Choosing a Canon SLR Camera

I am constantly updating and supplementing this article. The article was last edited on 12.09.2019/90/XNUMX (added by XNUMXD). Ask your questions in the comments (my site 'Radozhiva' does not require absolutely any registration, and you can leave no e-mail or name).

Every day in the comments on my blog 'Radozhiva' the same question is heard - 'which Canon SLR camera to buy?'. In this article I will share my thoughts on this. Please note that the article is very full of subjective factors, since there are a lot of little things to consider when choosing a camera. I work as a professional photographer, and also do reviews of photographic equipment, shoot on almost all Canon and Nikon SLR cameras, you can say I ate a dog with these cameras and lenses.

Canon EOS SLR Camera Selection

Canon EOS SLR Camera Selection

All Canon digital SLR cameras can be divided into 3 classes:

  1. Amateur - These cameras are aimed at people who just need to get a high-quality photo without understanding the intricacies and settings of the camera. Most often, amateur cameras are best suited for people who do not take pictures professionally, but simply want a good camera for home, leisure, travel, family, nature, etc., so that the camera is light, easy to operate and inexpensive. Actually, Canon has the largest range of cameras in this segment.
  2. Advanced amateur - have advanced functionality with a large number of specific settings that you can deal with for a long time. These cameras are suitable for advanced amateurs who already know the settings, or want to get good potential for mastering skills in photography. Also, these cameras are noticeably more expensive and heavier. A distinctive feature of advanced amateur cameras is the presence of an additional monochrome display on the top panel of the camera, which helps to quickly access a number of settings.
  3. Professional - these cameras are designed for people who take professional photographs, know a lot about photography and are not afraid of manual settings. Typically, these cameras have a much better body and functionality. A distinctive feature of such cameras is the lack of a built-in flash (for the pros it is not particularly important). Usually these are full-format cameras or cameras with crop factor Kf = 1.3. Also, cameras of the highest price range have a combo case with a special additional handle that helps to keep the camera in portrait (vertical) orientation. I do not specifically touch upon this class of cameras in this article, because there is a million and one nuances in choosing professional equipment, and professionals themselves often know which camera they need.

For beginners and amateurs, I recommend Canon amateur cameras, which are represented in 2017 by 17 models.

The camera is a complex technical device, and the equipment does not stand still. In the tablet I indicated your rating of cameras based on the date the camera was released and its technical characteristics. I think that now the best amateur camera is the Canon 800D, this can be seen from the table below.

When choosing a camera I do not recommend paying much attention to the number of megapixels, in most cases, a huge number of megapixels is not in demand and even unnecessarily, in more detail in sections Battle of Megapixels, Gigapixels и Pixels and Subpixels.


Canon 800D is primarily interesting for its swivel touch screen, fast continuous shooting and excellent video quality.

