sisola

Greetings!

I have been using an entry-level Canon, Nikon, and Pentax for my photography. I am responsible for much photography at work and am interested in upgrading to a higher level Canon.

When I look at the models available, I have no idea how to tell what I'm looking at in regard to the model numbers. Can someone help me to quickly understand the categories?

Looking to go from entry-level to mid-level. Interested in the Canon upgrade because my photos always seem better when I use it.

Feel free to make a recommendation, too!

Thanks!

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Are you talking DSLR'S or MILC'S or bridge or point and shoot cameras? For DSLR'S it also matters where you are located, America's, Europe, Asia.
The simplest thing for you to do is go to Canon's web site for the region you are located and look it up for yourself. The models are listed in order from top of the line to least expensive.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Scroll to the bottom of the wiki page link, below, where the hierarchy of the models are graphically displayed. In general within the Canon EOS line of DSLRs, a 1-digit number (1DX) is more advanced than a 2-digit (80D) that is more advanced than a 3- or 4-digit model (550D).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Canon_EOS_digital_cameras

Midlevel in your search, as of July 2018, is likely the 80D.

sisola

Thanks for that info. I'm in the USA and am thinking DSLR. I'll go back and review the website now that I know how they are listed.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Or maybe a 77D.

sisola

Thank you. This is extremely helpful as I wasn't sure how to interpret four-numbers vs one-number models.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Currently the T series also known as Rebels (KISS outside of the USA) are considered entry level because their feature set and build are not as rugged. But they will still work with every EF lens ever made just fine. The XXD series are for enthusiasts as well as pros and are rugged but not as sealed or at all like the more professional level cameras. They have a full set of features but generally are not as fast as the semi-pro/pro level models. These are excellent general use cameras with strong bodies with the most current being the 80D. They also use every EF lens ever made 100%. Then you move to semi pro/pro cameras represented by the 7D MII which is a crop camera like the ones mentioned already with many pro features including a high rate of fire, the 5D MIV and 6D MII which are the entry level FF cameras with the 5D MII being the more featured of the 2. Then the 5DS series are the 50mp monsters with the highest resolution of any current DSLR made without having to do tricks through multiple exposures. All these again use every EF lens ever made. But the FF cameras will not use the EFs sub set of crop dedicated lenses. Then the 1DX MII which is THE pro camera preferred by nearly all sports and other pro photographers around the world with high speed rate of shooting and an incredibly rugged and sealed full featured body (Very expensive too). Finally there is the M series of mirrorless cameras which the M5 and M50 are really only worth considering and then I would wait as the M5 MII is slated to be introduced soon. These fall into the category of the 80D series camera for capabilities. This is a brief summary and not by any means comprehensive of all features etc. All will make incredible photos just what features do you want.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

First are the APS-C or crop sensor cameras which have a smaller sensor than the top end Full Frame models.
T7, T7i and 77D are the current models of the "Rebel" or beginners line and they are in order left to right for features etc. T6 being the bottom of the line. (there is the SL2 which has the main purpose of being small and light, but uses the same lenses as the other Canon dslr's)
Just above that is the 80D which has many features of the Rebels and the higher end cameras.
Then you have the 7DII which is the current top of the APS-C/crop sensor cameras and designed for sports or wildlife at 10 frames per second, but due to be replaced with a newer model in the next year or so.

Then the FF cameras with sensors the same size as a 35 mm negative.
Current are 6DII - the beginner FF camera.
5DIV the general purpose high end Pro or semi-pro/advanced consumer camera and actually has the newest sensor of the current Canon FF bodies*
1D X II the top of the line professional mainly meant for sports or other uses where speed counts. It has the larger battery grip built in (you buy a grip separately and add it for the other models) and does 14 frames per second with Canon's top of the line Auto Focus System (5DIV is almost the same). But to get that speed it uses a 20 MP sensor vs the 5DIV's 30 MP and 7+ frames per second.

* The 5DS and 5DSr have a 50 MP sensor and are best for very high detail images (at 5 fps) but it is an older sensor due to be replaced soon.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

It's rather simple, Canon gives the number >1< to its top model and as the numbers grow, the models clime down the ladder accordingly!

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

If their number scheme makes no sense, you're not drinking enough sake. Sorry...I couldn't resist.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

All the Canon single digit cameras are incredibly robust; I’d certainly consider a refurbished 5D3 or 5D4. that will buy a top quality camera for a modest price.

I have a 5D3 that’s around nine or ten years old, and still use it along with a 5D4 regularly. There’s never been an issue with either camera despite fairly heavy use in often rough conditions.

anotherview Loc: California

Consider the Canon T7i. Consider also the Canon 17-85mm lens to mount on it.

See this review of this lens: https://kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/17-85-is.htm

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

What are you looking to improve? These canon rebels are awfully good. Nice focus 24 megapixels.what can’t you do with them that you would like to do? Perhaps all you need to do is upgrade your glass.

PhotoKurtz Loc: Carterville, IL

Canon... Smaller numbers mean bigger pricetags.

gordone Loc: Red Deer AB Canada

Go with the 80D or 5D4 depending on how much you want to spend. Keep in mind that none of your EF-S lenses will fit on 5D4 but will fit on 80D