Today, we’ve got two awesome entry-level DSLR Canon cameras for review: the Canon EOS 100D (also known as EOS Rebel SL1) and the T6.
BOTH come with outstanding features for their price point. You won’t get sick of taking great photos with these two cameras.
Let’s get to know the two better in this Canon SL1 vs. Canon T6 comparison.
The Best of Canon’s Entry-Level DSLRs: SL1 and T6 Comparisons
The Canon SL1 and Canon T6 have gained a lot of attention for being one of the BEST entry-level, budget, and beginner-friendly DSLR cameras in the market.
Although the two aren’t exactly the latest release from Canon, they still pass the test of time, making them great contenders up to now.
Let’s compare the two and how they fare against each other.
Canon SL1
Technical Specs
- Crop Factor: 1.6x
- 4.0 fps continuous shooting
- Sensor Resolution: 18MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- Canon EF/EF-S lens mount
- Full HD – 1920 x 1080 video resolution settings
- ISO 100 – 12800 ( expands to 25600)
- Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
- Pixel Density: 5.39 MP/cm2
- Pixel Pitch: 18.4 µm²
- Sensor Size: 22.3 x 14.9 mm sensor
- Up to 18mm focal length
- 407g. 117 x 91 x 69 mm
Consider the Canon SL1 to be quite old, considering it was released in early 2013. But does that mean the Canon SL1 model isn’t good anymore? Well, not exactly!
One might argue that the Canon SL1 missed out on new technological advances.
However, you can pretty much still get a lot of good service for this one. It’s the smallest DSLR Canon you can find today, packed with all the basic features you’d want.
Pros
- High-resolution LCD screen and viewfinder
- Shutter priority feature
- Aperture priority shooting mode settings
- Supports UHS-I, SDHC, SD memory type
Cons
- Poor wireless connectivity
- No remote control connection via smartphone
Canon T6
Technical Specs
- Crop Factor: 1.6x
- 3.0 fps continuous shooting
- Sensor Resolution: 18MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- Canon EF/EF-S lens mount
- Full HD – 1920 x 1080 video resolution settings
- ISO 100 – 6400 ( expands to 12800)
- Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
- Pixel Density: 5.39 MP/cm2
- Pixel Pitch: 18.4 µm²
- Sensor Size: 22.3 x 14.9 mm sensor
- Up to 17mm focal length
- 485g. 129 x 101 x 78 mm
Now, the Canon T6 is a little more recent in comparison to the Canon Rebel SL1. It came out in 2016, so it’s a little more advanced by 3 years.
However, the Canon T6 isn’t that advanced, considering there have already been many changes since its initial release.
But like the SL1, you can still find a lot of good use with the T6. It sports all the awesome features you need to learn how to use a DSLR.
Safe to say, there’s still much to love about the Canon T6 you’d want to check out. And for the price? It’s pretty much a STEAL!
It’s certainly not as expensive as the other cameras of today.
Pros
- Shutter priority feature
- With built-in flash
- Aperture priority shooting mode
- Fast shutter speed
Cons
- Not the latest model
- Not touchscreen optical LCD/ viewfinder
Features Face-Off Comparisons: Canon EOS SL1 vs. Canon T6
There’s been a lot of discussion about how both the Canon SL1 and Canon T6 appear to be similar to each other.
After a closer look at the two, we found some of those similarities when we put them in comparison to each other.
- Allows face detection autofocus
- Comes with a built-in flash
- Takes great resolution photos well even under low-light conditions
- No image stabilization
Other than that, we also compared the functionality of the two and checked out which ranked better. Here’s what we found.
Battery Life
Regardless of what gadget you buy, battery life is always an IMPORTANT factor. The same principle applies to choosing the best digital cameras.
When it comes to the battery life of DSLRs, we usually look at it based on how many shots this can make with a single charge.
Canon T6: 500 Shots
If you want a camera that can match your power and performance, the Canon T6 is a great option. In a single charge, you can get up to an impressive 500 shots.
To be honest, we’re pretty underwhelmed with how this one can only reach 500 shots.