Rating Model Year MP Frame per second Focus points Video Dislpey
1 850D 2020 winter 24,1 7 45 (45 k, Dual Pixel AF) 4K 24p, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels, rotary and touch
2 800D 2017 winter 24,2 6 45 (45 k, Dual Pixel AF) Full HD 30fps, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels, rotary and touch
3 760D 2015 winter 24,2 5 19 (19 k, Hybrid AF 3) Full HD 30fps, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels, rotary and touch
4 750D 2015 winter 24,2 5 19 (19 k, Hybrid AF 3) Full HD 30fps, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels, rotary and touch
5 250D 2019 spring 24,2 5 9 (1 k, Dual Pixel AF) 4K 25 fpsstereo sound, focus tracking 3-inch, 1 pixels, rotary and touch
6 200D 2017 summer 24.0 5 9 (1 k, Dual Pixel AF) Full HD 60i, mono sound, tracking focus 3.2-inch, 1 pixels, rotary and touch
7 2000D 2018 winter 24.0 3 9 (1 k) Full HD 30fps, mono sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 920 pixels
8 700D 2013 spring 17,9 5 9 (9K, Hybrid AF) Full HD 30fps, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels, rotary and touch
9 650D 2012 summer 17,9 5 9 (9K, Hybrid AF) Full HD 30fps, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels, rotary and touch
10 100D 2013 spring 17,9 4 9 (1 k, Hybrid AF 2) Full HD 30fps, mono sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels, touch
11 600D 2011 winter 17,9 3,7 9 (1 k) Full HD 30 stereo sound 3-inch, 1 pixels, swivel
12 550D 2010 summer 17,9 3,7 9 (1 k) Full HD 30fps, mono sound 3-inch, 1 pixels
13 1300D 2016 winter 17,9 3 9 (1 k) Full HD 30fps, mono sound 3-inch, 920 pixels
14 1200D 2014 winter 17,9 3 9 (1 k) Full HD 30fps, mono sound 3-inch, 460 pixels
15 4000D 2018 winter 17,9 3 9 (1 k) Full HD 30fps, mono sound 2.7-inch, 230 pixels
16 500D 2009 spring 15,1 3,4 9 (1 k) Full HD 20fps, mono sound 3-inch, 920 pixels
17 1100D 2011 winter 12,2 3 (2, 0.8) 9 (1 k) HD 720p 30fps, mono sound 2.7-inch, 230 pixels
18 1000D 2008 summer 10,1 3 (1.5) 7 (1k) LiveView only 2.5-inch, 230 pixels
19 450D 2008 winter 12,2 3,5 9 (1 k) LiveView only 3-inch, 230 pixels
20 400D 2006 summer 10,1 3 9 (1 k) No 2.5-inch, 230 pixels
21 350D 2005 winter 8 3 7 (1 k) No 1.8 inches, 118 pixels + monochrome
22 300D 2003 summer 6,3 2,5 7 (1 k) No 1.8 inches, 118 pixels + monochrome

In the plate in the column about focusing points, the letter 'k' means the number of cross-shaped focusing points. Such points help better cope with focusing in difficult conditions. For details on how focus points work on Canon cameras, see 'Canon EOS Camera Focus Sensors'. Cameras for which 'Tracking Focus' is not specified will automatically focus when shooting video unless the '*' button is pressed or the shutter button halfway pressed.


About the video: I want to convey to buyers that auto focus on all Canon cameras (except for cameras that support focusing Dual Pixel AF) when shooting a video, it works very poorly. This is due to the fact that the mechanism of a digital SLR camera is poorly adapted for focusing with a raised mirror, which requires a video mode. Typically, focusing when recording video occurs in contrast, rather than using the phase sensors of the camera. Canon says cameras 750D.760D 700D, 650D, 100D they use a hybrid focusing system to achieve fast and accurate focusing when shooting video, but in reality the automatic focusing with these cameras is still quite slow.

The same goes for Nikon SLR cameras and Pentax. If autofocus is very critical when shooting video, then I advise you to look towards Canon cameras with focus Dual Pixel AF, which provides high speed and focus accuracy when shooting video.


Various Canon camera names: 'D', 'Kiss Digital', 'Digital Rebel'

Canon in different countries calls its amateur cameras differently: in Japan they are known by the name 'Kiss Digital'and in the USA under the name'Digital Rebel'. Below is a table of correspondences of names. In Europe and other countries, cameras have a familiar name with the letter 'D'after the model number.

EOS 'D' Digital Rebel Kiss Digital
100D SL1 X7
200D SL2 X9
300D Digital rebel Kiss digital
350D XT n
400D Xti X
450D xSI x2
500D T1i X3
550D T2i X4
600D T3i X5
650D T4i X6i
700D T5i X7i
750D T6i X8i
760D(8000D for Asian markets) T6s
800D T7i X9i
850D T8i X10i
1000D XS F
1100D T3 X50
1200D T5 X70
1300D T6 X80
2000D (1500D for Asian markets) T7 X90
4000D (3000D for Asian markets) T100

Canon EOS 77D for Asian markets may have a name '9000D '.

