Best Canon Cameras for Beginners in 2023 (Top 9 Picks)

Today we look at the best Canon cameras for beginners. Canon is one of the world’s most respected and celebrated camera manufacturers. They have everything from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras. And they have a camera for users at any skill level.

If you’re looking for a camera for beginners, we recommend Canon cameras. They are respected and celebrated for a reason. And they have an excellent range of entry-level cameras. They’re perfect for people taking their first steps in photography.

We’ve got nine of the best entry-level cameras from Canon. And we have all the details you need to make the right choice. The Canon EOS R100 is the best Canon camera for beginners. It’s a great introductory camera for anyone entering the world of photography.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Canon Cameras For Beginners

Canon EOS R100

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

Canon EOS M50 Mark II

What Are the Best Canon Cameras for Beginners?

Here’s a quick roundup of the top nine Canon cameras we picked for beginners. These options cover many different features and price points.

Jump to our buyer’s guide at the end for why you should buy a Canon. We also discuss what to look for in a beginner’s camera.

Our Top Choice

Canon EOS R100

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

Best DSLR

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

Excellent image quality
Eye detection AF
Great ISO range and low-light performance
4K/25p and Full HD/120p video

Great Value

Canon EOS M50 Mark II

Strong sensor resolution
4K and Full HD video options
Time-lapse recording
External mic port
Webcam functionality

Best Point-and-Shoot

Canon EOS M200

Compact and lightweight body
Smooth 4K video recording
Vari-angle touchscreen
Fast and reliable autofocus
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing

Best Bridge Camera

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

Great price
Superb image quality with classic Canon colors
Optical image stabilization
Lightweight and compact
4K video capabilities

Best Full Frame

Canon EOS RP

Affordable full frame mirrorless
Lightweight and easy to handle
Macro stacking and time-lapse
Convenient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Nice 4K video performance

Best Budget Pick

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

65-point cross-type autofocus system
Integrated GPS
Dual CF and SD card slots
10 fps continuous shooting

Most Affordable Canon

Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D

Excellent image quality
Can be used as webcam
In-camera feature guide
Ergonomic body
Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity

Great Compact Option

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

RAW image capture
Optical image stabilization
Fast and accurate AF system
Wide-aperture, fixed zoom Lens
Wi-Fi connectivity

9 Best Canon Cameras for Beginners

We’ve run the tests and done the research to find you the best Canon camera for beginners.

Our list contains something for everyone. We have options no matter what type of photography you want to shoot or which camera type you’re after. We have mirrorless, DSLR, and compact camers. But don’t worry. They are all perfect choices for photography beginners.

1. Canon EOS R100

Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon RF
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 3,975
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 6.5 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

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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. And the max 4K frame rate is only 24 fps. YOu might prefer shooting in Full HD with a 60 fps frame rate.

The rear screen is fixed with no articulation. But you do have a full-feature 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 T8i / 850D

Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF/EF-S
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 45
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 7.5 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

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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. And there are 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 for enthusiastic beginners.

You can see a significant jump in quality from smartphone cameras. The images have more detail and vibrant color rendering.

The autofocus system is superb for an entry-level camera. It uses 45 phase-detection points. And they track your subject across the frame.

You also have eye detection for humans and animals. So you can have fun shooting portraits and wildlife photography.

Video is another feature beginners will love. The EOS Rebel T8i gives you 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.

You also have an electronic and optical viewfinder. The electronic option is handy. but it reduces the battery life significantly.

Finally, the Rebel T8i offers good value for money with the kit lens. And we think it’s the best Canon camera for beginners.

3. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF-M
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 143
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 10 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

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The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is the perfect mirrorless camera for beginners. It’s affordable for a mirrorless. And it has all the functions and features to excite a young photographer.

The crop-size (APS-C) sensor has a resolution of 24.1 MP. This gives you excellent-quality images. And the 100 to 51,200 ISO range means you have fantastic low-light performance.

The DIGIC 8 image processor also helps to uphold quality. And it improves the performance of the autofocus system.

The M50 Mark II also gives you wonderful 4K video. Plus, you can shoot at 120 fps for slow-motion footage. You also get a continuous shooting speed of 10 fps for stills with autofocus.

The Canon EOS Webcam Utility software transforms your Canon camera into a webcam. And you can also use the camera for live streaming on Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram.

And the rotating electronic viewfinder makes vlogging easy. This all makes it one of the best Canon cameras for beginners.

4. Canon EOS M200

Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF-M
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 143
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 6.1 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

See All Specs

The Canon EOS M200 is an excellent entry-level camera for photography newbies. It’s a compact camera that’s easy to use. And the results will increase your enthusiasm for photography.

You get the superb image quality you expect from Canon cameras. And they squeezed an APS-C sensor into a compact and lightweight body. The 24.1 MP is impressive for a point-and-shoot camera.

Vloggers and streamers will also love this Canon camera. You have 4K video format for movies. And there’s also a cool 4K time-lapse option.

There’s also a rotating screen for selfies. So you can shoot in vertical mode. And your footage fits perfectly on a smartphone screen!

