Canon camera body names

Question

Right now I'm rocking a Canon Rebel XS and I get that there's some kind of progression from XS to T1, T2, T3 etc and I get the "i" variants (XSi, T3i, etc), but where I get confused is with the EOS 1D, EOS 5D, EOS 7D, EOS 60D, etc.

From what I can tell they seem to each lend themselves towards a particular niche of photography (one claims improved IR for stargazers), but I'm not sure what the others might be good for.

Can someone explain the differences in this models and maybe what certain features might be good for?

Thanks

Asked by tenmiles

Answer

Canon has an odd numbering system and they adjusted it over the years too, so it not entirely consistent (no manufacturer is but Canon is one of the bigger offenders).

All Canon DSLRs actually have a model number which is used in Europe. In America these are replaced by letters such as XS, XSi T3i, etc. Asia uses a different naming system (Kiss). For example, the Canon Rebel XS is the 1000D. If you use the model numbers, things are a little easier to sort out:

• Cameras with more digits are lower-level, so 1000D is lower than 600D which is lower than 60D, which is lower than 5D.
• Within non-single-digit models, higher numbers are newer and usually better. So a 1100D is better than a 1000D and a 50D is better than a 40D.
• Within single-digital models, lower digits are higher-end, regardless of introduction data. So a 1D is higher end than a 5D which is higher end than a 7D.

The a suffix which was only used twice means for Astrophotography.

Broadly, 4-digit models are the absolute basic models with very limited feature sets and interface. 3-digit models are only a tad better with a few more functions and a slightly larger LCD and maybe a few more megapixels.

Two-digit models are mid-range. They share the same sensor with the 3-digit models but have better bodies with more controls and - crucially - dual control-dials. This makes them more efficient to use. The also shoot noticeably faster.

The 7D is the top-end crop-sensor model, sharing the same sensor with the 60D, but offering a weather-sealed body and a 100% coverage viewfinder, which makes it much more suitable for serious use. It also shoots at an even faster rate.

The 5D series is a full-frame model which looks at lot like a 7D but offers improved image quality. The latest is the 5D Mark III which I just reviewed last week. It has an ultra-fast autofocus system which is also shared with the top-end 1D series.

The 1D X is the top of the line in terms of image quality and speed. It has less resolution than the 7D or 5D but higher sensitivity to light and much faster speed. It is also built like a tank with an integrated vertical grip and huge battery.

Answered by Itai

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