There’s a wide range of Canon cameras for beginners. They have everything from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras. And all their entry-level models are high-quality, easy to use, and affordable. These cameras are the perfect launchpad for aspiring photographers.
The Canon EOS R100 is the best Canon camera for beginners. It’s a great introductory camera for anyone entering the world of photography, with a high-resolution sensor, 4K video, and accessible controls and features.
But if that’s not the camera you’re after, we have plenty more Canon cameras in this article. Keep reading to find the perfect entry-level Canon camera.
What is the Best Canon Camera For Beginners?
The best Canon camera for beginners should be easy to use and affordable but deliver good results. There’s no point in buying a camera that doesn’t produce good photos. Enthusiasm will quickly fade, and the camera will sit in the wardrobe forever.
That won’t be the case with any of these Canon cameras. They vary in price and skill level, but they all give you photographs you can be proud of. And that’s without having to take a course in photography. You can pick them up and start shooting.
Some models have more advanced features than others, so it’s about finding one that suits your needs. What type of photography do you want to shoot? Do you want to use the camera for video recording? These are things you need to think about when looking for a beginner camera.
Here’s a rundown of all the best Canon cameras for beginners and why we like them. We look at each camera in more detail in the following section. And there’s a buyer’s guide at the end if you need more information.
- Excellent image quality from the 24.1 MP sensor
- Canon's reliable Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
- AF also has auto subject, face, and eye detection
- 4K video recording and Full HD at 60 fps
- High-precision 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder
- Excellent image quality
- Can be used as webcam
- In-camera feature guide
- Ergonomic body
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Powerful APS-C sensor
- Professional-standard Dual-Pixel AF
- 23 fps burst speed (electronic shutter)
- Compact and lightweight camera body
- Excellent video quality with 4K options
- Excellent image quality
- Face and eye-detection AF
- Great ISO range and low-light performance
- 4K/25p and Full HD/120p video
- Webcam functionality and remote shooting with smartphone
- Lightweight mirrorless body with a 24.2 MP sensor
- 100% coverage with Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system
- 15 fps burst mode with electronic shutter
- Fully rotating touchscreen for webcam and vlogging
- 4K uncropped video at 30 fps
- Great price
- Superb image quality with classic Canon colors
- Optical image stabilization
- Lightweight and compact
- 4K video capabilities
6 Best Canon Cameras for Beginners
Now we’ll look at each Canon camera in more detail. We’ll examine all the important specifications, like image and video resolution, burst speed, and additional features.
You’ll find the latest entry-level mirrorless cameras, as well as some DSLR cameras that still do the business for amateur photographers. We’re sure you’ll find a Canon camera that suits you.
1. Canon EOS R100
| Released |
Released
2023
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
3,975 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
6.5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 4K |
The Canon EOS R100 is Canon’s latest entry-level camera. It’s a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that has everything a beginner needs to get started. It’s also one of Canon’s most affordable mirrorless cameras.
It’s an APS-C model, making it easy to hold, even for younger users. And it fits in any of the best camera backpacks or messenger bags.
You get lovely image quality from the 24.1 MP CMOS sensor. The details are sharp and clear. And the colors are well-rendered and true to life. It also has a good dynamic range for a camera at this level. It copes well with varying light conditions.
The R100 uses Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system. It’s a reliable system with 88% horizontal and 100% vertical frame coverage. It also has 143 focus zones for detecting your subject. It also has eye detection AF for better people pictures.
With a max shooting speed of 6.5 fps, the burst mode is slow compared to other mirrorless cameras. But the camera has One-Shot AF mode that gives you full AF coverage when burst shooting.
Beginner filmmakers will enjoy the video features. You can record footage with 4K video resolution. The quality is great, but the 4K footage is cropped. The max 4K frame rate is also only 24 fps. Shooting in Full HD with a 60 fps frame rate with give you smoother playback.
The rear screen is fixed with no articulation. But you do have a bright, accurate electronic viewfinder. You can use this for stills photography and video shooting. It’s a great tool for composition when you’re learning the ropes.
The Canon EOS R100 is the best Canon camera for beginners. It has everything you need to get started. It’s user-friendly for youngsters and tech-shy photographers. And you can’t beat the bargain price tag. It’s the perfect first step on your photography journey.
2. Canon EOS Rebel T7
| Released |
Released
2018
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF-S
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24.1 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
9 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
6,400 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
3 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 Full HD |
In many regards, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 has been surpassed by the newer Rebel models. But this is still a great camera for beginners. It offers all the specs and features you expect from an entry-level camera. And you can buy one brand new for an absolutely bargain price.
