Canon T5i vs Canon SL2

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Canon T5i vs Canon SL2

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APS-C 332.3mm²
18.0 megapixels
ISO 100 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Canon T5i Review.
How does it shoot? Canon T5i in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the T5i.
Compare Canon T5i image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Canon T5i conclusion.

APS-C 332.3mm²
24.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Canon SL2 Review.
How does it shoot? Canon SL2 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the SL2.
Compare Canon SL2 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Canon SL2 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Canon T6i
Compare T5i vs T6i

Succeeded by the Canon SL3
Compare SL2 vs SL3

Compare CANON T6I vs CANON SL3

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Differences

Canon T5i advantages over Canon SL2

Bigger pixels
~ 4.30 vs 3.72 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
More cross-type AF points
9 vs 1
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance

Canon SL2 advantages over Canon T5i

Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Yes vs No
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
SL2 test data on DxO Mark T5i test data on DxO Mark

1,041 vs 681 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
More dynamic range

More dynamic range

Cameras with more dynamic range allow you to take photos with dramatic differences in highlight and shadow areas while retaining detail in both.

Think of a brilliant sunset on a rocky beach: Bright sunset in the background, with dark rocks in the foreground. High dynamic range means more of the extremes will be faithfully reproduced.

Dynamic range test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
SL2 test data on DxO Mark T5i test data on DxO Mark

13.4 vs 11.2 evs
Retain detail in highlight and shadows
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

650 vs 440 shots
Capture more photos
Newer
7 years vs 12 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Less shutter lag
0.08 vs 0.26 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
More pixels
24.2 vs 18.0 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Higher extended ISO
51200 vs 25600 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
On-sensor phase detect
Both provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
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

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Pentaprism viewfinder
Neither provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read T5i User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read SL2 User Reviews

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Buy the Canon T5i

Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens

Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
Body Only
Kit with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens

All T5i Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL2

Body Only (Black)

Body Only (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm IS STM lens (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm IS STM lens (White)

All SL2 Deals

Review Excerpt

Excellent image quality; 9 cross-type AF points; Stereo microphones; Built-in touchscreen; Multi-shot modes; Improved kit lens; Even more affordable.
Little-changed from the earlier T4i; Slow Live View and video autofocus; High ISO performance is unimproved; Below-average battery life; No dedicated AF illuminator.
Read our Canon T5i Review

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.
Read our Canon SL2 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon T4i

Canon T5i

Canon T4i

$539
APS-C

Less expensive
Lighter weight

$579
APS-C

More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon T5i vs Canon T4i

Canon SL2

Canon T4i

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Built-in Wi-Fi

$579
APS-C

Bigger pixels
More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon SL2 vs Canon T4i

Compared to Sony A57

Canon T5i

Sony A57

$539
APS-C

Lens selection
Tilt-swivel screen

$800
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon T5i vs Sony A57

Canon SL2

Sony A57

$549
APS-C

Lens selection
Tilt-swivel screen

$800
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL2 vs Sony A57

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Canon T5i

Pentax K-5 IIs

$539
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$497
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T5i vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Canon SL2

Pentax K-5 IIs

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$497
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon SL2 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Compared to Sony A58

Canon T5i

Sony A58

$539
APS-C

Lens selection
Tilt-swivel screen

$598
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon T5i vs Sony A58

Canon SL2

Sony A58

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Lens selection

$598
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL2 vs Sony A58

Compared to Nikon D3400

Canon T5i

Nikon D3400

$539
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$497
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

Compare Canon T5i vs Nikon D3400

Canon SL2

Nikon D3400

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$497
APS-C

Larger sensor
Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon D3400

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