The Best Canon Cameras of 2024

Our top picks from this photography titan

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Canon cameras are known for their excellent image quality, among many other attributes. These are our favorites.

Pros
  • Top-notch build quality

  • Excellent ergonomics

  • Blazing fast autofocus

  • Long-lasting battery life

Cons
  • Average video and image quality

  • Screen is difficult to clean

  • 4K video is slightly cropped

As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And there is no better example of this than with the Canon PowerShot SX70, a bridge camera capable of making faraway shots seem as though they were taken up close, thanks to its 65x Optical Zoom (equivalent to about a 21mm to 1,365mm lens). It has Dual Sensing image stabilization of up to 5 stops to capture the emotion on someone’s face or city vistas.

The 20.3 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS guarantees image clarity no matter the light level, and it refocuses rapidly to keep up with your speed. The autofocus is boosted by the DIGIC 8 Image Processor, which also assists in shooting 4K UHD video at a frame rate of up to 30 fps: expect lifelike videos, albeit those that are easy to crop into still images.  

Lightweight and ergonomic, the SX70 is aimed squarely at serious wildlife photographers and casual users who want to ensure photos of families and friends appear professionally shot. Our expert reviewer found that Auto mode is an excellent way for beginners to ease in, while more experienced people can switch gears to manual.

Resolution: 20.3MP | Sensor Type: BSI-CMOS | Max ISO: 3,200 | Optical Zoom: 65x | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Best DSLR Kit

Canon EOS Rebel T7 Kit

Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Bundle with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Lens + 2pc SanDisk 32GB Memory Cards + Accessory Kit

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Pros
  • Affordable, entry-level DSLR camera

  • Easy to use

  • Good image quality

Cons
  • No articulating display

  • Wi-Fi connectivity problems

  • Incompatible with some third-party accessories

Canon's EOS Rebel line is always an excellent option for entry-level photographers, and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 Digital SLR Camera Kit is no exception. This package comes with everything a beginner could need when pursuing photography as a hobby or profession. The EOS Rebel T7 DSLR is a stalwart option, featuring a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 4+ image processor, and a 3.0" 920k-Dot LCD monitor. Our reviewer only noted that the LCD doesn't articulate. It's also capable of full HD 1080/30p recording when the action gets more dynamic. 

The included Canon 18-55mm II lens is a fantastic starter for various shots. A wide-angle lens and a 58mm 2x telephoto pro lens are included in the kit, too, for when you're ready for something a little trickier. Two SanDisk 32GB SDHC memory cards and a card reader ensure you'll have plenty of space to store all the shots you'll be taking, and the deluxe padded camera case, extra battery pack, and AC/DC charger are perfect for longer excursions. Finally, the 50-inch tripod gets you ready (and steady) for effortlessly still shots.

Resolution: 24MP | Sensor Type: CMOS | Max ISO: 12,800 | Optical Zoom: 1.6x | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC

What to Look For in a Canon Camera

Design

Selecting the right design for your needs is essential. Don’t lug around a bulky DSLR if you only intend on using the included lens; consider other options, such as a compact, lighter camera with a fixed lens. Be sure to choose a design you won’t mind carrying around — and remember that bigger isn’t always better.

Zoom

Will you be zooming in on distant subjects with your new camera? If so, consider a camera with powerful zoom functions. If you’re considering purchasing a DSLR or mirrorless model, know that the included lens typically isn’t too powerful compared to the built-in 50x zoom in some compact cameras. More professional users will want to pick up a 2x telephoto pro lens to capture close-ups.

Sensor and Processor

All of the cameras on our list come with enough megapixels to make anyone happy with poster-sized prints, but consider the quality of each sensor and what you wish to do with it. For example, while some of our offerings are excellent at shooting video, others focus their strengths on still photographs. It's not just the raw megapixel count; the processor makes a difference in overall performance.

FAQ
  • How important is resolution?

    Resolution is an overall measure of how many pixels make up an image and thus a good indicator of image sharpness/clarity, and will matter largely depending on what you're shooting and for what purpose. For amateurs, particularly those on a budget, it's not as much as a concern, but for pros looking to wow their clientele with beautiful footage, high resolution is absolutely crucial.

  • What features do I need?

    This again depends largely on your use case, but most photogs will benefit from high-quality zoom functionality, a large, clear viewfinder for previewing the action, and manual balance, exposure, and focus adjustment controls.

  • What does EOS stand for in regards to Canon cameras?

    EOS means Electro-Optical System and is a brand name that Canon uses for its SLR and mirrorless cameras. Eos also refers to the goddess of dawn in Greek mythology, reflecting what Canon says was a "new-generation SLR camera."

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