CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
  • LENSES
  • TOOLS
    • Smart Find
    • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Size Comparison

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Canon SL2

    Main Features

    • 24MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 25600( expands to 51200)
    • 3″ Fully Articulated Screen
    • Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
    • 5.0 fps continuous shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 video resolution
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 453g. 122 x 93 x 70 mm
    • Also known as EOS 200D / Kiss X9
    • Replaced Canon 100D
    $649.00
    7%
    off

    Select a Camera to Compare

    x
    Add a Camera for comparison
    Canon SL2 Overview

    First introduced in June 2017 , Canon EOS Rebel SL2 is a 24.0MP Entry-Level DSLR camera with a APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor. SL2 is also sold as EOS 200D / Kiss X9 in some of the countries. Canon replaced the older 100D with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these model:
    Compare Canon EOS Rebel SL2 vs Canon 100D

    Canon SL2 is the latest member of Canon's Rebel series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Canon Rebel Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Canon SL2 2017 24.0MP - APS-C 5.0 fps 122 x 93 x 70mm 453g
    Canon T7i 2017 24.0MP - APS-C 6.0 fps 131 x 100 x 76mm 532g
    Canon T6 2016 18.0MP - APS-C 3.0 fps 129 x 101 x 78mm 485g
    Canon 760D 2015 24.0MP - APS-C 5.0 fps 132 x 101 x 78mm 565g
    Canon 750D 2015 24.0MP - APS-C 5.0 fps 132 x 101 x 78mm 555g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Canon SL2 vs T7i vs T6 vs 760D vs 750D

    Canon SL2 has an Overall Score of 80/100 and ranked #37 out of 196 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #65 out of 1131 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Canon SL2 Type Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras

    Canon SL2 Compared to other DSLR Cameras

    Now let's get in to more details of Canon SL2's specs and feature, and list out its pro's and con's compared to average cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Bluetooth Connectivity
    NFC Connectivity
    Articulating Screen
    1920 x 1080 Max Video Resolution
    Touch Screen
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    24.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    25.600 Max ISO
    1.040k dots LCD Resolution
    UHS-I Memory Card Support
    Long Battery Life (650 shots)
    453g Light Body
    External Microphone Port
    Timelapse Recording
    Good Low Light ISO - 1041
    1 Cross Type Focus Points
    Flash Sync Port
    Selfie Friendly LCD Screen
    Remote control with a smartphone

    Buy Canon SL2 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Image Stabilization
    Only 9 Focus Points
    No Environmental Sealing
    Canon SL2 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Canon SL2 has a Canon EF/EF-S lens mount and currently there are 299 native lenses available for this mount. EF mount has the widest and most complete native lens offerings in the DSLR world which helps Canon to protect its place as the number 1 choice amongst professional photographers all over the world.

    Canon SL2 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 91 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 72 lenses with weather sealing for SL2 but bear in mind that SL2 body doesn't have weather sealings.

    Here are some of the most popular Canon SL2 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Canon SL2 Lenses
    Model Focal Length on SL2 Max Aperture Weight Focusing Price
    Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II
    80mm F1.8 130gr AF $120.99
    Canon EF-S 10-18mm f4.5-5.6 IS STM
    16-28.8mm F4.5 - F5.6 240gr AF $279.00
    Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
    38.4-168mm F4.0 670gr AF $960.00
    Canon EF 15mm f2.8 Fisheye
    24mm F2.8 330gr AF $369.00
    Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM
    64mm F2.8 130gr AF $179.00

    Check our Canon SL2 Lenses page or use our Smart Lens Finder tool for more detailed lens search.

