It is a difficult task to choose your first camera. However, buying the best Canon camera for beginners will enable you to get going in the world of photography and instantly get on the right track. In this guide, we are going to unveil some of the best Canon cameras a beginner can buy to take stunning photographs that stand out.
Why Canon Cameras are Best for Beginners?
Canon cameras are perfect for beginners for many reasons. Canon’s overall optical performance is much better than its main rivals such as Nikon and Sony. Secondly, they are very user-friendly with good battery life. Similarly, their after-sale customer support is excellent.
Canon cameras are known for their image quality, impressive autofocus, and other qualities. They will help you hone your skills as a photographer and make a name for yourself in this highly competitive industry. No to mention, the photos you will take will be extraordinarily good.
10 Canon Cameras for Beginners
Canon has made some terrific models for beginners but our experts have chosen only the 10 of them for you to consider. These models are crème de la crème of the beginner cameras.
So, let’s dive straight into details and see what they have to offer.
| Image | Model Name | Sensor Size | Maximum Resolution | Check Price |
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 | Canon EOS Rebel SL3 |
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 | Canon EOS RP |
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 | Canon Rebel T6 |
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 | Canon Rebel T8i |
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| Check Price |
 | Canon EOS M50 |
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| Check Price |
 | Canon PowerShot SX70 HS |
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| Check Price |
 | Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 |
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| Check Price |
 | Canon EOS Rebel T100 |
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| Check Price |
 | Canon Rebel T7 |
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 | Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III |
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1. Canon EOS Rebel SL3/EOS 250D: Best Beginners Canon Camera
Canon makes a couple of cheaper DSLRs than EOS Rebel SL3/EOS 250D. However, it is worth spending some extra money on this camera because it comes with Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. Therefore, you get really good live view performance that is as good as a mirrorless camera.
Furthermore, it also features a vari-angle touchscreen which you don’t find in the cheaper DSLRs. It also has 4K that is a rarity at this price.
The camera has a simple Guided user interface which any beginner still in the learning phase would love. It helps you learn a lot about how to operate a camera. Subsequently, you can move to a more advanced setup such as EOS 850D when you feel more confident.
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is the best Canon camera for beginners who like to test and experiment with new techniques. This is also the entry-level camera we would recommend to anyone.
Rebel SL3 is a slightly advanced camera that offers incredible value for money. It delivers brilliant image quality and a variety of screen modes to give vent to your creativity.
Product Test Results
Here are the results of the tests conducted on this camera.
I was replacing another cannon camera that I’ve have for over 10 years. You can tell the difference in the qualifying the frame. I feel like if I drop this it’s cracking for sure.
2. Canon EOS RP Full Frame Mirrorless Camera: Best Full-Frame Canon Camera for Beginners
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera then you must consider the Canon EOS RP Full Frame Mirrorless camera. Full-frame cameras are great for travel photography besides having other applications. EOS RP is a very small camera but packs a lot of features, techs, and plenty of punch.
The camera has a powerful 26.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Its best feature is the Canon’s latest DIGIC 8 image process. As a result, images are not only detailed and sharp but they also have superb quality.
Not many under $1000 cameras have an extended ISO or sensitivity range of 100-40,000. Therefore, you can take splendid photographs in low light or even in the dark. Similarly, the continuous shooting speed of 10 fps and in-body image stabilization is just icing on the cake.
Finally, the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus enables you to masterfully focus and compose the camera when shooting moving objects and cluttered sceneries.
Canon EOS RP Mirrorless has features that even suit professional photographers. However, this is the camera if you are looking for a full-frame model as your first ever camera. It could become the best Canon camera for beginners but it is second on our list for its price that can be quite high for a novice.
Product Test Results
Here are the results of the tests conducted on this camera.
Very happy with this lens and camera. Lens is sharp. Very little post editing (if any) is required with photos straight out of camera!
3. Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera: Two lenses for the Price of One
Canon Rebel T6 DSLR camera is an affordable camera. Available for around $400, it also includes a kit lens, making it a very good bargain. However, the price is almost the same as the newer EOS Rebel T7 (below). Similarly, the T6 has an 18-megapixel sensor whereas the T7 has a 24-megapixel sensor.
So, what is the point of buying Rebel T6 when you can buy Rebel T7 for the same price? The T6 may be identical to T7 but it becomes a better deal and a very good option when it is available with a 70-300mm zoom lens in addition to the kit lens. Canon regularly sells refurbished Rebel T6 with two lenses for around $300 on its own website. If you happen to find such a deal then the Rebel T6 would become one of the best options on the list.
Apart from the price, some of the other features of the camera include a DIGIC 4 image processor, ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to H: 128000), and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless connectivity. The easy manual control for exposure and live view and focus are other qualities to look out for. The camera also delivers Full HD videos and comes with a large 3-inch LCD.
Product Test Results
Here are the results of the tests conducted on this camera.
I really like this product! it takes really high quality photos.
NOTE: lenses aren’t amazing but camera is awesome and can buy separate lens
4. Canon EOS Rebel T8i/EOS 850D: Best All-round Canon DSLR Camera
Canon EOS Rebel T8i, also known as EOD 850D outside the USA, is a worthy successor of massively popular EOS Rebel T7i. Keep in mind that the new model does not have anything new to offer apart from the addition of 4K video. Even that is hampered by a limited frame rate. However, the Rebel T8i is the best all-around DLSR camera for beginners by a fair distance.
The camera features the fast, reliable, and accurate Dual Pixel Phase-Detection system which works excellently for both stills and videos. It is easy to handle the vari-angle touchscreen. The button layout is also very simple and easy for a beginner to understand. The image and video quality is second to none and the battery life is also pretty good.
Canon EOS Rebel T8i remains a terrific option for anyone new to photography despite crappy 4K videos.
Product Test Results
Here are the results of the tests conducted on this camera.
Very functional and worth ur money, i use it for my youtube channel.
5. Canon EOS M50 / M50 Mark II Mirrorless Camera: Best Canon Camera 2021 for Beginners
Canon EOS M50 is one of the smallest mirrorless cameras on the market. However, the small body incorporates a lot of techs and features. The biggest selling point of the camera is the electronic viewfinder. Not many mirrorless cameras in the same price range come with the electronic viewfinder.
The 4K video has some limitations but that is acceptable for such an affordable camera. The retracting 15-45mm kit lens is difficult to use as well. However, Canon EOS M50 is a very versatile and rather cute camera. The vari-angle touchscreen is also a nice addition.
You can also buy the upgraded version of the camera knows as Canon EOS M50 Mark II. However, there is no need to spend extra money as you are not going to get anything special apart from vertical shooting mode and some tweaks to the autofocus.
All in all, Canon EOS M50 is the best Canon camera for beginners in its class and type.
Product Test Results
Here are the results of the tests conducted on this camera.
I sold my 70D to purchase this camera & I am so satisfied!! It’s smaller has more options & can use EF lens with an adapter! Great images and pretty quick Focus for all around shooting!
6. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Digital Camera: Best Travel Camera for Beginners
Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is another versatile and all-in-one camera for beginners. You don’t have to spend a fortune on the accessories if you buy this camera as well, saving you a lot of money. It also combines the versatility of long zoom point-and-shoot cameras with cutting-edge technology and the style of the DLSR cameras because it is also a bridge camera.
PowerShot SX70 HS is an ideal option for photographers who like to wander around thanks to WiFi with Remote Live View and Bluetooth. It also has 4k and 65x zoom lens. The camera produces superb images and it is easy to use.
You can use SX70 HS to capture anything ranging from landscape vistas to zoom and macro shots. What else a beginner can expect from his camera.
Product Test Results
Here are the results of the tests conducted on this camera.
It’s solid, very high performance for my needs, good value for the money.
7. Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Digital Camera: Best Cheap Canon Camera for Beginners
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is the cheapest camera on our list. However, don’t be fooled by its price as it has some amazing features on offer.
The camera comes with 8x optical zoom which seems a little on the lower side but it is enough for a beginner. Anyone with zero knowledge of photography can easily and flexibly take images with this camera because of the optical image stabilization.
The DIGIC 4 image processor also sounds ancient. However, it combines with 20 megapixel CCD sensor to produce stunning images.
The best feature of the camera is perhaps the Smart Auto Intelligence. This features chooses the proper settings while keeping in view the predefined shooting locations. Similarly, Digital IS reduces or eliminates the effects of subject movement and camera shake.
There are also a variety of scene modes to be more creative and experimental while taking photos.
In short, Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is an old but great little camera to get started in photography.
Product Test Results
Here are the results of the tests conducted on this camera.
Really versatile for small camera. Takes great shots and much easier to use than my phone.
8. Canon EOS Rebel T100/EOS 4000D: Best Cheap DSLR for Beginners
Canon EOS Rebel T100/EOS 400D is yet another great camera for beginners. The camera delivers on two main things, the image quality and variety of scene modes just like EOS 250D. However, it is a much cheaper camera, perfect for people with a short budget.
The camera also has two auto modes that are the auto shooting and the full auto mode. The earlier modes act as a connection between the primary and advanced settings. The latter mode offers real-time intelligent scene analysis.
It is also convenient for beginners to move around the camera thanks to the built-in feature guide. You can obtain additional guidance from Canon’s Photo Companion app, also making it a perfect beginners Canon camera.
Why most beginners love this camera is its incredibly low price. It is one of the cheapest DLSRs around. It is quite astonishing to get both the camera body and the zoom lens at this price.
The camera does have its share of flaws. For instance, the lens lacks image stabilization. The relatively low-resolution screen at the rear and a sluggish burst rate can put an experienced photographer away but they are not a deal breaker for a novice. Similarly, you can expect such minor problems with any budget camera.
Product Test Results
Here are the results of the tests conducted on this camera.
I cannot express this enough, if you are a beginner like I am, this is the camera for you, it might just look like a cheap no good camera, I thought the same as well, but when I thaught myself how to use it, it did wonders.
9. Canon Rebel T7/EOS 2000D DSLR Camera:
Canon launched Rebel T7 also known as EOS 2000D in February 2018. Therefore, it is relatively a new camera on our list. It has already started to feel outdated when it comes to its specifications. However, it is still the best beginner Canon Camera DSLR in many aspects.
It features a 9 point autofocus system, 24 megapixels sensor, and shooting speed of 3 fps. It also lacks a tilt flip screen or a touchscreen. However, it provides a good overall value as it is available for around $400.
The Rebel T7 incorporates the older of the two APS-C sensor versions Canon has. Obviously, it won’t offer the type of image quality the new Canon camera delivers. But, it is still a very powerful and capable sensor. It produces highly detailed and sharp photos in all light conditions. All beginner Canon DSLRs have superb image quality. You would only notice the difference near exaggerated conditions.
Canon Rebel T7 is a close match to the Nikon’s D3500 in terms of price but the latter has better features. However, Rebel T7 is still an excellent camera. Only, its price should be slighter lower than it currently is.
Finally, Canon Rebel T7 would help any beginner take good photos. It is also the best you can get at this price. By the way, you cannot take photos with any comparable DSLR if you cannot take them with Rebel T7.
Product Test Results
Here are the results of the tests conducted on this camera.
Camera works amazingly, sadly I didn’t get a battery charger and now will have to find one and pretty sure I bought a used set.
10. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III:
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is a futureproof camera that can serve you for years. It is a compact point-and-shoot camera with a lot of advanced features. It is the first Canon camera of its type to feature Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus and a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor. As a result, the camera delivers superb autofocus and image quality. The DIGIC 7 processor further improve the images.
