SL1 as a "travel" body

[Harry]

I do my serious shooting with a 5D III, but I had been looking for a while for a small, lightweight camera for family pics and travel. I had considered a high end compact but it somehow seemed too much of a compromise, particularly in operation (shutter lag, viewfinder, etc). When the SL1 came out it seemed an ideal solution, and after having spent some time with it I can say that for me this camera (with the 40mm pancake) is almost perfect as a lightweight complement to the 5D/III. The great thing, for me, is that both cameras share so many things - the optical view finder (obviously), the Canon layout of the buttons, and the general shooting method. The only real difference in operation is the lack of back button focus (and the lack of the second wheel).

I feel Canon produced a wonderful little camera in the SL1, and for me it is the perfect "informal" complement to the amazing 5D III. I figured others might be wondering about this so I thought I'd share my positive experience!

 

[Loswr]

I've been considering the EOS M (and EF adapter) for travel. Not really to use as a second body, rather as a backup in case my 1D X fails during the trip. I'd still bring the high-end compact for use when a pocketable camera is needed, and the M would take up almost no extra room, but enable me to use the full set of lenses.

 

[aznable]

yap the sl1/100D is really wonderful

 

[mwh1964]

I would suggest the 60D which get cheaper every day, is rather capable and got the functions you are asking for. That or the Fuji X100s. Good luck traveling.

 

[distant.star]

.
Thanks, Harry.

I'm glad to hear this. The tiny size of it is tantalizing me a bit. Maybe when it shows up in the Canon refurb shop I'll get one.

 

[Haydn1971]

EOS-M with a 22mm pancake - it slips in a pocket, it's hidable in less than safe places, it looks like a cheap compact at a quick glance. I carry mine all the time, swap to small jpg mode for work photos, back to raw when I need it, swap to manual focus when light is poor, it's a great little camera that is just with you all the time... Although not quite as handy as my iPhone for quick snaps

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I am somewhat interested in it, but I want AFMA capability, and am holding out.

I suppose I could start buying Sigma lenses with the adjustment dock, but I don't think that they can have different adjustments when mounted to different bodies. This means they become optimized for one body only, or that you have to somehow save the adjustments and redo them before using the lens on a different body. I'm not saying its useless, it merely works best for those with a single body, or that are willing to dedicate the lens to one body.

 

[pj1974]

I've used the SL1 - and found the body actually too small to be comfortable (my fingers didn't have a secure place to grip it well). I much preferred the 700D.

Plus even with the 18-55mm IS STM lens on it, I wouldn't call it 'pocketable' - only with the 40mm pancake might it be that 'pocketable'.

So, for my girlfriend I bought a Sony RX-100 instead - as that is truly 'pocketable / place in a small bag' size. Of course that's a totally different camera all together....

I agree that having an EOS-M is handy as a backup to use one's lens arsenal.

Paul

 

[RGF]

I've been considering the EOS M (and EF adapter) for travel. Not really to use as a second body, rather as a backup in case my 1D X fails during the trip. I'd still bring the high-end compact for use when a pocketable camera is needed, and the M would take up almost no extra room, but enable me to use the full set of lenses.

Thinking of the same thing. A friend brought a Nikon 1 (V1?) to Africa which looked funny with his 200-400 on it. But the 2.7 crop was sure nice when he wanted extra reach.

Yea, the SL1 would be an alternative.

 

[verysimplejason]

I am somewhat interested in it, but I want AFMA capability, and am holding out.

I suppose I could start buying Sigma lenses with the adjustment dock, but I don't think that they can have different adjustments when mounted to different bodies. This means they become optimized for one body only, or that you have to somehow save the adjustments and redo them before using the lens on a different body. I'm not saying its useless, it merely works best for those with a single body, or that are willing to dedicate the lens to one body.

SL1 + 18-35 F1.8? and a cheap Sigma 70-300.

 

[CANONisOK]

I've been considering the EOS M (and EF adapter) for travel. Not really to use as a second body, rather as a backup in case my 1D X fails during the trip. I'd still bring the high-end compact for use when a pocketable camera is needed, and the M would take up almost no extra room, but enable me to use the full set of lenses.

Check it out if you get a chance. I recently imported the full EOS M kit (in 'bay blue') and really love the little system. The lenses are a great little size and the system takes up no room. Adjust your AF settings appropriately, and it's not as problematic as I was anticipating. I'm eager to see what the firmare does to make it even better. It takes great pictures, has a very familiar and sensible control scheme, and plays well with others. I tested out my 85L and was impressed with the IQ. This little buddy has found a permanent home in my bag.

I think when Canon releases the M2 (or whatever), they're going to have a slam dunk on their hands. Just add the new APS-C sensor, 2nd gen AF, and a good viewfinder to the package and it ticks all the boxes.

 

[brianboru]

Recent travel experiences a friend had with an SL1 he rented from one of the forum's sponsors: http://www.addrummimages.com/2013/05/19/new-orleans-and-the-canon-sl1/

 

[Harry]

Recent travel experiences a friend had with an SL1 he rented from one of the forum's sponsors: http://www.addrummimages.com/2013/05/19/new-orleans-and-the-canon-sl1/

Thanks for the link brianboru - that pretty much sums up my experience so far, too.

