SL3 with the DIGIC 8 image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon SL3?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600.

Does the Canon SL3 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the SL3 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Canon EOS Rebel SL3?

Canon mentions a shutter rating of 100 000 actuations for the SL3. This number represents a Mean Time before Failure, that is an average value. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust the expected shutter life of the SL3 over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Canon SL3?

Canon embeds the number of shutter actuations in the camera firmware. You can check the number of shots that your SL3 has taken up to now by using a third-party app, as described on the Canon SL3 shutter count page.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Canon SL3?

No, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Canon SL3?

The SL3 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Canon SL3 for flash photography?

The SL3's flash sync speed is 1/200 sec.

Does the Canon SL3 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Canon SL3 use?

The camera gets its power from the LP-E17 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Is there a vertical grip available for the Canon SL3?

Canon does not offer an optional battery grip, but third party suppliers do (see here on ebay).

Where can I find the best deals for the Canon SL3?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Canon.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make your choice using the following search menu. An 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 Summary
    Camera Model Canon SL3
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date April 2019
    Launch Price USD 599
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.3 x 14.9 mm
    Sensor Area 332 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 26.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6 000 x 4 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.72 μm
    Pixel Density 7.22 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/25p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25 600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 51 200 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 8
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.54x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type LP-E17 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)1070 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 122 x 93 x 70 mm
    (4.8 x 3.7 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 449 g (15.8 oz)

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