Canon Ixus and travel/bridge camerasCanon makes a whole range of cameras, from pocket-sized point-and-shoot compact cameras, right up to professional DSLRs – but which is the best Canon camera for what you want to do?The sheer number of Canon cameras can be quite confusing, so here’s a guide to the different types, who these cameras are aimed at and the best Canon camera for you.Canon Ixus compact camerasThese are ideal if you’re a casual photographer looking for a simple point-and-shoot camera that doesn’t blind you with science. More experienced photographers could probably point out dozens of missing features and failings in the image quality, but not everyone is that demanding – and not everyone wants to have to learn about photography just to capture pictures of their friends, family and travels.This is the market that Canon’s Ixus cameras are aimed at. They range from the inexpensive Ixus 145 and Ixus 150, both with a 16-megapixel lens and 8x optical zoom, through the Ixus 150 (20 megapixels and 10x zoom) up to the 16-megapixel 12x zoom Ixus 265. To find out more, check out our Techradar camera reviews:• Canon Ixus 145 review• Canon Ixus 150 review• Canon Ixus 265 reviewCanon PowerShot D30 waterproof cameraThe D30 is the perfect compact camera for more adventurous travellers. It’s waterproof down to a depth of 25m, which is pretty good going for a consumer camera without a specialised underwater housing. It’s also designed to survive a drop of 2m, and it has GPS built in so it can add location data to your photos.The D30 also offers full HD video recording and a funky Movie Digest mode that’ll capture a short video clip in conjunction with your images and compile everything into an HD movie.• See our full Canon D30 review.Canon PowerShot N and N100The PowerShot N has a fun design with a square, ‘any way up’ body and a flip-up screen that can also double as a makeshift camera stand for hands-free photography. The Canon N isn’t intended to take the place of a DSLR or even a phone, but to complement them as a ‘take-everywhere’ type camera. The Canon PowerShot N is easy to use, and it’s small enough to slip in a pocket, yet it produces high-quality images for a compact camera.The newer PowerShot N100 looks more conventional – it’s rectangular rather than square, but it too is designed for fun, ‘social’ photography. Its unique selling point is a second lens on the back of the camera that captures a selfie at the moment that you’re taking the picture.• Canon PowerShot N review• Canon PowerShot N100 review (hands on)Canon PowerShot travel zoom/bridge camerasBridge cameras are designed to ‘bridge’ the gap between regular compact cameras and digital SLRs, with a long-zoom lens to take care of as wide a variety of subjects as possible.Some fall into the ‘travel zoom’ category – they have a long zoom range, but the lens retracts into the body when the camera is switched off, and you can still get the camera in your pocket.These include the Canon PowerShot SX600 HS, which has a 16-megapixel sensor and an 18x zoom lens. The SX700 HS goes further, with a massive 30x zoom range, and it will still fit easily in a pocket.The PowerShot SX170 IS is a lower-cost camera with a 16x zoom lens and a slightly thicker body – the shape is just starting to resemble the protruding grip and lens of a bridge camera design.Canon describes the next model,the PowerShot SX400 IS as a ‘mini’ bridge camera. It’s certainly smaller than other bridge cameras, but the deep SLR-style design means it’s more awkward to push into a pocket. On the upside, it does have a 30x optical zoom.From here on, you’re definitely into bridge camera territory. The PowerShot SX510 HS has a 30x optical zoom lens, and the newer PowerShot SX520 has a 42x optical zoom and 16-megapixel resolution. The top model, though, is the PowerShot SX60 HS, with a massive 60x zoom range, full manual control and the option shoot raw files. It even comes with an electronic viewfinder, so it’s the most versatile of all of Canon’s bridge cameras.The one problem for the SX60 HS and all the other Canon bridge cameras is that the sensor is small – it’s unavoidable when designing a camera with this kind of zoom range while keeping the size and the cost manageable.If outright image quality is your main priority, but you still want a camera that’s easily portable, you need one of Canon’s advanced PowerShot compact cameras. • Canon PowerShot SX600 HS review• Canon PowerShot SX700 HS review• Canon PowerShot SX170 IS review• Canon PowerShot SX400 IS review• Canon PowerShot SX510 HS review• Canon PowerShot SX520 HS review• Canon PowerShot SX60 HS reviewCanon PowerShot high-end compactsThis is an area of the market that’s seen some