Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2022
For better quality images and more artistic control over what a Smartphone (SP) or Point-and-Shoot (P&S) camera offers—the proven Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera is the way to go, and the highly-rated Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is specifically designed with DSLR newbies in mind. The SL3 and native EFS lenses incorporate desirable features found in both P&S and conventional DSLR cameras, while shedding some of their less-favorable characteristics.
Mirrorless cameras are gaining traction w/similarities to DSLRs, and like the SL3, offer a smaller form factor. However, reviewers identify some growing pains, e.g., poor battery life, overheating, and a lack of native lens options. An adapter is required to use Canon’s EF or EFS DSLR lenses. But the bulkier, heavier (and costlier) EF lenses somewhat negate the benefits of having a more compact camera, while the more compact EFS lenses (designed for crop sensor DSLRs) limit the full capability of Mirrorless full-frame (FF) sensors. And unlike the SL3, there is presently no comparable Mirrorless model that offers more simplified operation and convenient features SP and P&S users prefer, and anyone new to DSLR/Mirrorless cameras will appreciate.
For portability and price SP and P&S cameras can’t be beat, but that comes with compromises. Some of the more expensive P&S cameras come w/megapixel (MP) counts and video capability similar to the SL3 (24.1MP for photos; 4K@25fps or Full HD@60fps video). However, the result is a bulkier P&S and pricing similar to the SL3 DSLR—but w/o the SL3’s additional features and technology that also factor into image and video quality:
• The SL3 has a much larger sensor (APS-C) than all but the most expensive P&S cameras, e.g., PowerShot G1 X Mark III, which uses the same sensor. But the Mark III is more expensive than the SL3 +EFS lens, and is bulky for a P&S camera.
• The SL3 and native EFS (or optional EF) lenses are better equipped to handle motion (photographer’s and/or subject) and dim lighting, w/fast, accurate autofocus, including auto-tracking of moving subjects.
• With the SL3, there are numerous compatible EF and EFS fixed, wide angle, and telephoto lenses to obtain the best quality imaging to best match your subjects of interest (e.g., urban settings, architecture, portraits, landscapes, wildlife, etc.) and shooting conditions (i.e., dim lighting, darkness, action, etc.). SP and P&S cameras rely on a single lens for all applications—sort of like the handyman who is a jack of all trades, but master of none. (FYI the biggest complaint among PowerShot G1 X Mark III reviewers is its integrated lens.)
• The SL3 offers the flexibility of add-on accessories to further improve image quality, e.g., lens filters and hoods, a boot for supplemental flash, etc.
• The SL3 can save images in JPEG and RAW format (even both formats simultaneously). RAW format provides the greatest ability to post-edit and enhance photos (w/capable photo editing software), as the files contain everything captured by the sensor w/no camera processing or compression. RAW format is preferred by many photo pros and nerds, although anyone can use it. RAW files are very large, so large memory cards are in order.
The SL3 is equipped with convenient features that SP and P&S camera owners are accustomed to and prefer:
• Form Factor: Although not as compact as P&S, the SL3 w/EFS lenses is the most compact and lightest DSLR system on the market, making it easier to handle and carry while also enabling use of a thinner, lighter strap and smaller case. The SL3 also has great ergonomics including a deep, rounded, rubberized finger grip that can accommodate a wide range of hand/finger sizes.
• Automated Settings: Like most cameras, the SL3 is equipped w/“Auto” mode to determine aperture, speed, ISO and if necessary, flash. But Auto mode can’t effectively adjust settings for all shooting conditions, e.g., moving subjects, low contrast, etc. or desired outcomes. The SL3 has an additional “Scene” mode to better optimize settings for scene of choice, e.g., portrait, landscape, handheld night scene, close-up, sports/action, and others. (These selections can be made on the touchscreen w/o opening the menus.)
• Sharing and Downloading: The SL3 is equipped w/built-in W-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI and USB ports. You can also transfer files using a memory card reader.
• LCD Touchscreen: A large 3" LCD touchscreen provides menu navigation and the option of shooting in Live View vs. viewfinder, and snapping photos by touching the screen vs. shutter button. The screen displays focus point(s), which can be moved by touch to adjust composition, and displays shooting mode, settings and other info (e.g., battery life, remaining shots), and allows quick adjustments to key settings w/o opening menus. The screen is fully-articulating to enable selfies, vlogging, and taking difficult shots. Turning the screen up or down allows me to compose tough shots w/o kneeling, laying down, or standing on something. Images can be reviewed by swiping across the screen. You can adjust the screen’s brightness and touch sensitivity.
