Canon has long been a leader in the camera industry, offering a wide range of powerful and user-friendly models for all types of photographers. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough deciding which Canon camera is right for your needs and budget.
This comprehensive guide compares Canon’s current lineup of DSLR, mirrorless and point and shoot cameras across various features, specs, pros and cons. Read on for an in-depth Canon camera review roundup to help you find your perfect match!
Canon DSLR Camera Reviews
Canon’s extensive DSLR lineup caters to everyone from beginners to professionals. Their APS-C sensor Rebel series offers excellent quality at lower price points, while full-frame models like the 5D and 6D lines satisfy advanced shooters. Here’s an overview of Canon’s current DSLR offerings:
Entry-Level: Canon EOS Rebel Series
Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Fast 45-point cross-type AF system
- 4K 24p/30p video
- Fully articulating touchscreen LCD
- Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity
Pros
- Great image quality for price
- Intuitive interface for beginners
- Fast autofocus in live view/video
- Feature-packed
Cons
- No in-body image stabilization
- Continuous shooting capped at 7 fps
- 4K video cropped conservatively
Bottom Line: A fantastic entry-level DSLR with strong performance and a friendly learning curve for new photographers.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i / 800D
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- 45-point phase detect AF system
- 1080p 60p video
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- Wifi, NFC and Bluetooth
Pros
- Great image quality
- Accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Easy to use interface
- Good bang for your buck
Cons
- No 4K video
- Burst shooting limited to 6 fps
- Single SD card slot
Bottom Line: A well-rounded performer and excellent value for those new to DSLR shooting.
Enthusiast: Canon EOS 80D/90D
Canon EOS 90D
- 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- 45-point phase detect AF system
- 4K 30p and 1080p 120p video
- Fully articulating touchscreen LCD
- 10 fps continuous shooting
Pros
- High resolution sensor captures fine details
- Advanced autofocus capabilities
- Great ergonomics and handling
- Solid performance for fast action
Cons
- No in-body image stabilization
- Single SD card slot
- 4K video crop factor
Bottom Line: A fantastic mid-range DSLR with appealing specs for enthusiasts, from its high-res sensor to advanced autofocus.
Canon EOS 80D
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- 45-point phase detect AF system
- 1080p 60p video
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- 7 fps burst shooting
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Intuitive controls with great ergonomics
- Reliable Dual Pixel CMOS AF in live view
- Good performance for action photography
Cons
- Lacks 4K video capture
- Single SD card slot
- No built-in wifi
Bottom Line: A well-rounded mid-level DSLR that excels at both stills and video capture, perfect for advanced hobbyists.
Professional: Canon EOS 5D/6D Series
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- 30MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 61-point phase detect AF system
- 4K 30p video and 1080p 60p
- Touchscreen LCD
- 7 fps continuous shooting
Pros
- Outstanding image quality and dynamic range
- Intuitive interface with great controls
- Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF in live view
- Strong high ISO performance
Cons
- No built-in flash
- Single SD card slot
- 4K video crop factor
Bottom Line: A superb professional DSLR blending a high-res sensor with advanced autofocus and 4K video capabilities.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
- 26MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 45-point phase detect AF system
- 1080p 60p video
- Fully articulating touchscreen LCD
- 6.5 fps burst shooting
Pros
- Great balance of resolution, performance, and value
- Fully articulating touchscreen handy for video
- Fast, accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Solid low light performance
Cons
- Single SD card slot
- Lacks 4K video capture
- Low burst shooting rate
Bottom Line: An affordable full-frame DSLR excelling at image quality, autofocus and versatility for pros and dedicated hobbyists.
Canon Mirrorless Camera Reviews
Canon entered the mirrorless camera market with their EOS M and EOS R lines. The M models have APS-C sensors while the R series packs larger full-frame sensors. Both provide impressive quality and performance in compact form factors.
