Everyday camera - what to choose?

[AcutancePhotography]

I know that the OP wants to stay Canon, but I just want to put out a good shout out for the Fujifilm X100T. That is my new carry camera and for my type of photography, it works well. It is small enough and big enough. ;D

 

[Snzkgb]

I've tried both the S100 and the G16 for small grab-shot cameras, but shutter delay and controls always throw me. Don't get me wrong, these are great little cameras, but I much prefer a DSLR with an optical viewfinder and controls that are more familiar to me (as in, more like the 5D3 and 1Dx). So I keep a 5D3 with a 24-105 f4 IS always at the ready for grab shots. I also keep the 70-200 f2.8 II on the 1Dx for the same reason. If I need to get the shot, I know how to do so quickly with either body. I simply don't use the PowerShots enough to get a shot quickly.

I recently purchased a Canon refurbished SL1 to be my compact grab-shot camera and so far am having a lot of fun with it. I purchased it with the kit lens because it was cheaper than the body-only, but I don't anticipate using it. I have the original 18-135 if I need a general purpose lens. One objective is to use this combo when fishing and when I didn't want to risk expensive gear in a small boat.

But, my main thought was to use the SL1 with the 24 and 40 pancakes. Knowing that this will limit range, it's okay for this type of shooting. I just wanted something small to have fun with.

To my surprise, I really like the 35 f2 IS on the SL1. I like this lens, but it just wasn't getting used enough since I tend to use the 24-70 2.8 more often on a 5D3. But, the SL1/35 f2 IS is a fun combo and fairly good in low light.

I got second hand SL1 today, and it is in like new condition.
So far I am really amazed about just how small this camera is. And how well are all controls placed. With my big hands, I found that I can comfortably hold it.
I bought both 24/2.8 stm and 40/2.8 stm pancakes, and I cannot believe how sharp these little lenses are and how small too.

But the new SL1 is not without a problem - it seems that sensor and prism are misaligned, so when AF blinks and tells me it is in focus, I see that it is not in focus in OVF. When I take a shot, it actually is in focus.
And when I switch to MF, and get the things in focus with MF and take a shot - it is completely missed and out of focus. Seems that tomorrow I will bring to Canon service not only my 7D and 5D2 to be tuned to my new 100-400L, but also I'll bring 100D to be aligned properly.

 

[Loswr]

But the new SL1 is not without a problem - it seems that sensor and prism are misaligned, so when AF blinks and tells me it is in focus, I see that it is not in focus in OVF. When I take a shot, it actually is in focus.
And when I switch to MF, and get the things in focus with MF and take a shot - it is completely missed and out of focus. Seems that tomorrow I will bring to Canon service not only my 7D and 5D2 to be tuned to my new 100-400L, but also I'll bring 100D to be aligned properly.

I presume you've tried adjusting the diopter?

 

[Snzkgb]

But the new SL1 is not without a problem - it seems that sensor and prism are misaligned, so when AF blinks and tells me it is in focus, I see that it is not in focus in OVF. When I take a shot, it actually is in focus.
And when I switch to MF, and get the things in focus with MF and take a shot - it is completely missed and out of focus. Seems that tomorrow I will bring to Canon service not only my 7D and 5D2 to be tuned to my new 100-400L, but also I'll bring 100D to be aligned properly.

I presume you've tried adjusting the diopter?

Yes, of course. This didn't help at all.

 

[slclick]

Good luck on the next one you get after you return this one. Chances are it will be fine. Oh and yeah, those two lenses are the perfect companions.

 

[Snzkgb]

Good luck on the next one you get after you return this one. Chances are it will be fine. Oh and yeah, those two lenses are the perfect companions.

I can't return this one, because I bought it from another man, not in the store. And it is actually working.
I was prepared that something could be wrong, and I'll spend some money on repairs.

 

[Random Orbits]

I got second hand SL1 today, and it is in like new condition.
So far I am really amazed about just how small this camera is. And how well are all controls placed. With my big hands, I found that I can comfortably hold it.
I bought both 24/2.8 stm and 40/2.8 stm pancakes, and I cannot believe how sharp these little lenses are and how small too.

But the new SL1 is not without a problem - it seems that sensor and prism are misaligned, so when AF blinks and tells me it is in focus, I see that it is not in focus in OVF. When I take a shot, it actually is in focus.
And when I switch to MF, and get the things in focus with MF and take a shot - it is completely missed and out of focus. Seems that tomorrow I will bring to Canon service not only my 7D and 5D2 to be tuned to my new 100-400L, but also I'll bring 100D to be aligned properly.