If you are limited in funds, then a good option for an amateur Canon camera is the simple and affordable Canon 1300D, which, together with a standard (whale) lens, costs about 400 USD.


As for the advanced amateur camera, in my opinion, full-length Canon 6D и Canon 6D MarkII are a very interesting option. If there is no desire to get in touch with the full frame, then Canon is an excellent advanced amateur camera. Canon 7D MarkII.

Rating Model Year MP Frame per second Focus points Video Dislpey
1 Canon 7D MarkII 2014 20,2 10 65 (65 k, Dual Pixel AF) Full HD 60fps, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels
2 90D 2019 24 11 45 (45 k, Dual Pixel AF) UHD 4K 3840 x 2160 30p, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, touch, swivel
3 80D 2016 24 7 45 (45 k, Dual Pixel AF) Full HD 60fps, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels
4 77D 2017 24 6 45 (45 k, Dual Pixel AF) Full HD 60fps, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels
5 70D 2013 summer 20,2 7 19 (19 k, Dual Pixel AF) Full HD 30fps, stereo sound, tracking focus 3-inch, 1 pixels, rotary and touch
6 7D 2009 autumn 17,9 8 19 (19 k) Full HD 30fps, mono sound 3-inch, 920 pixels
7 60D 2010 summer 17,9 5,3 9 (9 k) Full HD 30fps, mono sound 3-inch, 1 pixels, swivel
8 50D 2008 summer 15,1 6,3 9 (9 k) LiveView only 3-inch, 920 pixels
9 40D 2007 summer 10,1 6,5 9 (9 k) LiveView only 3-inch, 230 pixels
10 30D 2006 winter 8,2 5 9 (1 k) No 2.5-inch, 230 pixels
11 20D 2004 summer 8,2 5 9 (1 k) No 1.8 inches, 118 pixels
12 10D 2003 winter 6,3 3 7 (1k) No 1.8 inches, 118 pixels
13 D60 2002 summer 6,3 3 3 (1k) No 1.8 inches, 118 pixels
14 D30 2000 spring 3,1 3 3 (1k) No 1.8 inches, 114 pixels

I did not include the Canon 20Da and 60Da cameras in the table because of their specific features, which are of little interest to the ordinary amateur photographer. If you have limited means, then a good option for an advanced amateur camera Canon is Canon 70D.



Usually cameras of advanced amateur and professional classes are sold separately from the lens, such a kit is called a 'body', and when a camera is sold with a lens, it is called a 'kit' (this is how cameras from the amateur segment are most often sold), and the lens from the shipment is called a 'whale lens' (sometimes abbreviated and simply called "whale", which creates confusion - both a kit and a lens from such a kit are called the same word).

Attention: you cannot take pictures with one “body” camera, you should always take pictures with a lens :)


Important: usually, if you buy a camera with a whale lens (the so-called whale kit), then such a kit will cost less than buying a camera and the same lens separately.


There are lenses really different, for different purposes and for different tasks. Usually comes with a camera universal standard lensthat can be used for basic tasks. With a standard lens, you can shoot landscapes, close-ups, portraits - almost anything. Most often, the kit contains the cheapest lens of class 18-55 / 3.5-5.6 - Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6 IS or Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6 ISII... Also, you can find options with better quality options - Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6 IS STM or Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-135mm 1: 3.5-5.6 IS STM.



The choice of other lenses requires a separate large article, but in addition to the standard (universal whale) lens, I recommend getting a fast, discrete fix the lens. Such a lens does not know how to zoom, but has a higher aperture than "whale". This will allow you to easily shoot in low light conditions, control the depth of field (create blurred background in photos), create a 'bokeh effect', get brighter and more vivid colors in photos.


