Canon's smallest ever DSLR with touchscreen and Hybrid AF, a pocket-friendly entry body.
The Canon EOS 100D (Rebel SL1 in North America, Kiss X7 in Japan) was introduced in March 2013 as Canon's smallest and lightest APS-C DSLR at the time of launch. It was aimed at photographers upgrading from compact cameras who wanted DSLR image quality without the bulk of conventional DSLR bodies. The 18MP APS-C sensor and DIGIC 5 processor were current-generation at launch; the Hybrid CMOS AF system provided phase-detect-assisted live view focusing, a meaningful step above the contrast-detect-only approach of earlier Canon entry bodies.
The 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor pairs with the DIGIC 5 processor. The 9-point AF system provides one central cross-type point with eight line-sensitive points, limiting reliable off-centre acquisition to the centre point in OVF mode. At 4fps the burst rate suits casual sequential photography. 1080p video records at up to 30fps; Hybrid CMOS AF provides phase-detect-assisted live view focusing for noticeably faster subject acquisition than the pure contrast-detect of earlier Canon bodies. Battery life is rated at approximately 380 shots per charge using the LP-E12. At approximately 407g with battery and card the body is compact; a single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot handles storage.
The 100D's defining practical advantage is its dimensions: in hand it is noticeably smaller than any other APS-C DSLR of the same generation, and it pairs with compact EF-S kit lenses to make a genuinely portable DSLR-class system. The 9-point AF in OVF mode is adequate for static and slow-moving subjects; the single cross-type centre point limits reliable tracking for off-axis or fast subjects. Hybrid CMOS AF in live view is faster than older contrast-detect Canon systems but slower than the Dual Pixel CMOS AF introduced later that year on the EOS 70D. The LP-E12 battery's moderate capacity makes a spare advisable for full-day shooting.
On the used market the 100D is one of the most compact APS-C DSLRs available. The LP-E12 battery is specific to a small number of Canon bodies (100D, M-series); confirm that a battery with good remaining capacity is included. Condition checks: AF motor response, sensor for dust, and the fixed rear screen for scratches. The Canon EOS 250D (2019) provides significantly upgraded AF, 4K video, and a vari-angle touchscreen in a comparable compact form factor. Canon rates the shutter at 100,000 actuations; verify count via EXIF.