Have it checked out - it might not be a big deal. I noticed that I had dust trapped between the focusing screen an the prism and it was driving me nuts. I see the dust spots migrating over time across the viewfinder but they didn't show in the pictures. I decided to take it apart but just made it worse. More fiddling and the dust issue was worse. Fiddled with it once more and then I must have gotten the shims out of alignment so when I had put everything back in, it was OOF in the viewfinder but hit dead on in AF. Canon replaced the focusing screen and it was back to normal.

 

[Snzkgb]

I got second hand SL1 today, and it is in like new condition.
So far I am really amazed about just how small this camera is. And how well are all controls placed. With my big hands, I found that I can comfortably hold it.
I bought both 24/2.8 stm and 40/2.8 stm pancakes, and I cannot believe how sharp these little lenses are and how small too.

But the new SL1 is not without a problem - it seems that sensor and prism are misaligned, so when AF blinks and tells me it is in focus, I see that it is not in focus in OVF. When I take a shot, it actually is in focus.
And when I switch to MF, and get the things in focus with MF and take a shot - it is completely missed and out of focus. Seems that tomorrow I will bring to Canon service not only my 7D and 5D2 to be tuned to my new 100-400L, but also I'll bring 100D to be aligned properly.

Have it checked out - it might not be a big deal. I noticed that I had dust trapped between the focusing screen an the prism and it was driving me nuts. I see the dust spots migrating over time across the viewfinder but they didn't show in the pictures. I decided to take it apart but just made it worse. More fiddling and the dust issue was worse. Fiddled with it once more and then I must have gotten the shims out of alignment so when I had put everything back in, it was OOF in the viewfinder but hit dead on in AF. Canon replaced the focusing screen and it was back to normal.

I've checked it - seems like someone with destructive hands tried to remove or replace the focusing screen, and little metal part, which holds the focusing screen itself is damaged and scratched. It is in the whole, though, so maybe people in service would be able to fix it and to install the focusing screen correctly. Or they'll just replace two metal parts that hold the screen, I doubt it would cost me much...except my nerves. Anyway, I knew what I was doing buying gear from hands.

 

[Maximilian]

I've checked it - seems like someone with destructive hands tried to remove or replace the focusing screen, and little metal part, which holds the focusing screen itself is damaged and scratched. It is in the whole, though, so maybe people in service would be able to fix it and to install the focusing screen correctly. Or they'll just replace two metal parts that hold the screen, I doubt it would cost me much...except my nerves. Anyway, I knew what I was doing buying gear from hands.

Hi Snzkgb!

I' glad to read that the SL1 with the pancakes fits your needs. And of course I feel with you that the cam seems to be damaged.
If it is as you described - misaligned focusing screen due to wrong treatment - I guess the screen will have some scratches and the service would like to replace it.
Something similar with my 5D3 - I scratched the screen during cleaning - did cost me some 50 - 60 € (in Germany).
If nothing else it wrong, then you should be in the same range. Still annoying to spend extra money.
Hopefully everything else will be alright.

 

[Snzkgb]

I've checked it - seems like someone with destructive hands tried to remove or replace the focusing screen, and little metal part, which holds the focusing screen itself is damaged and scratched. It is in the whole, though, so maybe people in service would be able to fix it and to install the focusing screen correctly. Or they'll just replace two metal parts that hold the screen, I doubt it would cost me much...except my nerves. Anyway, I knew what I was doing buying gear from hands.

Hi Snzkgb!

I' glad to read that the SL1 with the pancakes fits your needs. And of course I feel with you that the cam seems to be damaged.
If it is as you described - misaligned focusing screen due to wrong treatment - I guess the screen will have some scratches and the service would like to replace it.
Something similar with my 5D3 - I scratched the screen during cleaning - did cost me some 50 - 60 € (in Germany).
If nothing else it wrong, then you should be in the same range. Still annoying to spend extra money.
Hopefully everything else will be alright.

Hi. I've get my gear to canon service centre. People there told me that SL1 needs to have focusing screen replaced and something else must be done, all work will cost me 90$. I've agreed, of course.
This little camera is very good to use, and fits it my everyday working bag like nothing in terms of size and weight.
But today I'm with all my gear in one backpack, and it is very heavy. Anyway that was the reason to buy SL1 - not to take my backpack with photo gear every day.

 

[Luds34]

I've checked it - seems like someone with destructive hands tried to remove or replace the focusing screen, and little metal part, which holds the focusing screen itself is damaged and scratched. It is in the whole, though, so maybe people in service would be able to fix it and to install the focusing screen correctly. Or they'll just replace two metal parts that hold the screen, I doubt it would cost me much...except my nerves. Anyway, I knew what I was doing buying gear from hands.