APS-C: Canon EOS M50 /M50 Mark II
Canon EOS M50
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 143 points
- 4K 24p and 1080p 60p video
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- Built-in EVF and wifi
Pros
- Great image quality for size
- Intuitive interface with good controls
- Fast, accurate autofocus for stills & video
- Compact, lightweight design
Cons
- Cropped 4K video
- Mediocre battery life
- Slow burst shooting rate
Bottom Line: A feature-packed mirrorless camera that’s compact yet powerful, perfect for travel and everyday use.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 143 points
- 4K 24p and 1080p 60p video
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- Built-in EVF and wifi
Pros
- Excellent image quality and high ISO performance
- Intuitive controls and interface
- Fast, accurate eye detect autofocus
- Compact, lightweight design
Cons
- Still cropped 4K video
- Single SD card slot
- Slow burst shooting speed
Bottom Line: A refined take on the M50 with improved autofocus that retains its predecessor’s winning blend of performance and portability.
Full-Frame: Canon EOS R Series
Canon EOS R
- 30MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 5,655 points
- 4K 30p video and 1080p 60p
- Fully articulating touchscreen LCD
- Dust and moisture resistant
Pros
- Fantastic image quality and dynamic range
- Intuitive touchscreen interface
- Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF in stills & video
- Solid but compact weather sealed body
Cons
- Cropped 4K video
- Single SD card slot
- Limited native lens options
Bottom Line: A great first full-frame mirrorless camera from Canon with superb image quality and autofocus to match.
Canon EOS R6
- 20MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 6,072 points
- 4K 60p and 1080p 120p video
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- 12 fps mechanical shutter
Pros
- Excellent image quality through ISO 12800
- Blazing fast autofocus and burst shooting
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- Robust weather sealed body
- Uncropped 4K/60p video
Cons
- Lossy RAW files limits dynamic range
- Overheating issues in some settings
- Lower resolution sensor
Bottom Line: A top-tier mirrorless camera with exceptional performance for speed and video, though not as well-rounded as the R5.
Canon Point and Shoot Camera Reviews
Canon’s PowerShot point and shoot cameras range from budget-friendly models to advanced compacts with large sensors and bright lenses. Their key advantages are simplicity, compact size and affordability.
Budget: Canon PowerShot ELPH Series
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
- 20MP 1/2.3″ CCD sensor
- Digic 4+ image processor
- 720p HD video
- 2.7″ LCD screen
- 8x optical zoom
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Compact, pocketable design
- Easy intuitive controls
- Optical image stabilization
Cons
- Minimal manual controls
- Mediocre image quality in low light
- Poor maximum aperture
- No wifi connectivity
Bottom Line: A simple, pocket-friendly point and shoot decent for casual daytime photography on a strict budget.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS
- 20MP 1/2.3″ CCD sensor
- Digic 4+ image processor
- 1080p full HD video
- 2.7″ LCD screen
- 10x optical zoom with optical IS
Pros
- Compact, slimline design
- Optical zoom range in a small body
- Dynamic image stabilization
- Built-in wifi for easy sharing
Cons
- Small screen with no touch controls
- Struggles in low light
- Limited manual controls
- No RAW support
Bottom Line: An ultra-portable zoom point and shoot decent for casual daytime shots, but limited performance.
Advanced: Canon PowerShot G Series
Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
- 20MP 1″ CMOS sensor
- Digic 8 image processor
- 4K 30p video and 1080p 120p
- Pop-up EVF and touchscreen LCD
- 5x optical zoom; f/1.8-2.8
Pros
- Large 1″ sensor delivers great image quality
- Bright f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens
- Solid control scheme with EVF and touchscreen
- Compact design with good handling
Cons
- Bulky lens retracts externally
- 4K video cropped and magnetized
- No built-in ND filter
- Below average battery life
Bottom Line: A versatile compact packing a 1″ sensor, fast lens and pop-up EVF into a shirt pocketable design.
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Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
- 20MP 1″ CMOS sensor
- Digic 8 image processor
- 4K 30p video and 1080p 120p
- Tilting touchscreen LCD
- 4.2x optical zoom; f/1.8-2.8
Pros
- Excellent image quality from 1″ sensor
- Bright zoom lens performs well in low light
- Effective stabilization system
- Live streaming capabilities
Cons
- No EVF option
- External lens barrel is bulky
- Subject tracking performance lags
- Mediocre battery life
Bottom Line: A great compact for travel and vlogging with strong stills and video quality from its 1″ sensor and bright lens.
