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Canon DSLR Lineup – Overview
Canon DSLR cameras fall into four main categories, consumer, professional, semi-professional and über-professional. As you jump from one category to the next, so does the price.
With the price increase, you get a lot more features that professional photographers love, but they can be overwhelming to novices and even intermediate photographers. It makes no sense to buy a camera with features that you won’t get to use.
With a concise budget in mind and photography skills, you’ll considerably limit the number of Canon DSLR cameras you need to consider.
A Brief History of the Canon DSLR Lineup
Canon DSLR Lineup – Brief History of the Canon DSLR
The first Canon DSLR camera was the D30, launched in mid-2000. It featured a 3.1-Megapixel image sensor that had a few issues but produced impressive photos.
The biggest problem with the Canon D30 was its low megapixel count, which restricted print sizes.
Canon addressed this issue with the release of the D60, which was in so many ways similar to the D30 but with a 6.3-Megapixel image sensor.
Both these Canon DSLR models could capture high-res images, but they were damn expensive because this technology was relatively new in the market. In fact, these 1st Gen Canon DSLRs cost between $2500 and $3500 for the body only.
Later, Canon introduced the Rebel; the EOS Digital Rebel, also known as the 300D, was the first DSLR to sell for less than $1000.
Canon used the same body as their common Rebel film camera but with a digital interior.
This move by Canon sent shockwaves across the entire industry, making DSLR cameras accessible to more photographers.
Current Canon DSLR Cameras
Canon DSLR Lineup – Current Canon DSLR Cameras
There is no denying that Canon’s DSLR cameras are very popular among beginner, intermediate and professional photographers. As a matter of fact, Canon is the undisputed leader with regard to the DSLR camera market.
All new DSLRs released by Canon generate a lot of buzz in expert reviews and user forums. As illustrated above, Canon’s dominance in the DSLR camera market began with the EOS Digital Rebel. Currently, Canon is continuing to upgrade its Rebel DSLR camera lineup.
At the moment, DSLRs in the Rebel lineup include:
- Canon Rebel SL1 (100D)
- Canon Rebel T1i (500D)
- Canon Rebel T2i (550D)
- Canon Rebel T3 (1100D)
- Canon Rebel T3i (600D)
- Canon Rebel T4i (650D)
- Canon Rebel T5i (700D)
- Canon Rebel XS (1000D)
- Canon Rebel XSi (450D)
- Canon Rebel XT (350D)
- Canon Rebel xTi (400D)
Discontinued Canon DSLRs
Discontinued Canon DSLRs
Today’s DSLR camera technology wouldn’t be possible without all the R&D (research and development) that has come before. Unfortunately, the cameras illustrated below can no longer be purchased while new because Canon stopped producing them.
However, this doesn’t mean they don’t offer impressive image quality; they are just the older brothers of most of the DSLR cameras above.
The discontinued Canon DSLRs include:
- Canon 5D (released in October 2005)
- Canon 40D (released in September 2007)
- Canon 50D (released in October 2008)
- Canon Rebel T1i (500D) (released in May 2008)
- Canon Rebel XS (1000D) (released in August 2008)
- Canon Rebel XSi (450D) (released in April 2008)
- Canon Rebel xTi (400D) (released in October 2006)
What Should You Consider When Shopping for A Canon DSLR Camera?
AF (Autofocus)
Canon DSLR Lineup – AF (Autofocus)
AF (Autofocus) is an impressive feature for any camera, and it’s in-built in most Canon DSLRs. While most professional photographers love to focus on their shots manually, autofocus can save a lot of effort and time needed to get the perfect shot.
Autofocus is a feature that works especially well in low-light conditions; therefore, if you enjoy night photography, you might want to pick a Canon DSLR with this feature.
Lens Compatibility
Canon DSLR Lineup – Lens Compatibility
Most Canon DSLR lenses are cross-compatible, which means they can be installed on various Canon DSLRs. That said, ensure you check the camera’s lens compatibility details before buying to see if the camera will allow you to use multiple Canon DSLR lenses.
Viewfinder
Canon DSLR Lineup – Viewfinder
A viewfinder shows a camera’s settings giving you more control over your shots. Most Canon DSLRs have optical viewfinders meaning you’ll see a preview of your shot this way.
However, some Canon DSLRs have EVFs (Electrical Viewfinders), which makes photography so much easier. The key benefit of an EVF over an OV is not having to shift your focus from the camera to the display to navigate settings.
Final Thought
That’s just about it when it comes to Canon’s broad lineup of DSLR cameras. As you can see, the lineup is quite extensive, featuring cameras currently available on the market and discontinued models. Keep in mind that discontinued models are still available in a refurbished state.
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