  1. How to check the camera when buying is described in the section Camera check.
  2. The performance of all Canon cameras can be found here.
  3. You can read general information on the Canon EOS system here.
  4. A list of all Canon EF-S lenses will find here.

My experience

I recommend spending less time choosing a camera - more time will be spent on the photo itself. All cameras are presented in tables (except Canon 6D / 6D MarkII) have the same physical size of the sensor, and therefore at low ISO values, you can get good photos with the same probability. The camera is not always plays a decisive role When creating great photos, the skills of the photographer, lens and light sources are almost always more important. For example, below are my shots on the very first digital SLR camera from Canon, produced in 2000, with a simple lens Canon EF 50mm F / 1.8 STM:

My very useful advice - if there is no money for a new camera, ask your friends for help in buying a used one. camera. Personally, I would opt for the cheapest amateur cameras Canon 1100D, Canon 500D or advanced Canon 60D. If the video recording function in the camera is not critical, then you can stay on amateur Canon models 450D и 1000Das well as advanced models 40D or 50D.

Mirrorless cameras

Canon also launches a range of mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, as cropped (bayonet mount EF-M) and full-frame (R mount) EF-M and R mounts are completely different and lenses cannot be used between them.

List of all Canon EF-M mount cameras

  • Canon EOS M
  • Canon EOS M2
  • Canon EOS M3
  • Canon EOS M5
  • Canon EOS M6
  • Canon EOS M6 MarkII
  • Canon EOS M10
  • Canon EOS M50
  • Canon EOS M50 MarkII
  • Canon EOS M100
  • Canon EOS M200

An accurate list of all Canon EF-M lenses

Fix Lenses:

  1. Canon Lens EF-M 22 mm 1:2 STM [2012, 2 colors, AliExpress]
  2. Canon Lens EF-M 28 mm 1:3.5 Macro IS STM [2016, AliExpress]
  3. Canon Lens EF-M 32 mm 1:1.4 STM [2018, AliExpress]

Wide angle lenses:

  1. Canon Zoom Lens EF-M 11-22 mm 1: 4-5.6 IS STM [2013, folding body, AliExpress]

Universal Lenses:

  1. Canon Zoom Lens EF-M 15-45 mm 1: 3.5-6.3 IS STM [2015, foldable body, 2 colors, AliExpress]
  2. Canon Zoom Lens EF-M 18-55 mm 1: 3.5-5.6 IS STM [2012, AliExpress]
  3. Canon Zoom Lens EF-M 18-150 mm 1: 3.5-6.3 IS STM [2016, 2 colors, AliExpress]

Telephoto Lenses:

  1. Canon Zoom Lens EF-M 55-200 mm 1: 4.5-6.3 IS STM [2014, 2 colors, AliExpress]

Important: using an adapter Canon mount adapter EF-EOS M any lens can be mounted Canon EF, Canon EF-S on cameras with EF-M mount.

+ autofocus lenses from third-party manufacturers:

The choice is not very large. It is also very important that the lenses under Ef-m very few (exact list here), which limits the further upgrade of these cameras.

List of all mirrorless cameras with Canon RF mount

  1. Canon EOS [September 2018, NO IBIS.30MP AliExpress]
  2. Canon EOS Ra [November 2019, NO IBIS, 30MP]
  3. Canon EOSRP [February 2019, NO IBIS.26MP AliExpress]
  4. Canon EOS-R3 [April 2021, IBIS.24MP AliExpress]
  5. Canon EOS-R5 [July 2020, IBIS.45MP AliExpress]
  6. Canon EOS R5C [January 2022, NO IBIS, 45MP]
  7. Canon EOS-R6 [July 2020, IBIS.20MP AliExpress]
  8. Canon EOS R6 MARK II [November 2022, IBIS, 24MP]
  9. Canon EOS-R8 [February 2023, NO IBIS, 24MP]

Mirror or mirrorless?

The exact and correct answer does not yet exist. In each case, the answer may be different.

Full frame or crop?

