EOS mio! Which Canon dSLR?

Lori Grunin, Senior Editor May 1, 2009

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, friends who are brand-enamored, or have simply had good experiences with the company's point-and-shoot models--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 much of a choice, and the Rebel XS is the least expensive of the lot. But given the relatively small price difference between the XS and the XSi, it might be worth bumping up a class for the spot meter (big as it is) and larger LCD. (Sorry, no room in the chart for it.)
• For most hobbyists, vacation shooters as well as nonpro business users buy the Rebel T1i. It delivers comparable, and occasionally better, performance and photo quality, than the XSi for not a lot more money. Plus you get higher resolution and video capture.
• If you need a better-constructed, partially dust-sealed body or an extra stop (ISO 3,200 versus ISO 1,600) of latitude then go with the 40D. It also makes sense if you're a pro looking for an inexpensive supplementary body that can take CF cards, or have very specific feature needs, like a faster flash sync speed (1/250 sec vs. 1/200). (Sorry, no room in the chart.)
• For the best performance and highest resolution plus an extra stop of usable high sensitivity (ISO 6,400 versus ISO 3,200) for less than $2,000, the 50D occupies Canon's dSLR midrange for a few hundred more than the 40D.
• If you want the least expensive full-frame option, usually for compatibility with older lenses, your only choice is the 5D. (Sorry, no room in the chart.)
• 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 two higher-end models, but it delivers great, high-resolution photos and good performance. Plus it does video capture.
• If you need the fastest model with the best high-ISO performance and/or ultimate customizability opt for the 1D Mark III.
• If you're a pro who needs the highest resolution possible, blow your budget on the the 21-megapixel 1Ds Mark III.

More Resources

Digital SLR buying guide,

Digital cameras forum,

Indecent Exposure podcast