This Canon Rebel more than holds its own with image quality. The 24.1 MP can go head-to-head with any camera on this list. And the DIGIC 4+ processor ensures you get the best-quality images.
A 100 – 6,400 ISO range is decent, allowing you to shooting in low-light situations without too much digital noise. The T7 also has a reliable 9-point focus system, so you don’t miss a shot.
Beginners will love the genre-specific automatic modes. You select them using the dial on the top of the camera. And you there are modes for all the main photography genres, like portraits and landscapes.
The max burst speed is only 3 fps, which is slow by any standard. And the lack of 4K video does expose this camera’s age.
But the Full HD footage is still great fun for aspiring filmmakers. And Wi-Fi connectivity makes sharing images on social media easy.
You can also use the Canon EOS Rebel T7 as a webcam. You can connect it to your computer with a USB and download the Canon Utility Webcam software from their website.
Plus, you have remote shooting options when you use the Canon Camera Connect app. (Available for iOS and Android phones.) Unfortunately, the battery life isn’t fantastic for a DSLR.
3. Canon EOS R10
| Released |
Released
2022
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
651 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
32,000 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
15 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
The Canon EOS R10 is the best beginner camera if you want more advanced features. It’s an APS-C mirrorless camera that excels in photography and video production. It’s a great camera for aspiring vloggers and content creators as well as traditional photographers.
A 24.2 MP resolution is brilliant for an entry-level camera. And the images are bright, vibrant, and detailed. You also get excellent low-light performance thanks to the 32,000 max ISO setting.
It also has the most advanced autofocus system of any camera on this list. Using 651 focus points, it gives you quick and accurate focusing. It has eye-detection capabilities, so your subjects are always perfectly in focus. And it tracks them as they move.
A rapid 15 fps burst mode helps you capture fast action. Whether you’re shooting dramatic scenes or sports events, you have the continuous shooting speed to keep up.
Uncropped 4K video is another reason for this camera’s popularity. You can record clear, sharp footage with no 30-minute time limit and a 30 fps frame rate.
Practical features like the articulating touchscreen and control dials improve usability. You also have USB charging, so it’s easy to power up when you’re out and about.
4. Canon EOS Rebel T8i
| Released |
Released
2020
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF/EF-S
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
45 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
7.5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i (850D) is an excellent all-rounder. It has fantastic features for photography and video. And Canon keeps the controls simple, so true beginners can make the most of it.
The Canon DSLR gives you a variety of exposure controls. There’s fully automatic, which is ideal for first-timers. But you can gradually take control using the semi-auto shooting modes like shutter priority and aperture priority modes.
The 24.1 MP (megapixel) sensor isn’t groundbreaking in the wider world of digital cameras. But the T8i has excellent image quality, delivering clear detail and accurate colors.
The autofocus system is superb for an entry-level camera. It uses 45 phase-detection points. And they track your subject as they move across the frame.
You also have eye detection for humans and animals. So you can have fun shooting portraits, pet portraits, and wildlife photography.
Video is another feature beginners will love. The T8i gives you lovely 4K footage. It’s perfect for getting started with videography. And the rotating screen makes it easy to film yourself for vlogs.
DSLR cameras tend to have bulkier camera bodies. But this ergonomically designed Rebel fits in your hand comfortably, so you get used to it quickly.
Finally, the Rebel T8i offers good value for money with the kit lens. It’s the most advanced entry-level DSLR, and a great option for enthusiastic beginners.
5. Canon EOS R50
| Released |
Released
2023
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
651 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
32,000 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
12 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
The Canon EOS R50 is the perfect choice for beginners looking for a true hybrid camera. That’s a camera where the video features are just as strong as the photography features.
Much like the R10, the EOS R50 has a 24.2 MP image resolution. It also matches the 100 – 32,000 ISO range for low-light photography.
But the R50 really excels in the video department. The 4K footage is oversampled from 6K, so the details are sharper and the colors more vibrant. It also records uncropped 4K with a 30 fps frame rate. You can also record 120 fps low-motion footage with a Full HD resolution.
You can also use it as a high-resolution webcam, which is great news for live streamers. And you don’t need to worry about the battery running out with long-form recording. USB charging keeps the power flowing.
Vertical video mode allows you to create content that’s optimized for social media. You don’t need to edit the footage to make it fit a smartphone format.
