Choosing the right camera is one of the most important steps for anyone starting their photography journey. For beginners, a user-friendly yet feature-packed camera can make learning photography much easier and more enjoyable.
Canon has long been a trusted name in the photography world, known for producing cameras that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a compact, budget-friendly option or something with more advanced features to grow into, Canon has a wide range of cameras ideal for novice photographers.
In this article, 123 Review’ll break down the best Canon cameras for beginners, what features to prioritize, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Top Canon Cameras for New Photographers
When searching for a beginner camera, you want something that strikes a balance between simplicity, performance, and price. Here are some of the top Canon cameras to consider:
Canon EOS R100: The Affordable Entry-Level Choice
The Canon EOS R100 is a fantastic entry-level mirrorless camera for beginners on a budget. It’s part of Canon’s R-series, which means it uses the RF lens mount system, giving you access to Canon’s latest lenses. Despite being one of Canon’s more affordable options, the EOS R100 features a 24.1MP APS-C sensor that delivers sharp, vibrant images. This camera is designed with portability in mind—it’s lightweight, compact, and easy to carry around, making it perfect for travel or casual photography.
One of the standout features of the EOS R100 is its intuitive user interface, which makes it easy to learn the basics of photography. You’ll find built-in guides and tips that help you understand settings like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, making it perfect for those who are just starting out. Its compact design, combined with Canon’s reliable Dual Pixel autofocus, ensures that you can capture sharp images effortlessly, even if you’re new to the craft.
Canon EOS Rebel T8i: A Great Starter DSLR
If you’re drawn to the classic DSLR experience, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i (also known as the EOS 850D outside the U.S.) is an excellent option for beginners. This camera features a 24.1MP APS-C sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 8 image processor, ensuring fast, responsive performance and high-quality images. The Rebel T8i offers a range of shooting modes, including manual controls for when you’re ready to dive deeper into the technical side of photography.
What makes the Rebel T8i a great choice for beginners is its vari-angle touchscreen, which makes composing shots from difficult angles easy. This is especially helpful for creative compositions or for vlogging. The camera also excels in video performance, with 4K recording at 24fps and fast, accurate autofocus that tracks moving subjects. It’s a well-rounded camera that offers room to grow as you develop your skills.
Canon EOS 200D: Compact and User-Friendly DSLR
The Canon EOS 200D (also known as the Rebel SL3) is one of Canon’s smallest and lightest DSLRs, designed specifically for those who want the flexibility of a DSLR without the bulk. It’s perfect for beginners who prioritize portability but still want powerful features. The EOS 200D comes with a 24.1MP APS-C sensor and Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel autofocus system, which is fast and accurate, ensuring that your subjects are always in focus.
This camera is particularly appealing for vloggers and content creators because it offers 4K video recording and a vari-angle LCD touchscreen, which makes filming yourself easier. The camera’s guided interface is also a huge plus for beginners. It explains different settings and modes right on the screen, so you can learn as you shoot. Additionally, its compact size makes it easy to take with you wherever you go, making it an excellent travel companion.
Canon EOS R8: Full-Frame Mirrorless for Beginners
For beginners who want to jump straight into full-frame photography, the Canon EOS R8 is an ideal choice. Full-frame cameras, which feature larger sensors than APS-C models, generally offer better image quality, especially in low light, and more control over depth of field. The EOS R8 features a 24.2MP full-frame sensor that delivers stunning image quality and incredible dynamic range, making it a great option for landscapes, portraits, and low-light photography.
Despite being a full-frame camera, the EOS R8 is compact and relatively lightweight, making it easier to handle than many other full-frame models. It also offers advanced features like 4K video recording at 60fps and Canon’s latest autofocus technology, which excels at tracking moving subjects. For beginners serious about their photography and willing to invest in a camera that will serve them for years to come, the EOS R8 offers excellent value for a full-frame mirrorless camera.
Canon EOS R7: Versatile APS-C Mirrorless
The Canon EOS R7 stands out as one of the most versatile cameras for beginners who are interested in action, wildlife, or sports photography. Featuring a 32.5MP APS-C sensor, it provides high resolution and fast continuous shooting speeds of up to 30 frames per second, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the R7 comes with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which minimizes camera shake and helps deliver sharp images, even in handheld shooting situations.
This camera also offers advanced autofocus capabilities, making it easy for beginners to capture sharp images of moving subjects. The EOS R7 is part of Canon’s mirrorless RF system, so it benefits from the latest RF lenses, known for their sharpness and optical quality. With its combination of high resolution, fast performance, and advanced features, the EOS R7 is an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore more specialized types of photography.
Key Features to Consider
When shopping for your first Canon camera, it’s essential to consider the features that will make a big difference in your photography experience. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
Image Quality and Sensor Type
The sensor is the heart of the camera, determining image quality, low-light performance, and depth of field control. For beginners, APS-C sensors, like those found in the Canon EOS R100 and Rebel T8i, offer a great balance between affordability and performance. These sensors capture detailed images and perform well in most lighting conditions.
Full-frame sensors, such as the one in the Canon EOS R8, offer superior image quality, especially in low-light scenarios. They also provide greater control over depth of field, allowing for more creative shots with blurred backgrounds. However, full-frame cameras tend to be more expensive and may require more investment in lenses.
