The world of digital cameras is vast, with numerous manufacturers vying for the attention of photography enthusiasts. While some have come and gone, two have consistently held the top spot – Canon and Nikon. However, in recent years, Canon has emerged as the clear leader, capturing a staggering 45% of the global camera sales market.
It’s no surprise that Canon is considered the best in the business, given their reputation for producing a comprehensive range of cameras suited for any kind of photography enthusiast. So, what makes Canon stand out from the rest?
Let’s delve deeper into the world of Canon cameras and explore their journey to becoming the industry leader.
Key Takeaways
- Canon EF lenses have a built-in motor in the lens for automatic focusing, and they use electrical metal contacts to communicate instead of levers and plungers.
- Canon’s Rebel series of cameras are their entry-level SLR models that contain professional features to manually adjust exposure, as well as automatic features that turn them into a point-and-shoot.
- The Rebel name refers to the revolution from film to digital photography, and it was the first affordable DSLR camera in 2003.
- Canon has 72 EOS camera models, and there are 21 Canon EOS Rebel models.
- The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is their most advanced EOS Rebel, equipped with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, DIGIC 8 image processor, and an ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 51200**), along with other advanced features such as 4K 24p video capability and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology.
- The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is ideal for mobile device users wanting to up their game with their photography and features a large 24.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology, fast autofocus system, and Full HD video recording.
- The various wireless connection options of the Canon EOS Rebel cameras allow for easy sharing of photos and videos with compatible devices.
- To capture low light photography, use a wide aperture (low f-number) to let in as much light as possible.
- Increasing the ISO can help in greater light sensitivity. The higher the ISO number, the higher the sensitivity.
- Using a lens with optimal image stabilization can help to achieve sharpness even at slower shutter speeds.
- Shoot in RAW file format and adjust the white balance setting when post-processing your images using your preferred RAW files processing software.
- Dynamic range is the contrast ratio between the darkest and brightest color tones that a camera can capture in a single exposure.
- Canon Full-Frame cameras offer a wide dynamic range to preserve detail in highlights and shadows, low noise images straight from the camera, and shallow depth of field for stunning portraits.
What does EOS mean in a Canon camera?
EOS stands for Electro-Optical System. But like the other “names” is just a brand name by Canon. Powershot means nothing in itself but generally, it is Canon’s line of Point & Shoot cameras. Numbers in the name just signify a difference in features and newer models.
Canon EOS is an autofocus single-lens reflex camera (SLR) and mirrorless camera series produced by Canon Inc. EOS is the name of the goddess of dawn in Greek mythology, signifying the design’s generational stature. The term EOS was introduced by Canon to symbolise that the camera is for both film and SLRs. All EOS cameras are SLRs.
What is the difference between EOS, Rebel, and DSLR?
This is not the question to ask because these are not different things. Let me explain; SLR refers to a camera with a Single Lens and a Reflex mirror that bends the light path to the optical viewfinder for framing. A DSLR is a Digital SLR, meaning it has a digital sensor to record images. DSLR stands for a digital single-lens reflex camera (it allows interchangeable lenses on the same camera body).
This is just one type of digital camera. With mirrorless cameras, the light goes directly into the image sensor. Viewfinders on these are electronic and show the same preview of the image that you’d see on the LCD screen.
The Rebel series of cameras are Canon’s entry-level SLR, which refers to a mechanism wherein a single lens is used for both viewing and taking pictures. This means canon cameras contain professional features to manually adjust exposure, as well as automatic features which turn them into a point-and-shoot.
The Rebel name refers to the revolution from film to digital photography. In 2003 when the Rebel came out, big film companies like Kodak ruled. The Rebel was the first DSLR camera, and affordable at that.
Again, EOS refers to Electro-Optical System which is the autofocus system that all current film and digital Canon SLRs are produced with. Canon introduced this system in 1987 along with the EF lens mount standard.
The Canon EF lens
A lens mount is a standard or pattern that is used to connect the lens to the camera. Canon uses a standard lens mount called EF. The Canon EF lenses were introduced in 1987 for their SLR cameras. EF stands for “Electro-Focus” because it has a built-in motor in the lens for automatic focusing.