The M200‘s autofocus has face and eye detection. This helps you with portraits and vlogs.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity makes transferring and sharing images and videos easy. And the Canon Camera Connect app allows you to shoot remotely.

5. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1/2.3”
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 9
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 3,200
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 10 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

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The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a bridge camera. It has all the functions of a DSLR camera. But it’s as easy to operate as a compact.

The lens is fixed. So you don’t need to fork out extra cash to buy any others. 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 zoom lens gives you 65x magnification. This transports you to the heart of the action.

So it’s one of the best Canon cameras for beginner sports and wildlife photographers. And the in-body image stabilization reduces camera shake when you’re zoomed in.

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.

6. Canon EOS RP

Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon RF
Megapixels	Megapixels 26 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 4,779
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 40,000
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 5 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

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The Canon EOS RP is a full frame mirrorless camera. We often don’t associate full frame cameras with the beginners’ market. But this is a good choice for new photographers.

The specs are excellent for beginners. But it comes at a higher price.

The full frame sensor gives you an image resolution of 26.2 MP. The image quality is fantastic. And the optical image stabilization gives you five stops of shake reduction. The result is sharp photos!

The autofocus system is excellent, using 143 AF zones that give you 88% frame coverage. It locks in less than a second and tracks your subject as it moves across the frame.

And the autofocus performs superbly in low-light settings. So you can keep your shot focused when shooting at night. And the fully-articulating screen helps with composition at difficult angles too.

The continuous shooting speed is slow, only giving you 5 fps. But the 4K video is great. You also have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. And you can use the camera as a webcam.

7. Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF-S
Megapixels	Megapixels 20.2 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 65
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 16,000
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 10 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

See All Specs

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a bit old in the tooth. But it remains one of the best Canon cameras for beginners. It’s a classic DSLR camera with all the features a new photographer needs to get started.

It’s simple, usable, and affordable. So it’s the perfect entry-level camera.

The 20.2 MP isn’t groundbreaking. But you see a vast improvement in image quality from smartphone cameras. And the 100 to 16,000 ISO range gives you lots of freedom to try new photography niches.

The autofocus system still holds up. It uses a 65-point cross-type system to quickly find and lock onto your subject. So you don’t miss the shot!

And the Dual Pixel CMOS AF lets you shoot video with full AF capabilities. But it can’t compete with newer Canon cameras when it comes to video.

Beginner videographers will be disappointed to see there’s no 4K video. But the Full HD video is respectable.

The 7D Mark IIl is more aimed at keen stills photographers. And they’ll be happy to hear it’s still one of the best Canon cameras for beginners.

8. Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D

Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF-S
Megapixels	Megapixels 24.1 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 9
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 6,400
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 3 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

See All Specs

In many regards, the 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.

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.

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.

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.

9. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1"
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 31
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 125
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 8 fps
Video	Video
Screen Size	Screen Size 3"

See All Specs

There are some excellent Canon cameras in the compact range. And the G7X Mark II has excellent specs and image stabilization. This makes it one of the best Canon cameras for beginners.

The camera houses a one-inch sensor. But despite its small size, you get 20.1 megapixels of image resolution.

The fixed zoom lens has excellent optical quality. And it’s a zoom lens with 4.2x magnification. Plus, the image stabilization mechanism keeps your photos sharp at full zoom.

The lens has a max aperture of f/1.8 at the smallest focal length. And the max aperture only changes to f/2.8 when you’re fully zoomed in. So you have excellent options when light conditions aren’t ideal.

The continuous shooting speed of 8 fps is respectable for a pocket-sized camera. It’s ideal for capturing sports or fast action.

The video is only Full HD, not 4K. But the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options mean you can share your photos and videos only within seconds.

The rotating screen is ideal for taking selfies or vlogging. And you have an option for vertical video recording. So your vlogs fit perfectly on your social media account.

The Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II is compact, lightweight, and affordable. And the battery life is also respectable. So as a point-and-shoot, this is one of the best Canon cameras for beginners!

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 compact 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.

Young man in cap holding a canon camera to his face. — © Venrick Azcueta (Unsplash)

But you also have other big hitters out there. There are fantastic Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm cameras for beginners.

Nikon has the D3500, one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners. But Nikon has stopped manufacturing DSLR cameras.

Sony and Fujifilm have some mirrorless options for beginners. But the range is limited. And Sony cameras can be on the pricey side.

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.

Rear view shot of a girl using a canon camera on a tripod — © Tim Mossholder (Unsplash)

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: Best Canon Cameras for Beginners

Finding the best camera for beginners isn’t easy. There are lots of things you need to consider. You have different types of cameras. There are cameras for photography and cameras for videography. And you have to consider your budget.

But no matter what you’re looking for, you can be sure Canon has something that suits you. They’re one of the most well-known and respected manufacturers. And there are plenty of Canon cameras for beginners.

The Canon EOS R100 is our top pick when it comes to Canon cameras for beginners. It’s the best all-rounder, with excellent specs for photos and videos. But there’s also the Canon EOS M50 II if you’re into vlogging. And the Canon EOS M200 is ideal if you want something compact.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Canon Cameras For Beginners

Canon EOS R100

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

Canon EOS M50 Mark II

What Are the Best Canon Cameras for Beginners?