exciting changes recently. In the past, a high-end compact camera would have a slightly larger sensor than a regular point-and-shoot model – for example, a 1/1.7-inch sensor rather than the usual 1/2.3-inch – and this would give a modest and useful boost to the image quality.You would also get a better quality lens, manual control, the ability to shoot raw files and a higher grade of finish and construction. Canon PowerShot S120 and S200Canon’s two smallest high-end compacts fit into this category. The S120 is highly regarded for its size and power, using a control ring around the lens for many common adjustments. It comes with a 12-megapixel sensor and a 5x zoom with a minimum focal length of 24mm equivalent and an f/1.8-5.7 maximum aperture.The S200 is a slightly cheaper version, with a 10-megapixel sensor and 24-120mm f/2.0-5.9 lens. The ISO range is slightly reduced and the screen on the back has a lower resolution.If you find these cameras are too small, the PowerShot G16 could be the answer.• Canon PowerShot S120 reviewCanon PowerShot G16The G16 is the last of Canon’s ‘old-school’ high-end compacts. It has a 1/1.7-inch sensor, like the smaller S120 and S200 models, but in a larger body, with more external controls, an optical direct vision viewfinder and a 5x 28-140mm equivalent lens.The zoom range might sound similar to the S120 and S200, but the maximum aperture is much wider at longer focal lengths. The smaller PowerShots can only manage f/5.7 and f/5.9 at full zoom, but the G16 lens offers f/1.8 at its shortest focal length, but only drops to f/2.8 at full zoom.The issue with the G16 is that it still uses a relatively small 1/1.7-inch sensor, where rival makers are moving towards larger sensors in their high-end compact cameras. This is why the next two Canon PowerShots are so interesting.• Canon PowerShot G16 reviewCanon PowerShot G7 XThe G7 X is smaller and simpler than the G16 (it’s hardly larger than the S120 and S200), but it has a much larger 20.2-megapixel 1-inch sensor – almost four times the size of the G16’s. Larger sensors usually mean larger lenses, so it’s all the more impressive that Canon has managed to match (more or less) the zoom range of the G16 with a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens.The G7 X doesn’t have a viewfinder, nor any means of attaching one, but that’s design compromise in order to produce such a small camera. It does, however, have a flip-up touch-screen display, built-in Wi-Fi and a full HD movie mode which allows full manual control over shutter speed, lens aperture and ISO, together with frame rates up to 60p.• Canon PowerShot G7 X review.Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark IIThe G1 X Mark II has a larger sensor still – a 1.5-inch device somewhere between the 1-inch sensor of the G7 X and the APS-C sensors in Canon’s DSLRs in size.The original G1 X followed the same, rather bulky design of the G16, but the Mark II version is slimmer and neater although – controversially – Canon has dropped the optical viewfinder (though you can clip on an optional EVF unit).The G1 X Mark II has a 12.8-megapixel sensor designed more with overall image quality and low light performance in mind than outright resolution, and a 24-120mm equivalent f/2.0-3.9 zoom lens.It does have a larger sensor than the G7 X, but the lens is not as fast at long zoom settings and the outright resolution (megapixels) is lower.If these cameras still don’t offer the kind of image quality, control and versatility you’re looking for, then the next logical step is Canon’s range of digital SLRs.• Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II review.Canon DSLRs for beginnersDSLRs are the favourite type of camera for hobbyist photographers, enthusiasts and pros. Canon is one of the two main players in the DSLR market (the other is Nikon) and the current Canon DSLR line-up falls into three categories, aimed at beginners, enthusiasts and professionals.We’ll also reserve a special mention for Canon’s only mirrorless compact system camera, the EOS-M.All current beginner-level Canon EOS cameras are intuitive and easy to use, even for those with absolutely no prior photographic knowledge. Intelligent auto modes and scene modes tailor the camera settings to make the most of wide-ranging shooting scenarios, while semi-automatic and manual modes let you take over the settings when you’re ready and as you learn new skills.Canon EOS 1200D/Canon EOS Rebel T5Sensor: APS-C format CMOS | Megapixels: 18.0Mp | Autofocus: 9-point AF, 1 cross type | Continuous shooting: 3fps | Monitor: 3-inch 460,000 dots | Video: 1080pIf price is the key determining factor when you’re choosing a DLSR, then the 1200D has to be a very strong