Canon is a huge name in the camera industry for a reason: it makes some of the best DSLR, mirrorless and compact cameras available. Naturally, there's no one Canon camera that fits all, and so we've broken down our top recommendations for every kind of photographer and filmmaker, including level of experience.
There are some superb Canon cameras included below. If we had to pick one model as our favorite, it would have be the EOS R5 Mark II. The professional-level mirrorless camera is full-frame hybrid that captures epic stills thanks to its 45MP sensor, crisp 8K video, all supported by excellent autofocus and reliable in-body image stabilization. We think it’s also one of the best professional cameras overall.
That said, the EOS R5 Mark II won’t be the right fit for everyone – if you don't need its latest features such as Eye Control AF, then you could save a packet by opting for its predecessor, the EOS R5. Our guide is designed to give you a full view of what’s on offer in Canon’s catalog right now. We’ve tested each option extensively, to help divide them based on how they handle and perform in the real world.
Top 3 picks
You can use the summary round-up below for an instant overview of the best Canon cameras. When you find a model that ticks the right boxes, click the link beneath each entry to read more of our review feedback.
The best Canon camera overall
A versatile, professional mirrorless camera that builds on Canon's best ever stills camera with even better video and autofocus features.
The best budget Canon camera
With modern autofocus and good handling, the EOS R10 is a compact, affordable powerhouse that’s perfect for first-time Canon buyers.
The best premium Canon camera
Combining DSLR handling with cutting-edge mirrorless skills, the EOS R3 is built for speed, making it ideal for sports and wildlife.
Best by use-case
The best Canon camera for hobbyists
Look past its limited lens range and the EOS R7 is fantastic value for enthusiasts, producing excellent images at a competitive price.
The best Canon EOS R5 alternative
A full-frame hybrid with pro-grade specs, the EOS R6 II can produce beautiful stills and video, making it an ideal second to the R5.
The affordable full-frame Canon
With a compact build, sound autofocus and responsive interface, the Canon EOS RP represents compelling full-frame value.
The best compact vlogging Canon
With a suite of features for videographers, including a mic input and flip-up display, the Mark III is a pocket-sized win for vloggers.
The best Canon travel compact
Built small but capable, a sharp sensor, uncropped 4K and solid zoom range make this premium compact an ideal choice for travel.
The best Canon DSLR overall
It’s expensive, but if you can justify the cost, the EOS 5D Mark IV is one of the most complete DSLR cameras we’ve ever tested.
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The best flagship Canon DSLR
Equipped with all the performance Canon could muster, the 1D X Mark III is a rugged, innovative and truly impressive flagship.
The best beginner Canon DSLR
If you prefer a traditional design, the EOS 250D combines excellent battery life and great autofocus in a compact body.
Tim is TechRadar’s Cameras Editor. He’s worked in the photo video industry for more than 15 years, as both a photographer and journalist. During that time, Tim’s been lucky enough to use a wide range of Canon equipment, from travel compacts to professional flagships. As a result, he’s developed an expert practical knowledge of Canon’s different camera families and lens systems. He notes, "Canon continues to produce class-leading mirrorless cameras for both stills and video. One important factor to bear in mind is the availability of lenses. There are still relatively few native lenses available for Canon's RF mount, especially the crop sensor cameras like the EOS R10.”
The best Canon camera for 2024
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Below you'll find in-depth summaries for all of the best Canon cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best Canon camera overall
Canon EOS R5 Mark II sample images
✅ You want Canon's most versatile pro camera: With a new stacked sensor, the EOS R5 Mark II is as capable as it is shooting stills as it is video, and a big update of the EOS R5.
✅ You shoot action: Superb autofocus, image stabilization and eye-control AF, together with that stacked sensor, combine to great effect for high-speed subjects.
❌ You’re on a tight budget: The EOS R5 Mark II’s body-only cost is slightly more than rivals and a lot more than the now discounted EOS R5, and that's before you get to Canon's pricey lenses.
❌ You shoot mainly stationary subjects: Many of the EOS R5 Mark II improvements impact high-speed performance for high-speed subjects. If you're a landscape photographer, the EOS R5 could be a better option.
