Canon is arguably the world’s number one digital camera manufacturer. It’s a popular brand with a great reputation and Canon produces every kind of camera from basic point-and-shoot compact models to professional Digital SLRs.
Canon digital cameras are consistently well-built and easy to use and, no matter whether it’s a point-and-shoot or a pro DSLR, you’ll find each Canon camera is packed with tech to make picture taking as satisfying as possible.
In most ‘best camera’ round-ups Canon cameras seem to dominate. For example, almost half of the top 10 cameras listed in PocketLint’s Best DSLR 2014 cameras are Canons.
There are plenty of Canon digital cameras to choose from, no matter how technical you want to get with your photo-taking. Here’s a quick guide:
Is that a Canon in your pocket?
Most of us will want a camera that’s better than the ones featured on our smartphone but perhaps not necessarily need all the lens-swapping, hot-shoe connecting, RAW capturing tech of a pro DSLR (more about those later). Instead a camera capable of taking great stills, and maybe video, which will still fit in a pocket or small bag would be ideal.
Canon PowerShot A series
This is Canon’s entry-level compact camera range. They might not have all the advanced tech or long zooms of Canon’s other models, but these will make it easy to take decent photos.
Canon Ixus
Canon’s Ixus cameras are designed to be small and stylish. Where that would normally mean that compromises on features, clever technology and picture quality have been made – not so with the Ixus range. The better Ixus models produce great pictures and excellent video in a variety of situations. Some models even squeeze in Wi-Fi connectivity and up to 12x zoom.
Canon PowerShot G series
Canon’s PowerShot G cameras will just about fit in a pocket, but have larger than usual sensors which help them take more SLR-like photos and work better in low-light. They also offer a high degree of manual control, so they’re often used by enthusiasts as a back up to a DSLR. The Canon PowerShot G15 is a great example, producing top-notch photos indoors and outdoors.
Canon DSLRs
Personally, when someone mentions Canon cameras I envisage their now-famous SLR range. Even then, these can be further broken down in to APS-C (Advanced Photo System type-C) and full-frame or, more helpfully in my opinion, cameras for people just starting out with SLRs, then the enthusiast and then the professional photographers.
Beginners looking to dip their toes in to the SLR pool may find the extensive array of controls intimidating and confusing. Enthusiast photographers looking to take the next step, on the other hand, will need to consider if they’re going to want to take their current lens collection with them when they make the move up.
Beginners
The Canon EOS first appeared in its film-based guise back 1987 and the range is as strong as ever, albeit digital these days. The EOS 700D is an ideal choice for beginners, with its excellent range of features such as 18MP sensor, native ISO range of 100-12,800 (which is extendable to ISO 25,600) in addition to a Hybrid AF (Auto Focus) system on the sensor itself all paired with the latest DIGIC 5 processor.
If you’re on a stricter budget then it’s probably worth checking out the 1100D as it actually works out better value than the newer 1200D, whereas the 100D trumps them both thanks to the way it handles difficult exposures in situations where you’d find both shade and bright sunlight as well as boasting some decent video capturing skills. All-in-all a great buy for the price without fear of sacrificing functionality.
Enthusiasts
When getting more serious with your camera choice the 7D has practically handed the batton over to the 70D terms of function and features. I would venture that the 7D is possibly the best Canon APS-C camera out there right now, and possibly ever. If, however, you’re after a full-frame camera then the 6D is the one to go for.
But, if this is the way you are headed then I would suggest that it’s seriously worth considering spending the extra money to get your hands on the pro-level 5D Mk III body, if you’re in it for the long run.
Professionals
If you’re going full pro then there is only really one choice of camera and that’s the 1D X. Not only is this the Canon Daddy but this could well be the best on the market across the board. This is for those with serious intentions and deep pockets though – you have been warned.
If the eye-watering price of the 1D X is too much then the aforementioned 5D Mk III is a remarkably good buy and, looking at what it’s packing, there is no surprise why this particular camera is a popular choice with both professionals and advanced enthusiasts alike.
It’s safe to say, whichever camera you decide fits your needs the best will no doubt have enough tech on-board to get you the results you hope for and, you never know, you may well start at the top of the list and quickly be venturing in to the DSLR field in no time.
Next time you shoot someone, it could be with a Canon.
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