DSLR Reviews

The generation of Canon EOS digital SLRs beginning with the 10D have been evolutionary, with each camera adding resolution and new features. The 60D continues in that vein but also takes a slightly different tack, adding some features from Canon’s own PowerShot series, bringing in functionality like a 3” flip-out LCD screen, and adding some creative effects that show how software is becoming an increasingly important part of any hardware offering. Each of these creative filters, including Soft Focus, Grainy Black and White, Toy Camera, and Miniature Effect, can be applied to a captured image creating a second “filtered” version, leaving the original file unaffected.

I don’t think there’s much doubt that, all things being equal, larger sensors are capable of delivering superior image quality. The very fact that more sensor sites are available means that there’s better performance in low light, less noise in shadow areas, and that cropping does not mean making compromises in the image’s integrity. Now that the megapixel race has settled down, somewhat, and compact system cameras allow for lens interchangeability without requiring large packs to accommodate gear, a new trend is emerging where the classic D-SLR form is seeing more and more full-frame models aimed at attracting the enthusiast photographer.

In February 2017, Canon announced three new cameras that use basically the same image sensor and image processor system: the EOS M6 mirrorless and two DSLR systems, the EOS Rebel T7i and the EOS 77D. Located right beneath the EOS 80D, which is the mid-range DSLR of Canon’s APS-C systems, is the EOS 77D.

The EOS 80D is the latest iteration of Canon’s APS-C-chipped DSLRs that began with the introduction of the (no kidding) three-megapixel EOS D30 in 2000. I’ve owned and shot with every camera in this series through the 60D. I so dearly loved my Canon 50D, now converted to infrared-only operation, that I couldn’t imagine anything better, at least until I got the 60D. What happened to the 70D? I guess I must have missed that one. No matter, I was eager to put the new EOS 80D to work because of the specs and features it offered.

The EOS Rebel SL1 is an ultra-small SLR system; in fact it is smaller than many bridge cameras and even lighter than many other digital cameras.
Nevertheless it’s a real SLR system with Canon’s APS-C-sized image sensor, which is a little smaller than other APS-C-sized sensors made by Nikon, Sony and other manufacturers. Due to itsvery small body the grip on the right hand side is also is a bit smaller than usual and the handling of the camera is a bit tricky for photographers withlarge hands. The small body doesn’t allow for a status LCD on the top, so all information on image parameters and menu settings are shown on the LCD screen on the back.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 ($649 with the 18-55mm kit lens) is the latest in a series of compact Canon DSLRs that seem designed to compete with the size of mirrorless cameras. And while the Canon Rebel SL series has grown slightly since being introduced in 2013, these changes were part of a strategy of adding capabilities that were missing in entry-level competitors from other manufacturers.

Rebels have always delivered good value wrapped up in a compact package and it’s why I personally own two—a Rebel XT and a Rebel XTi—both of them converted to infrared-only capture. The 18-megapixel EOS Rebel T3i is clearly an evolutionary model in the line, but owners of older Rebels should take a hard look at this new model because it clearly represents Canon’s new face as reflected in the previously released EOS 60D—the flip-out screen, in-camera filters, and all that jazz.