contender. It delivers great image quality, classic DSLR design and handling and access to Canon’s full range of lenses and accessories.The biggest problem with the 1200D is that it’s just not that exciting. Its predecessor, the EOS 1100D, was on the market for a full three years, so it would have been nice to see some more audacious specs, such as built-in Wi-Fi or a touch-screen display, but the 1200D really offers more of the same – a set of basic but effective features for budget-conscious photographers and novices.Nevertheless, Canon has once again produced a reliable camera capable of creating some beautiful images. If you’re in the market for your first DSLR and you’re fine with a no-frills purchase, then the 1200D is a great option. • See our full Canon 1200D review/Canon EOS Rebel T5 review.Canon EOS 100D/Canon EOS SL1Sensor: APS-C format CMOS | Megapixels: 18.0Mp | Autofocus: 9-point AF, 1 cross type | Continuous shooting: 4fps | Monitor: 3-inch, 1,040,000 dot, touch-sensitive | Video: 1080pAn exercise in downsizing, the 100D is the most compact and lightweight D-SLR that Canon has ever made, yet still features plenty of upscaled attractions, incuding an 18Mp sensor and a 3-inch 1040k touch-screen LCD that adds touchscreen operation. The 100D uses Canon’s Hybrid CMOS AF system where a selection of its photosites are used for phase-detection autofocus, making continuous autofocus possible when shooting video. It also features the beginner-friendly Scene Intelligent Auto shooting mode, as featured on the Canon EOS M, 700D and 70D. A step up over the older and more basic ‘green square’ full auto mode, it analyses scenes as you’re composing shots, not only checking brightness, contrast and colour, but also detecting faces and watching out for movement. Naturally, you can adjust all shooting parameters in the more advanced ‘creative zone’ of the shooting dial that includes the usual P, Av, Tv and M options. The sensitivity range is good too, stretching to ISO 12800 in its standard range, and all the way to ISO 25600 in expanded mode.Read our full Canon 100D review/Canon SL1 review.Canon EOS 700D/Canon EOS Rebel T5iSensor: APS-C format CMOS | Megapixels: 18.0Mp | Autofocus: 9-point AF, all cross type | Continuous shooting: 5fps | Monitor: 3-inch, 1,040,000 dot, touch-sensitive | Video: 1080pA little larger than the 100D and nearly 50 per cent heavier, the 700D sits at the top of Canon’s beginners’ range of D-SLRs. Like the 100D, it has nine autofocus points for phase-detection AF in regular stills shooting mode, but this time all nine points are cross-type, rather than just the central point. This makes for improved autofocus performance with greater accuracy when using any of the peripheral points. A larger capacity battery boosts life to 440 shots compared with the 100D’s 380 shots, and the 700D also boasts a faster maximum burst rate of 5fps instead of 4fps. Both cameras feature a high-resolution 1040k, 3-inch touchscreen LCD, but the one in the 700D is a ‘vari-angle’ screen with full articulation.The same features that make the 100D so ideal as a beginners’ camera are retained in the 700D. These include an on-screen feature guide, Scene Intelligent Auto and a wide range of scene modes, as well as a Basic + mode for adjusting ‘ambience’ settings like vivid, soft, warm and cool. Read our full Canon 700D review/Canon Rebel T5i reviewCanon EOS-MSensor: APS-C format CMOS | Megapixels: 18.0Mp | Autofocus: 31-point Hybrid CMOS AF | Continuous shooting: 4.3fps | Monitor: 3.2-inch, 1,040,000 dot, touch-sensitive | Video: 1080pThis is Canon’s one and only entry so far in the mirrorless compact system camera market. The EOS-M uses the same 18-megapixel CMOS sensor as Canon’s entry-level DSLRs, but introduces a new lens mount – the removal of the mirror means that the distance from the lens to the sensor is shorter and regular Canon SLR lenses won’t fit (though you can get an adaptor).The EOS-M is a decent enough camera and the picture quality is first rate, but its conservative design means that it’s smaller than a DSLR but still not really pocket-sized (a problem for many compact system cameras). With the 18-55mm lens mounted the M feels unbalanced in your hand and the slim grip on front doesn’t provide enough purchase.Canon’s Hybrid AF system isn’t as fast as Panasonic or Olympus’s contrast detection systems – or Sony’s Hybrid AF system – and the M isn’t suited to shooting anything other than stationary subjects.