The Rebel SL1/EOS 100D is the smallest Canon DSLR, but with
a lot of full sized features: it has an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS
(APS‐C) sensor and speedy Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor,
with a second‐generation hybrid AF, giving fast, smooth focus‐
ing in both live view and movie shooting. It has a Touch Screen
3.0" Clear View LCD monitor II. The EOS Rebel SL1 is compati‐
ble with all Canon lenses in the EF lineup, including compact
and lightweight EF‐S lenses. The camera can be bought body
only or with a 18‐55mm Lens Kit and produces excellent qual‐
ity images, with low noise and good color. The kit lens is not
recommended for action oriented photography with aircarft
performing in the air from behind the sidelines, a zoom lens is
required. The list price of the camera is $629.99 Cdn body
only and with the kit lens is S779.99 Cdn, from Canon Canada,
much less in the USA.
For a compact zoom the Canon EF‐S 55‐250mm F4‐5.6 IS STM
lens is a good choice, as long as you do not lift the camera/
lens combo by the lens, as the lens mount on th elens is plas‐
tic. It has an effective focal length of of 400mm on the long
end due to the sensor crop of 1.6X. The list price is $399.99
Cdn from Canon Canada.
How about a Mirrorless camera which is very much like a DSLR but
some ways better? The Sony A58 has non‐moving 'Translucent Mir‐
ror' enables its high frame rate which is good for aviation photogra‐
phy, sports, along with focus while shooting movies. The 20.1 MP
Exmor® HD APS sensor has 8 FPS continuous shooting, full HD
1080/60i/24p or 1080/30p MP4 movies with Quick AF, SteadyShot
INSIDE™ image stabilization that works with any lens. Large 2.7” Tilt‐
able, 460K dot LCD screen. The sensor's high resolution allows the
A58's detail to rival more expensive cameras. Like most DSLRs in this
price category the Sony A58 is bundled with an 18‐55mm F3.5‐5.6
lens. Overall, the Sony A58 is a good‐quality substitute for an entry‐
level DSLR, for the beginner. $549.99 Cdn or less from Sony.Ca
The DT‐55‐300mm f4.5‐5.6 lens is a compact, lightweight zoom lens
that covers focal length equivalent of 82.5‐450 mm, excellent for
aviation photography. $229.99 Cdn from Sony.Ca