Canon eos 700d
An excellent creative tool that really does let you play all the angles, but is beginning to show its age next to newer models
although the 700D shares much of the 100D’s DNA, there are some notable differences between the two cameras. While both have a nine-point autofocus system, all of the AF points are cross-type in the 700D, instead of just the central point in the 100D. This boosts accuracy when using the peripheral AF points. Meanwhile, the image sensor-based Hybrid CMOS AF autofocus system for Live View and shooting movies is technically a generation older than that of the 100D, but performed equally well in our tests.
The 700D lacks the ‘kids’ and ‘candlelight’ scene modes of the 100D, but does include the useful HDR mode. There’s also the same range of creative filters, for in-camera processing of previously captured images. These include grainy black & white, soft focus, fish-eye, toy camera, miniature, and a couple of painterly effects, going a little further than what’s available in the 1300D.
Build and handling
The most major differences between the 700D and 100D are in build and handling. The 700D is about the same size as the 1300D and 750D, and therefore noticeably larger than the 100D. It’s also the heaviest camera in the entire group, built on a stainless steel, rather than aluminium, chassis, along with the usual reinforced polycarbonate casing.
The 700D comes with a fully articulated LCD touchscreen at the rear, replacing the fixed screens of the 1300D and 100D. So while touch facilities are on hand (unavailable in the 1300D) you can also pivot the screen to allow Live
View and video shooting from just about any angle. It’s a real bonus for video capture, and great for self-portrait stills. It also enables you to compose images accurately when shooting from high over your head, or from muddy ground level, without the need for a step ladder or a change of clothes.
You’ll find the articulated LCD to be a genuine enhancement to handling but, even in regular shooting using the viewfinder, handling of the 700D feels much more assured than with the smaller 100D. The ergonomics of the controls are less cramped, and the camera feels more comfortable and natural in the hand.
Performance
Auto white balance delivers very good colour accuracy in wideranging lighting conditions, while the Auto Lighting Optimizer, that’s featured in all current and recent Canon DSLRS, retains good detail in both the highlights and shadows of high-contrast scenes. Overall image quality is excellent, and is pretty much identical to that of the 100D.
Slightly souped-up compared to the 100D, the maximum drive rate is 5fps, rather than 4fps, although the largest number of shots you can take at this speed drops from 28 to 22 (JPEG quality) and from seven to six (Raw quality).