    Canon SL2 Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon SL2 has a 24.0MP APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 7 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. SL2 has a native ISO range of 100 - 25600 which can be boosted to 51200 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Canon SL2 is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Sigma Quattro with its 29.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon SL2 vs Sigma Quattro or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon SL2's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon SL2 Sensor Size Comparison

    Canon SL2 Physical Specs
    Canon SL2 weighs 453 g (1.00 lb / 15.98 oz) and has external dimensions of 122 x 93 x 70 mm (4.8 x 3.66 x 2.76″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 775g, Canon SL2 is a remarkably light camera for its class. With a thickness of 70mm, it has an average thickness for its class.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Canon SL2
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Canon SL2
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Canon SL2 with the dimensions:

    Canon SL2 Body Size Dimensions

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon SL2, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon SL2 Real Life Body Size Comparison


    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Canon SL2 with its main competitors:

    Canon SL2 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Sensor Weight vs SL2 Thickness vs SL2
    Canon T7i 24.0MP - APS-C 532g 79g heavier 76mm 6mm thicker
    Canon 750D 24.0MP - APS-C 555g 102g heavier 78mm 8mm thicker
    Canon T6i 24.0MP - APS-C 555g 102g heavier 78mm 8mm thicker
    Nikon D5600 24.0MP - APS-C 465g 12g heavier 70mm equal thickness
    Canon 80D 24.0MP - APS-C 730g 277g heavier 79mm 9mm thicker
    Nikon D3400 24.0MP - APS-C 395g 58g lighter 76mm 6mm thicker
    Nikon D5300 24.0MP - APS-C 480g 27g heavier 76mm 6mm thicker
    Canon 77D 24.0MP - APS-C 540g 87g heavier 76mm 6mm thicker

    Canon SL2 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon SL2 Other Features
    LCD and Viewfinder

    Canon SL2 has a Fully Articulated 3″ LCD screen with a resolution of 1,040k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips. For those of you who loves shooting self portraits or group photos, Canon SL2 will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen.

    Canon SL2 back view and LCD

    SL2 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. The viewfinder has a coverage of 95% and a magnification ratio of 0.54x. 95% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

    Max Shutter speed
    Canon SL2 can shoot continuously at max speed of 5.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash
    SL2 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing
    Canon SL2 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 9 focus points and 1 of these sensors are of Cross-type. Cross-type sensors locks focus faster and more accurate compared to single type sensors.

    Canon SL2 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Video Features
    With Canon SL2, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60p,30p,24p fps with bit rates up to 60 mbps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Canon SL2 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    SL2 has a built-in Yes microphone and a Mono speaker. Canon SL2 also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

    Connectivity and Storage
    Canon SL2 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. With its NFC feature, SL2 can communicate with devices such as smartphones which are also equipped with this technology by simply touching each other.Canon SL2's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our SL2. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect SL2 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery Canon SL2 is powered by LP-E17 battery which provides a shooting life of 650 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 884 shots, Canon SL2 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend SL2 owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level DSLR Cameras

    Canon SL2
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Pentax K-x with its 1900shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Canon SL2 vs Pentax K-x or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

    Canon SL2 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon T7i
    >>Compare to SL2
    1920 x 1080 600shots Yes Yes Yes
    Canon 750D
    >>Compare to SL2
    1920 x 1080 440shots Yes No Yes
    Canon T6i
    >>Compare to SL2
    1920 x 1080 440shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon D5600
    >>Compare to SL2
    1920 x 1080 820shots Yes Yes Yes
    Canon 80D
    >>Compare to SL2
    1920 x 1080 960shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon D3400
    >>Compare to SL2
    1920 x 1080 1200shots No Yes No
    Nikon D5300
    >>Compare to SL2
    1920 x 1080 600shots Yes No No
    Canon 77D
    >>Compare to SL2
    1920 x 1080 600shots Yes Yes Yes

    Lowest Price
    Current Lowest price for Canon SL2 is $649.00

    $649.00
    7%
    off

    What type of Photography is Canon SL2 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon SL2 in 5 different photography areas. This first spider web graph shows how the SL2 compares with the average DSLR camera.
    Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.

    Canon SL2 for Portrait Photography

    Canon SL2 has a score of 68 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SL2 for Portrait Photography

    Canon SL2 for Street Photography

    Canon SL2 has a score of 66 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Fully Articulated LCD Screen
    Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SL2 for Street Photography

    Canon SL2 for Sports Photography

    Canon SL2 has a score of 82 for Sports Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    1 Cross Type Focus sensors
    Good Battery Life: 650 shots
    Good Low Light ISO
    Wireless Connection
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    9 Focus Points
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SL2 for Sports Photography

    Canon SL2 for Daily Photography

    Canon SL2 has a score of 53 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    453g
    Body Thickness 70mm

