The best Canon camera for 2023: Canon's finest DSLR, mirrorless and compact models

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the best Canon camera models have a lot to offer. From entry-level to professional, Canon has a wide variety of options in its stable. We’ve extensively tested all of its top performers and created this guide to help you pick the right one for your budget and skill level.

We think the best option for most photographers is the Canon EOS R5. A full-frame hybrid with excellent autofocus, dependable in-body image stabilization and a high-resolution sensor, it’s close to being the perfect Canon camera for those who like to shoot a range of subjects. In fact, we put it up there with the best professional cameras you can buy.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, we rank the EOS R10 as the best budget Canon camera. Conveniently compact and usefully versatile, it represents fantastic value for enthusiasts with an interest in wildlife or action photography. Or if you want a more affordable full-frame option, take a look at the Canon EOS RP.

Our comprehensive round-up covers a whole fleet of Canon cameras, including compact models that are among the best travel cameras, and entry-level DSLRs that feature in our list of the best beginner cameras. Each has been extensively tried and tested in the real world, to sort the good from the great in Canon’s catalog. Together with our deal links and expert buying tips, this guide is your shortcut to the best Canon camera.

Written by

Written by

Timothy Coleman

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor. With more than 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related.

The quick list

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 options for 2023

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

There's a heck of a lot to like about the Canon EOS R5, particularly if you're a stills photographer. In fact, we'd say that there's never been a better Canon camera for those who shoot a wide range of photography.

We've spent a lot of time with the EOS R5 since it launched, and our tests have consistently found it to have fantastic image quality, seriously impressive autofocus, and decent battery life. We're also big fans of the body design, which combines a responsive touchscreen with a superb electronic viewfinder. 

It might have the headline-grabbing spec of 8K video, but the picture is a little less clear for videographers. The EOS R5's overheating restrictions are likely to put off those who shoot lengthy clips (interviews, for example). We've tested the EOS R5's latest firmware, though, and didn't get any overheating warnings when shooting a short film in 32-degree temperatures, so it's certainly a very capable video camera for most people. 

Canon clearly went all-out on the EOS R5, and it's close to being the perfect Canon camera for hybrid shooters. However, that comes at a cost: the EOS R5 has a high asking price. But if you're keen on the brand, then it may be worth paying.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS R5 review

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The best budget Canon camera

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. 

With dual control dials and a dedicated AF joystick, we found that the EOS R10 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.

Low-light abilities are limited by the lack of in-body image stabilization, but image quality still proved decent during our tests, with plenty of detail hiding in the shadows. Video skills are solid too, with 4K footage oversampled at 30fps. 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

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The best premium Canon camera

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

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The best Canon camera for hobbyists

Hitting the APS-C sweet spot, we think the EOS R7 is one of the top options in Canon’s line-up for enthusiast shooters. In testing, its compact proportions made it a nice camera to use, with a reasonably chunky grip and accessible control layout. Yet it also benefits from a generous feature set, while undercutting its full-frame cousins.

Among the highlights is Canon’s latest Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus, which proved both rapid and reliably capable of keeping up with subjects. Electronic burst speeds of up to 30fps also make it a dream for sports and wildlife photography, with in-body image stabilization offering eight stops of compensation when shooting handled.

Overall, our real-world usage proved that the EOS R7 can produce lovely images in a wide range of conditions. Low-light results aren’t quite on par with Canon’s full-frame models, but it’s hard to argue when you’re getting such impressive versatility and value. That includes two UHS-II card slots, an articulating touchscreen, and the ability to shoot uncropped 4K/60p video.

All that’s really holding the Canon EOS R7 back right now is a lack of native lenses. This is something that Canon will hopefully address if the RF-S system becomes as popular as it should be.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS R7 review

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The best Canon EOS R5 alternative

Canon’s EOS R6 was a more affordable version of the R5, favouring speed over outright resolution. The R6 II makes several useful improvements to that formula, cementing its position as one of the best mirrorless all-rounders for Canon fans.

Even boosted from 20.1MP to 24.2MP, its sensor still has a lower pixel count than the EOS 6D Mark II. And at 4K/60p, its video resolution can’t challenge the 8K offered by the R5. Yet we found in testing that the EOS R6 II is a fantastic shooting tool: its AI-powered autofocus proved highly effective and low-light performance terrific. 

By doubling the already rapid electronic burst shooting speeds to 40fps, the EOS R6 II sets the pace among mirrorless cameras, making it a top choice for shooting action. Our tests did find that in-body image stabilization fell short of the promised eight stops, but color rendering was very attractive and image quality impressive overall.

