The Canon SL1 was somewhat disappointing to me at launch. I was hoping for a bit more of an improvement on the current generation of cameras in terms of quality and features and instead we were presented with a virtually unchanged Canon T5i and this SL1. However, after having the SL1 in hand I am beginning to love this tiny DSLR. Even though the SL1 guts are mostly the same as the new T5i, the size has been greatly reduced...even more so than I first thought. The camera is super small in the hand, especially when paired with the 40mm f2.8 lens which I consider a must have lens with this camera. 

Even with the small size, the SL1 performs like a DSLR, and a good one at that. Focus is instant, using the camera is instant, all of your controls are at your fingertips, and the quality produced is amazing. The touch screen is nice, even though I kept forgetting it was there. Video quality looks amazing so far and autofocus with the SL1 and the Canon 40mm f/2.8 was better than expected. Focusing was also quiet enough that I could hardly hear it under normal outdoor ambient conditions.

The Canon 40mm f/2.8 also performed great, especially in combination with the SL1. The quality is solid and the Macro abilities allowed me to get as close as I needed to just about any subject. This lens might as well be the kit lens for the SL1 and I would instantly purchase both of these together. Focus was quick and silent enough with typical Canon level accuracy. And for only $149, why not pick up this amazing lens. Of course it is plastic and likely will not take much of a beating, but the small size and great quality make this lens an instant favorite of mine. 

While my regular camera is the 5D Mark III, I am finding myself leaving it at home more and more in favor of the SL1. With enough quality to satisfy just about everyone and a small enough profile to fit in a tiny bag or purse, why not carry it with you everywhere you go. 

Stay tuned for the full review with full resolution RAW files available shortly!