Canon is, without a doubt, one of the biggest giants in the photography industry. The brand is known to release models that complement different kinds of users ranging from pros, hobbyists, and beginners. All of them excel in their very own ways and that is why ranking them according to their capability is no picnic.
That being said, we picked different kinds of cameras from the selection of models Canon has released. Besides their features, functions, and build, we also take into consideration their ease of use and value to your money. And for you to easily weigh each option, we enlisted the help of Evangeline Summers, NatGeo’s former photographer and SolidSmack’s Photography Editor, by giving her best insights after testing each model. With this, we hope you’ll find the best Canon camera that will suit your capabilities, budget, and needs.
Best Canon Cameras Comparison & Rating
Canon Cameras | Features |
1. Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera
Canon has proved its dominance with the release of the Canon EOS 90D DSLR. It is packed with very irresistible features that are unique in this model.
“It starts with its APS-C sensor that comes with a raging 32.5 MP resolution that is very hard to beat,” started Summers, “but beyond that, it is also a powerhouse when it comes to the AF system. It is filled with more than 5,000 manually selectable AF points. This makes the Live Viewing function of the unit very impressive and unforgettable as it allows instant focus.”
According to her, the AF area coverage of EOS 90D is also quite vast with its vertical length fully covered and the horizontal length at 88%. With this, getting the focus on the subject is much easier.
Summers also mentioned that the camera is capable of high-speed continuous shooting that can go up to 10 FPS in the viewfinder and up to 11 FPS in the Live View. Most of all, EOS 90D can deliver an enchanting uncropped 4K video which we are all looking for in Canon cameras. So, mixed with sweet icing of a 32.5 MP APS-C sensor, this is the rich cherry on top of this model that you will get in this generous Canon EOS 90D DSLR camera! Perfecto!
2. Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera
Canon has done an exquisite job in the release of its Rebel SL3, which is known as EOS 250D in other places. It is the successor of the famous Rebel SL2 which was widely cherished by a lot of photography professionals back then. With this, Canon has made another great success by empowering the camera even more which gives us the Rebel SL3 that Summers find very interesting.
“Rebel SL3 will give you a plate full of interesting things you would love. First is the vari-angle screen where you can use the Live View option of the camera. The good thing about this is that Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is very efficient in recognizing, locking, and following the focus to the subject on the screen with just a single tap of your finger. It is very quick, effective, and easy to use.
“Also, its dynamic range is just right; just the right amount of details in dark and bright spots. It is really not something of a deal-breaker since it is comparatively almost the same as the performance of SL2. However, it has a great improvement in the noise control and level even at the highest ISO settings. So, it is still a winning deal.”
Furthermore, Summers said that despite the great performance of the camera, Canon gave it a few tweaks to make it more friendly among beginners.
“Besides giving the market a smaller size of DSLR,” Summers added, “you’ll also get other helpful functions that improve user experience. For instance, it introduces a Guided UI, a viewfinder with distinctive autofocus points, and a Creative Assist mode. All of them are targeting novice users. This makes it not just a compact camera, but so as a very beginner-friendly unit, as well!”
3. Canon EOS M50 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
It is true that finding the right camera is all about getting the right combination of features you need. However, it is also a fact that you can’t have everything in a single unit. Canon EOS M50 Mark II proves it. While it has sacrificed some sections, it boasts great design and features that will outweigh everything.
“The 4K is cropped and limited to the primitive contrast detect system,” said Summers, “but comparing it to the original Canon EOS M50, you’ll get a considerable number of updates and improvements depending on how you would use the camera.”
According to Summers, it has a very limited difference if you would just look at the hardware of EOS M50 and EOS M50 Mark II, especially when it comes to the 24.1MP APS-C sensor of both cams. Hence, the same burst shooting speed and ISO. Also, the notable Dual Pixel CMOS AF feature of Canon in EOS M50 Mark II still doesn’t cover the 4K videos which leaves you the traditional contrast-detect option.
Nonetheless, the other sections of EOS M50 Mark II’s software come with great improvements which will benefit vloggers and other content creators. Besides being equipped with better autofocus both in photos and videos, it is an effective tool for vertical video recording. It is even capable of a YouTube live-streaming function which is very ideal for vloggers. All in all, given the hardware it adopted from EOS M50 and the new add-ons, EOS M50 Mark II can be considered as a well-priced mirrorless unit worth considering if you need a handy mirrorless camera.
4. Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera
EOS RP is designed by Canon to give the market a smaller and cheaper version of EOS R, which makes it really desirable due to its set of alluring features.
