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Canon EOS 100D, 700D pack dSLR tech into tiny bodies

Canon's new entry-level EOS 100D and mid-range 700D both pack 18-megapixel sensors into slimmed down, portable bodies.

Andrew Lanxon Editor At Large, Lead Photographer, Europe
Andrew is CNET's go-to guy for product coverage and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the latest phones, he can normally be found with his camera in hand, behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food. Sometimes all at once.
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Andrew Lanxon
2 min read

Think dSLR cameras are too bulky for your bag? Think again, as Canon's new entry-level 100D and mid-range 700D snappers pack a host of features into size-zero bodies.

The 100D, seen above, is apparently the smallest and lightest APS-C dSLR around. It measures 116mm wide, 91mm tall and 69mm deep (without a lens attached). By comparison, Canon's ever-popular EOS 60D measures a much chubbier 145mm wide, 106mm tall and 79mm deep. With a weight of only 407g, it really shouldn't weigh you down.

There's no denying it's a diminutive little chap. Canon is evidently trying to keep its entry-level dSLRs competitive against the increasingly popular compact system cameras (CSCs) like the Sony NEX range or Panasonic's Lumix GF range.

The 100D boasts an 18-megapixel Hybrid CMOS sensor along with Canon's DIGIC 5 image processor -- to see how this setup performs in practice, we'll have to wait for the full review. As an entry-level camera, it provides various automatic shooting modes and learning tips to help you get the best shot, without knowing nitty gritty details about aperture and shutter speed.

Canon's 700D replaces the 650D at the mid-range level. It's slightly fatter than its little sibling, but again shaves a considerable amount off the 60D. It too makes use of an 18-megapixel sensor, which can achieve ISO speeds up to 12,800 -- again, we'll wait and see how this fares when we take it for a test drive.

Other features include a 9-point autofocus system, up to 5 frames per second burst modes and a supposedly more durable body coating. It also lets you view creative filters in real-time when in live-view mode. Around the back is a 3-inch LCD touchscreen which, like the 60D, can be articulated to help you get shots in awkward angles.

The EOS 100D will be in the shops towards the end of April for £620 without a lens, or £700 if you want Canon's EF-S 18-55mm kit lens too. The 700D will be available at the same time. It's a touch more expensive at £620 body only or £750 with the same kit lens.

What do you think to Canon's offerings? Are you keen on a dinky dSLR or would you rather grab a CSC? Let me know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page.