The autofocus is also geared toward video recording. Its eye-detection and subject tracking features ensure you stay in focus even if you move around. It also covers 100% of the frame, so it find you even in the corners.
A rotating touchscreen makes a vlogger’s life much easier, helping you see yourself while you record. The hot shoe allows you to attach an external microphone for high-quality sound recording.
It’s one of the most affordable Canon cameras for beginners, even when you buy it with a kit lens.
6. Canon Powershot SX70 HS
| Released |
Released
2018
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 1/2.3” |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fixed
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
9 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
3,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a bridge camera. It has all the functions of a DSLR, but it’s as easy to operate as a point-and-shoot camera.
The lens is fixed, so you don’t need to fork out extra cash to buy other lenses. Plus, this model has excellent performance, making it one of the best Canon cameras for beginners.
The sensor has an image resolution of 20.3 MP. That’s lower than other options on the list. But the DIGIC 8 processor maximizes performance. So you still get incredible photos.
The fixed Canon lens gives you a powerful 65x zoom . This transports you to the heart of the action not matter how far away you are.
That makes it one of the best entry-level cameras for sports and wildlife photographers. And the in-body image stabilization reduces camera shake when you’re zoomed in, giving you sharper shots.
You also have 4K video with a bonus time-lapse feature. There’s a 10 fps burst mode. And you get Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Plus, you have the option of an optical viewfinder and an LCD screen.
Buyer’s Guide for Canon Cameras for Beginners
Buying your first camera isn’t easy. Lists of camera specifications and features can read like hieroglyphics if you’re new to photography. That’s why we’ve written this buyer’s guide.
We look at why Canon is the best camera brand for beginners. And we cover the most important specifications to look for in entry-level cameras.
Why Choose a Canon Camera?
Canon offers the perfect gateway into photography. Their beginner-grade cameras have all the features you need to learn photography.
Quite simply, Canon has the best selection of cameras for beginners. They have DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and bridge cameras. And they have all these options at the beginner level.
And their extensive model list means you can upgrade with Canon as your skills progress. They have options from beginner to professional-standard cameras.
Finally, Canon is also one of the biggest and best camera brands in the world. They consistently produce cameras of outstanding quality.
But you also have other big hitters out there. There are fantastic Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm cameras for beginners.
You can see our lists of the best Nikon cameras and Sony cameras for beginners in this links.
What to Look for in a Beginner Camera
Buying a beginner digital camera isn’t easy. There are lots of things to consider. And the lists of features and specs can be a maze of information.
First, you must consider the type of photography you want to get started with. Then you can find the specs that match your intent. Here are some of the main features you should look at.
- Type of Camera: Canon has several different camera types in its beginner range. They have DSLR, mirrorless, and compact cameras. DSLRs are traditional cameras known for their reliability and classic functionality. Mirrorless cameras tend to be smaller than DSLRs. And they have more modern features like electronic viewfinders and electronic shutters. Compact cameras offer something simple. They have fixed lenses, are easy to use, and fit in your pocket.
- Sensor Resolution: The resolution of the image sensor plays a huge part in the camera’s image quality. Other features also play a role. But looking at the sensor resolution gives you a good sign of what you can expect. Resolution is measured by the number of megapixels (MP) on the camera sensor. And the higher the MP, the better the image quality. This isn’t always true. But it is a general rule with beginner cameras.
- ISO Range: The ISO setting determines the sensor’s sensitivity to light. The quality is better if you set the ISO to a low number. But you need more light to get proper exposure. You can shoot in daylight at lower levels. A higher ISO allows you to shoot in darker situations. It’s useful for night photography or shooting concerts. But you experience more digital noise. So a wide ISO range gives you more shooting options.
- Autofocus: This is a helpful feature if you want to try wildlife or sports photography. The camera does the focusing for you, letting you concentrate on getting the picture you want. An autofocus that tracks your subject is also beneficial for fast-moving photography.
- Extra Features: Younger photographers might prefer an electronic viewfinder over an optical one. And you also want to look out for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options. They make transferring and sharing photos really easy.
Conclusion: The Best Canon Cameras For Beginners
Finding the best camera for beginners isn’t easy, but you can’t go wrong with a Canon camera. As we’ve seen, they have an excellent range of entry-level cameras. They have mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and bridge cameras. They also have cameras with advanced features, and more affordable options.
The Canon EOS R100 is our favorite Canon camera for beginners. Anyone can pick it up and start shooting. Even more experienced shooters will be pleased with the results. It’s also an affordable camera, so you’re not wasting too much money if things don’t work out.