Best Canon cameras 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

The Canon legacy boasts super-high high quality lenses, cutting-edge know-how, and professional-level specs for each movies and photographs. However though these premium accolades do not come low-cost, they’re well-worth the funding. Certainly, there is a purpose Canon is discovered amongst so {many professional} photographers’ digicam kits.

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After many years of trade management, the variety of totally different Canon digicam fashions has grown into the triple digits. Consequently, it may be overwhelming to match all of the choices and determine on one single mannequin. That is why the staff right here at Pocket-lint determined to place our heads collectively and compile this record of the most effective Canon cameras available on the market at present. I am knowledgeable photographer, and my group consists of different execs, tech nerds, and filmmakers, too. Take our professional phrase for it: these picks are the cream of the crop.

Finest Canon cameras: Our specialists’ favourite fashions

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

1. Finest general Canon digicam

The hybrid flagship that may do all of it

$2299 $2499 Save $200

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a recent new face on the full-frame market, bringing all the newest applied sciences for autofocusing, video, images, and stabilization.

Professionals

• Nice worth
• Superior autofocus with topic monitoring
• 40fps burst taking pictures charge
• 4K60p max video decision
• Full-frame 24.2MP sensor

Cons

• In-body stabilization can battle with lengthy focal lengths

We dubbed the Canon EOS R6 Mark II a “jack of all trades” in our overview. This can be a true hybrid digicam, that means it excels in each nonetheless images and videography. The photographs attain a max decision of 24.2MP, whereas the movies high out at 4K at 60fps. And with “machine-learning” autofocus, in-body stabilization, and a mind-blowing 40fps steady drive, the EOS R6 Mark II checks all of the bins for knowledgeable workhorse.

For photographers, the sensor-shift stabilization is a boon. With a CIPA ranking of eight stops, it expands the probabilities for publicity, since you do not have to crank up your shutter velocity to its limits to get sharp photographs. For videographers, the video capabilities are certain to impress. The max video high quality is 4K at 60fps, and it combines with Canon’s well-known coloration science to document at as much as 340Mbps. That is a number of coloration and lightweight data, so be sure you get a quick SD card.

But, for all its strengths, it is not unobtainable. Usually, a full-frame digicam with specs like these would value a number of thousand {dollars}, however the EOS R6 Mark II has a retail value of $2,500, and also you may even catch it on sale. Pair it with a pleasant Canon RF lens, and you will have knowledgeable digicam for an novice value.

Canon EOS R5

2. Finest premium Canon digicam

The impeccable efficiency {of professional} design

$2999 $3899 Save $900

It won’t come low-cost, however the EOS R5 is a best choice for professionals, with glorious specs for each picture and video.

Professionals

• 45MP photographs
• AI-assisted autofocus
• Succesful in-body stabilization
• As much as 8K30p 12-bit RAW video

Cons

• Costly
• Susceptible to overheating

Pocket-lint’s Mike Lowe known as the EOS R5 the “non secular successor to the EOS 5D Mark IV,” in his overview from 2021. That is an apt description, for the reason that 5D Mark IV remained the videographer’s camera-of-choice for years. Now, with 8K60p video and the newest AI-powered autofocus, the EOS R5 is the brand new king. There is a purpose I included it in my information to the most effective cameras for filmmaking.

However for all its video-centric options, the EOS R5 performs simply as nicely within the still-photography recreation. That 45MP full-frame sensor is able to snapping some completely beautiful pictures, and the in-body stabilization does its job splendidly, with as much as eight stops of correction. The result’s a photographer’s dream come true — however you may need to shell out the massive bucks to take pleasure in it.

Canon EOS R8

3. Finest worth for the value

With nice energy comes nice worth

$1299 $1499 Save $200

For these with tight funds in want of a digicam with professional specs and superior capabilities, the EOS R8 is the proper decide.

Professionals

• Topic detection and monitoring autofocus
• 4K video at 60fps
• Unbelievable 40fps steady drive
• RF mount appropriate with high-end lenses

Cons

• Digital picture stabilization
• Subpar button format
• Susceptible to overheating

The Canon EOS R8 is full of highly effective {hardware}. And at about $1,000 lower than the EOS R6 Mark II, it boasts comparable specs. In reality, it has the identical burst-shooting charge (40fps), the identical max video decision (4K60p), and even the identical max picture decision (24.2MP on a full-frame sensor). So what is the catch?

There actually is not a catch to be discovered, however the lower cost does imply a couple of sacrifices. For one, the EOS R8 does not have in-body stabilization. As an alternative, it makes use of a digital picture stabilization know-how known as Film Digital IS. It is definitely robust sufficient to reduce movement blur when taking pictures handheld, although it could battle a bit when utilizing lengthy focal lengths.

The EOS R8 additionally has a speedy DIGIC X processor, which helps ship extraordinarily correct autofocusing. That features real-time dependable topic monitoring of animals, individuals, autos, and different targets. Once you evaluate such superior options with the value, the EOS R8 is a steal.

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Vlogging Digicam

4. Finest Canon digicam for freshmen

Begin snapping with out spending a fortune

$580 $680 Save $100

Coming in at lower than $700 and full of each superior and beginner-friendly options, the EOS R50 is the proper decide for these recent to the images recreation.

Professionals

• 24.2MP photographs and 4K30p movies
• AI-powered autofocus with topic monitoring
• Computerized seize modes
• Glorious worth

Cons

• Smaller APS-C sensor
• Light-weight construct sacrifices sturdiness

Whereas it will not awe “seasoned” professionals, the EOS R50 is my high digicam suggestion for freshmen. And it is simple to see why. This reasonably priced digicam provides the whole lot from AI-powered autofocus to full 4K video, so it has pro-level specs and options at a fraction of the price. And but, freshmen will not battle to take nice photographs, even with out years of expertise.

It is marketed as a “vlogging digicam,” which demonstrates simply how simple it’s to make use of. For instance, it has one thing known as “Superior A+ Help,” which works for each video and picture. This software program pulls collectively a bevy of computerized instruments to convey out the most effective publicity settings for taking pictures in any kind of surroundings. It offers die-hard manual-exposure setters a run for his or her cash.

The EOS R50 has an APS-C sensor. It is smaller than its full-frame cousins, however it’s possible you’ll be stunned by its robust efficiency in low lighting. And paired with a quick lens, it will probably seize loads of mild data in shadows with minimal grain. The EOS R50 does not compete with skilled fashions, however it definitely delivers the products at a cut price value.

Canon EOS R7

5. Finest Canon digicam for handheld

Compact, light-weight, and ideal for on-the-go shoots

$1399 $1499 Save $100

The EOS R7 is an APS-C digicam with one thing to show: principally that smaller sensors can nonetheless produce beautiful outcomes.

Professionals

• Robust sensor-shift in-body picture stabilization
• 4K60p video
• Stunning 10-bit 4:2:2 coloration recording
• 32.5MP max picture decision

Cons

• Restricted lens choice with the RF-S mount
• Steady drive slows down when taking pictures RAW

Full-frame cameras have taken the market by storm, however they are not with out their downsides. These large sensors require giant lenses and digicam our bodies to help them, and the know-how is not low-cost. The EOS R7 proves how superior APS-C sensors might be. Its compact construct and RF-S line of light-weight lenses makes it a best choice for on-the-go images. Which means wildlife, sports activities, journey, and anything that calls for portability.

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And although it could be small, this factor packs energy. It has pro-level video high quality, at 4K60p, and a large max picture decision of 32.5MP. It additionally makes use of a DIGIC X processor to ship a steady drive (burst-shot) charge of 6fps.

Better of all, the IBIS employs sensor-shift stabilization to maintain your handheld photographs motion-blur-free. Certainly, if you happen to’re trying to hit the streets (or the paths) in your images, the EOS R7 is as much as the duty.

The underside line: What’s the most effective Canon digicam?

There are primarily two we rank on the high, relying in your funds. If you’d like the most effective digicam for the value, go along with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. This wonderful mannequin has cutting-edge know-how and its hybrid design excels in each nonetheless images and filmmaking.

But when the value is not an impediment, the EOS R5 is the most effective premium Canon digicam to this point. It boasts 8K video capabilities and intensely superior autofocusing, making it our best choice for skilled filmmakers. And for freshmen, you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with the Canon EOS R100. Its APS-C sensor produces beautiful, high-res photographs, and the 4K video bumps it into skilled territory.