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SL2 for Daily Photography

    Canon SL2 for Landscape Photography

    Canon SL2 has a score of 63 for Landscape Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Landscape Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SL2 for Landscape Photography

    Canon SL2 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon SL2 compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of SL2 and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon SL2 alternatives.
    Popular Comparisons of Canon SL2
    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon SL2 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon T7i
    Canon T7i
    Compare
    Canon 750D
    Canon 750D
    Compare
    Canon T6i
    Canon T6i
    Compare
    Nikon D5600
    Nikon D5600
    Compare
    Canon 80D
    Canon 80D
    Compare
    Nikon D3400
    Nikon D3400
    Compare
    Nikon D5300
    Nikon D5300
    Compare
    Canon 77D
    Canon 77D
    Compare
    Canon SL2 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras
    It would also be interesting to compare Canon SL2 with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Canon SL2's price range.

    Panasonic G85
    Panasonic G85
    Compare
    Sony A7
    Sony A7
    Compare
    Canon M6
    Canon M6
    Compare
    Olympus E-M10 II
    Olympus E-M10 II
    Compare
    Panasonic GX85
    Panasonic GX85
    Compare
    Panasonic GX7
    Panasonic GX7
    Compare
    Sony A6300
    Sony A6300
    Compare
    Canon M5
    Canon M5
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon SL2
    Does the Canon SL2 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon SL2 have RAW support?
    Does the Canon SL2 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon SL2 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon SL2?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon SL2?
    is the Canon SL2 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon SL2 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon SL2 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon SL2?
    Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon EOS Rebel SL2
    Also known as EOS 200D / Kiss X9
    Announced 2017-06-29
    Body Type Compact SLR
    Price $649.00
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Canon EF/EF-S
    Number of Lenses 299
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.6x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fully Articulated
    Screen Size 3″
    Screen Resolution 1,040k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.54
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 9.80 m (at ISO 100)
    Flash Modes n/a
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 79
    DxO Color Depth 23.6
    DxO Dynamic Range 13.4
    DxO Low Light ISO 1041
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 22.3 x 14.9 mm
    Sensor Area 332.27mm2
    Sensor Resolution 24 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000
    Max Native ISO 25,600
    Max Boosted ISO 51200
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points 1
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 453g
    Physical Dimensions 122 x 93 x 70mm
    Battery Life 650 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model LP-E17
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
    Storage Slots 1
    LATEST DEALS!

    Panasonic GX8 with 12-60mm and Freebies for $998
    4TB Seagate Expansion Desktop External HDD USB 3.0 for $100
    Olympus E-M1II with 12-40mm Lens - $300 Off
    New Rebates on Sony Alpha A7 Series

  • See all Active Deals here

  • TOP Ranked DSLR Cameras
    Nikon D850
    Nikon D850
    46 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS | Nikon F Mount
    Sony A99 II
    Sony A99 II
    42 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS | Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
    Pentax K-1
    Pentax K-1
    36 MP | Full frame CMOS | Pentax KAF2 Mount

    TOP Ranked Mirrorless Cameras
    Fujifilm GFX 50S
    Fujifilm GFX 50S
    51 MP | Medium format CMOS | Fujifilm G Mount
    Sony A7R III
    Sony A7R III
    42 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS | Sony E Mount
    Sony A7R II
    Sony A7R II
    42 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS | Sony E Mount

    TOP Ranked Large Sensor Compact Cameras
    Sony RX1R II
    Sony RX1R II
    42 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS | 35 mm Lens
    Leica Q
    Leica Q
    24 MP | Full frame CMOS | 28 mm Lens
    Canon G1 X III
    Canon G1 X III
    24 MP | APS-C CMOS | 24-72 mm Lens

    TOP Ranked Compact Cameras
    Nikon P7800
    Nikon P7800
    12 MP | 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS | 28-200 mm Lens
    Fujifilm X30
    Fujifilm X30
    12 MP | 2/3" CMOS X-TRANS II | 28-112 mm Lens
    Panasonic ZS70
    Panasonic ZS70
    20 MP | 1/2.3 BSI-CMOS | 24-720 mm Lens


    Copyright © 2017 by CameraDecision
    About Feedback Privacy

    Report a Correction