The camera and the lens use electrical metal contacts to communicate instead of levers and plungers. In 2003, Canon released the EF-S lens mount to work with their entry-level DSLR cameras (the Rebel Series).
Canon EOS Rebel Cameras
Canon has 72 EOS camera models; the earliest two models having been produced in 1995. There are 21 Canon EOS Rebel models. Let’s explore their 4 latest models for comparison.
Canon EOS Rebel T8i
The EOS Rebel T8i is the ideal introduction to an interchangeable lens camera, or for those looking for an affordable upgrade. Equipped with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, DIGIC 8 image processor, and an ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 51200**), the EOS Rebel T8i is their most advanced EOS Rebel.
Whether you’re capturing simple moments, or snapping fast-moving subjects, maintain smooth and accurate focus with the camera’s high-speed continuous shooting of up to 7 frames per second (up to 7.5 fps during Live View shooting); a seriously advanced focusing system.
Designed with intuitive recognition technology, this camera also recognizes and remains locked on your subject with its 45-point all cross-type AF system, EOS iTR AF (Face Detection) during viewfinder shooting, and Eye Detection AF during Live View shooting.
For vloggers or social media aficionados, the EOS Rebel T8i offers 4K 24p video capability and vertical video support, along with built-in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth®^ technology, making it easy to share.
Combined with a 3.0-inch Vari-angle LCD touch screen and a range of advanced operating controls. That’s quite the list of technical specifications. All these features make this bad boy worth it at the current price of $899.00 at Canon online.
Image Format: Approximately 22.3 x 14.9 mm (APS-C Size)
Canon EOS Rebel T7
Ideal for mobile device users wanting to up their game with their photography, the EOS Rebel T7 camera combines fantastic features with an easy-to-use operation. The EOS Rebel T7’s large 24.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor helps you realize your potential for great shots.
Share with everyone quickly and easily via built-in Wi-Fi® and NFC technology. With the EOS Rebel T7’s fast autofocus system, you can capture every moment as it happens, viewing each shot through the bright optical viewfinder.
Additional features include a large LCD screen, Full HD video recording, and an on-board feature guide.
Image Format: Approx. 22.3 x 14.9 mm
Canon EOS Rebel T7i
A 45-point all cross-type AF system* and optical viewfinder keeps you ready for the moment.
Fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF with phase-detection locks focus quickly and accurately to help you not miss a shot. A 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor helps you capture moments in brilliant color, detail, and vibrancy for beautifully memorable photos and video.
With a maximum ISO of 25600, capture photos in low light with minimal chance of blur. The various wireless connection options such as built-in Wi-Fi®, NFC, and Bluetooth®^ connectivity let you share these moments with everyone and upload them directly to the web.
Image Format: Approx. 22.3mm x 14.9mm
Canon EOS Rebel T6i
The EOS Rebel T6i does more, easier, making capturing photos and shooting videos simple. Its high-resolution 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor means finely detailed, crisp, and natural-looking photographs.
An updated light-metering system means well-exposed images. Effortless HD videos with the EOS Rebel T6i’s advanced AF that provides a speedy and precise focus on subjects. Canon’s advanced EOS Scene Analysis system automatically adjusts the camera’s settings to produce the best results. A first-ever for the EOS Rebel line; built-in Wi-Fi®, and NFC are now available!
The Wireless connection provides a seamless way to exchange images and video with compatible devices. Near Field Communication (NFC) allows for easy pairing with compatible Android™ devices and Canon’s new Connect Station CS100 device!
Image Format: Approx. 22.3 x 14.9 mm (APS-C)
The advantages of a DSLR Canon EOS camera
The main advantage of having a Canon DSLR camera is its speed and responsiveness. This is helpful if you’re into high-speed photography like sports photography such as NASCAR, Formula One races, and triathlons.
You might be into action photography. It doesn’t help if you’re not on the ball and equipped to take those once-off action shots! It is capturing people or things in motion. Imagine a wedding (need I say more?).
To get sharper images, you need to freeze motion. Anything below that is going to be blurry with much motion. If you are shooting sports outdoors where you have more light, you must have a fast shutter speed.