Hi Snzkgb!

I' glad to read that the SL1 with the pancakes fits your needs. And of course I feel with you that the cam seems to be damaged.
If it is as you described - misaligned focusing screen due to wrong treatment - I guess the screen will have some scratches and the service would like to replace it.
Something similar with my 5D3 - I scratched the screen during cleaning - did cost me some 50 - 60 € (in Germany).
If nothing else it wrong, then you should be in the same range. Still annoying to spend extra money.
Hopefully everything else will be alright.

Hi. I've get my gear to canon service centre. People there told me that SL1 needs to have focusing screen replaced and something else must be done, all work will cost me 90$. I've agreed, of course.
This little camera is very good to use, and fits it my everyday working bag like nothing in terms of size and weight.
But today I'm with all my gear in one backpack, and it is very heavy. Anyway that was the reason to buy SL1 - not to take my backpack with photo gear every day.

Glad to hear the repair is very reasonable. Also glad to hear you are happy with the route you went. While not as small as an SL1, I used an old Rebel with the 24/40 pancake combo for a while as a "take anywhere camera" and was very satisfied with the experience. It slid in and out nicely in a little Think Tank Mirrorless Mover bag (Model 10 I believe). Ironically I've move to using a Fuji X system more for my day-to-day camera, but I do miss that Rebel + pancake combo at times. Must be the OVF.

Congrats again on the purchase and reasonable repair! Good luck!

 

[Snzkgb]

I've checked it - seems like someone with destructive hands tried to remove or replace the focusing screen, and little metal part, which holds the focusing screen itself is damaged and scratched. It is in the whole, though, so maybe people in service would be able to fix it and to install the focusing screen correctly. Or they'll just replace two metal parts that hold the screen, I doubt it would cost me much...except my nerves. Anyway, I knew what I was doing buying gear from hands.

Hi Snzkgb!

I' glad to read that the SL1 with the pancakes fits your needs. And of course I feel with you that the cam seems to be damaged.
If it is as you described - misaligned focusing screen due to wrong treatment - I guess the screen will have some scratches and the service would like to replace it.
Something similar with my 5D3 - I scratched the screen during cleaning - did cost me some 50 - 60 € (in Germany).
If nothing else it wrong, then you should be in the same range. Still annoying to spend extra money.
Hopefully everything else will be alright.

Hi. I've get my gear to canon service centre. People there told me that SL1 needs to have focusing screen replaced and something else must be done, all work will cost me 90$. I've agreed, of course.
This little camera is very good to use, and fits it my everyday working bag like nothing in terms of size and weight.
But today I'm with all my gear in one backpack, and it is very heavy. Anyway that was the reason to buy SL1 - not to take my backpack with photo gear every day.

Glad to hear the repair is very reasonable. Also glad to hear you are happy with the route you went. While not as small as an SL1, I used an old Rebel with the 24/40 pancake combo for a while as a "take anywhere camera" and was very satisfied with the experience. It slid in and out nicely in a little Think Tank Mirrorless Mover bag (Model 10 I believe). Ironically I've move to using a Fuji X system more for my day-to-day camera, but I do miss that Rebel + pancake combo at times. Must be the OVF.

Congrats again on the purchase and reasonable repair! Good luck!

Oh yes, I know that Fuji X can deliver great results, glad that you made it that way. I personally swapped Fujis back to Canon. Though I miss Fuji colors sometimes, but again I couldn't live without FF, that is why I sold Fuji.
SL1 is extremely good though, and after repairs it works perfectly. Can't wait till Spring to get some shots of nature with that little camera while walking after work.

 

[slclick]

I've checked it - seems like someone with destructive hands tried to remove or replace the focusing screen, and little metal part, which holds the focusing screen itself is damaged and scratched. It is in the whole, though, so maybe people in service would be able to fix it and to install the focusing screen correctly. Or they'll just replace two metal parts that hold the screen, I doubt it would cost me much...except my nerves. Anyway, I knew what I was doing buying gear from hands.

Hi Snzkgb!

I' glad to read that the SL1 with the pancakes fits your needs. And of course I feel with you that the cam seems to be damaged.
If it is as you described - misaligned focusing screen due to wrong treatment - I guess the screen will have some scratches and the service would like to replace it.
Something similar with my 5D3 - I scratched the screen during cleaning - did cost me some 50 - 60 € (in Germany).
If nothing else it wrong, then you should be in the same range. Still annoying to spend extra money.
Hopefully everything else will be alright.

