EOS mio! Which Canon dSLR?

Lori Grunin
Senior editor December 10, 2009 (updated on: July 14, 2011)

Not everyone approaches the dSLR buying decision as a tabula rasa choice. If you've already chosen Canon--whether it's because you already have some lenses, or friends who are brand-enamored, or have simply had good experiences with the company's point-and-shoots--here's some help selecting the right model.

On a general note, if your budget is tight, and unless there's a specific feature or performance level you need from a particular model, it's usually a good idea to save money on the body and spend it on a better lens.

• If you're on a tight budget, you don't have many choices. The Rebel XS is the least expensive of Canon's dSLRs and still widely available, though the street prices are starting to overlap with its replacement, the EOS Rebel T3 (sorry, no room in chart). But the best entry-level model is the 2009-vintage T1i. It's only slightly more expensive, and offers better performance, comparable or better photo quality, a nicer viewfinder, and a similar feature set.

• For most hobbyists, vacation shooters, and nonpro business users: buy the Rebel T3i. It delivers significantly better performance and photo quality than the T1i for not a lot more money. Plus you get higher resolution, class-leading video capture, and an articulated LCD. If you need to save a little money and can get a good deal on a T2i, it's still a good buy with comparable performance and photo quality, and it might be worth it to put the money you save toward a better lens.

• For better burst-shooting performance and build quality, the 60D occupies Canon's dSLR midrange, but it's a lot more expensive than the T3i. It's a lot faster for shooting action--although comparable in all other cases--and has a nicer viewfinder. Unless you need those capabilities, again, you might want to save some money and put it toward a good lens.

• For the least expensive model suitable for action shooting, fully manual video, or a weather-resistant build, the 7D is well worth the extra cost over the 60D.

• If you want the best value in a full-frame model, the 5D Mark II hits all the right notes. It's not fast enough for sports shooting and doesn't have the rugged body (or poundage) of the higher-end models or the 7D, but it delivers great, high-resolution photos and good performance. Plus, it's a proven performer for video capture.

• If you need the fastest model with the best high-ISO performance and ultimate customization, opt for the EOS-1D Mark IV. The 1D Mark III is still available, and certainly the same excellent camera, and you might consider it to save some dough. (Sorry, no room in the chart for these guys.)

• If you're a pro who needs the highest resolution possible, blow your budget on the 21-megapixel 1Ds Mark III (sorry, no room in chart). Keep in mind, though, that rumors are circulating about a replacement for this model, which means you might want to wait for that one, or wait for the inevitable price drops it would bring for this one.