Contents
Best DSLR around $500 in 2021
Canon EOS Rebel SL3Â
 The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (EOS 250D in most regions) is an ultra-compact digital SLR that features a 24MP APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, DIGIC 8 processor, and Dual Pixel autofocus system. The main differences between the SL3 and SL2 are the addition of Eye AF during live view, an even smaller and lighter body, and 4K video. While its Dual Pixel AF system promises very good live view and video performance, the through-the-viewfinder AF system is aging. This camera has a fully articulating 3″ touchscreen display with an easy-to-use interface, 1080/60p video capture, and a burst rate of up to 5 fps. The SL3 can capture 4K video but with a substantial crop and no Dual Pixel AF. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi (with NFC) and Bluetooth.
Key specifications:
- 24MP APS-C sensor with Dual Pixel on-sensor Autofocus
- Optical viewfinder with the secondary 9-point autofocus system
- 4K video recording (with 1.7x crop)
- The fully articulating rear touchscreen
- Excellent ‘guide’ mode for beginners
- Wi-Fi with Bluetooth for image transfer and remote camera control
- Impressive 1,070 shot battery life (CIPA rating) using the optical viewfinder
- Passable 320-shot battery life (CIPA rating) in live view with Dual Pixel AF
Body type | |
---|---|
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 | 24Â megapixels |
Sensor photodetectors | 26Â megapixels |
Sensor size | APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) |
Sensor type | CMOS |
Processor | DIGIC 8 |
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 |
|
Optics & Focus | |
Autofocus |
|
Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
Manual focus | Yes |
Number of focus points | 3975 |
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 | 30Â sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000Â sec |
Exposure modes |
|
Scene modes |
|
Built-in flash | Yes |
External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
Flash X sync speed | 1/200Â sec |
Drive modes |
|
Continuous drive | 5.0Â fps |
Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) |
Metering modes |
|
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 |
|
Microphone | Stereo |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage | |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
Connectivity | |
USB | USB 2.0Â (480 Mbit/sec) |
HDMI | Yes (Mini-HDMI) |
Microphone port | Yes |
Headphone port | No |
Wireless | Built-In |
Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth |
Remote control | Yes (via wired or wireless remote or smartphone) |
Physical | |
Environmentally sealed | No |
Battery | Battery Pack |
Battery description | LP-E17 lithium-ion battery & charger |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1070 |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 449 g (0.99 lb / 15.84 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 |
Conclusion
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a great option for beginners that are looking to get serious about photography. It’s comfortable to hold, fun to use, and has a useful guide mode to help you learn photography’s basics in real-time. The optical viewfinder is small but adds flexibility and the image quality is solid. Video quality is sub-par and users may eventually grow out of the simplified controls, but for its intended market, the SL3 is good value for money and will reward you with great photographs.
Good for Casual family and social photographers, travel photographers, and those looking to start learning the basics of photography.
Not so good for More advanced users that will miss greater control and customization options, those looking for better video quality, and those wanting to shoot fast action.
Where to Buy
# | Preview | Product | Rating | Price |
1 |