• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 80 - 102,400

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Differences

Canon SL2 advantages over Sony A7S III

  • Less expensive
    $549 vs $3198*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Sony A7S III advantages over Canon SL2

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.40 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    No vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Newer
    4 years vs 7 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    480k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.90x vs 0.54x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    409600 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL2

Review Excerpt

  • Higher resolution and better image quality than SL1; Much improved dynamic range; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Compact body with improved ergonomics; Articulating touchscreen; Full HD movies up to 60p; Better battery life.

  • Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Dynamic range and high ISO performance still not as good as leading competitors; No 4K video option; OVF only offers 9 AF points.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3400

Canon SL2
Nikon D3400
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
Sony A7S III
Nikon D3400
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection

Compared to Nikon D3500

Canon SL2
Nikon D3500
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
Sony A7S III
Nikon D3500
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection

Compared to Canon SL3

Canon SL2
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony A7S III
Canon SL3
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection

Compared to Sony A9 II

Canon SL2
Sony A9 II
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Sony A7S III
Sony A9 II
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon R6

Canon SL2
Canon R6
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Sony A7S III
Canon R6
  • $3348
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
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