Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera Review

The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera is living up to its name by breaking the mold. Finding a camera that can help you grow when you’re just starting out isn’t easy, but Canon still discovered a way to help beginners get more serious.

Thanks to the informative mode, you’ll learn more about the different settings and which of them provides the best way to capture a particular shot.

The articulating screen is another great feature that’s uniquely helpful when shooting video, making it easier than ever to capture the perfect moments.

If you’re not interested in improving your skills but are just looking for great shots with little effort, the basic modes have got you covered. Of course, this is still a DSLR camera, so you won’t find many accessories in the box.

If you’re a video lover, it’s important to know that the Canon EOS Rebel doesn’t work with a standard microphone jack, so you’ll have to invest a little extra in order to get the perfect sound as well.

Is the lack of accessories really going to stop you from growing in your skills though?

We don’t think so, but be sure to read on and discover what makes this camera a great companion for beginners and intermediate photographers alike.

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera: The Details

Specs

• Weight: 1 lbs.
• How many megapixels: 24.2 megapixels.
• Flash Type: Small pop-up flash and a flash hot shoe.
• Display Size: 3.0-Inch LCD.
• Display Resolution: 24.2 megapixels.
• Optical Zoom: 5.6 x.
• Viewfinder Type: LCD Viewfinder.

Accessories

Like any device that’s aiming for the title of best DSLR camera, you’ll find that the numerous features make getting accessories superfluous.

While you can get some extras for the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera, you’ll find everything you need to make stellar shots included in the package.

Inside, you will find:

• Body.
• Lens.
• Battery.
• Strap.
• Charger.
• Lens cap.

Features

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Enabled

Wi-Fi is becoming mainstream for larger cameras, but DSLR cameras often choose to go without it. We’re always happy to report the inclusion of this feature, since it just makes everything so much easier.

Whether you need to quickly transfer some shots to your PC for editing or want to make sure your significant other has that amazing picture on their phone right away, with the Wi-Fi connect, you’ll find that there’s always a way to save your pictures and free up space for the next round of shots.

Articulating Screen

The articulating screen is a new addition and one that’s very exciting for this type of camera, elevating it from a ‘mere’ entry-level model to something of a challenge.

While beginners are still able to get full use out of this camera, this feature does bring something to the table that can entice more experienced users.

Articulating screens are among the rarer features in DSLR cameras, so we were quite excited to have it in this one.

Quick Menu

The handy ‘Q’ button allows you to access your favorite settings effortlessly and quickly.

While the normal menu itself is simple to navigate and even easier to master, the quick button is ideal for finding those few settings that you use all the time.

Take a few minutes to set up your quick menu and you’ll find that it’s repaid over and over again every time you need your favorite setting while on the go.

Quick Auto-Focus

When the moment is passing quickly, you may not always have time to line up your camera to get that picture-perfect focus.

This is where the Canon Rebel SL2 steps in with its dual pixel CMOS auto-focus with phase-detection.

Not only is the auto-focus on this camera fast, but by using phase-detection to sense how far away the subject is, it helps to stay focused on your subject even when they’re moving.

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera Review

The Positives

Compact and Light

If you’ve been poking around for a DSLR camera, then it’s pretty obvious you’re not looking to haul around several bags of accessories for a bulky camera.

With a max weight of one pound and some of the smallest measurements around, it comes as no surprise that this pretty much feels like a pocket camera.

You’ll find stowing this camera away in your luggage – or even your pockets – isn’t hard to do, making sure that you always have your Rebel close at hand to snap important candid shots.

This is great for the busy photographer on the go, or the travel photographer that never wants to miss a moment while out and about. This camera won’t weigh heavy on your neck or hands.

Informative Touch Screen

To help new users take a step away from the point-and-shoot approach is the informative touchscreen.

If you’re still trying to get the hang of making really great shots, it’s convenient to have a miniature teacher in your pocket.

You can adjust, focus, and zoom right from the screen, and you can easily review your photos with taps and swipes.

