Canon cameras are pretty exceptional in many ways. The company has introduced devices that remain exceptional in many ways, from colors to build quality to higher megapixels. While there are multiple models that do great, we are looking at a few that truly changed the world of photography.
Canon 7
The Canon 7 series was designed to challenge the Leica M3. The device was a super camera packed with features. Another technical achievement was the 50mm f0.95 lens, which was the fastest lens in the world at the time. The camera also features a built-in selenium light meter (later upgraded to CdS in the 7s) and a viewfinder with manually switchable frame lines. Another marvel with the stainless steel foil shutter, which was durable.
Canon EOS Elan 7
The Canon EOS Elan 7 featured a viewfinder that tracked the photographer’s pupil. It allowed you to select one of the 7 autofocus points simply by looking at it. This technology only returned later with the R3. You also got an aluminum top and front cover, and it was also the first Canon camera to fully integrate E-TTL flash metering. In our review, we also said, “The Canon EOS Elan 7 is a pretty awesome camera overall. I wouldn’t call it a workhorse, but it’s what I’ve been using for a few years now.”
Canon AE-1
The Canon AE-1 (1976) was the first SLR to incorporate a microprocessor. The camera replaced over 300 mechanical parts with digital circuits. Canon also coordinated shutter timing and exposure calculations, and introduced Shutter-Priority Auto Exposure. It was also the first time an SLR felt easy to use, and users could choose the shutter speed, and the CPU would automatically set the correct aperture. Canon also developed modular robotic assembly and injection-molded ABS plastic with a “satin chrome” finish. The AE-1 sold over 5 million units and invented the modern “consumer SLR” market.
Canon 5D
The original Canon 5D was introduced in 2005, marking a watershed moment for photography. Before the 5D, 35mm sensors were only used in cameras such as the EOS-1Ds. The device was first a prosumer could use a full frame at half the price. It had a 12MP sensor that offered rich colors and a nice grain. There was also a DIGIC II processor, which featured Picture Style, a standardized color processing system across Canon’s lineup. In many ways, it helped to end the crop-sensor dominance.
Canon 5D Mk II
The Canon 5D Mk II was launched in 2008 and was the first DSLR focused on video. It can record 1080p video with its 35mm 21MP sensor, enabling cinematic performance with ease. It comes with a DIGIC 4 processor and an expanded ISO range up to 25,600. We found that the camera also delivers better skin texture, and the autofocus is spot-on. Wedding and event photographers as well as photojournalists will also enjoy the device, and the RAW files were pretty good, too. Overall,