Canon launches budget HDSLRs: EOS 700D, and EOS 100D

By features editor Mat Gallagher:

Canon has updated its budget DSLR range with two new models, the EOS 700D (aka Rebel T5i) and EOS 100D (aka Rebel SL1), along with a new STM version of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens. The EOS 100D is a new addition to the range and takes the claim of the ‘smallest and lightest APS-C DSLR ever made’ at 116.8×90.7×69.4mm and 407g. Despite this, it remains mid-range, with the EOS 1100D and EOS M below it, either by price or feature set.

Both new cameras feature 3in touchscreen monitors and 18-million-pixel APS-C sensors with hybrid AF systems; sensors that include dedicated pixels for focusing in live view or video. However, the EOS 100D features an updated version (Hybrid AFII), which claims to offer better performance and a great image coverage (80%) than the original system featured on the EOS 650, EOS M and the EOS 700D. The Movie Servo AF, which features on both models, provides continuous AF also ensures smoother focusing while filming. Both the hybrid AF and the Movie Servo rely on using the new STM lenses for their best performance and they are still unlikely to tempt many professional users away from shooting manual focus. Another new feature on these cameras is a video snapshot mode, which allows short clips of either 2, 4, or 8secs to be edited together in camera to create a single film. The clips can be reordered in-camera but not edited and must all be of identical length.

The standard video features are similar to those found in previous entry-level models. Both offer MOV H.264 output in 1080p at 30fps, 25fps or 24fps or 720 at 60fps or 50fps. PCM sound comes from either an internal mic (mono for the 100D and stereo for the 700D) or the stereo 3.5mm mic jack and the sound level can be manually controlled in camera. There is however, no headphone out socket on either model, and as far as we can tell from the specs, no clean HDMI out. The movie mode selection is one again placed on the power switch rather than the mode dial in both cameras and the specifications suggest that both the scene intelligent auto and manual modes work with video shooting.

Neither of these cameras are a revolution for video, and they will be competing directly against the Nikon D5200, which has a nice image with little moire, a clean HDMI (though only 1080/60i), which also carries audio, allowing it to be monitored via a monitor or EVF with headphone jack. The smaller body of the 100D might make it more competitive with the likes of the Sony NEX cameras and more suited for those shooters looking to put a camera into a tight spot but the improvements in the AF seem unconvincing for video use. Both cameras will be available in April. The Canon EOS 100D priced £699 (with lens) and the EOS 700D £619 (body only) or £749 (with lens).

Specs from the manufacturer: