Many people want to try their hands at photography. But most high-end cameras are loaded with so many features that the steep learning curve can be intimidating to aspiring shutterbugs. And with the hefty price tag, it’s no surprise beginners end up buying entry-level cameras only to have their skills plateau. This is because many cameras in the low end can be disappointing and impossible to upgrade. Then there’s another dilemma: it’s also pointless to spend a fortune on a camera only to find out photography is not for you. But that’s where these best Canon cameras for beginners come in.
Canon offers the best compromise with its line of entry-level digital cameras that suit varying price points and preferences. If you’re in the market for a DSLR, mirrorless, or point-and-shoot camera with an approachable user interface, affordable price, impressive performance, and scalable ecosystem for developing your skills, look no further.
How to choose the best Canon beginner camera
If you’re a beginner photographer or content creator and looking at Canon’s extensive line of cameras, lenses, and camera accessories to choose the best Canon cameras for beginners, it can feel intimidating to choose the right camera to get started. Here are a few features and deciding factors to evaluate.
Camera mount and camera lens systems
This might be the most important factor when choosing your starter Canon camera, because Canon has five lens and camera mount types that work best together:
- RF Lenses → Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras
- RF-S Lenses → Canon EOS R APS-C mirrorless cameras
- EF Lenses → Canon full-frame DSLR cameras
- EF-S Lenses → Canon crop-sensor APS-C cameras
- EF-M Lenses → Canon M series APS-C cameras
Now, there are adapters that allow for a lens series to work with a different camera mount (like the Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapter), but if you plan to grow your craft around the first camera you purchase, make sure to choose a camera that has the mount or capabilities to use the lenses you want to invest in.
Photo and video capabilities
Are you focusing on photo, video, or both? Most Canon beginner cameras cater more to one or the other, so be sure to research the photo and video features of the cameras you’re looking at purchasing.
For images, look at features like image megapixel count, sensor size, dynamic range, low light capabilities, fast continuous shooting, and powerful autofocus.
For video, look at features like 4K 30p and 4K60p (uncropped preferred), higher bitrate recording, powerful autofocus, and the ability to shoot RAW in Canon CLOG2 or CLOG3.
Sensor size
Finally, a big factor for your first camera is determining what sensor size you want to invest in. The two most common beginner cameras are APS-C crop sensor cameras and full-frame cameras. Full-frame sensors are larger and typically provide better resolution and image quality, but APS-C cameras have their advantages as well. Be sure to do your research and determine what sensor size would be best for your needs.
Now, here is our rundown of the nine best Canon cameras for beginners:
The Best Canon Cameras for Beginners
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is an impressive M series camera from Canon, that combines solid video and photo features into one compact and travel-friendly package for content creators.
Its 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, solid ISO range of 100-25600, and DIGIC 8 Image Processor allow for solid images. Its ability to shoot 4K UHD 24p and Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD back screen, make it a great vlogging camera and for shooting various compositions.
Canon also integrated vertical video mode, touch record, and several movie self-timer features. This allows for quick and easy filming for vertical social media content. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for social media content creators and one of the best Canon cameras for beginners.
Check out our hands-on review of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II with Vanessa Joy.
Key Features:
- 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor
- ISO 100-25600 (H: 51200)
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor with Auto Lighting Optimizer
- Improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Eye Detection AF (Still/Movie Servo AF support)
- 4K UHD 24p and HD 120p for Slow Motion
- Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD Convenient for Vlogging and Various Composition
- Convenient Vertical video, Touch Record Control, Movie Self-Timer Features for Content
- High Quality Webcam Capability using Free EOS Webcam Utility Software or Clean HDMI Output
- Built-in 2.36 Million Dots OLED EVF with Touch and Drag AF
Canon EOS M200
The Canon EOS M200 is another fantastic camera in the Canon M-series line-up that combines tons of photo and video features into a small and nimble package. The EOS M200 packs the same 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor as the M50 Mark II, which provides fantastic image quality. Fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Eye Detection AF add to the photo capabilities.
