When I first learned photography in the late 1990s, I started with a Nikon. Back then, I focused on mastering the fundamentals of photography, and actually took a class from Bryan Peterson. In that class, I learned about composition, lighting, and timing before worrying about the latest and greatest gear.
Since 2020, however, I’ve been shooting with Canon cameras, and I’ve come to appreciate the unique qualities they offer, especially for folks just starting out on their photography journey.
In this guide, I’ve put together a list of what I believe are the best Canon camera options for beginners. You might notice that some of these models aren’t the newest on the market, and there’s a reason for that…
As a beginner, it’s more important to learn the basics and understand your camera than to have the newest features. Great photography isn’t about having the most advanced gear; it’s about knowing how to use what you have. In fact, sitting on my desk right now is one of my favorite cameras of all time, a Canon AE-1 film camera from the mid-1970s (shown above), which is now nearly 45 years old. But you know what? I can still take fantastic photos with it!
So, if you’re looking to start your journey in photography and have decided to go with Canon, this list is designed to guide you towards the best options to kickstart your learning and creative exploration. Remember, any camera can take great photos if you know how to use it. This guide will help you find the right Canon camera to begin your photography adventure.
Table of Contents
Best Canon Camera (DSLR): Canon EOS Rebel T8i
So, we kick off this list with the Canon EOS Rebel T8i, which was released back on February 12, 2020. You may be wondering why a four-year-old camera made this list. Well, it is a fantastic choice for beginners because it strikes a perfect balance between usability and advanced features.
From my perspective, this camera’s Dual Pixel autofocus system is one of its standout features. It offers reliable face and eye detection, which is a huge help for beginners who might not yet be comfortable manually adjusting focus. This autofocus capability allows you to capture sharp images with little effort, which is especially useful when photographing moving subjects like kids or pets.
I also love that the Rebel T8i supports both 4K video recording and Full HD slow-motion video. For someone just starting out, this provides a great way to explore both photography and videography without needing to invest in separate gear for each. Get more details about the T8i’s video capabilities in the video above by
Tech Through The Lens.
Tech Specs:
- 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
- Dual Pixel autofocus system with face and eye detection.
- ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 51200.
- 4K video recording at 24p and Full HD at up to 120p.
- Articulating touchscreen and optical viewfinder.
Pros of the Canon EOS Rebel T8i
- Excellent image quality and reliable autofocus, making it easy to capture sharp, well-focused shots.
- Versatile for both photography and videography with its 4K capabilities and Full HD slow-motion video.
- Ergonomic design with a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle for extended periods.
- Webcam functionality and remote shooting via smartphone, ideal for vlogging and remote photography.
Cons of the Canon EOS Rebel T8i
- 4K video is heavily cropped and lacks autofocus during 4K recording, which can limit its usefulness for video enthusiasts.
- No in-body image stabilization, which may require a steady hand or a tripod for sharp images in low light.
Moreover, the cropped 4K video could be a downside if you’re planning to do a lot of video work. The lack of autofocus in 4K video mode can be frustrating for vloggers or those who want a seamless shooting experience.
Despite this, the camera’s ergonomic design makes it easy to handle and comfortable to use for extended periods, which is something I appreciate as it reduces the intimidation factor of a more advanced camera. Beyond that, the Rebel T8i’s webcam functionality and remote shooting capabilities via a smartphone add an extra layer of versatility, making it an excellent all-rounder for someone who wants to experiment with different types of content creation.
Best Canon Camera (Small DSLR): Canon EOS Rebel SL3
While the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 came out back in April 2019, I still believe it’s an exceptional camera for beginners who want to start their photography journey with a DSLR.
What really impresses me about this camera is its compact size and lightweight design, which makes it incredibly easy to carry around, especially for someone who is just getting into photography and doesn’t want to be burdened by a heavy camera. The articulating touchscreen is another great feature that adds a lot of flexibility when composing shots, whether you’re shooting at awkward angles or filming yourself.
Get a full tour of this camera in the video below by Gordon Laing:
As an added benefit, since this camera has an EF mount, you have your pick of dozens of legacy Canon lenses, which you can often find at deeply discounted prices.
Tech Specs:
- 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
- DIGIC 8 image processor.
- 4K video recording with a 1.6x crop factor.
- Dual Pixel autofocus with eye detection in Live View mode.
- Articulating touchscreen and optical viewfinder.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pros of the Canon EOS Rebel SL3
- Compact and lightweight design, making it one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs on the market.
- Excellent battery life, allowing for extended shooting sessions without needing frequent recharges.
- Dual Pixel autofocus provides reliable performance for both stills and video.
- User-friendly interface with an articulated touchscreen, making it easy to compose shots from various angles.
- Offers Creative Assist mode, guiding beginners through different settings to achieve the desired look.
The Creative Assist mode is another standout feature for me…
This mode simplifies the process of adjusting camera settings to achieve different looks, making it an invaluable tool for beginners who are still learning about exposure, white balance, and other photographic concepts.
I also appreciate the camera’s dual pixel autofocus in Live View mode, which ensures sharp and clear images without needing to manually adjust focus, a task that can be daunting for newcomers.
Cons of the Canon EOS Rebel SL3
- 4K video is heavily cropped, which limits the field of view and may not be ideal for wide-angle video shots.
- Limited burst shooting speed at 5 fps, which might not be sufficient for fast-action photography.
- Lacks weather-sealing, making it less ideal for shooting in harsh conditions.
The 4K video crop is a big deal, and could be a limitation if you want to shoot a lot of wide-angle videos. Despite this, I feel the Rebel SL3 offers a fantastic balance of simplicity and advanced features, making it a great entry-level DSLR for those ready to step up from smartphone photography.
