This article is not sponsored by Canon, but the result of practice with cameras of this brand for several years. The links to the purchase advice send to the site of Miss Numérique, where I buy most of my equipment, and with whom I am affiliated. Today’s question is to determine which Canon camera to choose in June 2023 ?

In recent months, Canon has resolutely taken the turn of the hybrid, like its main competitors. In this article, we will come back to the main characteristics of the cameras in the range based, not on the size of the sensor, which does not mean much in itself, but rather on the different technical possibilities and their constraints depending on the uses. . If you’re not tempted to embark on your own in the jungle of choosing equipment, don’t hesitate to call on our services here. I suggest you to see how to find your way around the Canon range in the spring of 2023

I have nothing against the other major brands, Nikon, Sony or whatever. But as a Canon user for quite some time, it’s the brand I’m most familiar with.

The 2 families

Full frame sensors

For those who have notions of film photography, the most common SLRs have a size of 24 mm by 36 mm for the height and width of the film. By analogy, manufacturers of digital cameras have designed sensors (the equivalent of film) in 24 mm by 36 mm, in other words, full format, full frame.

Originally reserved for the top of the range like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Full Frame sensors equip the cameras of professionals or enlightened amateurs.

What are their advantages?

The larger the sensor, the more the depth of field can be reduced. Thus, medium format cameras (6 by 6 for example) give images with a magnificent blur (bokeh).

With a full frame hybrid, background blur gives very good results at wide apertures, especially for portraits or macro. You still have to associate them with good objectives, which we will discuss in a future article.

So if you are aiming for this type of photos (studio portraits, weddings, macro), do not hesitate to go for these cameras.

Another advantage of Full Frame cameras is their sensitivity. With a larger sensor, it is possible to capture more light and therefore obtain better definition. Thus a high number of sensors will give a better definition, but not necessarily a better sensitivity. Today, the numbers are soaring, but a 24 million pixel sensor will give very nice large format printable photos.

What are their disadvantages?

If hybrids are lighter than reflex cameras, due to the absence of mirror and prism, full frame hybrids are heavier than APS-C. This is of course linked to the size of the sensor, which is larger, but also undoubtedly to their audience. By nature more in demand by professionals and having to be more reliable, full frames are also “tropicalised”, more waterproof.

PhotOvag’s choice:

How to find your way around the Canon range in spring 2023, as you probably know, my hybrid is an EOS R6. I hesitated quite a bit between the R6, the R6 Mark II which had just been released and the R5.

Currently, the top of the range is the EOS R3 which flirts with 6000€ without a lens. Honestly, except for sports photography which requires high burst frequencies and high speeds, this purchase is superfluous.

The 1st generation R6 is today around 2000 €.

For a few hundred euros less, the EOS R8 can be an alternative at the cost of certain compromises, in particular the absence of stabilization . Far from being a gadget, the latter is the guarantee of perfectly sharp handhelded photos. The R8 is also smaller and lighter, which can be a real advantage over the R6.

The highly anticipated EOS R1 will be Canon’s flagship. It’s a safe bet that the Japanese manufacturer will launch it at the beginning of 2024 at the latest to equip the photographers who will cover the Paris Olympics.

APS-C sensors

As we have seen, APS-C cameras have a smaller sensor. However, they may have better definition (50 million pixels or more), but this is not necessarily a guarantee of image quality.

What are their advantages?

Being intended for amateurs (more or less enlightened), the APS-C are today the gateway to “reflective” photography. The price therefore necessarily reflects this.

Another advantage, due to the smaller size of the sensor, it is necessary to apply a multiplier coefficient to determine the focal length obtained, * 1.6 at Canon.

Thus a 50 mm lens on a full frame “will become” a 50 * 1.6 = 80 mm. To have a 50 focal length, it will be necessary to use a 35 mm. If your work leads you to favor wide angles, this does not represent any advantage. On the other hand, with a 200 mm telephoto lens, you cover up to 320 mm!

What are their disadvantages?

As we said, APS-Cs are more fragile, less comfortable in low light or at wide apertures.

The choice of lenses matters a lot. It is quite possible to mount a lens for full frame on an APS-C, the opposite generates the return of the coefficient of 1.6.

Today Canon has developed a good RF range for its full frame hybrids and is starting to market its RF-S. This will be the subject of an article dedicated to the choice of lenses.

PhotOvag’s choice:
How to find your way around the Canon range in spring 2023? Even if I no longer plan to go back to an APS-C, I asked myself the question a few years ago with SLRs. At the time, the choice of the EOS 77D was driven by its price, but it still does not leave my bag.

If I had to buy an APS-C, I think I would go for the EOS R10. Apart from the drawbacks inherent in this sensor format, the R10 is capable of producing images very close to those of a full frame.

Canon has just launched the brand new EOS R100. Designed to be the entry box for photographers who wish to go further than the possibilities of their smartphone, it is nonetheless reduced in its technical capacities (number of images per second, no stabilization, non-touch screen nor orientable…). It nevertheless opens the way to the world of interchangeable lenses, and will find its audience. Like the EOS 2000D, this type of camera is light, easy to use, while already giving very good results.

So, which Canon camera to choose in June 2023 ?

Know your practive to make the right choice

1. I am already comfortable with the technical basics, I know how to use my camera in manual mode, and I intend to resume my images in post-production

I go for a full frame camera

My video needs are a priority, I choose the EOS R5. Budget 3999€

My photo needs are a priority, I want a camera with good performance, I choose the EOS R6 Mark II or Mark I. Budget €2899 (+ €300 refund offer until July 31, 2023)

I want to take my first steps in full frame, I choose the EOS R8 to buy here. Budget 1799€.

I am looking for a high-performance hybrid, without complicating the practice too much.

I am moving towards an APS-C hybrid.

I want a camera close to the capabilities of a semi-professional but my budget is limited, I choose the EOS R10. Budget 1060€

I want to develop my photography practice but don’t want to spend too much time and technique on it, I choose the EOS R100. Budget 700€