Hi. I've get my gear to canon service centre. People there told me that SL1 needs to have focusing screen replaced and something else must be done, all work will cost me 90$. I've agreed, of course.
This little camera is very good to use, and fits it my everyday working bag like nothing in terms of size and weight.
But today I'm with all my gear in one backpack, and it is very heavy. Anyway that was the reason to buy SL1 - not to take my backpack with photo gear every day.

Glad to hear the repair is very reasonable. Also glad to hear you are happy with the route you went. While not as small as an SL1, I used an old Rebel with the 24/40 pancake combo for a while as a "take anywhere camera" and was very satisfied with the experience. It slid in and out nicely in a little Think Tank Mirrorless Mover bag (Model 10 I believe). Ironically I've move to using a Fuji X system more for my day-to-day camera, but I do miss that Rebel + pancake combo at times. Must be the OVF.

Congrats again on the purchase and reasonable repair! Good luck!

Oh yes, I know that Fuji X can deliver great results, glad that you made it that way. I personally swapped Fujis back to Canon. Though I miss Fuji colors sometimes, but again I couldn't live without FF, that is why I sold Fuji.
SL1 is extremely good though, and after repairs it works perfectly. Can't wait till Spring to get some shots of nature with that little camera while walking after work.

Wow, the steps for buying, taking to service center, getting back repaired all happened at lightspeed! Good for you!

 

[Snzkgb]

Wow, the steps for buying, taking to service center, getting back repaired all happened at lightspeed! Good for you!

It's just money, that is why getting back repaired happened so fast. If I wouldn't pay for the "emergency repairs" 30% more, than I'd probably got my camera back only after a week or so.

 

[Luds34]

Oh yes, I know that Fuji X can deliver great results, glad that you made it that way. I personally swapped Fujis back to Canon. Though I miss Fuji colors sometimes, but again I couldn't live without FF, that is why I sold Fuji.
SL1 is extremely good though, and after repairs it works perfectly. Can't wait till Spring to get some shots of nature with that little camera while walking after work.

Don't get me wrong, I do like the Fuji but my money/heart is still in the Canon system. I just have a Fuji X-E2 (after fw 4.0 it's a very solid camera) and a few prime lenses from 12mm to 35mm. A nice little travel kit. However when I get serious/dedicated into my shooting I like to bust out the 6D. The camera has served me well other than the AF system being a bit lacking at times. So I'm really looking forward to the 6D2, a camera I think I can use for many years and be happy with.

Funny, I kind of prefer the Canon colors. With Fuji most the time I throw on classic chrome to just give it that look. But by no means are those natural colors.

Congrats on the purchase again. Makes me think I should have held on my to my EF-S 24mm just in case.

 

[Snzkgb]

Oh yes, I know that Fuji X can deliver great results, glad that you made it that way. I personally swapped Fujis back to Canon. Though I miss Fuji colors sometimes, but again I couldn't live without FF, that is why I sold Fuji.
SL1 is extremely good though, and after repairs it works perfectly. Can't wait till Spring to get some shots of nature with that little camera while walking after work.

Don't get me wrong, I do like the Fuji but my money/heart is still in the Canon system. I just have a Fuji X-E2 (after fw 4.0 it's a very solid camera) and a few prime lenses from 12mm to 35mm. A nice little travel kit. However when I get serious/dedicated into my shooting I like to bust out the 6D. The camera has served me well other than the AF system being a bit lacking at times. So I'm really looking forward to the 6D2, a camera I think I can use for many years and be happy with.

Funny, I kind of prefer the Canon colors. With Fuji most the time I throw on classic chrome to just give it that look. But by no means are those natural colors.

Congrats on the purchase again. Makes me think I should have held on my to my EF-S 24mm just in case.

Oh yes, EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is very, very sharp lens. As well as EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is.
But the focusing speed is not as good as I hoped it would be. Maybe I've just been spoiled by L lenses, of course...

 

[Amin007]

EOS M5 EF-M 18-150mm IS STM Kit

 

[Snzkgb]

EOS M5 EF-M 18-150mm IS STM Kit

Too expensive.

 

[Snzkgb]

As for conclusion - I love the SL1. Very small, very light, and image quality is good for me. Even if it would be the only one camera that I have, I would be OK with that.

This is the portrait of my cat with SL1 and 40mm STM

 

[Luds34]

Oh yes, EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is very, very sharp lens. As well as EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is.
But the focusing speed is not as good as I hoped it would be. Maybe I've just been spoiled by L lenses, of course...

Yes, both very sharp lenses. Yeah, the focus speed leaves a bit to be desired. As long as you don't need to rack from MFD to infinity (or vice versa) it's okay. I figured that was the small cost to pay for such a small, sharp, and affordable lens.