Best Canon Camera (Mirrorless): Canon EOS R50
The Canon EOS R50, which is the newest camera on this list having been released in February 2023, is a superb mirrorless option for beginners. This is especially true if you’re looking for something lightweight and easy to carry around.
One of the things that stand out to me about the R50 is its Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system that covers 100% of the frame. This means you don’t have to worry about missing the focus on your subject, whether you’re taking photos or videos.
The 15 fps burst shooting capability is another impressive feature. It allows you to capture fast-moving action without missing a beat. I find this particularly useful for sports or wildlife photography, where every second counts. See this camera in action in the video above by FoxTailWhipz.
Tech Specs:
- 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
- Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system with 100% frame coverage.
- Continuous shooting at 15 fps with electronic shutter.
- 4K video at 30 fps with no crop.
- Fully articulating touchscreen, perfect for vlogging and selfies.
Pros of the Canon EOS R50
- Lightweight and compact mirrorless design, making it highly portable.
- Advanced autofocus system with eye and animal detection, simplifying subject tracking.
- Smart automatic modes like Creative Assist and Creative Bracketing help beginners get great shots without extensive knowledge.
- High-quality build with a straightforward interface, ideal for learning and progression.
Features like Creative Assist and Creative Bracketing are perfect for someone just learning the ropes. They allow you to play with different settings and see real-time results, which is an excellent way to learn about photography without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon.
Cons of the Canon EOS R50
- No built-in image stabilization, which could affect handheld shooting stability.
- Limited battery life compared to DSLR counterparts.
Although it lacks in-body image stabilization, the R50’s compact size and advanced autofocus system more than make up for it, in my view. The battery life could be better, but for everyday use and casual shooting, I think it’s more than sufficient. Overall, the Canon EOS R50 offers a fantastic blend of portability, user-friendliness, and advanced features, making it a strong contender for any beginner looking to dive into mirrorless photography.
Best Canon Camera (Compact): Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
It’s hard to believe that the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS was released back in September 2018. Yet, it’s still an excellent choice if you’re looking for an all-in-one camera that’s easy to use and offers incredible zoom capabilities.
This camera is ideal for beginners who want to explore different types of photography, especially wildlife or sports, without needing to change lenses. The 65x optical zoom is a standout feature, allowing you to get up close to distant subjects without sacrificing image quality. This kind of flexibility is fantastic for beginners who might not yet be ready to invest in multiple lenses.
I also appreciate the optical image stabilization, which helps produce clear, sharp images even at the full extent of the zoom range. It’s particularly handy for handheld shooting, reducing the need for a tripod in most situations. Learn more about the SX70 HS in the video above by Tech to Remember.
Tech Specs:
- 20.3 MP 1/2.3-inch sensor.
- 65x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 21-1365mm).
- Optical image stabilization for clearer shots.
- 4K video recording capability.
- Built-in electronic viewfinder and 3-inch LCD screen.
Pros of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
- Extensive zoom range, perfect for wildlife and travel photography, allowing beginners to experiment with different focal lengths without changing lenses.
- Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry on trips and daily outings.
- Simple interface with straightforward controls, ideal for beginners.
- Optical image stabilization helps mitigate camera shake, providing sharper images even at full zoom.
Cons of the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
- Smaller sensor size compared to other models, which can affect image quality, especially in low light.
- Limited manual control options might restrict more advanced users looking to grow their skills further.
The smaller sensor size is something to consider, especially if you plan on shooting in low light frequently. The image quality might not be on par with larger-sensor cameras, but for daytime photography or well-lit conditions, it performs admirably.
The camera’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry on hikes or travel, too, which is something I value a lot when choosing gear. Overall, the PowerShot SX70 HS is a versatile and user-friendly option that allows you to experiment with different styles of photography without a steep learning curve.
Best Canon Camera (EOS-M): Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II, which was released back in October 2020, is, in my opinion, one of the best cameras for beginners who are interested in both photography and content creation.
What I love most about this camera is its compact, mirrorless design that makes it highly portable and perfect for travel or daily use. For a beginner, this ease of transport is crucial because it encourages more frequent use and practice, which is key to improving skills.
The Dual Pixel autofocus system is a key benefit as well. With eye detection, it’s incredibly responsive, ensuring that even moving subjects are sharply focused. This feature can be a game-changer if you’re new to photography and might find manual focus challenging. Learn all about this powerhouse camera in the video above by Tech Through The Lens.
Tech Specs:
- 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
- DIGIC 8 image processor.
- 4K UHD video recording at 24p (with a 1.5x crop).
- Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus with eye detection.
- Fully articulating touchscreen.
Pros of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II
- Compact and lightweight mirrorless design, ideal for travel and everyday use.
- Fast and accurate Dual Pixel autofocus with eye detection, ensuring sharp focus for both photos and videos.
- Direct YouTube streaming, making it a great option for aspiring content creators and vloggers.
- High-quality electronic viewfinder provides a clear and bright view for composing shots.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing and remote control via smartphone.
- Direct YouTube live streaming capability.
The direct YouTube streaming capability is a fantastic feature for anyone looking to start a vlog or improve their online presence. This seamless integration makes it easy to broadcast live content, which can be a significant draw for new users exploring the content creation space.
Cons of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II
- 4K video recording is cropped, which limits its use for wide-angle video shots.
- No in-body image stabilization, which might necessitate a tripod or gimbal for smoother video.
- Limited lens selection for the EF-M mount compared to Canon’s DSLR lenses.
The 1.5x crop in 4K video is a big limitation, especially if you want to use wide-angle lenses or need a broader field of view for video. Despite this, the M50 Mark II’s articulating touchscreen and user-friendly interface make it a joy to use. This camera provides an excellent stepping stone for anyone looking to grow their photography and videography skills without getting bogged down by overly complex settings.
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