So you’ve decided to get a proper camera, and you know someone who knows someone who has a Canon. You, my friend, are about to make a great choice! The Japanese company has been at the forefront of the best in cameras since the beginning, and its EOS system is over 30 years old. It also happens to hold the number one market share today, which has to count for something.
Of course, with so many DSLRs on offer (and a couple of mirrorless cameras - one for another list), you’re sure to find something for any budget and skill level. In fact, not only can Canon offer you something that makes a great first camera, it can also give you a boost up in your journey, or even give you the tools to operate as a top-flight professional - glamorous lifestyle and Ferrari not included.
Finally, as any good photographer will tell you, a camera is only as good as its lens system, and whether it’s the wide range of budget-friendly EF lenses, or the world-class L optics, you’re never going to find yourself left wanting.
The following are our picks for the best Canon DSLRs for any budget or skill level.
The best Canon DSLR cameras
This budget-friendly entry-level DSLR starts us off with a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, 3in non-touch fixed LCD and an optical viewfinder. There are nine AF points to help you get sharp photos, and the built-in flash is great for shooting in darker scenes. The intelligent auto modes means the camera will help you learn, while the manual mode lets you take control when you're ready. It features 1080p video, Scene Intelligent Auto and a handy Feature Guide that lets you know what each setting does. It may not be the choice of pros, but for the price with an 18-55mm lens, it's a great start.
Taking a step up the food chain, this DSLR offers a few advantages over the 2000D. It still features a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, though packs in a Digic 8 processor, 4K video and 5fps continuous shooting speed. The 3in 1040k-dot rear LCD tilts out to face the front, and features touch control - perfect for blogging or selfies. The AF system still comprises nine points, but using thereat screen will give you 49-points of Dual Pixel AF. Finally, the same intelligent auto modes appear, as well as a Guided UI, meaning this is perfect for beginners, or those looking for a tilting touchscreen and better video features. Bluetooth allows you to hook up to the Canon App on your phone for image sharing or remote control.
So, you're no longer a beginner, and you want something a little more meaty? Welcome to the 77D! Aimed at enthusiasts, you get a slightly chunkier body, with a professional looking top-plate LCD that shows your shooting settings. It also features a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, and tilting rear 3in touchscreen. Like the 250D it features touch control for perfect front-facing framing. There is video, capable of 1080p at 60fps, and Bluetooth allows you to hook up to the Canon App on your phone for image sharing or remote control. It also featured 45-points of autofocus when using the optical viewfinder, or 49 with Dual Pixel AF when using the rear live view screen. There is optical stabilisation for movies, with a 5-axis Digital IS for smoother footage. You'll also get Scene Intelligent Auto, letting the camera get the best settings for you shot, a built-in flash and 6fps continuous shooting speed.
The last APS-C offering on this list before we move up to the big boys. The 7D MkII is getting on in years, but still has the guts to create excellent images, especially if you're looking for a modestly priced sports or wildlife shooter. It's also the first offering to feature weather sealing, in-built GPS and a rapid shooting speed of 10 frames per second. It also offers a more advanced 65-point AF system, allowing you to capture those fast moving action scenes. There are dual card slots, with room for one SD and one CF compact flash card, and it also boasts the Dual Pixel AF system, though the rear screen is fixed and doesn't allow touch. The 20.2MP APS-C sensor, which boasts a 1.6x crop, works with the Dual Digic 6 processors to offer Full HD 1080p at 60fps, and an ISO range of 100-16,000.
We're nearing the end of the list, meaning it's time to jump up in the world and take a look at full-frame sensors. The 6D MkII, known as Canon's full-frame entry-level boasts a 26.2MP 35mm CMOS sensor, 3in 1040k-dot Vari-Angle LCd, which can tilt to face forwards and supports touch control, and 45-points of cross-type focus points with the optical viewfinder, or 63 using the rear screen to select your points. You'll find a meatier ISO range, which encompasses a whopping 100-40,000 - perfect for low-light shooting. The in-built GPS will tag your location into the shots, and Bluetooth means you can link up to the free smartphone app to share your shots as you take them, or even use your phone to trigger the camera remotely. Aimed at serious enthusiasts, you won't find any guided menus here, but it does feature auto modes, such as aperture and shutter speed priority, or manual mode for ultimate control.
Now we're rolling with the big boys. Canon's pro-level 5D is on it's 4th generation, and is a professional work horse found in some of the most prestigious kitbags on the planet. Under the hood there's a 30.4MP full-frame 35mm sensor, Dual Pixel AF and 7fps continuous shooting speed. It was the first Canon consumer DSLR to feature 4K video, and manages DCI 4K at 30fps, or Full HD at 60fps, enough to capture slow footage. There's a fixed 3.2in 162-k-dot LCD, though it doesn't feature touch control, and an optical viewfinder. You also get 61 points of phase detection Dual Pixel AF and an ISO range of 100-32,000 natively, or expandable to 50-102400. In fact, the 5D MkIV is well know for its ability to work in low-light, with excellent ISO performance, and ability to acquire focus at -3EV, or effectively candlelight.
The crème de la crème of Canon DSLR line-up, this beast can be found in sporting pits and wedding kitbags everywhere. Spec wise, you'll notice certain similarities with the 7D MkII u2013 on steroids! It features Dual Digic 6+ processors, a world-renowned 61-point focus system, with excellent tracking algorithms and a beefy ISO range of 100-51,200, extended to 50-409,600 u2013 ideal for dimly lit churches or night time sporting events. The AF is rated to -3EV, which is easily enough to cope with floodlit stadium lighting, and you can capture a very hefty 14fps with continuous AF, especially when using Canon's brilliant Dual Pixel AF. You can also shoot 4K video at 30fps, or 1080p Full HD at 120fps. You also get an in-built GPS unit - perfect for tagging your locations when you're a globetrotting professional photographer!