Canon Unveils Two New DSLRs

Canon’s new EOS 100D (left) and EOS 700D (right) cameras, shown to scale. (Source: Canon.)

The EOS 100D has been expected, as rumours of a ‘super small DSLR’ have been around for a few weeks. You can read a detailed ‘First Look’ of the  EOS 100D here  – it’s based on our hands-on briefing with the new cameras, here. The EOS 700D was not anticipated until leaks began to appear a few days ago. Both models are due to go on sale next month, with the EOS 100D appearing mid-month and the 700D following towards the end of the month.

 

Front, back and top views of the EOS 100D. (Source: Canon.)

The EOS 100D is currently the smallest and lightest DSLR in Canon’s range and arguably the smallest and lightest on the current market. Measuring 116.8 x 90.7 x 69.4 mm and with a body weight (excluding battery) of just 370 grams, it has the same 18-megapixel sensor as the EOS 650D and EOS M cameras. According to Canon Australia, the 100D will be positioned near the top of Canon’s entry-level DSLR range between the EOS 600D (which currently sells for around AU$455 for body only) and the new EOS 700D, which replaces the 650D (currently on sale at around AU$760).

The EOS 700D is positioned as an entry-level DSLR that novice users can ‘grow into’. Accordingly, it offers the manual shooting modes serious enthusiasts require, augmented with creative functions to help beginning photographers.   The camera body looks similar to the EOS 650D but has a new textured coating that makes it feel more comfortable to hold and operate.

The mode dial on the top panel has been re-designed to make it more comfortable to use but, as usual, it is split between the Basic and Creative zones. The mode dial rotates through 360 degrees in click-stops to make it easier to move between settings.

In the Basic zone are the Full Auto, Creative Auto and scene preset settings, which have been refined in the latest camera. The Creative Zone contains the P, Tv, Av and M settings required by photo enthusiasts.

Front, back and top views of the EOS 700D. (Source: Canon.)

Like its predecessor, the EOS 650D, the 700D has a vari-angle monitor with a touch-screen interface. Like its predecessor, the EOS 700D supports sensitivity settings up to ISO 25600 and continuous shooting at up to five frames/second (fps).

The AF system is the most advanced in Canon’s entry-level DSLRs with cross-type sensors used for all nine AF points. Hybrid CMOS AF carries over from the 650D for smooth live view shooting. A new Movie Servo AF function locks onto and smoothly tracks a subject to keep it focused.

The 700D also includes seven Creative Filters (Art Bold, Toy Camera, Water Painting, Miniature, Grainy BW, Fish-eye and Soft Focus), which can be pre-viewed before shooting, enabling users to decide which adjustments to apply. Wireless flash support allows the built-in flash to control external flash guns for complex lighting set-ups.

The new DSLRs have many features in common with each other and existing camera, including their effective resolution. The table below shows key features of the new cameras, compared with the EOS 600D   and EOS 650D models.

	EOS 600D	EOS 100D	EOS 650D	EOS 700D
Body dimensions	133.1 x 99.5 x 79.7 mm	116.8 x 90.7 x 69.4 mm	133.1 x 99.8 x 78.8 mm	133.1 x 99.8 x 78.8 mm
Body weight	520 grams	370 grams	520 grams	525 grams
Effective resolution	18 megapixels
Image processor	DIGIC 4	DIGIC 5
AF system	Nine AF points; centre point cross-type		Nine cross-type AF points (centre point sensitive to f/2.8)
Hybrid CMOS AF	No	Yes (Hybrid CMOS AF II)	No	Yes (Hybrid CMOS AF)
Max sensitivity	ISO 12800	ISO 25600
Max. burst speed	3.7 fps	4.3 fps	5 fps
Buffer capacity	34 JPEG, 6 RAW	28 JPEG, 7 RAW	22 JPEG, 6 RAW
Viewfinder	Pentamirror with 95% FOV   coverage, 0.85x magnification	Pentamirror with 95% FOV   coverage, 0.87x magnification	Pentamirror with 95% FOV   coverage, 0.85x magnification
LCD Monitor	Vari-angle 3-inch with 1.04 million dots	Fixed 3-inch with 1.04 million dots	Vari-angle 3-inch LCD with 1.04 million dots
Touch screen	No	Yes
Flash	GN 13	GN 9.4	GN 13
Internal microphone	monaural		Stereo
Microphone jack	Yes

Released concurrently with the EOS 100D and EOS 700D is a new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM lens, which features a lead screw type drive for silent and smooth AF. Built-in image stabilisation can reduce blur caused by camera shake by the equivalent of up to four f-stops for handheld photography.

The new lens features an inner focusing mechanism, fast CPU and optimised AF algorithm, along with a non-rotating front element for convenient use of angle-critical filters. Optimal positioning of lens elements and a coating on the lens barrel combine to minimise ghosting and flare. Focus can be adjusted manually while in AF mode when One Shot AF is enabled.
 

Angled front view of the EOS 700D with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM lens. (Source: Canon.)

Also announced with the new DSLRs is the PowerShot SX280, which replaces the SX260   model in Canon’s travel-zoom digicam line-up.  Featuring a new DIGIC 6 image processor and 12.1-megapixel, high-sensitivity CMOS sensor, the SX280 o0ffers sensitivity settings up to ISO 6400 and boasts a 20x optical zoom lens. The new camera also supports Full HD video recording at up to 60 frames per second (fps) using the popular MP4 recording format.

The PowerShot SX280 will be offered in black and red. (Source: Canon.)

The 25mm wide-angle 20x optical zoom lens is supported by a 4-stop optical Image Stabiliser (IS) and Canon’s ZoomPlus technology, which digitally extends the reach of the zoom to 40x. The optical zoom can be used while zooming when recording movie clips and Fine Detail Movie Processing technology (30 fps) improves the recording of detail in movie files, aided by DIGIC 6   processing. An enhanced Dynamic IS mode employs a five-axis Image Stabiliser to correct common types camera shake , including rotational and parallel shake.

Shooting options include, TV and  AV modes  as well as Canon’s Smart Auto mode which detects up to 58 different scenes and sets exposure accordingly and a new Hybrid Auto mode, which records for four seconds in 720p resolution prior to every shot and then uses Smart Auto to determine the best settings to capture correctly-exposed still shots. At the end of each day, the four-second clips are merged into one to tell the story of the day’s shooting. Seven Creative Filters are provided, including Fish-eye Effect and Miniature Effect.
 

Rear view of thePowerShot SX280in red. (Source: Canon.)

The 3-inch PureColor II G LCD screen has a resolution of approximately 461,000 dots. A tempered glass layer provides additional strength and protection. The screen features high contrast and Quick Bright technology for improved viewing in bright sunlight.

The SX280 also comes with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities. Assisted-GPS functionality (A-GPS) uses Wi-Fi to quickly download additional GPS data, decreasing the time to acquire a satellite signal and extending battery life for the user. This camera is due to ship in late April. Details of the new products will be posted on Canon’s website: www.canon.com.au.