In this article, a professional photographer shares his experience with the EOS 100D, the world's smallest and lightest digital SLR camera that is equipped with an APS-C sized sensor*. (Reported by: Yurika Kadoi)
* As of March 1, 2013, Canon
EF-S15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/ FL: 85mm/ Aperture-priority AE (1/40 sec., f/5.6, -0.3EV)/ ISO 400/ WB: Auto
A close-up shot of flowers grown in the planters outside a restaurant. The charming bokeh adds a soft and soothing touch to the entire picture.
Intuitive Touch Screen LCD
EF-S15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/ FL: 46mm/ Aperture-priority AE (1/250 sec., f/6.3, +0.7EV)/ ISO 400/ WB: Auto
The rain blew the petals of the flowers all over the table, conveying the atmosphere of the season with a stylish touch. Here, the point is to find a shooting position that takes the angle of the chair into consideration.
Small and Compact
When I first held the EOS 100D, I felt that that it was small for a DSLR camera. I was actually comparing this to the EOS M, which I have been using lately. However, after putting it to actual use, I was immediately impressed with the high performance of this full-fledged DSLR model despite its lightweight and compact size. I was amazed by the fact that despite the use of an optical viewfinder, the camera fits into the palm. While the mirrorless model makes an enjoyable and valuable companion for taking casual snapshots, the optical viewfinder comes in handy when I want to better focus on the composition or when I need to capture an image quickly.
One of the most pleasing features is the Silent shooting mode. Available on the EOS 5D Mark III that I have been using, this has been my favourite feature as it allows me to carry on shooting without attracting the attention of the surrounding people unnecessarily. I am glad that this feature is also available on the EOS 100D.
One of the characteristics of the EOS 100D is its compact body, which is also light enough for carrying around by female users. It is equipped with advanced features that are comparable to those of higher-end cameras, such as the silent shooting mode. At the same time, Creative filter options are also available, which make the photography experience more enjoyable. With the EOS 100D, photos in high image quality can be captured with ease.
Most of the features can be controlled on the touch screen, and operation is intuitive and easy to understand. On top of that, separate buttons have been allocated to heavily-used shooting settings, such as exposure compensation and ISO speed, so they can be adjusted easily and speedily. For the compact size of the body, the grip allows the fingers to rest firmly on it, while the rubber surface also provides a secure hold for the hand.
Besides adjusting the camera settings through touch-screen operation, separate buttons are also assigned to functions frequently used by high-end camera users, such as ISO speed and exposure compensation.
During Live View shooting, you can check the Creative filter effect in real time on the rear LCD monitor. You may tend to play with the function more often just like I do, but be careful of using up the battery power. As for the image quality, the APS-C sized sensor and the DIGIC 5 image processor make an impeccable combination.
All in all, I find the EOS 100D a highly satisfactory model with both excellent mobility as well as many fun features. I would recommend it to all users.
AF can be operated using the touch screen during Live View shooting, and response is also speedy. Before taking a photo, you can check the effect of the Creative filters, which add an artistic feel to day-to-day scenes.
Yurika Kadoi's evaluation of the EOS 100D as a "Snap Camera"
Point 2: Operability of exposure-related functions
Point 3: Long-lasting battery power
The single cross-type AF point at the centre may not seem reassuring if we take into consideration the different types of scenes to capture, but it works perfectly well for snapshots. AF during Live View shooting is also speedy. As a user of higher-end SLR models, it is a delightful point that a separate button has been assigned for exposure-related functions. The same battery was able to last me through the entire day of street photograpy.
EF-S15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/ FL: 18mm/ Aperture-priority AE (1/160 sec., f/8, +0.3EV)/ ISO 400/ WB: Auto
Despite the bright, eye-catching yellow colour of the door, it was covered by the plant, and could not be opened or closed. It made me wonder what was on the other side of the door. I moved close to it to capture the beautiful contrast between the yellow and green colour.
EF-S15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/ FL: 35mm/ Creative Auto (1/50 sec., f/5)/ ISO 160/ WB: Auto/ Creative filter: Toy camera effect
A photo taken at a cemetery with an intriguingly photogenic feel. To create a movie-like ambience, I chose the [Toy camera effect] Creative filter for this shot.
EF-S15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/ FL: 85mm/ Aperture-priority AE (1/1,250 sec., f/5.6, -0.3EV)/ ISO 400/ WB: Auto/ Creative filter: Grainy B/W
By using the [Grainy B/W] Creative filter, I was able to bring out the shadow on a wet pavement, while stressing the rain using the grainy sky as intended.
Born in Toyama and graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kadoi had worked for an electrical equipment manufacturer before becoming a photo studio assistant. She later became a freelance photographer, and is now engaged in a wide range of works from portraits to still photos for movies.