Key Differences: DSLR vs. Mirrorless vs. Point and Shoot
| Camera Type | Sensor Size | Image Quality | Autofocus | Viewfinder | Lens Selection | Body Size | Price Range | Best For… |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| DSLR | APS-C or Full Frame | Excellent | Very fast and accurate | Optical | Extensive | Large, bulky | $500-$6000 | Professionals, enthusiasts, action photography |
| Mirrorless | APS-C or Full Frame | Excellent | Very fast and accurate | Electronic or optional optical | Good | Compact, lightweight | $500-$4000 | Enthusiasts, travel, video |
| Point and Shoot | 1/2.3″ to 1″ | Very good to excellent | Average | None or optional electronic | Minimal | Compact, pocketable | $100-$700 | Casual users, simplicity |
Frequently Asked Questions About Canon Cameras
What are the differences between Canon DSLR lines like the Rebel, 80D, 5D, and 6D series?
The Rebel series are Canon’s entry-level DSLR models, offering excellent image quality and performance at lower price points. The 80D and 90D lines are geared toward more advanced enthusiasts, with higher-end features and improved handling. Finally, the 5D and 6D series are Canon’s professional full-frame DSLRs, boasting top-of-the-line features and build quality preferred by working photographers.
Are Canon mirrorless cameras as good as their DSLRs?
Canon’s mirrorless cameras can definitely hold their own against comparable DSLR models. The EOS R5 and R6 even out-spec Canon’s current DSLR lineup in many regards. Key advantages of mirrorless include compact size, very fast autofocus using Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and enhanced video features like uncropped 4K. However, Canon DSLRs still offer superior optical viewfinders and access to more native lenses.
How do Canon point and shoot cameras compare to smartphones?
Canon’s advanced point and shoot cameras shine thanks to their larger sensors, high quality lenses, superior low light performance, and more robust manual shooting modes compared to smartphones. However, for casual shooting and sharing, today’s smartphones like the iPhone Pro models can rival basic point and shoots in image quality and features. Advanced compacts still offer noticeable IQ benefits.
Is it worth buying a Canon DSLR in 2023 or are mirrorless models the future?
Mirrorless cameras are indeed the future, but Canon DSLRs are still very capable cameras, especially for action photography thanks to their lag-free optical viewfinders. The DSLR lens ecosystem also remains more extensive. However, mirrorless models like the EOS R6 offer comparable performance in smaller packages. For new buyers, investing in RF mount lenses makes the most sense long-term.
What features should I prioritize for sports/action photography? For travel? For video?
For sports and action, look for fast continuous burst shooting, an excellent autofocus system with subject tracking, and bright telephoto lenses. For travel, compact mirrorless bodies and lenses are ideal, alongside good battery life and wifi/Bluetooth connectivity. For video, opt for 4K capture, microphone and headphone ports, effective stabilization and articulating touchscreens. Dual Pixel AF is also a big plus.
What lenses should I get with my Canon camera?
The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is a versatile starting point for APS-C Canon DSLRs. For full frame models, the 24-105mm f/4L II is a fantastic walkaround lens. The Canon 50mm f/1.8 (nifty fifty) is also a cheap but high quality prime lens every photographer should own. Investing in L-series glass like 70-200mm or 24-70mm f/2.8 zooms take image quality to another level.
Is Canon better for beginners, or Nikon?
Both Canon and Nikon offer excellent beginner-friendly DSLRs. Canon gets the edge for having more intuitive menu systems and controls, plus handy features like guided menus on some models. The vari-angle touchscreens on many Canon DSLRs also make learning the ropes of photography and video easier. Ultimately though, both brands allow you to capture great images as you’re learning.
Conclusion
No matter your skill level or particular needs, Canon likely offers a camera to suit you. Their DSLRs range from affordable entry-level models perfect for beginners to pro-grade bodies capable of capturing incredible stills and video. For those wanting compact mirrorless systems, the EOS M and EOS R lines impress with highly portable designs housing APS-C and full-frame sensors. And while basic point and shoots are being replaced by smartphones, Canon’s advanced PowerShot compacts still demonstrate the strengths of dedicated cameras with larger sensors and zoom lenses.
Hopefully this detailed Canon camera comparison has helped you determine which type of Canon camera best fits your budget and style of shooting. Whichever model you choose, you can trust Canon to deliver stunning results. Just grab your gear, get shooting, and enjoy capturing life’s greatest moments!
