Best Canon Cameras for Beginners
If you’re a beginner DSLR or mirrorless camera user, you’ve outgrown compact cameras and smartphones and want to take your photography journey to the next level.
There are plenty of DSLR cameras available for beginners from brands like Canon, and they offer custom functions, exceptional functions, and more shooting parameters.
What’s more, DLSR and mirrorless cameras have plenty of auto modes that help you, as a beginner, gradually progress to manual modes and lens changes to tackle various scenes.
Canon has a wide variety of cameras in the entry-level and mid-range categories, ideal for a beginner. So which is the best Canon camera for a beginner? Read on to learn more.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Canon Camera as a Beginner?
Camera Type
When it comes to Canon beginner cameras, you have four options
Bridge Cameras
Canon bridge cameras take the compact digital concept and take it up a notch. Like compact digitals, they don’t have interchangeable lenses, but they offer more control over camera settings, better ergonomics, larger grips, and more durable bodies.
Compact Digital or Point and Shoot
Canon compact digital cameras or point-and-shoot cameras are convenient due to their small size. Generally, they’re meant for beginners and have automatic modes that allow you to take photos with little or no knowledge.
Unfortunately, their lenses are in-built and not changeable though they have a wide zoom range. It depends on what you’re shooting quality-wise, but it’s relatively decent.
DSLR
Canon DSLRs are the typical fancy-look cameras with plenty of buttons and big lenses. Lower-end DSLRs offer decent picture quality and tons of control.
On the other hand, higher-end DSLRs have an array of advanced features, such as complex autofocus tracking, lightning-quick bust shooting, and ultra-durable frames.
DSLR cameras also have a wide range of lenses and flash systems as well as a myriad of other devices of all kinds for creative effects.
Mirrorless
Canon mirrorless cameras are all the rage nowadays, featuring everything present in DSLRs but in smaller bodies. They don’t compromise on quality and versatility thanks to mirrorless image sensor technology advancements.
Keep in mind that at the end of the day, none of these cameras can be considered the best for beginners because they’re different, so it depends on your needs.
So when picking a camera as a beginner, consider what you want to shoot and how you want to take shots rather than going for the option with the best specifications.
Image Sensor Size
The bigger the image sensor, the better the picture quality; all factors are held constant. As a result, big sensors tend to be expensive, and they also tend to make their way into the hands of professional photographers as opposed to beginners.
In fact, the biggest consumer image sensors are known as full-frame, and the default size is 35mm. However, the majority of cameras available right now have image sensors smaller than full-frame; these sensors are known as APS-C or cropped sensors.
Also, there are smaller sensors known as MFTs (Micro Four Thirds). So If capturing crisp images is the main objective, we recommend MFT sensors at the very least. Also, as a beginner is important that you consider APS-C and budget full-frame sensors.
That said, large image sensors correlate to larger camera bodies (DSLR and mirrorless), so a smaller sensor is a trade-off worth considering, especially if you like traveling a lot or you love the idea of carrying your camera in your pocket or bag.
ISO Performance
Some beginner Canon cameras can shoot ISO 3200, 6400, and beyond without generating a lot of noise, while others struggle to shoot past ISO 800.
The difference here is partially a function of the size, where bigger sensors offer superior low-light performance, but also a function of sensor tech, where certain sensor types, mostly in the expensive models, outperform others.
Unfortunately, it’s quite tough to determine a camera’s high-ISO abilities based on its technical specifications alone. So, as a beginner, it’s crucial to read hands-on reviews prior to going for any particular camera, especially if low-light photography is of interest to you.
Lens Quality and Selection
A camera’s sensor is only as good as the lens you put in front of it. If the lens is blurry, even with the best sensor, your shots will be blurry as well.
If you want to buy a bridge camera or a compact digital, compare the zoom range among the different models. It’s also important to consider the amount of zoom you need.
Some lenses cover wide ranges; as a result, they can handle various types of photography, from landscapes to sports. Other lenses have more restricted zoom ranges which might be okay or present a problem depending on your needs.
With DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, you need to get at least one lens; otherwise, the camera won’t work. Fortunately, the lens options are virtually endless, so you can find lenses for pretty much all types of photography, from portraits to wildlife and beyond.
Also, most cameras are sold as kits that include the camera body and lens. These kit lenses are not the best, but they should be okay for beginners.
Some lenses are pricier than others based on some factors, such as they don’t let in a lot of light and they produce very crisp and accurate images. They also might have lengthier focal lengths or large zoom ranges and are built to more durable standards.
Picture and Video Resolution
Photographers of all kinds love high-megapixel cameras. You have cameras like the EOS R5 with 45 megapixels and the EOS 5DS with over 50 Megapixels. But what do you get from all these megapixels? Basically, you get two things cropping latitude and massive prints.
