Canon just updated it’s popular Rebel line with the 700D, and also
created a new line with the “smallest DSLR ever” in the 100D. Those in
the entry-level market for DSLRs will be looking at both of these
cameras carefully. Indeed, they are priced only $100 apart. To see which
one suits you best, here’s a run down of how they stack up against each
other.
650D vs 700D
First, it might be useful to point out the differences with the
previous Rebel. Basically, they are the same camera. And the upgrade is
as incremental as it gets. Here is what’s new:
- new mode dial that rotates 360 degrees (finally)
- preview creative filters while in live view
- new “upmarket” body finish
Basically, if you already have a 650D, there is no need to upgrade.
Size and Body
The Rebels are not exactly big cameras, but next to the 100D, seem a
little pudgy. Take a look at the outline below. If you want something as
small as it gets, there is really no other choice in the DSLR market.
Even Canon’s mirrorless M is only slightly smaller. The 100D weighs 407g
to the 700D’s 580g. Although the tiniest DSLR ever, reports are coming
in that the 100D is actually a very comfortable camera in hand. Canon
has sure learned a thing or two since the days of the god-awful grip of
the 350D.
Size Comparison © dpreview
LCD Screen
Here’s another area where the cameras diverge. You get the same
splendid 1 million dot touch screen on each model, but only the 700D
articulates (ever so useful). Of course, the lack of a swivel screen in
the 100D probably helps keep the size down, which is the whole point of
the camera. If you need a rotating screen (I personally do) then there’s
no question what you need.
Features
The 700D shoots at 5fps vs the 100D’s 4fps, not a huge difference but
those shooting sports might find the extra frame useful. Oddly enough,
the 100D has a slightly larger viewfinder magnification, at 0.87x vs
0.85x. Not a big deal. The 700D will give you more shots per battery, at
440 vs 380. You have identical video specs (both can shoot 1080p
30fps), both have a 1/200s sync speed, but only the 700D has a pc-sync
port. It also has a longer flash range at 13 meters vs 9.4. Both have
the nifty continuous AF during video recording (that doesn’t work
especially well). So there are your basic similarities and differences
in the feature set.
Image Quality
Both cameras are apparently using the same 18 megapixel sensor that
dates all the way back to the 7D of 2009. It’s not a bad sensor by any
means, but is starting to look dated at this point, as they’ve used it
in almost every crop body since then. You’ll get better high ISO
performance in other brands, over the smaller sensors in the latest
micro 4/3 Olympus and Panasonic cameras, but we’re really nitpicking
here.
Conclusion
It’s quite simple, if you want the smallest DSLR possible – get the
100D. It has basically all of the features and image quality of the
700D, at a fraction of the size and $100 cheaper. If you need a swivel
screen and a beefier body to get a grip on, the 700D is for you. But
don’t upgrade from teh 650D, because they are essentially the same
camera 
Comparison images from dpreview.com (click for larger)