 

[acadia]

I purchased the SL1 as a light weight alternative for shooting from the air on my paramotor (I also have a 1dx). This camera is extremely small, yet it has great controls and produces excellent images.... sitting alongside the 1dx it looks ridiculously tinny. I have large hands but have had no issues with the grip or button layout. With a lens like the 70-200 2.8 IS mounted on it, I walk around holding the lens and not the camera. And coming from someone who is not a touch screen fan, this feature is great, if only for the ease of zooming and panning of a shot.

I briefly tried the Sony NEX6 camera a few weeks ago... it takes very good photos, though the LCD is not up to Canon quality and I found the exposure compensation to be inconsistent (sometimes it did nothing); and in the end, I decided I really was not into starting another lens system.

I have not tried the M, so cannot make any comparisons. OK, this is not a pocketable camera, though with the right lens setup, it is very small and lightweight -- I find I am shooting more because this little thing is often with me.

 

[ahsanford]

I do my serious shooting with a 5D III, but I had been looking for a while for a small, lightweight camera for family pics and travel. I had considered a high end compact but it somehow seemed too much of a compromise, particularly in operation (shutter lag, viewfinder, etc). When the SL1 came out it seemed an ideal solution, and after having spent some time with it I can say that for me this camera (with the 40mm pancake) is almost perfect as a lightweight complement to the 5D/III. The great thing, for me, is that both cameras share so many things - the optical view finder (obviously), the Canon layout of the buttons, and the general shooting method. The only real difference in operation is the lack of back button focus (and the lack of the second wheel).

I feel Canon produced a wonderful little camera in the SL1, and for me it is the perfect "informal" complement to the amazing 5D III. I figured others might be wondering about this so I thought I'd share my positive experience!

I still think the missing piece for the SL1 is the wide angle pancake. The pocketability of that camera lives or dies with a tiny lens (as it does the EOS-M), so pancakes are vital. But the EF 40mm pancake scales to 64mm FF equivalent on a crop, which is functional for portraits but too long for general walkaround, IMHO.

So the missing piece is what they do offer for the EF-M mount but not for the EF-S mount: a 22mm pancake. That scales to 35mm, and then you have a truly high-end compact 2nd camera.

- A

 

[Sporgon]

Are you sure you can't use back button focus on the 100D ? Even my daughters 1100D can be set up this way, but it uses the * button rather than a dedicated 'AF-ON' button ( just like the 5D mk1 set up).

 

[Harry]

Are you sure you can't use back button focus on the 100D ? Even my daughters 1100D can be set up this way, but it uses the * button rather than a dedicated 'AF-ON' button ( just like the 5D mk1 set up).

Thanks Sporgon - I double checked and you're right! Funny how expectations influence these things - when I looked at the custom functions the first time I was convinced I would not find it .. I first started using back button focus on the 40D and never realized the Rebels offer this too. It is slightly awkward on the SL1 due to the placement of the buttons, but it's great to have the option.

 

[nubu]

EOS-M with a 22mm pancake - it slips in a pocket, it's hidable in less than safe places, it looks like a cheap compact at a quick glance. I carry mine all the time, swap to small jpg mode for work photos, back to raw when I need it, swap to manual focus when light is poor, it's a great little camera that is just with you all the time... Although not quite as handy as my iPhone for quick snaps

I could not have said it better. Thats the way I use my nice eos-m together with my 5DIII and the 7D.

 

[Sporgon]

Are you sure you can't use back button focus on the 100D ? Even my daughters 1100D can be set up this way, but it uses the * button rather than a dedicated 'AF-ON' button ( just like the 5D mk1 set up).

Thanks Sporgon - I double checked and you're right! Funny how expectations influence these things - when I looked at the custom functions the first time I was convinced I would not find it .. I first started using back button focus on the 40D and never realized the Rebels offer this too. It is slightly awkward on the SL1 due to the placement of the buttons, but it's great to have the option.

Yup, I think for the majority of photographers BB focus is better. In fact I was alway a manual focus guy for the majority of my work, but now, with the AF accuracy and AFMA of modern bodies, coupled with BB focus, I rarely use manual focus now. This has also influenced the lenses we use: no longer need so many L lenses for their manual focus qualities.

 

[Hobby Shooter]

I do my serious shooting with a 5D III, but I had been looking for a while for a small, lightweight camera for family pics and travel. I had considered a high end compact but it somehow seemed too much of a compromise, particularly in operation (shutter lag, viewfinder, etc). When the SL1 came out it seemed an ideal solution, and after having spent some time with it I can say that for me this camera (with the 40mm pancake) is almost perfect as a lightweight complement to the 5D/III. The great thing, for me, is that both cameras share so many things - the optical view finder (obviously), the Canon layout of the buttons, and the general shooting method. The only real difference in operation is the lack of back button focus (and the lack of the second wheel).

I feel Canon produced a wonderful little camera in the SL1, and for me it is the perfect "informal" complement to the amazing 5D III. I figured others might be wondering about this so I thought I'd share my positive experience!

I still think the missing piece for the SL1 is the wide angle pancake. The pocketability of that camera lives or dies with a tiny lens (as it does the EOS-M), so pancakes are vital. But the EF 40mm pancake scales to 64mm FF equivalent on a crop, which is functional for portraits but too long for general walkaround, IMHO.

So the missing piece is what they do offer for the EF-M mount but not for the EF-S mount: a 22mm pancake. That scales to 35mm, and then you have a truly high-end compact 2nd camera.

- A

I very much agree with this. That would be a perfect setup. I have been thinking back and forth around the M or the 100D. An EF-S 22mm would be the deciding factor to me. I love the 35L on my 5D3 and this would be a nice light weight version of that.