The "giant" among the dwarves

Processing:

Overall, the camera makes a high impression. Everything sits firmly in place. The buttons are sometimes a bit small, but have a good pressure point. Positive metallic bayonet falls on in this class is not a foregone conclusion. Only the compartment for battery and SD could have been made of metal. Despite the good processing I would doubt whether the camera would survive a fall on stone well. The remains reserved housings much more expensive models. The 100D is not just designed as an outdoor camera for extreme situations. One can argue about the size of it grip. People with large hands may have problems. Therefore, one should have the camera held in hands before buying.

Lens selection:

The lens range of Canon is very large. It can also be connected lenses of many other manufacturers (via an adapter) and very old lenses and. Sigma and Tamron make anyway ready matching lenses. The bayonet supports both EF lenses -uns EFS (EFS = Lenses for cameras APSC). More can not be expected - perfect. The supplied kit lens 18-55 IS STM delivers good results, but is noticeably exceeded by favorable prime lenses such as the 50mm 1.8 or the 24mm 2.8. So if you still have some money left over should still buy a fixed focal length to unfold the full potential. My clear recommendation is the 24mm 2.8 pancake that delivers very impressive results and is suitable for everyday use. Here's my review of the lens:

Image Quality:

The 100D can keep up in terms of image quality with so few expensive models. No wonder - with some more expensive Canon models, the same sensor is installed and "better" sensors in the APSC area do not provide results which could be described as a much more detailed. A significant qualitative leap we learn only when switching to full frame cameras. People who magnify the image to 100% and look at individual pixels but certainly promise. But what about the quality of different ISO value from ISO 100-400 ?:: quality is very good, a lot of details when properly adjusted - ISO: 800-1600: still good quality, less details, more noise but still perfectly OK - ISO 3200: noticeably fewer details, significant noise, tendency to overexposure in bright areas - 6400 and more ISO: to use even fewer details, extreme noise, more overexposure in bright areas barely. In short, the camera delivers to ISO 1600 from a very good to good quality. In higher areas you should not run it more. Oddly breaks the brightness from high ISO values. Here helps the exposure compensation to -1 EV. Even if the image is a bit too dark then, for example, Lightroom can again compensate the exposure easily when photographing in RAW. The quality is above what one would intuitively call "entry level DLSR".

Operation:

All essential items can be easily reached. The touchscreen can be dismissed as a gimmick but for me he is a true blessing. Settings can thereby adapt quickly and easily. The menu structure is simple and logical. For absolute beginners, there are also explanations. I can think of no criticism.

Autofocus:

Here there is a lot to complain about. The AF is fast, could also be quite fast. Unfortunately, there are few AF points and only one cross-type sensor. The precision decreases to the peripheral areas and often do not know what the camera to focus it. Sports photography is so difficult. I focus with the central focus point and then take care of my neck. How it works pretty well. One must not forget that a large sensor with a large exemption exact focusing needed - in particular when working with an open aperture. However, the AF is total acceptable. Particularly important Who is the AF should rather resort to 700D or other higher models. For the "normal" users, there should be no problems. In general, it is important to check for cameras with larger sensors, the focal point and the diaphragm.

Conclusion:

The 100D is not an entry-level DSLR. You can deliver impressive results when one is engaged in the operation. A camera with some flaws but with great advantages in key areas. A strong buy recommendation for photographers who want to deal more intensively with the image conception. Very demanding photographers rely course to more expensive models and those who want to press the shutter button are happy with a compact such as the Fuji X10. For sports photography and shots in the dark from the hand (high ISO necessary), the 100D is less. A clear advantage is its compact size and low weight. With a pancake lens, you can have the camera handy wherever you go.