The EOS 100D would seem to confirm that, if somebody really wants what's loosely called a ‘serious camera', the D-SLR is still the first cab off the rank. And, consequently, it also confirms that the only really good viewfinder is an optical one. Hmm.

When looking at entry-level DSLR cameras, they all start to look the same after a while. Sure, camera manufacturers can add things like Wi-Fi capabilities and touchscreen LCDs, but those items don't change the look of these cameras.

Canon's high-performing EOS Rebel SL1 is the tiniest digital SLR you can put your hands on, but it may be too small for some hands.

Canon's high-performing EOS Rebel SL1 is the tiniest digital SLR you can put your hands on, but it may be too small for some hands.

Canon bills the EOS Rebel SL1 ($649.99 list, body only) as the world's smallest digital SLR. There's no arguing about that; it's impressively small, making Canon's standard 18-55mm zoom lens look positively huge in comparison.

Compact design; Touch screen; Quick to start and focus; 4fps continuous shooting; Smooth live view focus experience; Microphone input; Good high ISO performance

Limited Raw burst shooting; Pentamirror viewfinder; Fixed rear LCD; May be too small for some hands

Canon's high-performing EOS Rebel SL1 is the tiniest digital SLR you can put your hands on, but it may be too small for some hands. (4 out of 5) Pros Compact design Touch screen Quick to start and focus 4fps continuous shooting Smooth live view focus experience Microphone input Good high ISO...

Compact design; Touch screen; Quick to start and focus; 4fps continuous shooting; Smooth live view focus experience; Microphone input; Good high ISO performance

Limited Raw burst shooting; Pentamirror viewfinder; Fixed rear LCD; May be too small for some hands

It's not easy to compare the EOS Rebel SL1 to other cameras. While the Lumix GH3 is ever so slightly larger, most ILCs-especially those that seek to mimic the rangefinder style-are actually smaller. Furthermore, their native lenses are often also smaller.

The Canon SL1 is a hit. I had a blast using this camera – it was the most fun I have had with a DSLR since the 5D Mark II came out nearly 5 years ago. Spec-wise, there's nothing that special about the camera; however, when you put Canon's little 40mm pancake lens on the SL1, it becomes an absolute...

The Canon EOS 100D certainly offers an interesting proposition for anyone looking to purchase their first D-SLR; or indeed for Canon D-SLR owners who are looking to invest in a lightweight back-up to their everyday camera.

Regular readers will know that I love smallest-in-class gadgets, with the exception, perhaps, of TVs and phones, where excessive smallness is both pointless and unhelpful. But with cameras especially, I can't see what's not to love about small and light – so long as the model is serious and not just...