Apr 15

Apr 15 Canon Eos Rebel SL3 / Eos 250D - A Great Entry Level Option for Vloggers

Last week Canon released a new version of its entry level DSLR (Previously the Eos 200D in Europe) and for the most part it flew under the radar, with the exception of the obligatory round of Canon bashing from the usual suspects. The thing is though, it’s actually a pretty capable little camera for the price, and if you’re starting out, especially if you want to get into Vlogging, it’s worth considering.

The SL3/250D is pretty much a DSLR version of the Canon Eos M50. If you prefer a DSLR to a mirrorless camera then this might be a better choice if yo’’re looking for something in this range. Given the price it’s surprisingly powerful for an entry level camera. It has a 24mp sensor, presumably similar to the one in the M50, as well as the ability to shoot 1080p and 4k video. What makes it great for potential Vloggers is that it has a flip around screen and microphone jack, which is unusual at this price point, especially coupled with dual pixel autofocus (in 1080p).

The 4k video on this camera has similar limitations to that on the Canon M50, in that it has a crop and it also doesn’t support dual pixel autofocus, which is present when shooting in 1080. This has led to some ridiculous accusations that the camera is “crippled” or “disappointing”. All of these comments and statements from reviewers all seem to be forgetting that the camera only costs €599.

I checked online at my local camera store and compared it to other cameras. There are no other DSLRs in this price point with 4k video at all. So while it might have it’s limitations, its still better than the competition which is non-existent. Even in mirrorless, apart from some older generation micro 4:3 cameras I can’t find any other new camera in this price range with 4K. The nearest APS-C camera to this with any 4K video is the Fuji X-E3 and that also has limitations on the 4K (recording time). That is for the body only, where as the Canon includes a lens for €699. The M50 is cheaper, but only because of recent price reductions, depending on the region.

I think it is a shame that certain bloggers and vloggers are straw manning this camera, by complaining about “crippled” features that are normally absent entirely in this price range, because for a certain segment of the market, it’s a really good option. If you’re a beginner and want to get into videos for YouTube this should do good quality 1080p with the option to do the occasional 4K should you need it, all for a very reasonable amount. It’s also suitable for Canon DSLR shooters who want to blog and want a second camera, but already have an investment in lenses, and don’t want to use a mirrorless camera.

Personally, I have been wanting to upgrade my vlogging camera which is currently a Canon G7XII and I would have a hard time deciding between this and a Eos M50 - although personally I would probably go with he M50 at this point if only because I prefer mirrorless. Incidentally, the M50 was slated when it first came out last year, for many of the same reasons, and is now one of the best selling mirrorless cameras, and one of the most popular cameras for vloggers.

If you’re considering getting into vlogging, or even want to be a multi format shooter (I refuse to use the word multimedia!) and are just starting out, don’t let the canon bashing of some prominent photo bloggers put you off. For the price this is a great little camera.

The Canon Rebel SL3 is available now for preorder. There are listings on Amazon but none seem from reliable sources yet, so for now here are B&H photo links.