But the EOS M200 also provides great video features, including 4K video and Time-lapse shooting. It also has vertical video for social media content. Its 3.0-inch Touch Panel LCD screen can tilt 180 degrees for selfies and vlogging capabilities as well, making it another great all-rounder from Canon’s M-series and one of the top Canon cameras for beginners
Key Features:
- 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor
- 4K Video and 4K Time-lapse Movie along with Vertical video
- Fast and Accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection AF
- 3.0-inch Touch Panel LCD Screen with Tilt Option for 180 Degree for Selfies
- Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Technology with Auto Image Transfer
- Impressive Low-light Performance
- Easy Operation
- Silent Shutter Mode
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Does compact size and portability matter to you? The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III provides tons of photo and video features, in a point-and-shoot camera that can easily fit in your pocket and go wherever you go.
The PowerShot G7 X Mark III features a 20.1 Megapixel 1.0″ Stacked CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 8 Image Processor, which provides great image quality. Its 4.2x Optical Zoom Lens, with a focal range of 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 and Optical Image Stabilizer means you can capture an image, even at great distances.
It even boasts 20fps continuous shooting and 4K30p and FHD120p video recording, making this point-and-shoot camera a tiny yet mighty camera for anyone who values size and performance.
Key Features:
- 20.1 Megapixel 1.0″ Stacked CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- 4.2x Optical Zoom Lens (24-100mm f/1.8-2.8) with Optical Image Stabilizer
- 4K 30p / FHD 120p Video
- 3.0-inch Touch Panel LCD Screen with Tilt Option of 180° for Selfies
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with Auto Image Transfer
- External Microphone Support, Clean HDMI Output
- USB Charge/ Power Supply Compatible
- Continuous Shooting at up to 20 fps
Canon EOS Rebel T8i DSLR Camera
If you’re looking for a fantastic entry-level DSRL camera with great photo capabilities and features for the price, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is the camera for you. With an a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 51200, and 7 fps continuous shooting, the EOS Rebel T8i can take exceptional images.
But what stands out are the autofocus capabilities in this camera. With a 45-point All Cross-type AF system with Face Detection, EOS iTR AF Face Priority technology, and Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye-Detection AF, you get fast, reliable autofocus not found in many starter Canon cameras. This makes the EOS Rebel T8i one of the best Canon cameras for beginners.
Key Features:
- Optical Viewfinder with a 45-point All Cross-type AF System with Face Detection
- High Image Quality with 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor
- High-Speed Continuous Shooting of up to 7.0 fps
- 4K 24p along with Vertical Video
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor, ISO 100-25600, Expandable to up to 51200
- Equipped with an Approx. 220,000 Pixel New AE Sensor and EOS iTR AF (Face Priority)
- Fast and Accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye-Detection AF
- Vari-angle Touch Screen, 3.0-inch LCD
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is another fantastic, compact camera, found in Canon’s M series line up and one of the most well-rounded Canon cameras for beginners. It provides great image quality and video quality, with a 32.5MP (APS-C) CMOS sensor and the ability to shoot UHD 4K 30p and full HD 120p video.
Other features like Raw Burst mode and Touch & Drag AF make this camera an intriguing choice for beginner content creators that appreciate the portability, size, and performance of Canon’s M series lineup.
Key Features:
- 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- UHD 4K30p & Full HD 120p Video Recording
- 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF Systems
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Raw Burst Mode
- Touch & Drag AF
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D
Size and weight are big sticking points for many beginners buying their first camera. And they should be because when you’re just learning the ropes, you should start small and simple. But this doesn’t mean you should forego a DSLR. The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D is so compact and lightweight you’d mistake it for a mirrorless camera. It weighs just around a pound but is as feature-rich as its predecessor, the Rebel SL2, and with longer battery life than a mirrorless camera of the same price.
While the image quality is a bit similar to the previous model, this one comes with a few but noteworthy upgrades. It comes with the DIGIC 8 image processor and wider native sensitivity range (100-25600), as well as UHD 4K24p video and 4K Time-Lapse movie recording. The Creative Assist mode is especially noteworthy, as it helps you adjust color tones and compose images more creatively on-the-fly.
Check out our first look of the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 with Allyson Berger.