You’ll find better value if you prioritise stills or video, and the incremental improvements don’t justify upgrading from an EOS R6. But if you’re already invested in Canon’s RF system and willing to part with a chunk of cash, the R6 II is a seriously capable hybrid.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS R6 review

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The best affordable full-frame Canon camera

It's a few years old, but we think the Canon EOS RP still offers excellent value for those who want to go full-frame, but can't stretch to the pricier Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6. We found it to be charmingly compact and easy to use during our tests, which means even beginners will be able to quickly find their way around the camera. That said, the EOS RP's small size does occasionally make the camera feel front-heavy when using larger lenses.

On the plus side, Canon's wide range of RF lenses also works in the EOS RP's favor, particularly when you pair it with relatively affordable primes like the RF 50mm f/1.8. 

The EOS RP's 4K video game is a little more restricted, as it comes with a 1.6x crop factor and you can't use Canon's trusted Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system at resolutions higher than 1080p. That aside, we continue to be impressed by the value the EOS RP offers. It has excellent AF performance, produces vibrant and sharp images, boasts a wonderfully responsive rear LCD touchscreen, and can be used with existing EF lenses with a lens adaptor.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS RP review

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The best Canon DSLR for beginners

Canon’s EOS 200D was an entry-level DSLR with enthusiast aspirations. Its successor builds on that approach, adding a few straightforward updates to create an even more competent beginners’ camera which nails the basics. 

In our tests, we found its battery life to be excellent, while it's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system produced an impressive hit-rate. As you'd expect from a Canon DSLR, the image quality also impressed, with pleasing colors and good exposure in a variety of conditions.

In the hand, the body is small, light, and good to hold, while a responsive touchscreen makes the 250D a pleasure to use. Sure, its dated 9-point AF system isn’t revolutionary and the upgrades are probably too slight to justify a switch from the 200D, but with a mount on top that plays nice with a vast number of lenses and accessories, the 250D is a capable all-rounder that has plenty to offer first-time buyers who'd prefer a DSLR over the mirrorless R10.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D review

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The best compact Canon camera for vlogging

Long popular with vloggers, Canon’s G7X range has kicked it up a notch with its latest implementation. In our tests, we found the Mark III's 20.1MP one-inch sensor to be very capable. It's also equipped with uncropped 4K video recording and a microphone socket, features requested on its compact cameras for a very long time.

This means you can elevate the sound above and beyond the internal mic’s offering, a feature we found particularly useful during our vlogging tests. Impressively, the G7 X III can stream directly to YouTube, so you can live vlog whatever’s happening around you, without having to downgrade to using your smartphone. 

USB charging is another great feature which means you can give it power bursts on the go, which is particularly helpful if you’ve been shooting a lot of 4K video.

Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III review

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The best Canon premium compact for travel

Until recently, the EOS M6 Mark II was Canon's flagship APS-C camera, but that title now belongs the Canon EOS R7. The arrival of the latter pushes this model down our list, but it's still a great choice as a traveling companion. You also get the option of having no viewfinder, which further boosts its portability. 

Its tiny body houses a 32.5MP APS-C sensor (the same one that's in the Canon EOS 90D). Working with a Digic 8 image processor, it offers up to 14fps continuous shooting. In our experience with the camera, this was great for sports, wildlife, street photography, and virtually any moving subject we pointed it at.

Unlike the EOS RP above, its 4K video is uncropped and uses the entire width of the sensor, which we found to be a boon for the video quality. There's also a microphone input socket and a screen that faces all the way forward, which makes this a fine vlogging camera – particularly if it now sees a price drop with the arrival of the EOS R7 and EOS R10.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS M6 Mark II review

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The best Canon DSLR overall

Canon’s 5D range continues to be popular among traditionalists. And for good reason: these high-specced DSLRs offer a huge number of features in a body that handles superbly. 

Here we have an excellent 30.4MP sensor which, although lower in resolution than the likes of the Nikon D850, still gives you plenty of scope to create fantastic shots in a range of conditions.

Our tests also found that the 61-point AF system performed well in low-light and was also impressively quick, if not quite up to the standard of the latest mirrorless models. 4K video recording is available, but this being a slightly older model, it's limited to 30p. 

Although autofocusing is whip-smart, the 5D Mark IV can only manage 7fps burst shooting, which puts it behind many newer models. But if you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, still life – in short, anything which doesn’t move too quickly – you'll find it an excellent photographic companion.

Read our in-depth Canon 5D Mark IV review

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The best mid-range Canon DSLR

The EOS 90D is almost certainly Canon's last mid-range DSLR, but if you prefer the larger bodies and longer battery lives of the format, it's a versatile performer that's still well worth considering.