In other words, a 50.6-megapixel camera will allow you to generate massive prints with a lot of detail or crop in on your subject for an enlarged view.
Unfortunately, higher megapixel counts have their drawbacks. For instance, they tend to reduce the camera’s ISO capabilities such that your images will be messy and noisy in low light.
Also, the resolution is directly connected with file size, meaning that the more megapixels in an image, the more your memory card fills up quickly.
So if you’re a beginner, most likely you’re on a budget, so before you break the bank and get that 40+ megapixel camera, ask yourself, do you really need it?
| 10 Best Canon Camera for Beginners | Form Factor | Video Resolution | Image Resolution | Display | Memory | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS M50 | Mirrorless | 4K (2160p) | 24.1 Megapixels | 3″ Articulating Touchscreen | SDHC and SDXC | 4.60 x 3.5 x 2.3 in. | 13.7 oz. |
| Canon EOS M200 | Mirrorless | 4K (2160p) | 24.1 Megapixels | 3″ Articulating Touchscreen | SD and SDXC | 2.64 x 1.38 x 4.26 in. | 10.55 oz. |
| Canon EOS Rebel SL2 | DSLR | Full HD (1080p) | 24.2 Megapixels | 3″ Articulating Touchscreen | SD, SDHC and SDXC | 4.8 x 3.66 x 2.76 in. | 15.98 oz. |
| Canon EOS Rebel SL3 | DSLR | 4K (2160p) | 24.1 Megapixels | 3″ Articulating Touchscreen | SD, SDHC and SDXC | 4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 in. | 15.85 oz. |
| Canon EOS Rebel T7 | DSLR | Full HD (1080p) | 24.1 Megapixels | 3″ Fixed Screen | SD, SDHC and SDXC | 5.08 x 3.98 x 3.07 in. | 16.76 oz. |
| Canon EOS Rebel T7i | DSLR | 4K (2160p) | 24.2 Megapixels | 3″ Articulating Touchscreen | SDHC and SDXC | 5.16 x 3.93 x 3.00 in. | 18.77 oz. |
| Canon EOS Rebel T8i | DSLR | 4K (2160p) | 24.1 Megapixels | 3″ Articulating Touchscreen | SDHC and SDXC | 5.15 x 4.04 x 3.00 in. | 18.17 oz. |
| Canon EOS RP | Mirrorless | 4K (2160p) | 26.2 Megapixels | 3″ Articulating Touchscreen | SD, SDHC and SDXC | 3.02 x 3.02 x 3.5 in. | 16 oz. |
| Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II | Compact Digital | Full HD (1080p) | 20.1 Megapixels | 3″ Tilting Touchscreen | SD, SDHC and SDXC | 4.17 x 2.4 x 1.65 in. | 10.37 oz. |
| Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III | Compact Digital | 4K (2160p) | 20.2 Megapixels | 3″ Tilting Touchscreen | SD, SDHC and SDXC | 4.13 x 2.4 x 1.63 in. | 10.72 oz. |
1. Canon EOS M50
The EOS M50 is an entry-level camera that offers impressive Autofocus during live shoots. This camera also has exceptional image and sound quality.
The outfitted viewfinder in the EOS M50 is electronic and high-res. It also features a 10fps burst shooting mode. It also has touchscreen controls that allow you to control it and take pictures easily. This EOS M50 also has a flippable screen.
Key Specifications
- Form Factor: Mirrorless
- Video Resolution: 4K (2160p)
- Image Resolution: 24.1 Megapixels
- Display: 3″ Articulating Touchscreen
- Memory: SDHC and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4.60 x 3.5 x 2.3 Inches
- Weight: 13.7 Ounces
2. Canon EOS M200
The Canon EOS M200 is an entry-level mirrorless camera with an APS-C sensor and a flip-out screen. It has a lightweight and portable design, but it doesn’t have a handgrip, so it might be uncomfortable to use for some people.
It has an exceptional image autofocus system which allows it to keep track of moving subjects and keep them in focus. As a result, the image quality is impressive.
Key Specifications
- Form Factor: Mirrorless
- Video Resolution: 4K (2160p)
- Image Resolution: 24.1 Megapixels
- Display: 3″ Articulating Touchscreen
- Memory: SD and SDXC
- Dimensions: 2.64 x 1.38 x 4.26 Inches
- Weight: 10.55 Ounces
3. Canon EOS Rebel SL2
The EOS Rebel SL2 is an entry-level camera that is an improvement on the Rebel SL1. Canon has added an articulating screen and refined touchscreen control. A new sensor and a guide UI make this an excellent pick for beginners.