How we selected the most effective Canon cameras

I’ve excessive requirements in relation to cameras. Filmmaking has been a ardour since I used to be a teen, and I first entered the skilled trade when 1080p was nonetheless thought-about the most effective. By means of the years, I’ve examined dozens of Canon cameras and lenses, and I do know which fashions are price their price ticket. However to compile this record, I had the privilege of collaborating with my staff of fellow execs right here at Pocket-lint. These are the factors we used:

• Sensor: Canon is among the pioneers of the full-frame sensor format. Its full-frame cameras are a number of the greatest within the recreation. We usually choose full-frame cameras for his or her glorious low-light efficiency and excessive decision. That being mentioned, not all full-frames are the identical. Test for the max MegaPixel decision of the digicam in query to get a good suggestion of the sensitivity of its sensor.
  • Nonetheless, full-frame sensors aren’t the be-all and end-all. There are many cameras with APS-C and micro 4 thirds sensors available on the market that provide extraordinarily excessive decision, they usually’re typically extra compact, light-weight, and reasonably priced. The smaller sensors will not deal with darkish lighting in addition to full-frame choices, however they’re nonetheless price contemplating for his or her price-value and compact energy.
• Video specs: Sure, 4K is the minimal. Even larger resolutions are most well-liked. Additionally, ensure that your digicam of selection can document 4K high quality with no less than 30fps. These are the requirements of the trade at present, and a few skilled video gigs could even demand 6K. You may also examine the obtainable codecs. H.265 is completely able to dealing with 4K video, although larger resolutions and body charges could require extra superior codecs like Apple ProRes.
• Nonetheless images specs: Initially, search for excessive MegaPixels. Something larger than 20MP will present sufficient decision to crop your photographs and add results and edits in post-production. We additionally examine a digicam’s steady drive charge, also called burst taking pictures.
• Autofocus: Right now’s autofocus know-how is mind-boggling. However to make the most of AI-based topic recognition and real-time monitoring, you may want a digicam with phase-detecting autofocus. Distinction detection is nice, and it is totally geared up for informal images and filmmaking. Nonetheless, part detection is undoubtedly sooner, so these on the lookout for quick autofocus ought to ensure that their digicam of selection has it. Twin autofocus methods, which make use of each phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus, are even higher.
• Stabilization: For stabilization, testing out the digicam your self is the easiest way to gauge its effectiveness. Nonetheless, there are some specs you’ll be able to examine before you purchase. The “CIPA picture stabilization ranking” is given in stops. Basically, that is the variety of occasions slower you’ll be able to set the shutter velocity to acquire a blur-free picture in comparison with the max shutter velocity with out stabilization. For instance, in case your most shutter velocity was set at 1/800 earlier than movement blur turned noticeable, a digicam with an eight cease CIPA ranking would mean you can use a shutter velocity of 1/100.

Are Canon cameras good for skilled filmmaking?

Completely. Whereas Sony has overtaken Canon because the highest-selling digicam model in recent times, the Canon line has continued to carry robust. The corporate’s newest full-frame, mirrorless designs are a number of the greatest within the enterprise, and Canons lenses are nonetheless thought-about the superior glass. Moreover, a lot of its flagship fashions boast resolutions larger than 4K, skilled codecs, and quick body charges. Should you go along with a Canon in your filmmaking endeavors, you will not remorse it.

What lens ought to I take advantage of with my Canon digicam?

Canon lenses are thought-about by many professionals to be the most effective, and their costs replicate that popularity. Nonetheless, you do not have to lay our a fortune to get a strong package lens. First, it is best to take into consideration what you may use the lens for. Should you’re into wildlife images and motion photographs, go along with a telephoto or zoom lens. Should you plan on making movies and movies, we advocate a zoom lens with a focal vary someplace within the realm of 28–105mm. And if you happen to’re a newbie, a “nifty fifty” 50mm will serve you nicely.

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Subsequent, it is best to contemplate the mount kind of your digicam. There are EF, RF, RF-S lenses, and extra. Some cameras are appropriate with a number of mount sorts, whereas others can solely be used with particular ones. Some lens sorts will crop the body, whereas others present the total image. Your greatest guess is to analysis your digicam’s mount kind after which select your lens accordingly.