In the wake of compact system cameras continuing their inevitable march on the traditional DSLR, Canon has hit back by producing the world's smallest and lightest APS-C sized DSLR.
It seems like barely a day goes by when something isn't lauded as the world's only something or other, but Canon really has done a remarkable job of miniaturising a traditional DSLR in the shape of the 100D.
Featuring an APS-C sized sensor, the same size as those in many of its conventional DSLRs, the Canon EOS 100D boasts 18.1 million pixels and a traditional optical viewfinder. That viewfinder manages 0.87x magnification and 95% coverage.
It's roughly 25% smaller than the Canon EOS 650D, and around 28% lighter. In fact, body only, it's around the same size as some of the compact system cameras on the market that don't use mirrors and have smaller sensors - the Panasonic G5 being an excellent example.


Canon debuts world's smallest DSLR
As the company to introduce the world's first DSLR touchscreen, Canon has decided to include one on the 100D too. It's a 3-inch capacitive touchscreen. That makes even more sense when you consider that much of the space saving can come from removing a few of the direct access buttons and letting the touchscreen take over.
That 18 million pixel sensor combines with a Digic 5 processor, while it also features the same hybrid autofocusing as found on the Canon EOS 650D and Canon EOS M. Canon says that it's a completely a new sensor that uses phase detection pixels spread across 80% of the imaging surface to provide increased AF speed and tracking performance when in Live View or capturing Full HD video recording.

Creativity

Enhanced creative modes have been included on the Canon 100D, including new Kids, Food and Candlelight modes. Creative filters, which include Fish-Eye and Miniature, are also available. Extra Effect Shot mode enables one shot to be captured with the filter, and another without, just in case you change your mind at a later date.
Canon has also introduced a new kit lens, which will come with the 100D as standard. The 18-55mm STM zoom lens features a 4-stop optical stabiliser and a full-time manual focusing ring. STM means that autofocus is near silent, which is of course ideal when capturing movies.
The Canon EOS 100D price will be around £569 (around US$858 / AU$827) body only, or £699 (around US$1,054 / AU$1,016) with the kit lens attached. It should be available to buy from late April.