Opinion on Canon Rebel SL1/EOS 100D.

Nobody responded yet so I'll comment generally as a Canon owner, though I own neither of the models you ask about.

Any "serious" camera, especially those that can change lenses, can do doll photography, so don't worry about something so general. When reading online, combine the information you find about portrait and macro shooting and you will be pretty well informed for dolls as a subject.

The SL1 may be smaller and slightly cheaper but you don't shoot with body alone, you shoot with a camera+lens combo. The total size of the package is therefore quite similar:

Size comparison of SL1 and T4i with their respective kit lenses attached.

Points I would make:

• The SL1 has no grip. A good grip will let you hold the camera more securely and more comfortably regardless of lens choice.
• The swivel screen shines any time the camera is not at eye level. If you are on a tripod (doll relevant), you will not need to hunch over as much. If you are shooting at ground level (also doll relevant), you will not need to lie down. If you are shooting over a crowd, you can still compose normally. This is even more important if you are cramped indoors since you might not be able to back up as much as you'd like. I don't currently own a camera with an articulating screen, but have encountered many situations where I wish I did.
• Battery life difference is irrelevant. They are both optical viewfinder cameras and will last a very long time compared to electronic viewfinders and LCD screens.
• The SL1 has only 1 cross-type AF sensor in the center. The T4i has 9 cross-type. Cross-types sensors are faster and more accurate. This is what makes the T4i better at moving targets, but it is a good quality-of-life improvement regardless. You will miss focus less when you allow the camera to automatically choose the focus point.

In conclusion, I personally think the size advantage of the SL1 is mostly irrelevant compared to the other Rebels. It might make a difference when squeezing it into a bag as a body only, but that's about it. You give up too much to get that size and the size of the lenses will not magically change for it. I consider it a sales gimmick and little more.

STM is like a "little brother" to USM. It is quiet (but not as quiet as USM) and features full time manual focus. For non-STM/non-USM lenses, you cannot touch or adjust the focus ring while set to AF, you have to change the switch to MF first to avoid damaging the motor. STM/USM lenses will let you adjust the focus any time safely after the camera has attempted focus without needing to change the switch, which is why the switches are marked as "AF/MF and MF" instead of just "AF and MF". You may not find you need it, but it is a nice option to have. Personally, I would try to get STM, though I wouldn't choose the SL1 just for that.

Consider seeking the T5i, which is literally the T4i with the STM kit lens instead. The prices are about the same for both to me, but I'm in the USA. The SL1 remains a fine choice if money is an issue. If money is strongly an issue you might want to consider other outdated models such as the T3i (swivel screen, but no touchscreen and only 1 cross AF point) or a T3 (fewest features but is most importantly still an SLR!). This is especially true if you are planning on getting extra lenses, which start at $100 and quickly skyrocket upward from there.

The "nice" thing is that image quality should be fairly similar from all of Canon's recent Rebels (T5i, T4i, T3i, T2i, T3), as Canon has not focused on image quality improvements during this timeframe. They still compare well against the rest of the market though.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

EDIT: Here's another thread in which I commented about basic photography. Linked since the thread has dropped off the default filter.

 

Well, you won't really know if you'll like full time manual until you've tried it, so why not give yourself that option?

I wrote out a bunch of stuff, then deleted it because I think it's better to get any system and jump right in. All SLRs nowadays are very capable and I am sure you would be perfectly happy with any of them, especially when shooting your dolls.

Even a cheap SLR is a huge performance jump over an expensive compact camera. It will challenge you in a way a compact never could. There is no comparison.

Get something current and there will be no wrong choice. Happy shooting!

 

I was faced with the same choice a while back. I ended up getting the T5i. The all cross type AF really adds to the capability of the camera. I have a T2i and had put off upgrading until the SL1 and T5i came out. The all cross type AF won out over the since cross type SL1. I have noticed with the T2i that I get lots of situations where I have missed focus. I think it is due to the single cross type. This shows up in SD photography at times. The T5i is spot on even in difficult situations. Its also slightly faster than the SL1, T4i, T3i and T2i. I normally use a USM lens, but the STM kit lens is very good. Its nearly as fast as my USMs. If you only have one to start, its a good lens to learn on.

Bobby

 

I've been using the SL1 for nearly two months now, still getting my bearings with it, but I absolutely love it. The compact body was a major sales point for me, and not a gimmick, because I wanted it to shoot concerts, and it fits my hands perfectly. It does have a grip, though not as large as other DSLRs. I don't have the credentials for concert photography from the pit (yet), and I need practice. The SL1 is small enough that I can sneak it past security easily, and so long as I stick to prime lenses under 50mm, security inside the venue are none the wiser. It worked out very well for shooting my favorite rock star who runs around on stage like a mad man, so tracking fast-moving objects is not an issue.

For shooting dolls, however, gaiaswill is spot on – just about any DSLR with the right lens and a lot of practice will be a great experience.