• Read our Canon EOS-M review.Canon DSLRs for enthusiastsCameras for the enthusiast sector typically feature a greater abundance of direct-access controls for advanced shooting adjustments. These enable expert photographers to change settings quickly and effectively. A secondary info LCD on the tops of enthusiasts’ cameras also helps to enable a running check on creative shooting settings. You also get faster continuous shooting and better build quality.Canon EOS 70DSensor: APS-C format CMOS | Megapixels: 20.2Mp | Autofocus: 19 AF points, all cross-type | Continuous shooting: 7fps | Monitor: 3.2-inch, 1,040,000 dot, touch-sensitive | Video: 1080pThe 70D brought a genuinely exciting innovation to D-SLR photography, in the form of a brand new 20.2Mp ‘Dual Pixel’ image sensor which contains two photo diodes for each pixel. This enables much faster phase-detection autofocus performance in live view and video shooting modes. Like the 700D, there’s a fully articulated touchscreen LCD but pressing any desired point in live view shooting results in much quicker focusing. Regular autofocus modes also benefit from a 19-point rather than the 9-point AF module in Canon’s cheaper DSLRs, and all the points are cross-type.As an ‘enthusiast’ level camera, the 70D includes a secondary info LCD on the top plate, along with useful direct access buttons for controlling shooting parameters on the fly. As with the 100D and 700D, automatic in-camera corrections are available for chromatic aberration and vignetting when using most own-brand Canon lenses.The 70D also offers built-in Wi-Fi and a 7fps maximum burst rate wrapped up in a lightweight polycarbonate shell that makes it only a little bigger and heavier than the 700D. • Read our full Canon 70D review.Canon EOS 7D Mark IISensor: APS-C format CMOS | Megapixels: 20.2Mp | Autofocus: 65 AF points, all cross-type | Continuous shooting: 10fps | Monitor: 3-inch, 1,040,000 dot, touch-sensitive | Video: 1080pThe 7D Mark II is the replacement for the veteran EOS 7D, and offers higher resolution, faster continuous shooting and an advanced autofocus system, with 65 points and the ability to tailor how the camera responds to subject movement. It’s effecting, though it is also complex – the shooting scenarios help to some extent, but explanations that accompany them don’t always seem that clear.The evaluative metering system is also very good and manages to find a good balance between the brightness of the whole scene and the brightness of the object under the active AF point when suggesting exposure settings. Surprisingly, perhaps, the 7D Mark II does not have built-in Wi-Fi, though it does have built-in GPS for tagging your images with location information.Enthusiast photographers tend to shoot a bit of everything and they need a versatile camera that can cope with a wide range of subjects and conditions. The EOS 7D Mark II’s weatherproofing means that it can be used in harsher conditions than all of Canon’s other current SLRs apart from the pro-level EOS-1D X. Its autofocus system can also get moving subjects sharp quickly, and keep them sharp as they move around the frame or towards/away from the camera. It’s Canon’s best APS-C format camera to date.• See our full Canon 7D Mark II review.Canon EOS 6DSensor: Full frame CMOS | Megapixels: 20.2Mp | Autofocus: 11 AF points, 1 cross-type | Continuous shooting: 4.5fps | Monitor: 3-inch, 1,040,000 dot | Video: 1080pThe 6D is Canon’s cheapest full-frame camera, and costs have been cut in certain areas. The build quality mid way between that of the 70D and 7D Mark II. It has a polycarbonate top plate but the front and back sections of the body are made from sturdier magnesium alloy. The 6D boasts not only Wi-Fi connectivity but also built-in GPS. The only catch is that, when enabled, the GPS module really munches through battery charge, even when the camera is switched off.We’ve come to expect the lack of a pop-up flash on professional grade cameras but it’s a strange omission for an enthusiast level model. The 6D also lacks the advanced Dual Pixel autofocus of the 70D, or the more basic hybrid autofocus system of the 100D and 700D.Where the 70D and 7D have 19-point autofocus (all cross-type points), the 6D only has 11 points and, of these, only the central point is cross-type. Even so, autofocus performance is good overall. The 6D’s redeeming feature is its superb image quality with the kind of control over depth of field that you can only get from a full-frame camera. • Read our full Canon 6D review.Canon DSLRs for prosFor pro photographers, as well as for serious amateurs who demand the very best performance and robust build quality, the main choice is between the Canon 5D Mk III and Canon 1D X. There are no APS-C format bodies in Canon’s professional-level line-up.An important consideration when upgrading from APS-C to full-frame bodies is that the latter are incompatible with EF-S lenses, which are designed exclusively for