There are other entry-level DSLRs out there that can give us at least a thousand shots, so the Canon T6 isn’t necessarily the best, unlike the others.
But then again, if the Canon T6 is just for a BEGINNER, 500 shots is probably more than enough for the usual photography practice.
Canon SL1: 380 Shots
Unfortunately, you can only get up to 380 shots in a single charge from the Canon SL1. If we were underwhelmed with the Canon EOS Rebel T6, imagine what we felt about this one.
Sure 380 shots are enough if you’re just starting to learn photography, but down the line, we’re sure you’ll find it lacking.
You can always bring an extra LP-E12 battery pack, but come on, who has the patience for that these days?
Lenses
In all cases, you get the standard lens that comes with your camera. This means you can start capturing great images and work with what you have with a ton lens to choose from.
However, through time, you’ll want to have more flexibility and control. You want to capture photos at a certain distance, depth, and with good resolution.
And when this is the case, you’ll need to find the right lenses for it.
Luckily, you have over 300 native lenses to choose from for both the SL1 and T6. Thanks to the Canon EF/EF-S mount lens they both sport, you’ve got a wide range of lenses to choose from.
You can check the article about the best lenses for canon rebel T6.
Image Stabilization
We hate to break it to you, but the body of the Canon SL1 and Canon T6 doesn’t sport any image stabilization. It’s such a big bummer for many pros, but it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker just yet.
While the body of the cameras doesn’t provide for image stabilization, you can nevertheless choose a lens that has optical stabilization.
There are over 100 lenses compatible with the Canon EF/ Canon EF-S lens mount, which provides great image stabilization.
Just find the right lens for you and get started!
Size and Weight
When buying a camera, the first things people would often look at are the specs and functions. And we don’t deny that it’s one of the most important points of consideration for photography.
But also an important point of consideration is the size and weight.
It may not play a lot of role in how your images will come out, but it will affect how comfortable, flexible, and mobile you are.
Do note that the weight is also affected by the weight of your lens.
Canon SL1: Compact and Lightweight
Between the Canon SL1 and Canon T6, we noted that the former is a lot smaller, shorter, and thinner. This means, when you’re looking for the perfect on-the-go camera, this certainly is it.
Because of its small size, you won’t have a hard time bringing this one around with you. Indeed, you can reasonably expect that the Canon SL1 is as light and compact as it looks.
You can pack it in your backpack without any problem! You can walk a mile, and you’ll hardly notice it inside your bag.
That being said, the Canon SL1 is ideal for taking some street photography because of how portable it is.
Canon T6: Fairs Just as Well
Does this mean the Canon T6 is heavy and bulky? Well, not at all. The T6 is hardly bulky or heavy. It’s just that the SL1 ranks BETTER than the two.
You can still pack this camera and be on the go with no problem! It’s just a few pounds heavier than the SL1, which shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Camera Sensors
Camera sensor resolution has a lot to do with the image resolution of your pictures and aperture.
In general, you want to get the BEST image quality in a shot, retaining your subject’s sharpness and colors.
At the end of the day, it’s a matter of whether the camera has a large or small sensor resolution.
A large sensor size is usually better for the following:
- Low-light sensitive
- Dynamic range
- Better color depth than smaller pixels
- Great depth of field
Despite its 3 years age gap, the Canon SL1 and Canon T6 sport the same 18mp APS-C CMOS Sensor resolution and 22.3 x 14.9 mm sensor size.
Expect the two cameras to give you the depth of field you want.
Not only do the two share the same 22.3 x 14.9 mm sensor size, but they also sport the same 17.9 mp image resolution.
More or less, this means that they have the SAME pixel density, pixel pitch, and pixel size.
In general, the pixel density of a camera has a lot to do with how many pixels in a square cm of your sensor resolution.
- HIGHER pixel density = SMALLER pixels
- LOWER pixel density = LARGER pixels
On the other hand, pixel pitch deals with the distance of the center of a pixel to the center of the other. Essentially, pixel pitch talks about the distance between the pixels.
- A BIGGER pixel pitch means that the pixels are far from each other.
- A SMALLER pixel pitch means the pixels are close to each other.