Autofocus System: Importance for Beginners
A camera’s autofocus system plays a crucial role in ensuring sharp, well-focused images. For beginners, a fast and accurate autofocus system can make a big difference in capturing moving subjects or spontaneous moments. Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus system, found in many of their beginner-friendly models like the Rebel T8i and EOS 200D, is known for its speed and accuracy. For those interested in action photography, cameras with advanced autofocus systems, like the EOS R7, are ideal.
Video Capabilities for New Videographers
For beginners looking to explore video as well as photography, having a camera with good video capabilities is essential. Many Canon cameras, including the EOS R8 and EOS 200D, offer 4K video recording, which delivers high-quality footage. Features like vari-angle touchscreens, found in models like the Rebel T8i and EOS 200D, are also beneficial for vloggers or those filming themselves.
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Wireless connectivity is a must for modern cameras, especially for beginners who want to share their photos and videos quickly. Most Canon cameras now come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily transfer images to your smartphone, computer, or tablet. This feature is particularly useful for social media enthusiasts who want to post their photos without the hassle of cables.
Ergonomics and Usability
A camera’s ergonomics and ease of use are often overlooked but can significantly impact your experience, especially as a beginner. A well-designed camera that fits comfortably in your hands, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface, can make learning photography much more enjoyable. Canon cameras like the EOS R100 and Rebel T8i are known for their beginner-friendly interfaces, offering guided modes that explain camera settings in simple terms.
Budget-Friendly Canon Cameras
Canon offers a range of beginner cameras at various price points. Depending on your budget, you can find a camera that offers the right mix of features without breaking the bank.
Best Canon Cameras Under $500
For those on a tighter budget, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 and the Canon EOS R100 are two excellent options under $500. The Rebel T7 is a basic DSLR that still offers good image quality with its 24.1MP sensor, and the EOS R100, though more recent and mirrorless, provides modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and Canon’s latest lens compatibility.
Best Canon Cameras Under $1000
If you can stretch your budget to around $1,000, models like the Canon EOS Rebel T8i and Canon EOS 200D offer more advanced features, such as 4K video, better autofocus systems, and improved ergonomics. These cameras are perfect for beginners who want a bit more room to grow.
Recommendations by Photography Style
The type of photography you plan to pursue should also influence your camera choice. Here are some recommendations based on specific photography styles:
Best Canon Camera for Landscapes
For landscape photography, the Canon EOS R8 is an excellent choice due to its full-frame sensor, which captures a wider field of view and delivers superior detail in both shadows and highlights. Its dynamic range allows you to capture stunning landscapes with vivid detail and color accuracy.
Best Canon Camera for Portraits
Portrait photographers will benefit from the Canon EOS Rebel T8i, which provides excellent subject tracking and produces beautiful background blur (bokeh) thanks to its APS-C sensor and wide-aperture lens compatibility. Its Dual Pixel autofocus ensures that your subjects are sharp, even in tricky lighting conditions.
Best Canon Camera for Vlogging
For vloggers, the Canon EOS 200D stands out with its lightweight design, vari-angle touchscreen, and 4K video capabilities. It’s perfect for content creators who need a portable camera that’s easy to use while still offering high-quality video recording.
Essential Accessories for Beginners
To get the most out of your Canon camera, investing in a few essential accessories is a wise decision.
Lenses for Canon Beginner Cameras
A versatile lens can significantly enhance your photography experience. For beginners, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is a good starting point, as it covers a wide range of focal lengths. For mirrorless users, the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is an affordable yet high-quality option that suits various photography needs.
Tripods and Stabilizers
A good tripod is invaluable, especially for low-light photography or when shooting videos. Options like the Joby GorillaPod offer flexibility and portability, making them ideal for both photography and vlogging. For more stability in video work, a handheld stabilizer can also be useful.
Camera Bags for Protection and Portability
A sturdy camera bag protects your gear and makes it easier to transport. Look for a bag with padded compartments, such as the Lowepro Tahoe BP 150, to ensure your camera and lenses are well-protected while traveling.
Tips for Choosing the Right Canon Camera
Choosing the right camera requires careful consideration. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice for your needs:
Understanding Your Photography Goals
Before purchasing a camera, think about what kind of photography interests you most. Whether it’s landscapes, portraits, or action shots, knowing your goals will help you prioritize the right features and make a more informed decision.
Reading Reviews and Comparisons
It’s important to read reviews and comparisons from both experts and users to get a sense of a camera’s real-world performance. Reviews can provide insight into a camera’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you avoid models that might not meet your needs.
Testing Cameras in Store
Whenever possible, visit a camera store to test out the models you’re considering. Handling the camera, exploring its controls, and getting a feel for its ergonomics can give you a much better idea of whether it’s the right fit for you.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Photography Journey
Selecting the best Canon camera for beginners can seem daunting with so many great options available. However, by considering factors like your budget, photography goals, and desired features, you can find a camera that perfectly suits your needs. From the budget-friendly Canon EOS R100 to the advanced Canon EOS R8, there’s a camera for every type of beginner photographer. With the right camera in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to capture beautiful images and start your photography journey on the right foot.