“EOS RP gives you a 4K video, vari-angle touchscreen LCD, 4,779-point Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus, and 26.2 MP full-frame sensor,” Summers said, “But it is important to mention that all of these come at an affordable price, give that it is a modern full-frame camera model.”
However, it also comes with some disadvantages. For instance, despite delivering a video in 4K, EOS RP is incapable of utilizing the Dual Pixel CMOS AF in the said maximum resolution. The videos also come cropped which could disappoint some users.
Nonetheless, according to Summers, EOS RP is one of the greatest offers Canon has ever made as it is an effective model to attract audiences in need of affordable full-frame models.
It can also be compared to EOS 6D Mark II due to the number of things it presents such as the 26.2 MP sensor and ISO range of 100-40,000 which is expandable up to 102,400.
Moreover, it offers new features like the Focus Bracketing. It is perfect for getting multiple shots you can merge to get that perfect depth of field. It even includes an EF lens adaptor which allows you to use it with the RF lens system and Canon DSLR lenses making it outrageously awesome! This gives the camera vast possibilities which will certainly call the attention of the market.
5. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Just like Sony ZV-1, PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a compact camera that is designed with video lovers in mind. This explains the strong will of Canon to dress it with powerful audio using the stereo mini-jack supporting external microphones.
“G7 X Mark III is like a mini, yet powerful camcorder-like camera due to its ability to provide uncropped 4K video at a frame rate of up to 30 P,” Summers remarked, “The Full HD videos, on the other hand, at 120 FPS are very, very smooth.”
Also, the controls are very much similar to other models of Canon cameras, so there is almost no learning curve as the buttons are located where you would expect them to be. Even the user interface is almost the same just like in Canon’s previous models so doing some tweaks won’t be a problem at all.
Moreover, it adopts some of the remarkable features of PowerShot G7 X Mark II that were first loved by vloggers. With this, PowerShot G7 X Mark III is no stranger in this game, as it can still offer a great package of functions and features everyone loved and still loves in its predecessor.
Best Canon Cameras - Buyer's Guide
The first thing you need to consider before buying a Canon camera is your skills. The same goes for other brands. However, since Canon a wide range of camera models, it could mean some work. Make sure to research some beginner-friendly cameras that often come with intuitive functions and buttons. The features of the camera can also contribute to this. For instance, Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system can be of great help. This will enable you to lock the focus of the camera with just a tap of a finger in the Live View option. Some Canon camera models offer this like the Rebel SL3 DSLR. That said, we suggest exploring and weighing the features of the camera and assess whether they could aid you in developing your skills or not.
Once you have identified your skills, it is time to find your needs in the camera. Whether you are after beautiful stills or high-resolution videos, you can certainly find a model in Canon that will suit your needs. With this, take some time to weigh the specifications and features of the camera and decide whether they equate to your needs or not. If you need high-quality shots, then you might want to opt for cameras that offer huge sensors like EOS 90D with a raging 32.5 MP. This ensures you’ll get more detailed shots. On the other hand, if videos are your main concern, opting for units that allow a maximum of 4K resolution is more beneficial.
Canon models come in a variety of prices. If you would take time and observe these prices, you will notice that the earlier variants or models are more expensive than the newly released ones. For instance, EOS RP is designed to be a smaller and cheaper version of EOS R. Though it doesn’t come with all the other features you might be expecting, the model is well-priced given that it is a full-frame camera model. If you want more Canon models like that, you can do a little research about the smaller and cheaper variants of older models and you’ll certainly find some of them.
Bigger Canon cameras often come with a bigger set of features to enjoy, especially when it comes to sensors. However, if gripping a huge cam can be a concern, opt for smaller units with buttons and functions that are easier to reach. This should allow you to have a lighter camera with a smaller body allowing better hold. However, this comes with the possibility of the camera being stripped off of some features. If that doesn’t bother you, it won’t be a problem.
Best Canon Cameras - FAQs
EOS in Canon simply means Electro-Optical System which is the autofocus single-lens reflex and mirrorless camera series of the brand.
There are pros and cons to both the DSLR and mirrorless cameras of Canon. While mirrorless cameras are commonly more compact, lighter, and more equipped for video purposes, DSLR excels in terms of battery, viewfinders, and flexible lens choices.
Yes, Canon RF-mount lenses are weather-sealed. You will notice it since the lenses come with a rubber/plastic-like gasket pressing against the lens mount on the camera.
It is undeniable that when it comes to features, EOS R is the lead. It comes with a blogger EVF with a higher resolution at 3.69 million dots, a bigger screen at 3.15", and more. However, when it comes to price, you can say that EOS RP is pretty much a great deal because it still offers most of the features of EOS R.