Canon has unveiled its smallest and lightest DSLR to date, the EOS 100D. Weighing in at 407g with battery, the entry-level model is around 100g lighter than the next lightest DSLR in the Canon lineup, and just over 100g heavier than Canon's mirrorless interchangeable-lens model, the EOS M.
Key features include an 18-megapixel APS-C Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor, Digic 5 image processor, and fixed, 3-inch (7.7cm), touchscreen monitor. The hybrid sensor uses phase-detection across 80 per cent of the sensor’s surface to deliver AF when the camera is in live-view or movie-capture mode.
The 100D has a continuous shooting speed of 4fps (about average for an entry-level DSLR) and can record movies in Full HD (1920 x 1080p) resolution. By default, sound is recorded via the camera's built-in mono microphone, though a stereo mic input is also available.
A new feature allows images to be cropped in camera, with the edited image saved alongside the original 'uncropped' file. New scene modes include Food, Candlelight and, strangely, 'Kids' (presumably it uses a higher shutter speed to freeze movement). Creative filters for still images include Art Bold Effect, Water Painting Effect, Miniature Effect, Fisheye Effect, Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus and Toy Camera Effect. Each effect can be applied in three different levels (low, standard and strong), and previewed on the LCD during Live View shooting. Miniature Effect can also be applied in movie mode.
The EOS 100D is expected to be available in Australia in mid-April 2013.
Canon has also announced the EOS 700D, which replaces, and is strikingly similar to, the EOS 650D. Key specs include an 18-megapixel sensor and a 3-inch vari-angle, touchscreen LCD. Improvements over the 650D include an upgraded mode dial and the facility to preview creative filters in live view mode. It's expected to be available in Australia at the end of April. Canon no longer releases local retail prices.
