Blues Dude

I've always wondered why Canon has such a complicated system for naming its DSLRs.
So I did a Google search and found this website which explains the system: https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/dslrs/1405777/canon-model-numbers-explained-guide-canon-camera
Unfortunately, this site only explains how the naming system works, not why Canon made it so complicated.
So if you want to keep things simple, make the smart decision and buy a Nikon.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Here's a few letters from Nikon's literal alphabet soup. Care to explain why Nikon looks like a spilled can of Chef Boyardee?

AF-P
AF-S
AF-I
G / Gelded
Z
F
AI
AI-S
DX
FX
E
F
AF-D
Df
VR
N
(apologies for any I missed)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

BTW - Wiki has a nice graphic of the 21-year history of the Digital EOS system, showing graphically the product tiers:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Canon_EOS_digital_cameras

willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

Great reply, CHG CANON. Nikon's numbers and letter always confused me and that's why I stick with Canon.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Who says it is complicated and hard to understand? Except for the numerically challenged of course.

Among the DSLR models-still the heart/majority of the Canon models.
Tx, Txi, Txs Basic starter "Rebel" series APS-C dslr various degrees of controls as opposed to menu control. (T7s morphed into 77D)
xxD mid-level APS-C dslr
7DII current semi-pro APS-C designed for action/sports/wildlife (getting a bit old but still a great camera for its intended uses)
6D series - beginner full frame
5D series - semi-pro/pro level FF
1D series - full on pro FF with built in battery grip and all the bells and whistles

Then there are a few niche models that have their own separate number system.

And the mirrorless M aps-c models with a whole separate number system and the new RF cameras-so far all FF and in the range of the 6 & 5 series in controls. There are rumors of a 1 series level RF coming as well as aps-c RFs.

As to the point and shoot and zoom/bridge cameras they are a separate kettle of fish and a rapidly shrinking segment as high end camera phones replace them for many casual snap shooting people.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

BebuLamar

Ha! Both of them have confusing numbers because they introduced too many cameras and run out of numbers.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I wonder about other things.

Blues Dude

I knew the Canonites would come charging to the defense of their favorite EOS machine. I just like stirring things up to make the Corona seclusion tolerable.
By the way, my favorite Nikon is the Df, which stands for Damn fine! 😉

BebuLamar

One guy called it "Dismal Failure".

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

"Corona seclusion" - you mean you can't get any Mexican beer?

tcthome Loc: NJ

You left out A as in D810A. And D, Just sayin. Heck now that I think about it, where is the Z & ZII? Apology accepted & thanks for the list.

Blues Dude

I've got diabetes, so I can't drink any beer... or whiskey... or tequila... or wine... 😭
It's just me and my trusty Nikon against the world... oh yeah, my wife still loves me.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I have diabetes also. I didn't have to give up alcohol though since I pretty much gave it up long ago, and never liked drinking much anyway. I would nurse one rum & coke for hours at a party by pouring in more coke and since I did like the taste of beer I would buy a six-pack of high grade imported beer for Christmas and drink the last one for Easter. And half the time I bought the non-alcohol version of the beer. In the cabinet I have two bottles of non-alcohol beer left from a six pack I bought for cooking 5 years ago - I had a couple of recipes for deep fried pickles and beer battered fish I wanted to try and the batter was made with beer.

You and your Nikon have fun. I and my Canons will endeavor to have fun also.
Oh, and my wife still loves me also.