Which Canon Camera Is Right for You? The Answers Are Clear Now

There are Canon cameras for every type of photographer, and this roundup will make it easy to see which one is right for you.

Canon has been in the camera making business for a very long time. Because of this, they have a strong lineup of cameras that suit many different types of photographers. In this roundup, we will take a quick look at which Canon cameras are the best for different kinds of photographers, and we’ll see which lens pairs up perfectly with each Canon camera.

In all, we’ve selected six different categories of photography, and we have paired each with one of the many Canon cameras currently on the market. Of course, you can use each of these Canon cameras for whatever genre of photography you wish, but for this article, we pair them with the category we think will be able to get the most out of the gear.

For the Beginner – Canon Rebel T7i

A small, easy to use, very affordable camera that uses Canon’s excellent EF mount glass. The Canon Rebel T7i is perfect for the first time camera owner as it offers so much more than any smartphone camera, especially in the image quality department. Put the infamous Canon 50mm f1.8 on it, and you’ll be in awe. Here are the pros and cons from our review:

Pros

• Lightweight
• A fair amount of creative options
• Not bad autofocus
• Not bad image quality at high ISOs
• Good colors
• Touchscreen
• Fantastic battery life
• Tilt-swivel screen

Cons

• No way to edit the RAW files within the camera
• Canon’s sensors are starting to fall behind
• Not a whole lot of dynamic range

Buy now: $599

For the Traveler and Hybrid Shooter – Canon EOS M6 Mk II

Small, powerful, and able to fit the needs of both travelers and hybrid shooters, the Canon M6 Mk II is hard to pass up. It features a huge 32.5 Megapixel sensor, and it can shoot 4K video. The M6 II can fire off 14 frames per second, and it has an excellent AF system that includes eye autofocus. Pair it with the 18-150mm f3.5-6.3 lens, and you’ll have a complete package that’s ready to go anywhere. Here are the pros and cons from our review:

Pros

• Beautiful colors
• The sound of the shutter will appeal to long-time photographers.
• It feels like a solid, impressive camera.
• Canon’s implementation of the Touch and Drag AF system is the best it’s ever been with the Canon EOS M6 Mk II.
• Pretty stellar battery life
• You’ve got more megapickles than you need. U DONT NEED MOAR MEGAPICKLES!!!!

Cons

• We really wish it were weather sealed.
• An integrated viewfinder would have put this over the top.

Buy now: $999

Pro Tip: Buying a new camera is one thing, but knowing how to get the most out of it is another thing entirely. One thing we always recommend to any photographer who buys a new camera is to familiarize yourself with it. Could you read the manual and play with it? Sure. But, you could also purchase camera specific guides that will get you on the fast track. There are guides for the Canon 5D4, 5DS, EOS R, the T7i, and many more. They’re affordable, and they will get you up and running in no time.

For Enthusiasts and New Portrait Photographers – Canon EOS RP

Canon’s entry-level, Full Frame Mirrorless camera, the EOS RP is perfect for photographers who want to explore Full Frame cameras, and for budding portrait photographers. This camera can use Canon’s new RF mount lenses, it has eye autofocus, and it can be yours for under a grand (when on sale). Pair it with the RF 35mm f1.8 and you’ll be thrilled. Here are the pros and cons from our full review:

Pros

• This isn’t Canon innovating on the inside, but instead on the outside.
• This is the smallest and lightest ILC full-frame camera on the market.
• Goes well with a wrist strap and a light prime lens
• Weather sealing
• The autofocus isn’t bad, and it’s quite usable in a number of working conditions.
• Pretty good image quality

Cons

• This camera is begging to be paired with a nice 50mm f1.8 lens.
• Could have done better with a joystick
• The competition from Sony charges around 1/3rd more of the price and offers more.

Buy now: $999

For Professional Portrait Photographers -Canon EOS R

Canon’s most powerful Mirrorless camera to date, the EOS R is perfect for portrait photographers who want to take advantage of Canon’s fast, fantastic RF prime lenses (like the RF 85mm 1.2L USM). The EOS R’s AF system has seen upgrades, which means it now has better eye autofocus, better tracking, and all-around better performance. Here are the pros and cons from our full review:

Pros

• Build quality
• Weather sealed like crazy
• Autofocus is good
• Protects the sensor when off
• Canon’s menu system is still simple.
• Ergonomics feel nice.
• With a lightweight lens, it feels just as nice as a Sony camera.
• These are some of Canon’s best RAW files we’ve seen in years.
• Good battery life
• Fast Wi-Fi transfers, though not as simple as Sony’s

Cons

• Needs Dual SD cards
• Needs a joystick
• The magic touch bar is odd and could use refinement.
• Optimizing the way the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed dials work, such as the automatic metering for ISO, not cool
• Canon needs to improve or change their Face and eye detection.
• Bigger than Sony, but the L lenses are about on par with their G Master glass

Buy now: $1,499

Pro Tip: You’re going to be spending a large chunk of change on these Canon cameras, so we’re sure that you want to keep them in perfect working order for as long as possible. If you want to make sure your investment lasts a long time, you need to clean it regularly. Cleaning your camera will not only help maintain its great looks, but will also help it perform at its peak as well. All you need is a simple, inexpensive cleaning kit to help keep your gear in tip-top shape. 

For the Landscape Photographer – Canon 5D Mk IV

The Canon 5D IV is one of those cameras you’d trust with your life. Built like a tank, and weather-sealed to the nines, the 5D4 is the Canon camera you want with you out in the field and on treacherous trails. Pair this camera with the excellent 16-35mm f2.8 and you’ll have one capable camera in your possession. Here are the pros and cons from our full review:

Pros

• Great image quality, though we still feel we can do MUCH more with Sony and Fujifilm files when it comes to color. But Canon’s dynamic range is pretty darn good.
• Ergonomical feel reminds me more of the old 5D Mk II than the Mk III.
• Fantastic autofocus
• Touchscreen, finally
• The quiet shutter is nice.
• Weather sealing

Cons

• Price point (at the time of review)

Buy now: $1,999

For the Studio and Fashion Photographer – The Canon 5DS

The Canon 5DS is a 50.6 Megapixel camera, which is perfect for photographers who need to capture as much detail as possible. If you do a lot of work in a studio, or you’re a fashion photographer where detail matters, this is the Canon camera for you. Pair this up with the 50mm F1.2 L USM, and you’ll create images your clients won’t be able to say no to. Here are the pros and cons from our full review:

Pros

• Solid build quality, though heavy
• Lots of resolution for those that need it
• Beautiful viewfinder
• Very deep color versatility
• Weather resistance
• Some of the best autofocusing capabilities that we’ve seen with a Canon DSLR

Cons

• Odd menu changes if you’re a veteran Canon user. Micro adjustment isn’t in the same spot anymore
• Lack of Wifi, but can use EyeFi Cards
• Still can only do second curtain flash with Canon flashes
• We expected much more highlight recovery

Buy now: $3,499