It can easily become the best Canon camera for beginners for a multitude of other great features. It allows incredibly natural and fast image composition thanks to the 30-degree vari-angle touch screen and integrated electronic viewfinder. The wide sensitivity range of ISO 100-25600 is also difficult to match.
Another highly advanced feature is the Touch and Drag autofocus system. Similarly, you can wirelessly connect the camera to your devices through built-in NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Product Test Results
Here are the results of the tests conducted on this camera.
Terrific features including electronic viewfinder and superb image quality.
Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Camera
Before you buy your first camera, it is important to decide what kind of photography gear you need. The photography market is chock-full of options. Therefore, it is not easy to pick the right camera for you. Similarly, a camera is much more than only the megapixels and shutter speed. There are other factors to keep in mind and we are going to explain all of them below.
Price
First and foremost, the price of the camera will always influence your buying decision unless budget is not a problem for you. For example, the best Canon camera for beginners such as Canon EOS Rebel SL3 will cost you much more than a camera like Canon PowerShot ELPH 180. The trick of the trade is to narrow down your budget window. For example, you will be overwhelmed by choices if your budget is below $1000. However, it will be more manageable if you are willing to spend from $800 to $1000.
Similarly, also include other accessories such as a lens in your budget. After all, you don’t only want to have a camera body with no lens to mount.
Camera Types
Cameras come in many types such as DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, point-and-shoots, and so on. It won’t be easy for you to differentiate these types if you are a novice.
The most compact and convenient of these cameras are point-and-shoot. All of them have a built-in and non-interchangeable lens. However, they offer a wide zoom range. Mostly they are cheap and lackluster cameras but some of them such as Canon G1 are really good cameras.
DSLR cameras are the classic cameras that everyone loved to have once. They are fancy looking cameras with all the big lenses, buttons, and controls. You can choose from an astonishingly wide range of flashes and lenses for DLSRs. They also have a plethora of other accessories to achieve different types of creative effects.
Mirrorless cameras are all the rage nowadays. These cameras have interchangeable lenses just like DLSRs but they are comparatively smaller. Mirrorless cameras deliver a great compromise of versatility and quality. Some of them deliver high resolution while others are very classy.
Sensor
You would have to pay more for big lenses with higher resolutions. Having a size of 35mm negative film, full-frame lenses are the biggest of all. Most cameras such as APS-C for Canon and DX for Nikon use a cropped sensors which are smaller in size. These two are also the most common types of sensors used in the cameras.
Lenses
A good lens can enhance the performance of even an average camera. Everything getting to the sensor has to pass through the lens.
Compare the zoom range of several cameras if you want to buy a point-and-shoot camera. Some camera has ridiculously high zoom but they are not always the best for you. Most of the beginners don’t even need such a high zoom range. You may go for a camera that has low zoom but a host of other features that you need.
Keep in mind that some cameras have permanently installed 35mm lenses. You cannot interchange them and therefore, there is no zoom option as well. Whether you need such a camera depends on your preferences and shooting requirements.
When it comes to DLSRs, you have limitless options to choose from. All the camera manufacturers make plenty of lenses for DLSRs. Similarly, third party lenses are also in abundance. However, most DSLRs have retractable kit lenses by default.
ISO
ISO is the measurement of how sensitive a sensor is to light. You need a sensor with a high ISO (16000 or above) if you want to achieve good results in low light conditions. However, cameras with such sensors will be expensive.
Other Features
Some of the other features you need in a camera are WiFi and NFC for wireless connectivity, built-in flash, vari-angle touchscreen, and dual memory card slots. Not to forget, also look for in-body image stabilization, RAW file support, video capabilities such as 4K, fast shooting speed, and weather sealing, etc.
Final Thoughts
Concluding our guide to the best Canon camera for beginners, we must say that Canon cameras have all the features and accessories to cover your basic photography needs. They have a wide range of beginner-friendly cameras. More importantly, you will find one that falls in your price category as well.