In each case, the answer may be different. In the general case, full-frame cameras are considered better.


Conclusions

  • a great option for an amateur cropped DSLR camera Canon EOS 850D
  • a great option for the advanced amateur cropped DSLR camera Canon EOS 90D
  • a great option for the advanced amateur full-frame Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR camera

All prices for Canon cameras (body or Kit) you can see here. Or maybe someone will like Nikon - you can find recommendations on choosing a Nikon camera here.


I don’t understand anything and I was lost in the choice!

Just tell me the budget that you are willing to spend on the camera and the purpose of buying the camera (what you will shoot for and in what) in the comments and they will tell you the best option. Anyway, ask any of your questions in the comments under this article (the site does NOT require absolutely no registration). You can consult me ​​directly on these contacts.


Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.


Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: BB

 

 

Comments: 966, on the topic: Choosing a Canon SLR camera

  • a lion

    Fell ill recently 77d. I chose for a long time, of course I wanted to get on the Christmas tree .. And everything seems to be fine, super fast focusing (for me), and video from a dual pixel, in short, consider the capabilities of a mirrorless camera but at the same time a SLR. And easy to carry anywhere and everywhere.
    But the first impression of the frames alerted. Feeling of low dynamic range. The shadows are dark, contrasting, the lights are all overexposed. I took Nikon 3200 for testing to drive in the same conditions, in parallel. And something really pissed off. The colors of the canon are nuclear plastic, some kind of flat. The greens are just brilliant green. On Nikon, the greens are nobler, and there are no overexposures, although color accuracy may suffer, but at the same time, the depth of the image seems to be greater. It is clear that 3200 has its own jambs, noises, for example, they are multi-colored, which is sometimes very problematic when editing.
    I'm wondering if I have something subjective, or someone has observed something similar.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      You should shoot more, study and observe. 77d is wonderful

      • a lion

        Yes, the device is great. I haven't filmed as much in a long time as I do now. And the result is definitely pleasing. The above is just my doubts. In some places, ergonomics raises questions after Nikon, but this is a mirror image and for those who take Nikon after Canon, their hands get used to it, but there are moments that, in my opinion, they could take from each other, but do not do this on the basis of let's say for ideological reasons. So that they don’t say, look here Nikon put this button like on the Canons)
        Here, the moment of optics is definitely worth an edge. On 77d now I have a whale, it is not bad, but not at all. Plus efs 10-18, but this is a rather specific glass. And on manual optics, the results are very pleasing, but this is not an everyday option, frankly.

    • Pasha

      Nothing subjective, don't you think - it's just that Nikon is better than Canon)

    • Dmitry

      Give Raw a spin in Capture One and you'll be amazed.

  • Natalia

    Good day

    I am looking for a camera and lenses for portrait photography, as well as group photography of people in static and dynamic indoors and outdoors. Ideal if you can fit into the budget of 860 euros. If I buy a bu, what besides scratches on the lens and the number of shots should I pay attention to. I photograph for pleasure, therefore a human class. Ideally, of course, compact, so that you can always carry it with you, but compact ones are still expensive. Thanks a lot. The site is amazing, with you for almost 10 years. I bought the first camera based on your reviews. Thank you for your work and time! prosperity and peace to all
    Thank you, I'm tired of reading reviews.

  • Sandro

    I have been doing photography for a long time and came to the conclusion that, apart from specific cases, choosing a camera is a matter of purely budget and ergonomics.

    And you need to dance from optics - and this is difficult for a beginner. In short, the picture for landscape photography looks like this.

    SLR crop cameras: you can get cheap not very large wide-angle (10-18) and universal (18-135) zoom lenses. There will be no short-focus fast lenses. Then it is better to take the camera from among the compact 100D/200D/650D.

    If landscape needs long focus, crop is ideal and the 70-300 IS USM II is great. But it’s better to take something like 7D for it, you can even the first series, the main thing is to find one that isn’t completely dead or save money for repairs if anything.

