The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (also known as the EOS 200D in markets outside the US) is one of the most compact DSLRs produced by Canon. It is intended to appeal to consumers looking for a camera that is easy to use, does not appear intimidating, and desires image quality superior to that of a compact model.
The first EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D was released four years ago and was supposed to attract people away from the assault of mirrorless cameras. However, since then, Canon’s mirrorless range of cameras has increased, so where does the EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D currently come in?
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Features
It should come as no surprise that the resolution of the EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D has been increased to 24.2 megapixels, as the 18-megapixel sensor found in the EOS Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D, which is being discontinued, is starting to look very dated in comparison to competition that is much more recent. It is the same sensor seen in modern Canon cameras, such as the EOS Rebel T7i, EOS 800D, and EOS 77D.
In addition, the camera is equipped with Canon’s most recent picture processor, the DIGIC 7. It is believed that the DIGIC 7 can handle 14 times more information than the DIGIC 6. Thus it should be an even more significant step up from the DIGIC 5 chip found in the Rebel SL1 and the 100D.
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Build Quality
Although it is the smallest DSLR with a vari-angle screen, the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (also known as the EOS 200D) is unable to unseat the Canon Rebel SL1 (also known as the 100D) as the world’s most miniature single-lens reflex camera (DSLR). This is because the vari-angle display is included in both cameras. With a battery and memory card loaded, it weighs just 450 grams and has dimensions of 122.4 millimeters wide by 92.6 millimeters high by 69.8 millimeters deep, making it remarkably portable for a DSLR.
There are three different finishes to choose from when purchasing a Rebel SL2 or 200D. There is a white version and a silver/tan alternative. Still, most customers will probably decide on the more subdued black version since the matte surface contrasts incredibly well with the silver-toned controls on the top plate.
However, most of the camera’s surface finish suffers from the same plasticky feel that we disliked on the Rebel T7i / 800D and the EOS 77D; it just doesn’t feel that nice to the touch. This is due to the combination of polycarbonate resin and carbon-and-glass fiber, which causes most of the surface finish.
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Autofocus
Despite the many advancements that have been made in other areas, the 9-point AF system that was introduced in the EOS Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D has been carried over into the EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D. This exclusion is a bit of a letdown, mainly because the Rebel T7i/800D and the 77D both employ a new 45-point AF system. This is true even though this camera is designed for those with less experience.
The points are laid out in a simple diamond pattern, and while they are relatively evenly distributed over the frame, there is only one cross-type AF point. The points are placed in this fashion.
In contrast, none of the 45 autofocus points on the Rebel T7i or 800D are of the cross-type. What exactly is the problem with that? Cross-type sensors are sensitive in both the horizontal and vertical planes, which means that when the camera is focusing, it is more likely to lock onto its target than a sensitive sensor in just one plane, which can mean that you have to rotate the camera to achieve focus. Since cross-type sensors are exposed in both the horizontal and vertical planes, it is more likely to lock onto their target when the camera is focusing.
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Performance
Canon has increased the burst shooting speed of the EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D to 5 frames per second with the introduction of the DIGIC 7 engine, increasing it from 4 frames per second on the Rebel SL1 / 100D. This burst rate is what we would anticipate from an entry-level DSLR at this price range; however, people who wish to take a quick sequence of photos consistently and who are on a budget might want to look at other mirrorless competitors instead.
A few features available on EOS models that cost far more money have also been incorporated into this model. Some examples of these features are the numerous lens aberration corrections and the time-lapse movie mode.
You also get raw processing in-camera, an imposing feature that is perfect for people who want to share their photographs immediately without sacrificing their quality.
Do not let the fact that all of this sounds very complicated deter you from purchasing the EOS Rebel SL2 or the EOS 200D because the straightforward graphical user interface makes both cameras ideal for first-time consumers. It is encouraging that Canon has followed Nikon’s lead by incorporating a feature similar to Nikon’s popular Guide Mode, which can be found on models like the D3300.
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Image Quality
The 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor included in the EOS Rebel SL2 and the EOS 200D performs admirably, delivering extremely high levels of information at sensitivities as high as ISO 1600. You should have no trouble producing detailed prints at A3 size with a resolution of 300 dpi, and the files themselves should be able to be increased even further if necessary.
At low sensitivities, the Rebel SL2 / 200D does an excellent job of controlling picture noise. The images appear to have minimal noise even when shot at an ISO of 3200, and the colors are wonderfully saturated. Even at an ISO of 6400, the noise is noticeable; however, it is well controlled, and almost no chroma noise is visible in any of the photographs we took.
Even though luminance noise (which appears grainy) and chroma noise are significantly more evident at ISO 12,800, the setting is still somewhat usable, provided you are willing to lose some of the image’s quality. Even with a decrease in color saturation, the image quality is still extremely high, considering the sensitivity level. We wouldn’t use any settings beyond that unless it were essential.
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Specs
| Body type | Compact SLR |
|---|---|
| Body material | Composite |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 26 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 7 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 51200 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (Canon 14-bit CR2) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 9 |
| Lens mount | Canon EF/EF-S |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.6× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 95% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.87× (0.54× 35mm equiv.) |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual |
| Scene modes | PortraitGroup photoLandscapeSportsKidsClose-upFoodCandlelightNight portraitHandheld night sceneHDR backlight control |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 9.80 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleHigh-speed continuousSilent singleSilent continuousSelf-timerContinuous shooting after self-timer |
| Continuous drive | 5.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpotPartial |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 12 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1280 x 720 @ 60p / 26 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1280 x 720 @ 30p / 4 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (Mini-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (via wireless remote or smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | LP-E17 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 650 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 453 g (1.00 lb / 15.98 oz) |
| Dimensions | 122 x 93 x 70 mm (4.8 x 3.66 x 2.76″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes (videos only) |
| GPS | None |
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Verdict
It was genuinely novel amongst its contemporaries because the original Rebel SL1 / 100D had compact proportions; however, the slightly bulkier proportions of the EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D make it feel more like a somewhat scaled-down version of the Rebel T7i / 800D rather than anything truly original. It’s not a terrible choice for first-time users, but there are other options out there that provide a better value.