In terms of sensor comparison, it isn’t much of a deal-breaker.
DXOMark Sensor Scores
So it’s settled that there isn’t much of an issue regarding the APS-C sensor.
Instead, our point of contention is how the two cameras rank when it comes to the DXoMark.
For those who are unfamiliar with the DXoMark, it puts to test the sensors of the cameras, based on the following criteria:
- DXO Landscape – dynamic range
- DXO Portrait – color depth
- DXO Sports – low-light sensitivity
The Canon T6 beat the Canon SL1 on the DXOMark test in the overall score, but only by a FEW points. This means there isn’t much of a difference between the sensors of the two.
Pixel density, dynamic range, and size are the same.
Wireless Connectivity
Newer cameras today sport a wireless connection, which adds a lot of convenience to operate your device.
Today, choosing cameras with wireless connectivity is a real big plus! This is why between the Canon SL1 and the Canon T6, we find the T6 to be a definite leg up.
You see, the T6 sports a built-in wireless connection, which allows NFC connection.
You can easily pair your smartphone with the dedicated app and even use your phone as a remote control to capture great photos.
Unfortunately, the SL1 lacks the same connectivity functions which we hoped it had. But of course, it is to be expected for a camera released in early 2013.
Noteworthy Stand Out features: Canon EOS Rebel T6 vs. Canon EOS Rebel SL1
Now that we’ve compared the two, it became more apparent that there are standout features that the other has over the other.
We’ve summed up these notable futures one last time for your comparison later on.
Canon EOS Rebel SL1
The Canon SL1 has better features in comparison to the Canon T6. Overall, it provides for better functionality and performance in the long run.
Here are some standouts the SL1 has, which deserve one final attention.
- Touchscreen LCD/viewfinder: It’s a lot easier for the user to control the camera on a single screen. It also is better because it removes all unnecessary buttons on the body.
- External Microphone Port: connecting an external mic provides BETTER audio quality, especially for video recording.
- High-Frequency Shooting: burst performance is spectacular, and you can see all your images in great detail regardless of the activity and the lighting condition.
- Live-view Autofocus: confidently focus on your subject without having to do any hocus focus. Its impressive autofocus is responsive and accurate.
Canon EOS Rebel T6
Because the Canon T6 is fairly recent when comparing it to the Canon SL1, expect it to be slightly more advanced than the SL1.
The advancements in technology bring about some of the stand-out features we noted about the T6, so you can pretty much expect some aspects of it to be better.
- Wireless Connection: this gives you the ability to connect your camera to a smartphone. It allows you to transfer data and photos easily and even use your phone as a remote control.
- Stronger Battery Life: a single charge can give you up to 500 shots.
- Fast Shutter Speed: perfect for taking sports photography. The fast shutter speed measures 1/4000s.
- Optical Built-In Viewfinder: this allows you to see your images while retaining their resolution and sharpness thanks to the pixels.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Canon EOS Rebel T6 and the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 is NO EASY TASK. They’re both great beginner cameras to help jumpstart your photography career.
However, do note that those two are discontinued, so you won’t be able to find them on the Canon website.
Nevertheless, they are still available for sale on the web. You just need to find a sweet deal for it.
To make your camera decision-making a lot easier, we’ve listed down one final time why you choose either the SL1 or the T6.
Choose the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 if…
The SL1 has some impressive features under its belt worth checking out. Whether you’re a beginner or not, you’ll find a lot of love with the simplicity of this one.
Although some of it isn’t as spectacular as you might expect from today’s entry-level DSLRs, it nevertheless has a lot of charm to it.
The SL1 has a great detailed optical LCD screen and viewfinder, letting you enjoy a clear and sharp image of your shots!
It plays a crucial role when it comes to using the live view autofocus of the camera.
Choose the Canon EOS Rebel T6 if…
If you want a longer-lasting camera, the T6 surpasses the SL1. With up to 500 shots on a single battery charge, you’re ready to practice your photography skills.
More importantly, if you want a relatively recent camera, the T6 has an edge for being released three years later than the SL1.
You get some bonus when it comes to the innovations of your camera!
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