• Convenience and Practicality: Those new to DSLR/Mirrorless cameras will find a fairly steep learning curve that can be intimidating, w/manuals that can resemble a textbook and assumptions that you know more than you probably do. The SL3 helps bridge this gap with simplified menus, fewer seldom-used settings, pop-up descriptive/tutorial info (that can be modified/turned off), scene-specific automated settings, and other helpful features.
• Battery Life: The battery can support up to 1630 shots using the pentamirror viewfinder w/screen off, or 350 shots in Live View. I could not find related specs for video, but some reviewers indicate battery life is very good shooting video.
Capability: The SL3 is still a capable, versatile DSLR, and a great camera for mastering DSLR/Mirrorless basics if you later desire to move on to a more advanced (and more expensive) camera system. However, many will likely be content with the SL3 for years to come in providing sufficient artistic control and quality photos/video.
Bang-for-the-Buck: The SL3 w/kit lens costs more than typical P&S cameras, but less than the large majority of DSLR and Mirrorless cameras (w/kit lens or equivalent). At this time, the SL3 body can cost from $550 to $650, or $750 for the kit (w/EFS 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens). Most intermediate-level DSLR/Mirrorless kits or bodies w/kit-equivalent lens will set you back double or more. For the cost savings, you can buy 2 more EFS lenses for the SL3 along w/capable photo editing software and money left over for lens filters, hoods, strap, case, and more. And if you lose or damage the SL3 and/or lens, it will cost much less to replace them.
Additional Considerations: The SL3 and EFS lenses are built to withstand more physical abuse than most P&S cameras, and are generally as rugged as the more expensive DSLR/Mirrorless systems.
TRADE-OFFS
To reduce size and weight while providing a feature-packed DSLR system at an entry-level price point, Canon had to make a few trade-offs, but made sensible ones:
1. Fewer Setting Options and Features: The SL3 is not loaded down with seemingly endless setting options and nice but largely unnecessary bells and whistles found on more expensive DSLR and Mirrorless cameras that photo nerds and pros may desire, but the average person not so much.
2. Smaller Sensor: Cameras w/smaller sensors can be made smaller, lighter, and at less cost, and in turn, so can their native lenses. Most full-sized DSLR/Mirrorless cameras use a “full frame” sensor equivalent to yesteryears’ 35mm negative frame size and “field of view” (FOV). The SL3, along w/most entry level and some intermediate DSLRs use the ASP-C “crop” sensor. This sensor is still much bigger than those in most P&S cameras, but FF sensors are tops in capturing detail, especially in low-light, along w/expanded FOV. APS-C sensors offer an advantage over FF in Macro Photography, e.g., landscapes and other distant subjects, as they provide greater depth of field, i.e., sharper foregrounds and backgrounds relative to your subject.
3. Structural Composition: Smaller camera systems use less material, and less-costly ones use less expensive materials, though the predominant composition of most all DSLR/Mirrorless cameras and lens is polycarbonate (PC). PC is lightweight and less costly to make, yet very durable and resistant to abrasion, scratches, dents, and shock. You can often find more metal on costlier models, and even exclusive materials like magnesium alloy and/or carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (Sereebo). But their application may have as much or more to do with brand/model distinction than anything else. Metal is still used on all DSLR/Mirrorless cameras and lenses where essential, e.g., lens/camera interface.
4. Lens: Compared to the SL3’s native EFS lenses, Canon’s EF series are designed to take full advantage of FF sensors on all Canon DSLRs (including the most expensive pro cameras). EF lenses utilize better optics w/higher grade glass that enable lower F-stops w/wider apertures to improve light gathering, and an ultrasonic motor (USM) for focusing, which is a bit faster than the SL3’s stepped motor (STM)—although STM is preferred for video due to smoother AF. These attributes also make EF lenses bulkier, heavier, and more expensive (some lens cost more than the camera itself). EF lenses will fit and work on the SL3 (no adapter necessary), but FOV will not expand due to the smaller sensor. It should be noted most EFS lenses are highly rated by the majority of AMZ reviewers (I own four EFS lenses and concur), and like the SL3 camera are very good quality and a great value.
5. Weather Sealing: The SL3 is not fully weather sealed, so avoid using in rain.
THE GREAT EQUALIZERS
Despite some trade-offs, you will likely be surprised at the quality of images the SL3 and EFS lenses produce (along w/easier portability and handling, and lower cost). A few photos taken w/my SL3 system are attached. (FYI, photos of the fox and squirrels were taken through a double-pane window.)