The higher the shutter speed, the better when shooting action. A fast shutter speed will let you stop time and capture magical moments our brains won’t be able to preserve.
The Canon DSLR EOS cameras are especially fast. It boils down to mechanics. The mechanical shutter works instantaneously; no delay. The other advantage of the Canon EOS Rebel T7, Canon EOS Rebel T7i the more current model; Canon EOS Rebel T8i is the lens options available.
The Canon EF lens range is extensive and interchangeable. Into landscape photography? Use a wide-angle lens. Want to take photos of insects and flowers?
Use the macro lens and then for taking shots of things far away, you want to be using your zoom lens or telephoto lens.
A zoom lens is great on DSLR cameras and maintains focus when its focal length changes.
This is great, but it’s helpful to know that this convenience sometimes comes with a compromise on things such as general image quality, weight and dimensions (of the lens), aperture, autofocus performance, and of course, cost.
Then again, you are able to manually control the zoom with any Canon EOS Rebel camera, and zoom in or out as quickly as you please.
On to the Canon EOS telephoto lens (which has a longer than the human eye focal length); where you basically compress the perception of distance between you and your subject and make them appear closer than they are!
The Magic of Low Light Photography
An obvious advantage of DSLR over compact cameras is their ability to capture photos in low-light situations. It doesn’t sound impressive, but here’s the kicker: The Canon EOS Rebel range can all capture photos without the flash (*gasp*).
Canon EOS Rebel high-resolution sensor
With a high-resolution sensor, you can shoot large images and then down-sample their size to reduce the amount of noise.
Higher resolution means that there are more pixels per inch (PPI), resulting in more pixel information and creating a high-quality, crisp image.
Five tips (from Canon) for Low Light Photography
- Use your wide aperture (low f-number) to let in as much light as possible. Lenses with wider apertures pass more light through to the image sensor, enabling faster shutter speeds for capturing detail and freezing action without having to push your ISO setting to ultra-high levels, which risks image noise.
- Increase the ISO for greater light sensitivity. This increases the sensor’s sensitivity to light, and it’s useful when shooting at night without a flash. The higher the ISO number, the higher the sensitivity.
- Keep your images sharp. Another benefit of using a wider aperture: the more light that enters your lens, the faster the shutter speed you can use.
Using a lens with Optimal Image Stabilization makes it possible to use slower shutter speeds and still achieve the same sharpness.
- Make the most of white balance options. Many Canon cameras can shoot in RAW file format. Select this, and you can change or fine-tune the white balance setting when post-processing your images using your preferred RAW files processing software.
- Create lighting effects. You need a long exposure if you want to get the movement of light through your photograph.
Many of these are equipped with built-in WiFi, enabling you to change settings and trigger the shutter from your smartphone using the Canon Camera Connect app, much the same as a remote control.
Speaking of light; what is dynamic range?
This is the contrast ratio between the darkest and brightest color tones that a camera can capture in a single exposure. Maximum dynamic range is the greatest range of light a digital camera sensor or strip of film can capture.
It is the range of brightness your camera sensor is able to record. The higher the range, the more details are kept in the shadows and highlights. Should you want to recover the blown-out highlights, a good range lets you bring back lots of details.
Canon EOS Full-frame camera range
Canon’s Full-Frame cameras offer a wide dynamic range to preserve detail in highlights and shadows, low noise images straight from the camera, and shallow depth of field for stunning portraits. Canon Full-Frame CMOS sensors allow you to capture images with a rich look and feel.
Low noise, high clarity images are a given when using a Canon Full-Frame camera, thanks to large sensors that capture as much light as possible and DIGIC processors that reduce shot-compromising artifacts and provide image stabilization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Canon EOS Rebel cameras are a fantastic option for anyone who wants to have full control over their photography.
With the ability to choose automatic settings or take full manual control, you can tailor your camera to your skill level and style. And, as you continue to learn and grow in your photography journey, the Rebel cameras will always be there to support you and offer new challenges to explore.
So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, consider the Canon EOS Rebel as your next tool for capturing the world around you.