DSLRs are not easy to master. However, if you are someone who is just looking for your first DSLR camera and checking out the options, you can have, a Canon DSLR that has two great novice friendly cameras for you. Yes, we are talking about the Canon Rebel SL3 and Canon Rebel SL2 here. Let us explore the two devices and compare (Rebel SL3 vs SL2) them for the features and functionalities.
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 vs SL2 – Which one should you go with?
Well, the cameras also have another nomenclature to identify them. The Rebel SL3 is also known as Canon EOS 250D, and the Rebel SL2 is referred to as Canon EOS 200D in international markets. So, how would you choose between the two? Will you go with the latest model or opt for the older one at a reduced price.
To understand it better, we will need to check the features of both the options and explore them vis a vis one another. So, without wasting any more time, let us examine the two competing siblings.
Video Functionality
This is the considerable difference between the two devices. The Rebel SL2 can help you capture full HD video and shoot it up at 60 or 50 frames per second. The Rebel SL3, on the other hand, can help you shoot at 4K resolution. The 4K resolution can help you work at 25 or 24 fps.
A 4K resolution on a low-cost camera is an added advantage. This is the first affordable camera to pack in 4K shooting compatibility.
Live view Autofocus functioning
This is yet another area that introduces a huge improvement on the Rebel SL3 in comparison to the SL2 counterpart. In fact, the capability for phase detection Autofocus on a DSLR isn’t much easy. However, Canon has brought compatibility on the sensor itself, and you will find excellent autofocus on a live view mode. Canon originally introduced the dual-pixel autofocus in the 70D back in 2013.
The SL3 offers a massive 3,975 user-selectable AF points. There are also additional AF modes as well. The sensitivity has also been brought down to -4V from the -2V on the Rebel SL2. The SL2 comes with only 49 Autofocus points. The SL3 should now match most of the mirrorless cameras currently available in the market, especially the Canon M50.
The Image Processor engine
The two cameras come with a generation apart when it comes to the processor engine equipped on the cameras. The Rebel SL3 comes with the Digic 8 engine, while the SL2 features the Digic 7.
The new processor provides access to several improvements observed on the latest model, and that includes battery life as well.
The UI and Interface
Of course, the Rebel Sl2 is already a capable model for the newbies, but the new SL3 takes it ahead with a massive bunch of improvements. One of the unique enhancements includes the Creative Assist mode. This can help you apply special effects to the images you have already shot or even to those that you are about to take.
Another feature we loved with the new Rebel SL3 is the smart guided UI that lets you understand the camera functions quite well before you can begin shooting right away. This can be an added advantage if you are graduating from a simple point and shoot camera or a smartphone camera to a DSLR.
The battery life
If you are using the live view photography, there is a slight improvement in terms of battery life on the Rebel SL3 when compared to the SL2. However, you would be in for a massive enhancement if you are using the viewfinder option.
The Rebel SL3 provides access to 1070 shots per charge on a viewfinder mode and 320 shots on live view mode. The corresponding figures for the SL2 read 650 and 260 shots respectively. The improvements have more to do with the new processor engine as we have already mentioned.
The Comparison Chart: Rebel SL3 vs SL2
Now that we have had gone through the basic features and functions that each of the cameras offers you, here is the comparison chart in a side by side comparison that should assist you to look for the specific features that you may be interested in.
| Features / Particulars | Rebel SL3
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Rebel SL2
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| Camera Type | Entry-level DSLR | Entry-level DSLR |
| Lens mount | Canon EF-S | Canon EF-S |
| Form factor | APS-C (1.6x Crop Factor) | APS-C (1.6x Crop Factor) |
| Resolution in MP | Actual – 25.8 MP
Effective – 24.1 MP |
Actual – 25.8 MP
Effective – 24.2 MP |
| Resolution in pixels | 6000 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
| Sensor type and size | CMOS
22.3 x 14.9 mm |
CMOS
22.3 x 14.9 mm |
| Image file format | JPEG and RAW | JPEG and RAW |
| Image stabilization | Digital, 5-Axis (for Video Only) | None |
| ISO | Auto, 100 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 51200) | Auto, 100 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 51200) |
| Shutter speed | Mechanical Shutter
1/4000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode |
Mechanical Shutter
1/4000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode |
| Exposure compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Continuous shooting | Up to 5 fps at 24.1 MP for Unlimited Exposures (JPEG Format)
Up to 5 fps at 24.1 MP for up to 10 Exposures (Raw Format) |
Up to 5 fps at 24 MP
Up to 2.5 fps at 24 MP |
| Recording Modes | MP4/H.264
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p [120 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [12 to 60 Mb/s] HD (1280 x 720) at 50p/59.94p [26 Mb/s] |
MP4/H.264
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/29.97p/59.94p HD (1280 x 720) at 29.97p/59.94p SD (640 x 480) at 29.97p |
| Video encoding formats | NTSC/PAL | NTSC |
| Focus mode | Auto and Manual Focus | Auto and Manual Focus |
| WiFi connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Yes | Yes |
What are the similarities between the two cameras?
Apart from the features that differentiate the two cameras, there are several features they are quite common across them. The comparison table above should indicate that they share most of the elements among them.
The physical dimensions of the two cameras remain the same at 122.4 x 92.6 x 69.8mm. Both of them are available with black, white and silver color versions. You will find the same five fps continuous shooting mode across the two cameras. Even the touchscreen screen remains the same at 3 inches and 1040k dot resolution.
So, which should you go with?
As you can find it from the above discussion, it should be clear enough to understand that the two cameras come with almost similar features and functions. However, there are a few areas that may need attention. We have already outlined the features that make the Rebel SL3 a good option in comparison to the Rebel SL2.
Do note that the Rebel SL2 should be a good option for you if you do not dabble much into the videography. The kind of images and shots you get on the older camera model can be the same as on the newer model. However, if you are into both video and stills, it would be a wiser idea to go with the new Rebel SL3 itself in sharp contrast to the SL2.
The Concluding Thoughts
Those were a few similar features between the two competing siblings and should be helpful enough in choosing the right camera that meets your needs and expectations. We assume the comparison (Rebel SL3 vs SL2) featured in this compilation should help you arrive at the right options for your choice.
Compare the features and go with the right camera that perfectly meets your requirements.
We welcome all your questions and suggestions in the comments section down below. Thanks for visiting, have a wonderful day!