Key Features:
- 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- ISO 100-25600, Up to 5 fps Shooting
- Optical Viewfinder w/ 9-Point AF System; Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- UHD 4K24p Video and 4K Time-Lapse Movie
- Built-In Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
So you’ve flexed your creative muscles using your smartphone or mirrorless camera and you’re ready to take your photography up a notch. The next logical step is to go full-frame and Canon has just the right DSLR camera to set you on the right track. A full-frame camera yields higher-resolution images thanks to its low light/high ISO performance and broader dynamic range.
Most full-frame cameras are designed with pros in mind, making them more expensive. To give amateurs and enthusiasts a taste of full-frame photography, Canon introduced the EOS 6D Mark II—a generous offering packed with pro-grade features at a reasonable price. But don’t get intimidated just yet: this featured-packed DSLR is extremely compact and lightweight for its kind (which many beginners will appreciate).
Key Features:
- 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- Optical Viewfinder with a 45-point All Cross-type AF System
- Native ISO 40000, Expanded to ISO 102400
- Full HD Video at 60 fps; Digital IS; Movie Servo AF
- 6.5 fps Shooting; Time-Lapse & HDR Movie
- Built-In GPS, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi with NFC
- Dust and Water-Resistant; SD Card Slot
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III
Looking for a camera that’s built for the times and with the future in mind? The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is your best bet. This compact digital camera beats many DSLRs while paying homage to them. It’s the first Canon point-and-shoot camera to carry a large 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF for superb image quality and autofocusing.
A wealth of other advanced features make this a great camera for beginners. The built-in electronic viewfinder and 3.0” vari-angle touchscreen LCD, for one, make for some fast, natural image composition. Second, the Touch and Drag AF system that ensures you have more “keepers.” And not to mention the built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth technologies that allow you to share your content (either via file transfer or remote live view shooting) at a few taps of the screen.
Key Features:
- 24.2 MP APS-C Sensor
- DIGIC 7 processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Continuous shooting up to 9fps
- Wide sensitivity range from ISO 100-25600
- Built-in 2.36m-dot OLED electronic EVF
- Lightweight, refined physical design
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Serious shutterbugs and pros invest in a wide array of accessories to expand the performance and capabilities of their camera bodies. If you’re not really willing to shell out a fortune on that, Canon’s PowerShot SX70 HS is the perfect all-in-one camera for you. As a bridge camera, it combines the style and cutting-edge technology of DSLRs with the versatile functionality of long zoom point-and-shoot cameras.
With its 65x zoom lens, 4K video, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with Remote Live View, this camera is the perfect companion for wandering shutterbugs. Whether you’re taking family photos or travel souvenirs, this camera ensures ease of use and high-quality photos, from macro and zoom shots to whole-frame landscape vistas.
Key Features:
- 20.3 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- High-speed Continuous Shooting up to 10 fps
- Powerful 65x Optical Zoom; Zoom Framing Assist
- Image Stabilization of up to 5 Stops for Excellent Performance
- 4K Video and 4K Time-lapse Movie
- Built-in 0.39-type OLED EVF with Approximately 2.36 Million Dots
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Canon EOS RP
Do you travel often and wish you had a camera that could capture your amazing adventures in rich detail? Ditch the crop sensors and go daring with the EOS RP, one of the best full-frame Canon cameras for beginners. It’s also the smallest and lightest full-frame in the EOS line, but it sure packs a lot of punch. It boasts a 26.2 MP full-frame CMOS sensor and an accompanying DIGIC 8 image processor that lives up to your eye for beauty.
The extended sensitivity range (ISO 100-40,000) is truly impressive and ensures you get more “keepers” even when you’re shooting in low light. The in-body image stabilization system, continuous shooting at 10 fps, and Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus allow for artful focusing and composition when shooting cluttered scenery or moving objects.
Key Features:
- 20.3MP CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- Image Stabilization; Continuous Shooting up to 10 fps
- 65x Zoom Lens; Zoom Framing Assist
- 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- UHD 4K Video Recording, 4K Time-Lapse
- Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Pro Tip: Know Your Ultimate Goal
Choosing a camera can be daunting for beginners. But weighing the pros and cons against your budget and needs can ease the pain in the process. Ask yourself the essential questions: Do you plan to take up photography as a hobby? Do you see it as a skill you can capitalize on in the future? Or do you simply want a solid but low-cost camera to spruce up your Instagram feed or express your creativity? Having a clear answer to these should lead you to the right choice.