Canon has built on its best-ever camera for photograpghy, the EOS R5, with a stellar upgrade – the EOS R5 Mark II. We still get 45MP stills and 8K video, plus a rugged body that fits well in the hand, but that's about where the similarities end. That 45MP full-frame sensor is now a stacked sensor which massively improves the camera's control over rolling shutter, while a second processor improves the camera's overall speed and unleashes some all-new features, including in-camera image upscaling. You can pick a JPEG / HEIF image shot with the EOS R5 Mark II and upscale it 400% to 180MP, with super-impressive results.
We've used the EOS R5 Mark II extensively, especially action photograph and video for which it shines. New autofocus modes are able to detect specific sports that include soccer and basketball and intelligently select where to focus, including for one of up to 10 stored faces. Canon's eye control AF is also a revelation – tracking where you're looking in the viewfinder to know which subject you'd like to focus on.
For outright speed, including sustained burst shooting sequences, the pricier EOS R1 is the camera to pick. For practically every other professional, the EOS R5 Mark II is the smart choice. There's too many incredible features to cover here, so find out more in our in-depth review. Put simply, we've been blown away by what is Canon's most versatile and capable camera ever, even if costs a fraction more than Nikon Z8 and Sony A7R V rivals.
Read our in-depth Canon EOS R5 Mark II review
The best budget Canon camera
Canon EOS R10 sample images
✅ You’re a beginner: We rate the Canon EOS R10 as the best beginner camera you can buy right now, thanks to its usability, affordability and powerful autofocus.
✅ You want a small, affordable hybrid: It’s built more for stills than video, but the EOS R10 can still record uncropped 4K/30p footage oversampled from 6K.
❌ You want a lot of lens choice: Lens availability is a limiting factor for the EOS R10, with few native APS-C glass options available at present.
❌ You shoot a lot of action: Burst speeds are decent, but the limited buffer depth is restrictive when shooting RAW images of action or wildlife.
If you can look past the old-school sensor, we think Canon’s EOS R10 is one of the best entry-level mirrorless cameras for beginners. Fitted with Canon’s powerful Digic X chip, it also benefits from truly modern autofocus abilities. In testing, the processor and AF tracking together proved remarkably powerful. Continuous shooting speeds of 15fps with the mechanical shutter also mean the EOS R10 is a winner if you want to experiment with action photography. Low-light abilities are limited by the lack of in-body image stabilization, but image quality proved decent during our tests, with plenty of detail hiding in the shadows. Video skills are solid too, with 4K footage oversampled at 30fps.
With dual control dials and a dedicated AF joystick, we found that the EOS R10 also made it straightforward for learners to get hands-on with creative shooting. Its lightweight body will also feels comfortably familiar for anyone coming from a DSLR, with the articulating touchscreen making it an easy switch for smartphone photographers. Provided Canon comes out with more native APS-C lenses to grow with, the R10 hits the top spot for beginners.
Read our in-depth Canon EOS R10 review
The best premium Canon camera
Canon EOS R3 sample images
✅ You’re a pro sports photographer: The EOS R3 is built for speed, shooting full-res RAW files at 30fps, with a big buffer depth and rapid autofocus system.
✅ You want a mirrorless hybrid: The EOS R5 shoots sharper 8K video, but the R3 captures oversampled 4K/60p footage with fewer overheating issues.
❌ You need high-res stills: It’s a speed demon, but rivals like the Nikon Z9 and Sony A1 offer fast burst speeds at higher resolutions than the R3’s 24MP.
❌ You want a discreet camera: Unapologetically made for pros, the size of the EOS R3 means it isn’t a camera that goes under the radar.
Styled more like a sports DSLR than the handier EOS R5, the Canon EOS R3 is every bit a professional mirrorless camera. It has fewer megapixels than the EOS R5, because it’s built for speed instead of outright resolution – and if the former is your priority, it’s the best Canon camera you can get. During our extensive time testing the EOS R3, we found it one of the best sports and wildlife cameras we’ve ever tested.
At its core is a 24.1MP stacked CMOS sensor, which we described in our review as a “purring photographic engine”. It can shoot full-quality raw images at a remarkable 30fps, as well as 6K/60p raw video internally without any noticeable rolling shutter. We were also mightily impressed by its autofocus system, and reassured by the tough magnesium alloy build. In short, the EOS R3 is the pinnacle of mirrorless speed. It’s undeniably big and expensive, but if you need an uncompromising Canon camera and can afford to pay the premium, you won’t be disappointed.
Read our in-depth Canon EOS R3 review