Key Specifications
- Form Factor: DSLR
- Video Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Image Resolution: 24.2 Megapixels
- Display: 3″ Articulating Touchscreen
- Memory: SD, SDHC and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.66 x 2.76 Inches
- Weight: 15.98 Ounces
4. Canon EOS Rebel SL3
The Rebel SL3 is a very light camera to hold and use. Being an entry-level camera, not much is in the design. It has a compact form factor, making it perfect to fit in a medium-sized bag and carry around. And although it’s a beginner camera, Canon hasn’t compromised on specs.
Key Specifications
- Form Factor: DSLR
- Video Resolution: 4K (2160p)
- Image Resolution: 24.1 Megapixels
- Display: 3″ Articulating Touchscreen
- Memory: SD, SDHC and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 Inches
- Weight: 15.85 Ounces
5. Canon EOS Rebel T7
The Rebel T7, also known as the EOS 2000D, in some other markets, is Canon’s overhaul over 1300D. The Rebel T7 boasts over 24 million pixels in its image sensor, significantly more than the 18 million Canon used in its previous beginner cameras.
Key Specifications
- Form Factor: DSLR
- Video Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Image Resolution: 24.1 Megapixels
- Display: 3″ Fixed Screen
- Memory: SD, SDHC and SDXC
- Dimensions: 5.08 x 3.98 x 3.07 Inches
- Weight: 16.76 Ounces
6. Canon EOS Rebel T7i
The EOS Rebel T7i is regarded as one of the best Canon cameras available for beginners. It has all the features you expect from a Canon DSLR. So its features should teach you the ropes of professional photography without being overly complicated.
Key Specifications
- Form Factor: DSLR
- Video Resolution: 4K (2160p)
- Image Resolution: 24.2 Megapixels
- Display: 3″ Articulating Touchscreen
- Memory: SDHC and SDXC
- Dimensions: 5.16 x 3.93 x 3.00 Inches
- Weight: 18.77 Ounces
7. Canon EOS Rebel T8i
If you’re in the market for a proper entry-level DSLR, you can’t go wrong with Canon’s Rebel T8i. It’s the latest camera in Canon’s entry-level Rebel series, and it has a 24-megapixel image sensor as well as a fully articulated touch screen.
Key Specifications
- Form Factor: DSLR
- Video Resolution: 4K (2160p)
- Image Resolution: 24.1 Megapixels
- Display: 3″ Articulating Touchscreen
- Memory: SDHC and SDXC
- Dimensions: 5.15 x 4.04 x 3.00 Inches
- Weight: 18.17 Ounces
8. Canon EOS RP
The EOS RP is the least capable camera in Canon’s mirrorless EOS R system and Canon’s beginner full-frame camera. With 26 million effective pixels, the EOS RP’s image sensor is very similar to Canon’s EOS 6D Mark II.
The feature list is similar to the Mark II, but the architecture has been revamped for the new body and the RF lens mount. The price doesn’t include the lens, but Canon includes an RF to EF adapter in the box. This means that if you have EF lenses, you can connect them to the EOS RP.
Key Specifications
- Form Factor: Mirrorless
- Video Resolution: 4K (2160p)
- Image Resolution: 26.2 Megapixels
- Display: 3″ Articulating Touchscreen
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 3.02 x 3.02 x 3.5 Inches
- Weight: 16 Ounces
9. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
If you don’t want a beginner camera that needs lens changes, then the PowerShot G7 X Mark II from Canon is the camera you should get.
The PowerShot G7 X Mark II comes with a 1-inch image sensor, and it gives you the ability to adjust the image after you have captured it in RAW format.
Key Specifications
- Form Factor: Compact Digital
- Video Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Image Resolution: 20.1 Megapixels
- Display: 3″ Tilting Touchscreen
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4.17 x 2.4 x 1.65 Inches
- Weight: 10.37 Ounces
10. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Canon’s PowerShot G7 X Mark III is one of the best entry-level cameras with a compact fixed-lens design. Although the PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a point-and-shoot aimed at vloggers, it also works as a stills camera, and its compact size makes it a good travel companion.
Key Specifications
- Form Factor: Compact Digital
- Video Resolution: 4K (2160p)
- Image Resolution: 20.2 Megapixels
- Display: 3″ Tilting Touchscreen
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4.13 x 2.4 x 1.63 Inches
- Weight: 10.72 Ounces
Final Thought
To sum it all up, if you’re a beginner and you’re unsure of which Canon camera you should get, consider all cameras in this review.
These cameras don’t have complicated controls, so they are perfect for someone learning the ropes of photography.
See Also
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