Sony RX1 vs Canon SL2

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Sony RX1 vs Canon SL2

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35mm 855.6mm²
24.3 megapixels
35.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Sony RX1 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the RX1.

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 Sony RX1R II
Compare RX1 vs RX1R II

Succeeded by the Canon SL3
Compare SL2 vs SL3

Compare SONY RX1R II vs CANON SL3

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Differences

Sony RX1 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.
Bigger pixels
~ 5.97 vs 3.72 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
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.
RX1 test data on DxO Mark SL2 test data on DxO Mark

2,534 vs 1,041 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Higher max flash sync
1/4000 vs 1/200 sec
Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
Bigger RAW buffer
15 vs 5 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Canon SL2 advantages over Sony RX1

Less expensive
$549 vs $2398*
Save money for lenses or accessories
Tilt-swivel screen
Tilt-swivel vs none
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Eye-level viewfinder
Eye-level vs Rear display only
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Fast startup
~0.60 vs 1.7 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
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 220 shots
Capture more photos
Newer
7 years vs 12 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Less shutter lag
0.08 vs 0.27 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
Higher extended ISO
51200 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Rear display
Both provide
Review photos on the back of the camera
RAW file ability
Both provide
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Manual focus
Both provide
AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
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

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Integrated ND filter
Neither provide
Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
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 RX1 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read SL2 User Reviews

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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

Full-frame, 24-megapixel sensor in a compact body; Carl Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f/2 T* lens; Blazing fast autofocus; Impressive image quality that rivals (and sometimes surpasses) full-frame DSLRs; Customizable function buttons make it a breeze to use.
Fixed-length lens limits shooting flexibility; Some exposure bias, color shift, moire and video AF issues; Viewfinders (optical or electronic) only available as optional accessories; Extremely expensive for a compact camera.
Read our Sony RX1 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 Sony RX1R

Sony RX1

Sony RX1R

$2398
35mm

Has anti-aliasing filter

$2598
35mm

Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Sony RX1 vs Sony RX1R

Canon SL2

Sony RX1R

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$2598
35mm

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL2 vs Sony RX1R

Compared to Sony RX1R II

Sony RX1

Sony RX1R II

$2398
35mm

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

$3298
35mm

Eye-level viewfinder
Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony RX1 vs Sony RX1R II

Canon SL2

Sony RX1R II

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$3298
35mm

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL2 vs Sony RX1R II

Compared to Nikon D3500

Sony RX1

Nikon D3500

$2398
35mm

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$623
APS-C

Less expensive
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony RX1 vs Nikon D3500

Canon SL2

Nikon D3500

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$623
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon D3500

Compared to Zeiss ZX1

Sony RX1

Zeiss ZX1

$2398
35mm

Focus peaking
Bigger pixels

$6000
35mm

Eye-level viewfinder
Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony RX1 vs Zeiss ZX1

Canon SL2

Zeiss ZX1

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
On-sensor phase detect

$6000
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SL2 vs Zeiss ZX1

Compared to Canon SL3

Sony RX1

Canon SL3

$2398
35mm

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$624
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony RX1 vs Canon SL3

Canon SL2

Canon SL3

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
NFC

$624
APS-C

Shoot 4K video
Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SL2 vs Canon SL3

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