Review: Canon EOS 100D specs

The 18-megapixel APS-C format Canon EOS 100D, also known as the Canon EOS Rebel SL1, was notable on its release in 2013 as a worthy attempt to fit the features of a much larger DSLR into a smaller camera body. The Canon EOS 100D achieved this shrinkage by deploying a smaller shutter mechanism, a thinner sensor module, a smaller circuit board footprint and removing a rear control dial, while still retaining an impressive array of specifications. 

The Canon EOS 100D’s 18-megapixel APS-C sensor works alongside a 14-bit DIGIC 5 processor to help ensure high-quality images that are quickly processed and packed with colour. Indeed, at launch, it offered the same image resolution as Canon’s then flagship DSLR, the Canon EOS 1DX, at 5,184x3,456 pixels.

The camera also saw the second-generation version of Canon’s Hybrid CMOS autofocus system. This phase-detection autofocus system delivers several benefits. First, it covers a large percentage of the image area in Live View. It also means the Canon EOS 100D should always know in which direction to begin to search for focus unless your intended subject is right at the edge of the frame. After phase-detection identifies the exact location of the subject, contrast detection then further fine-tunes the focusing. 

While this autofocus system will work with all EF-compatible lenses, it operates at its best when paired with Canon Stepping Motor (STM) lenses, which are known for their smooth and quiet focusing. This impressive autofocus system deploys all nine points and includes a high-precision dual-cross type centre point, which operates at a fast f/2.8 aperture.

The camera’s standard ISO range is 100-12,800, but an additional ’H’ expandable setting means photographers can shoot up to ISO 25,600. That superb top ISO value means the Canon EOS 100D operates at light levels for those shooting at dusk, night-time or in extreme low-light conditions. Noise levels in images remain comparatively low at the top ISO, keeping high quality in your images.

The 1.6x APS-C format crop sensor allows you to use an effective focal length of 320mm while using a 200mm lens, for example, as opposed to the standard 200mm offered by a full-frame camera. This effective focal length is especially useful for genres like wildlife or sport, where you might need extra reach from your lenses. Such action can also be captured at shutter speeds of up to 1/4000sec.

On the rear of the camera, the Canon EOS 100D includes a fixed three-inch, 1,040K-dot LCD touchscreen, which allows you to alter camera settings at the tap of a finger on the screen and gives you a Live View shooting option too. While the screen doesn’t offer any variable angles, it’s still an excellent size to allow you to review and edit your images. The Canon EOS 100D offers 1080p Full-HD shooting capabilities at up to 30 frames-per-second or 720p shooting at up to 60fps. 

All in all, the Canon EOS 100D is a pleasant surprise. When you consider it can deliver image quality to rival Canon pro DSLRs, while being contained in a body weighing just 407g [14.36oz] including batteries, it’s well worth a second look. Combined with its top-notch autofocus system for either stills or movies, the Canon EOS 100D is a small-sized superstar.