1. The SL1 served my needs well for 6 years, but the SL3’s imaging and other features have markedly improved w/tech upgrades typically found in more expensive DSLR/Mirrorless cameras: 1) A DIGIC 8 Image Processor improves imaging speed and detail (esp. in low light), 2) the Dual Pixel CMOS AF improves focusing speed and accuracy, 3) improved ergonomics, 4) a new vari-angle screen, 5) improved resolution from 18MP to 24MP and from HD to 4K video, 6) longer battery life, 7) other improvements. Remarkably, the SL3 sells for only $50 more than the SL1 (still sold). The pricing and the fact the SL2 was sold for only 2 years before debut of the SL3 may indicate Canon felt its dominance in this market niche slipping due to new offerings by competitors. This may have precipitated loading up the SL3 with advanced features it may not have had otherwise, and/or bringing it to market faster than originally planned, and w/o significant mark-up. Ultimately, SL3 buyers greatly benefit.
2. Regardless of camera and lenses, advancements in Photo Editing Software can significantly improve image quality by compensating for underexposure, less-than-sharp imaging, noise, low contrast, inaccurate color rendering, etc., while also providing tools to simply enhance photos. For more information on Photo Editing Software, see “TIPS” below.
SUMMARY
Full-frame intermediate or pro DSLRs best meet the needs of photo pros, nerds, and anyone who wants the latest/greatest features and better/best artistic control and imaging. Of course, these systems are larger, heavier, costlier, and more complex.
Mirrorless cameras offer a smaller footprint and will eventually outsell DSLRs, but for now are still going through growing pains, and present models do not offer the native lens choices or simplified operation and features the SL3 does. Mirrorless cameras are priced similar to FF DSLRs.
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 camera system may be your cup of tea if you’re mostly interested in:
• Sharing high quality photos on social media or similar applications
• A camera less complicated than typical DSLR/Mirrorless
• A compact/lighter camera system designed for portability
• Convenient features found on SP and P&S cameras
• A quality DSLR system at a fraction of the price
• Producing common-sized, quality prints
TIPS
1. Lenses: Instead of purchasing the Canon SL3 kit w/EFS 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, consider buying camera body separately and put the savings toward the highly-rated and more versatile EFS 18-135mm telephoto STM AF lens.
2. Lens Hoods and Filters: Being relatively cheap, hoods not only reduce flaring and other undesirable light effects, perhaps even more important they protect the lens from drops and scrapes that are inevitable. A hood has saved my lens on more than one occasion. Also invest in a quality UV lens filter, which also provides physical protection for your lens. Make sure the diameter (mm) matches your lens.
3. Save Images in Max Resolution: You’ll be surprised at how many Hi-Res photos you can save on a moderately-sized card. You can always reduce file size later, if desired. Image cropping itself reduces file size. Hi-Res provides maximum detail to take full advantage of editing software, and less likely that cropping or other editing will result in graininess, pixelation, or loss of detail. Hi-Res is also best if you want (or may later want) to print photos.
4. Photo Editing Software: Invest in quality software to clean up photos and even remove unwanted objects (e.g., people, utility poles/lines, vehicles, etc.). You can also enhance images to make them “pop.” I chose PhotoWorks (not FotoWorks) after much research. It’s powerful yet easier to use and cheaper than more well-known, but typically bloated and less user-friendly offerings, many that require recurring subscription fees. It’s much better than anything you can get for free, and far more than any editing or enhancement features found on cameras. You can edit both JPEG and RAW files, and convert RAW to JPEG format after editing. Dual mode allows you to see changes alongside the original, and when you decide to save your edited photo, it automatically saves the original along with it. I was skeptical at claims it can effectively remove utility lines from a photo, but it does, and well. I have a lifetime license for PhotoWorks Ultimate w/pro-level tools and ability to transfer the license to another device. This version costs $80 at this time. You can also download a free version to try out, or purchase a subscription for less, although these versions are missing some features.
5. Used Cameras/Lenses: Sellers typically rate condition by “physical appearance.” I purchased a “used, like new” lens only to discover there was no electrical communication between camera and lens, w/error code indicating it needs “servicing” by Canon. These items are generally no longer under Canon warranty. Sellers often stipulate you can return it within 30 days, but you may have to pay for shipping. At the very least, you may be largely inconvenienced and back to square one.
6. Pricing and Sellers: Canon (and other camera manufacturers) tightly control pricing so they can’t be sold for less than what Canon directly sells them for (if Canon is still selling the item). To get around this, many sellers include “free” add-ons, e.g., lens filters, strap, case, cleaning materials, lens hood, etc. Know these items generally come from the bottom of the barrel as far as quality and value. What’s more important is who the seller is and what their (not the product’s) ratings are. Click on the seller’s name where it is highlighted in blue to find out (if the rating is not posted on the product’s page). If their overall rating is not in the high 80s or above, it’s best to look for another seller. Also, avoid sellers that are new or w/only a handful of viewer ratings. While many are legit, others have re-entered the arena under a new profile/name after terrible reviews caught up to them and cut into sales. Also avoid foreign sellers and foreign versions of the item. Often these items are not under warranty, even if new.