Slow and Steady Improvement

Since this camera can pair up nicely with a beginner, but still has a few intermediate tricks up its sleeve as well, it should come as no surprise that it makes for a good learning tool.

Even when disabling the information on your touch screen, you’ll find yourself improving gradually, making the step to even more complicated cameras less daunting.

Why not try your hand at videography while you’re at it? This camera shoots in HD video, so if you’re really looking to stretch your skills, this camera is suited perfectly.

Good Video Quality

While not the best camera quality ever created, you’ll find that price/quality wise, this camera offers the best possible value for your money.

There are many things you can tweak about your videos, but the basic mode allows you to start filming immediately.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 will automatically detect your surroundings and choose the most appropriate settings, so you can kick back and fully enjoy making a great video.

Your finished videos can be played back on the camera itself – or if you have a smart TV, you can try connecting your camera and playing your videos on the big screen for maximum effect.

Wireless Features

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth act as a great backup to a failed or full memory card, and makes it easy to share photos, or upload them to the cloud remotely.

These wireless additions save for having to carry extra storage (or a laptop) with you, so you have less of a load when going out to shoot.

Canon has used wireless connectivity much more to their advantage though while allowing you to utilize these connections to the best of their abilities.

Connecting wirelessly also allows you to control your camera remotely from your smartphone, and allows you to use your phone or smart device as a viewfinder to preview photos and videos.

The Negatives

No Standard Microphone Jack

By using its own type of microphone jack, this camera makes it so new users will have to invest in getting a suitable microphone to pair up with their camera.

While not a cost everyone will be making, it’s important to note this small downside before committing.

Issues With Extras

In the past, there have been some issues with missing items in packaging, resulting in people not receiving their chargers.

While contact with customer service is sure to solve this problem quickly and efficiently, it is an extra hassle that’s not needed.

By now, extra care is being given to the packaging process, but it’s important to note that this has been an issue in the past.

Battery Life

This is not the camera to take with you for hours of shooting video. One of the few flaws users found was the short battery life on this camera.

While the kit includes a battery charger, it may not always be practical to stop and re-charge. If you’re sold on this camera and are planning for long shoots, it will be better to stock up on extra batteries.

Here’s a video showing what the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 looks like out of the box.

Overall Verdict

We can end our Canon EOS Rebel SL2 review on the happy notion; there are indeed cameras that do their best to make the transition from absolute beginner to intermediary easy – and even something to actively look forward to.

The teacher mode is one of the best ways to pick up this hobby, without having to find nearby friends or relatives who’ve already made the jump. Since you can opt to turn this feature off, more intermediate users won’t be constantly accosted by unwanted lessons.

In combination with the quick select mode and a rather smart basic shooting mode, it’s easy to see why many beginners have chosen the Canon EOS Rebel to start their photography in earnest.

While the small size and more than acceptable weight make this a camera that’s an excellent traveling companion, we still have to note that it misses out on many of the more complicated features that more advanced cameras have to offer.

If you’re a professional that already foresees shoots where you need to be prepared for everything, this is a backup camera at best.

Nonetheless, if you’re a beginner looking to get more serious about this hobby without a full commitment, this is one of the best DSLR cameras out there.

Where to Buy the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera

Canon is a brand that needs little introduction, known worldwide for their expertise in photography and videography. This brand has decades of experience in producing quality equipment, and continue to remain on top of the game in today’s current market.

With a wide variety of cameras catering to varying skill levels and prices, hobbyists have found it easy to fall in love with this brand, some committing to the brand as the only tools suitable for use.

Their success, history and growth make them a popular choice, so it’s no surprise that you’ll be able to find the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR both in-store and online.

You can check tech, department, and photography stores, or you can kick-start your search with the following online retailer.

• Best Buy (from $649)
• BH Photo Video (from $649)
• Target (from $649)

And of course, you can also find this camera on Amazon.

That’s all for our Canon EOS Rebel SL2 review. Curious to give it a try?