Across the country, leaves have started to turn into vivid displays of red, yellow, and orange. For many photographers, fall foliage season is one of the most special times of the year. Although, unfortunately, the window to capture the fall magic is very short. If you aren’t prepared, you just might miss it.
But it’s not just about timing. It’s also about the gear you bring with you — especially your camera. Simply put, some cameras will not perform as well in these fall environments as others.
So if you’re a Canon shooter on a mission to capture the best autumn images, here are the best Canon cameras for fall foliage photography. I’ll break down the best features and recommend five Canon cameras that are sure to perform in the fall spotlight.
Important Camera Features
Camera Sensor
A camera’s sensor is one of the biggest indicators of image quality. The larger the sensor, the greater the light that enters that sensor. This means better image quality, more vivid colors, and higher dynamic range. If your camera doesn’t have a larger camera sensor, it will certainly come up short this fall season.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic range is the ratio value between the brightest and darkest parts of an image, and how well your camera can capture the dynamic range in the scene. The greater your camera’s dynamic range, the better it can capture scenes with more contrast between lights and darks. This is especially important for fall foliage photography when scenes tend to have even greater color and contrast.
ISO Range
A camera with a greater ISO range means better low-light performance. Typically, when shooting in the fall, scenes tend to be dark and moody, thanks to the volatile weather. The days are also shorter with less light. Therefore, you need a camera with great low light capabilities for later shoot times, such as blue hour.
Rear Screen
When it comes to fall foliage photography, perspective is everything. Going low or high, or facing the camera up, can lead to dynamic shots. This typically requires a camera with a rear screen that fully articulates to give better viewing control. These screens help for shooting handheld as well as mounting on a tripod. This allows you to see your frame, even at difficult heights or angles.
Weather Sealing
Fall may be beautiful, but it also can bring unruly weather. Rain is common for many top fall destinations in the country. With dropping temperatures comes the possibility for snow, sleet, and ice. Because of this, it’s important to have a weather-sealed camera so you don’t run into problems when in the field.
Best Canon Cameras for Fall Foliage
Canon EOS R5
Why I Chose This Camera: The Canon EOS R5 is still considered to be one of the best hybrid, professional cameras on the market today. It is positioned as a camera for professional photographers who also need high-end video specs.
- Price: $3,399.00
- Sensor Type: Full-frame CMOS sensor
- Resolution: 45 MP
- Lens Mount: Canon RF Mount
The most obvious feature to point out is its massive 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which provides exceptional image quality with beautiful details and vivid colors. It also features a Canon DIGIC X image processor, which allows it to shoot at blazing fast speeds of 12 fps mechanical shutter and 20 fps electronic shutter, while also providing a fantastic IOS range of 100-51,200, expandable to 102,400.
The Canon EOS R5 also features Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology that covers over 1,053 AF areas for blazing fast, accurate autofocus across the entire frame. This includes animal, people, face, and eye tracking using Deep Learning Technology.
In addition to those fantastic photo features, the Canon EOS R5 also combines the ability to shoot up to 4K 120p and supports 8K recording, all with up to eight stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
Last but not least, the Canon EOS R5 is built with a durable weather-sealed construction and sports a rear articulating screen for any angle or perspective. This makes it a fantastic Canon camera for fall foliage photography and videography.
Canon EOS R5 C
Why I Chose This Camera: The Canon EOS R5 C perfectly marries the features of a Canon professional photo camera with a Canon cinema camera — built into a surprisingly portable size.
- Price: $4,299.00
- Sensor Type: Full-frame CMOS sensor
- Resolution: 45 MP
- Lens Mount: Canon RF Mount
The Canon EOS R5C carries over the same amazing photo features of the Canon EOS R5 — including its 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC X image processor — while also providing a fantastic IOS range of 100-51200 (expandable to 102,400) and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology that covers over 1,053 AF points.
However, the Canon EOS R5C improves on the EOS R5’s impressive video specs by bringing Canon’s Cine line features and menu options to the user. This includes incredible features like non-stop 8K 60p internal RAW recording, thanks to the EOS R5C’s internal cooling fan that elements overheating concerns. It also features up to 4K 120p for ultra-slow-motion shooting in both XF-AVC and MP4 codecs for 10-bit 4:2:2 recording.
Having both the capabilities of a professional photo camera and cinema video camera built into a travel-friendly, well-built, weather-sealed body makes the EOS R5C one of the best cameras for the fall season — and any season at that.
Canon EOS R3
Why I Chose This Camera: The Canon EOS R3 is considered to be the EOS R series cousin to the legendary EOS 1D-X Series, which was regarded as Canon’s flagship professional camera for years. It’s also one of the best cameras you can buy for fall foliage photography, with first-of-its-kind camera technology that is sure to impress any professional.
- Price: $5,999.00
- Sensor Type: Back-illuminated, stacked, full-frame CMOS sensor
- Resolution: 24.1 MP
- Lens Mount: Canon RF Mount
Starting off with the photography features, the EOS R3 was built with an impressive, back-illuminated, stacked 24.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that provides top-tier image quality and scorching fast continuous shooting of approximately 30 fps electronic shutter and 12 fps mechanical shutter. Its improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1,053 AF points features an evolved EOS iTR tracking system that tracks people, animals, cars, and motorcycles down to EV -7.5. It’s also the first EOS digital camera to sport Eye Control AF, which further adds to the focusing power of EOS R3.
Not to mention, the EOS R3 has powerful video features as well, including the ability to shoot footage up to 6K 60p and 4K 120p, 10-bit, uncropped. It checks all the boxes in its performance, durability, and versatility. This makes it one of the best all-around cameras you can buy this fall.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Why I Chose This Camera: The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the successor to the popular EOS R6 and improves in almost every category. It’s a fantastic choice for fall photography, especially since the R6 series shines in low light.
- Price: $2,499.00
- Sensor Type: Full-frame CMOS sensor
- Resolution: 24.2 MP
- Lens Mount: Canon RF Mount
Speaking of low light, the EOS R6 Mark II’s 24.2-megapixel sensor delivers the perfect blend of speed, image quality, and low-light performance. It has the ability to focus in conditions as dark as -6.5EV, which is less than the light of a half moon. It also has a massive ISO range of 100-102,400.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II also features a 5-axis in-body IS up to eight stops, Dual Pixel CMOS AF with deep learning autofocusing technology for subjects like people, animals, vehicles, faces, and eyes, and blazing-fast shooting speeds at up to 40 fps electronic shutter and 12 fps mechanical shutter. It’s also weather-sealed for ultimate protection against the elements.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is improved, advanced, and reliable, making it a fantastic choice for fall foliage photography and a go-to option for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Canon EOS R7
Why I Chose This Camera: The Canon EOS R7 is one of Canon’s most advanced APS-C sensor cameras ever. It’s packed with loads of features in a weather-sealed, durable construction — ready for fall and the seasons to come.
- Price: $1,399.00
- Sensor Type: APS-C CMOS Sensor
- Resolution: 32.5 MP
- Lens Mount: Canon RF Mount
The EOS R7 is known for its incredible quality thanks to its 32.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor — the second largest on this list. It also features in-body stabilization up to seven stops and incredibly fast shooting speeds, at 15 fps mechanical shutter and 30 fps electronic shutter.
That shooting speed, combined with accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, and the 1.6x telephoto effect of the APS-C sensor paired with RF lenses, makes the EOS R7 not just a great camera for fall photography, but also wildlife photography. Whether you’re planning to photograph landscapes or wildlife this fall, know that the EOS R7 is an excellent option that is sure to impress.