    Mirrorless crop cameras (eos-m): if you want a very compact and lightweight set of equipment (for example, for hiking and cycling trips). In addition to the fact that the cameras and optics are very compact, you can also take a lighter tripod with them. Great kit: 18-150 , laowa 9mm and 22mm f/2. This is not quite a budget set, but very correct. If it is unbearably expensive, then again we look at the DSLRs. In general, laowa 9mm is a unique landscape lens that is worth switching to mirrorless. Now there is also laowa 10mm, but so far it is not very affordable and is greatly overpriced.

    Mirrored full frame is hell for a perfectionist. Luminous, large and heavy. But not very expensive due to the optics on the secondary. But here, if I were a beginner, I would consult with someone experienced, for example, the selection of a camera and an optics park. In addition, budget full-frame DSLRs 5DII, 5D, 6DII were often used by “bombs” and killed. There are a lot of assemblies of optics for a full frame.

    Mirrorless full frame. Canon EOS RP + 16mm stm + 50mm stm. This is a downright chic amateur landscape full-frame kit, if you're willing to stick with it. Any other option on the EOS R is simply very low-budget and much more overall.
    Well, you have a unique option to splurge on the EOS Ra if you are crazy about night astro photography.

  • Nicholas

    Hello!
    Please advise if there will be any noticeable improvements in terms of image detail if, using a Canon 100mm macro usm (non-L) lens, you switch from 500D to something more multi-pixel? (100D, 700D, 200D - something from this series, for example)

      • Nicholas

        Was reading. Wrongly formulated the question: will the specified lens allow more than 15 megapixels on the crop. Perhaps it was necessary to find out under the article about the lens, but since I asked here ...

        • Viktre

          He doesn’t “allow” you even at 15.

          Improvements in the detailing of the picture will be in the transition to 550 (and beyond).

          Even more improvements will be noticeable if you put it on 5d-2 or 6d, for example.

          • B. R. P.

            All true.

          • Nicholas

            I see. Thanks!

          • Igor

            There will be no improvements, you can not try. Übung macht meister, not technique. The Germans know better.

            • B. R. P.

              Don't push your intellect, Igor. The people here are simple. There are also practices.

  • Igor

    The pictures are tests, although they do not show anything, so from the bulldozer, but what does the photo have to do with it?

    • Viktre

      What are you talking about now?

  • Ilya

    Hello, please tell me what is better to take? Canon 80d or 77d +18-135 nano usm carcass for the same money?

  • Rome

    Good afternoon, Arkady. I apologize in advance for some offtopic content. I have a question that you can help me answer (due to, I believe, a lot of experience with different cameras).
    I have a Canon 450d, a wonderful camera in terms of ergonomics, controls and Color (for me). It has its own nuances and I got used to them pretty quickly. And the question is:
    How different are modern Canon mirrorless cameras (such as m50, r50) from the same 450d in your subjective opinion?
    We are not looking at functionality, I am rather talking about ergonomics, controls and Color (so-called color design). Those. the very feeling of the camera.
    And one more small one, on this canon I use a zenitar 50\2, do I understand correctly that the only advantage of the canon 50 1.8 II over it (except for a small difference in aperture ratio) is only autofocus? And I won’t get any big sense from buying it?
    Thanks in advance for your reply)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It's a matter of habit, nothing more. I don’t see the point in switching from crop to crop.
      50 1.8 – autofocus and automatic aperture control

      • Rome

        Thanks for the answer) In principle, I was thinking something like this, but I’m not going to switch, at least while the shutter is alive.
        In general, we are happy with what we have.
        And I would like to thank you for your articles and reviews, as well as Rodion. A treasure trove of useful information and a very unbiased point of view. You saved me (And I think thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of people) from low-quality information. As an example: here was the first place where I read something sane about focal length and frame size, about megapixels. So thank you very much.

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Thank you. Live and learn.

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