use with APS-C format cameras.Canon EOS 5D Mark IIISensor: Full frame CMOS | Megapixels: 22.3Mp | Autofocus: 61 AF points, 41 cross-type, 1 dual cross-type | Continuous shooting: 6fps | Monitor: 3.2-inch, 1,040,000 dot | Video: 1080pIt’s nearly a decade since the original 5D brought full-frame digital photography to the masses, and the Mk III edition brings a wealth of upgrades, fully justifying its position as a professional camera. Notable enhancements over the Mark II include a step up from 9-point autofocus to a 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type points and five dual-cross points, just like in the 1D X.There’s also a DIGIC 5+ image processor and a more generous sensitivity range that stretches to ISO 25600 – you can extend this to ISO 102400 in expanded mode. The maximum drive rate beats that of the 6D’s 4.5fps and, compared with the 5D Mk II, speed is boosted from 3.9fps to 6fps.Direct access controls are more wide-ranging than in the 6D and the 5D Mark III has dual card slots, one for SD/HC/XC cards and the other for Compact Flash.The 5D Mk III is well built, with a rugged magnesium alloy body, though the size and weight are very manageable given that it’s a pro spec camera.• Read our full Canon 5D Mark III review.Canon EOS-1D XSensor: Full frame CMOS | Megapixels: 18.1Mp | Autofocus: 61 AF points, 41 cross-type, 5 dual cross-type | Continuous shooting: 12fps | Monitor: 3.2-inch, 1,040,000 dot | Video: 1080pIncreased image resolution is not necessarily a priority in a pro camera, and Canon’s range-topping 1D X professional body is limited to 18.1Mp. This helps to ensure fast continuous drive rates and immaculate image quality, even at very high ISO settings.Performance also gets a boost from the fitment of two DIGIC 5+ image processors, and the end result is an ultra-fast 12fps burst rate, which you can boost further still to 14fps if you can live without autofocus and metering after the first shot in a rapid-fire sequence. The 1D X also offers a whopping ISO 51200 in its standard range, and goes up to ISO 204800 in expanded mode.The 1D X has a magnesium alloy shell with weather seals and really feels like it’s built to take the knocks of a hard-working professional life.It’s a relatively big and heavy camera, but the handling is superb, helped by an integrated vertical grip with duplicated shooting controls, dual multi-controllers and a centralised quick control dial. Image quality is stunning, even in very low lighting conditions when using extremely high sensitivity settings.• Read our full Canon 1D X review.So which is the best Canon camera for you?As we said at the start, Canon has cameras for everyone to point-and-shoot snappers to busy working professional photographers, so here’s a quick summary of the key models.Canon Ixus cameras are perfect for casual use by people who want to take pictures but don’t want to be bothered by technicalities. They’re straightforward to use and slip easily into a pocket or a bag.Canon PowerShot bridge cameras have much longer zoom ranges and fall into two main camps: pocket-sized cameras that are only a little larger than the Ixus models but much more versatile – so-called ‘travel cameras’, and full-blown ‘bridge’ cameras that look and feel a little like a DSLR. These won’t fit in your pocket, but they do have very long zoom range.Canon PowerShot high-end compacts are designed for real enthusiasts who want good picture quality and advanced controls in a camera that’s smaller and more portable than a DSLR. The S120, S200 and G16 are ‘old-school’, using a sensor slightly larger than a regular compact’s for better quality, but the big-sensor G7 X and G1 X Mark II are the most exciting.The next step up from here is a DSLR. We should also mention the Canon EOS-M, but this is Canon’s only mirrorless compact system camera to date, with no firm indication there will be another.If you’re just starting out, the EOS 1200D is a great budget choice, the 100D is tiny (for a DSLR) and the 700D is a terrific all-rounder.Enthusiasts will want more hands-on control and more features, and the 70D offers both. The new 7D Mark II is more expensive but a semi-professional powerhouse that’s right at the cutting edge. Or, if you can afford it, the 6D sacrifices some technological sophistication but offers full-frame image quality.For pros, there are really just two choices. The EOS 5D Mark III is a great all-rounder for both stills and video, but if you need to capture fast-moving action, the stunning 12fps EOS-1D X is the one to go for.
View original article:
Updated: Best Canon camera: the whole Canon range explained
Updated: Best Canon camera: the whole Canon range explained
No comments:
Post a Comment