At launch, the EOS 90D was the first camera of its kind to boast a 32.5MP sensor. Alongside its Digic 8 processor, this gives it the ability to capture uncropped 4K video at up to 30fps. While it's the same sensor and image engine pairing as the EOS M6 Mark II mentioned above, the EOS 90D doesn't have the speed of its mirrorless cousin, topping out at 11fps when shooting continuously in live view mode.

In our tests, we found its new metering sensor performed excellently, exposing areas of light and shadow to near-perfection. However, we did find that noise performance wasn't the best, due to the high pixel density on the crop sensor. For the most part, that can be countered during post-production. The battery has a CIPA rating of 1,300 shots, but our tests showed the camera is capable of well over that, far outlasting the average mirrorless camera.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS 90D review

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The best flagship Canon DSLR

Think of a superlative and it probably describes the Canon 1DX Mark III. A flagship sports DSLR in every sense, Canon packed this full-framer so full of performance that it automatically earns a spot on this list. There are two reasons why it's so far downL its mirrorless equivalent – the Canon EOS R3 – and the fact that its power and price tag make it too much camera for most people.

Physically, the 1DX Mark III is the same size as its predecessor, but 90g lighter and just as ergonomic. Two new Smart Controllers also make it a cinch to operate, courtesy of optical sensors that let you navigate focus points with the lightest swipe of your thumb.

Its Digic X processing chip is three times quicker than the one in the 1DX Mark II. In our tests, we found that this worked very nicely alongside the redesigned sensor to deliver impressive 4K video at 50fps, blistering continuous frame rates and an almost unlimited buffer.

Then there’s the autofocus. Driven by deep learning for subject recognition and detection, it proved supremely fast and infallibly accurate in our review, rivaling the very best mirrorless models. It’s supremely capable and can comfortably outgun almost all the competition, mirrorless or DSLR.

Read our in-depth Canon 1DX Mark III review

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How to choose the best Canon camera

It can be tricky to pick the right Canon camera for you. The brand offers a wide array of choices, ranging from pocket-friendly compacts to bulkier DSLRs to cutting-edge mirrorless systems. Canon caters to pretty much every type of photographer and filmmaker out there, and which model is right for you will depend hugely on what and how you like to shoot. In particular, you’ll need to consider which body style and sensor format best suits your needs.

If you’re into sports and wildlife photography, for example, should you should be looking for a camera with fast frame rates and reliable in-body image stabilization to steadily capture rapid action. The Canon EOS R3 delivers all this and more (but at a price). 

Equally, if you’re more focused on moving images than moving subjects, Canon’s range is home to several video-focused cameras, which support external microphones, feature flip-out screens for easy framing, and can capture uncropped 4K footage. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a pocketable solution for travelers, as is the Canon EOS M6 Mark II for those who’d like an APS-C sensor in a travel-friendly form factor (though it might be an idea to hold off a little to see how the R7 and R10 perform).

Canon also makes several fantastic all-rounders. These versatile cames work well in multiple scenarios, and will often be the best choice for hobbyists who’d like to try their hand at multiple photography and video genres. The Canon EOS R6 is the best Canon all-rounder you can currently buy, while the EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D is a more affordable all-rounder.

Canon has traditionally been a big player in the DSLR market, which has now come to an end, thanks to the popularity, weight saving, and technological breakthroughs with mirrorless tech. While it still remains one of the most established names in relation to the format, it’s now also become a mirrorless force to be reckoned with. If you’re searching for the ultimate in resolution, performance, and technology, you should be looking at its latest mirrorless cameras, like the Canon EOS R3, R5, and EOS R6. That said, you’ll need a pretty serious budget to take one home.

Those with a more limited budget needn’t worry. Canon offers a fantastic range of compact, DSLR, and mirrorless options that won’t break the bank. The Canon EOS M50 is a great example: recently succeeded by a minor upgrade, it’s available at particularly affordable prices, yet still represents excellent value as an everyday or travel camera.

How we test Canon cameras

Buying a camera these days is a big investment, so every camera in this guide has been tested extensively by us so we can authoritatively decide on the best Canon camera. These days, real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character, so we focus heavily on those, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.

To start with, we look at the camera's design, handling, and controls to get a sense of what kind of photographer it's aimed at and who would most enjoy shooting with it. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed.

When it comes to performance, we use a formatted card and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available). For burst shooting tests, we dial in our regular test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it lives up to its claimed speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clears and repeat the test for both raw and JPEG files.

In various lighting conditions, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in a single point, area, and continuous modes. We also shoot a range of photos of different styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) in raw and JPEG to get a sense of metering and its sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.

If the camera's raw files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how we can push areas like shadow recovery. And we'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.

Battery life is tested in a real-world fashion, as we use the camera over the course of the day with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, we'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's CIPA rating. Finally, we test the camera's video skills by shooting some test footage at different frame rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.

We then take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value for money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.

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