Ready to Take Better Photos? How to Pick the Right Canon Camera for Beginners
Quick Answer: The Canon EOS R100 is a great starting point for everyday photography, while the EOS Rebel T7 offers a more traditional DSLR experience. If you're interested in vlogging or creating videos, the EOS R50 V offers interchangeable lenses and room to grow, while the PowerShot V 1 keeps things simple with a built-in lens.
Today's phones have become so capable that you might wonder why anyone would bother carrying a separate camera. But if you've ever tried to photograph your kid playing soccer from the sidelines, capture a family gathering in dim lighting or zoom in on a distant subject, you've probably discovered that even a good phone camera has its limits.
That's where a dedicated camera can make a real difference. With larger sensors, optical zoom and interchangeable lenses, Canon cameras give you more control over how your photos turn out. And you don't need to be an experienced photographer to take advantage of those capabilities. From the beginner-friendly EOS R100 to traditional DSLRs and video-focused models, Best Buy offers a variety of Canon models that give you more options when your phone can't quite capture the shot you want.
Here's what to know about the different Canon models, lenses and features to get started upgrading your photo-taking with a real camera.
What can a dedicated camera do that your phone can't?
With larger image sensors and interchangeable lenses , dedicated cameras are better at taking photos in dim light conditions and at capturing subjects at a distance or in motion.
Modern smartphone cameras are remarkably capable, but a dedicated camera gives you more flexibility and precise control when conditions get challenging. Take Canon's EOS R100, for instance, which has a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor. That's a larger image sensor than you'll find in most phones, allowing it to capture more light and potentially produce cleaner, more detailed photos in dim settings.
Interchangeable lenses open up even more possibilities. While many smartphones rely on digital cropping when you zoom in, a dedicated camera with a telephoto lens can bring distant subjects closer while preserving the sensor's full resolution. A lens with a wide aperture also lets you create a shallow depth of field, keeping your subject sharp while naturally blurring the background. A camera's autofocus can help keep moving subjects sharp, while a fast shutter speed can freeze the action, whether you're photographing kids playing soccer or pets running around. The result is greater creative control over your photos.
Mirrorless vs. DSLR: Which type of camera is better for a beginner photographer?
For most people upgrading from a smartphone, the Canon EOS R100 is the better starting point. It's a mirrorless camera, meaning light passes directly through the lens to the image sensor, which generates a live preview in an electronic viewfinder or on the rear screen. Its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system detects and focuses on faces and eyes, making it easier to capture sharp portraits and everyday moments. The R100 also uses Canon's newer RF lens mount, so you can add different lenses as you learn what you like to photograph.
Canon EOS R100
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a traditional DSLR (digital single-lens reflex), using a mirror to direct light into an optical viewfinder. It uses Canon's older EF and EF-S lenses rather than RF lenses, making it a good choice if you already own compatible equipment. Those older lenses can also work on the R100 with an adapter, but RF lenses won't fit the Rebel T7. For most beginners buying a new camera system, the R100 offers a better path forward.
Canon EOS Rebel T7
Canon starter cameras compared: Canon EOS R100 vs. EOS Rebel T7
Canon EOS R100Canon EOS Rebel T7Camera typeMirrorlessDSLRSensor24.1MP APS-C24.1MP APS-CViewfinderElectronicOpticalAutofocusDual Pixel CMOS AF with face and eye detection (stills/full HD)9-point phase-detection AF (viewfinder)VideoCropped 4K up to 24 fps; Full HD up to 60 fpsFull HD up to 30 fpsLens mountCanon RF (EF/EF-S lenses via adapter)Canon EF/EF-SKits at Best Buy18-45 Kit; Double Zoom Lens Kit18-55 Kit; 2LKGreat forPhone upgraders who want autofocus that tracks faces and eyesOptical-viewfinder fans and owners of EF lenses
Which Canon lens should a beginner photographer add first?
For portraits and low-light photography, the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM is a great first upgrade. Its wide f/1.8 aperture lets in more light and creates beautifully blurred backgrounds. It's a prime lens, meaning it has a fixed focal length, unlike a zoom lens that lets you change your framing without moving.
For wider landscapes or vlogging, consider the RF16mm F2.8 STM or RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM. The RF28–70mm F2.8 IS STM offers a flexible zoom range for portraits, events and photographing kids in action, although it won't capture especially wide scenes on an APS-C camera.
The R100 and R50 V use APS-C sensors, which apply a 1.6x crop factor. That means a 50mm lens frames a scene more tightly on these cameras, making it useful for portraits but less practical for fitting a whole family into a small room.
All five lenses use Canon's newer RF mount, designed specifically for mirrorless cameras like the EOS R100 and R50 V. By eliminating the DSLR's mirror, Canon was able to position RF lenses closer to the image sensor, allowing greater flexibility in lens design and faster communication between the camera and lens. RF lenses aren't compatible with the Rebel T7's older EF mount, while the PowerShot V1 has a built-in lens that can't be swapped.
Head-to-head: Canon RF lenses for the EOS R100 and EOS R50 V
RF50mm F1.8 STMRF45mm F1.2 STMRF16mm F2.8 STMRF16-28mm F2.8 IS STMRF28-70mm F2.8 IS STMLens typePrimePrimeWide-angle primeWide-angle zoomStandard zoomMax aperturef/1.8f/1.2f/2.8Constant f/2.8Constant f/2.8Image stabilizationNoNoNoYesYesField of view on APS-C cameras (1.6x crop factor; full-frame equivalent)80mm72mm26mm26-45mm45-112mmGood forPortraits, low lightPortraits, very shallow depth of fieldTravel, interiorsLandscapes, wide scenes and vlogging with zoom flexibilityEveryday shooting, events, kids' activities
APS-C equivalents are rounded to the nearest millimeter. These describe angle of view, not a change in the lens's actual focal length.
Which Canon camera is better for vlogging and shooting video?
If you're more interested in making videos than taking photos, Canon offers two beginner-friendly options.
The Canon EOS R50 V has interchangeable lenses, a vari-angle screen that flips toward you, a front-facing record button and a vertical tripod mount for social media videos. It also shoots oversampled 4K video, starting with higher-resolution image data to produce sharper, more detailed footage. At 60 frames per second (fps), however, the camera crops the image, using a smaller portion of the sensor and narrowing your field of view. That means you'll fit less into the shot, which can be a drawback when filming yourself at arm's length.
Canon EOS R50 V
The Canon PowerShot V1 keeps things simpler with a built-in wide-angle zoom and a cooling fan that helps prevent overheating during longer 4K recordings. Both cameras have flip-out screens for filming yourself, but the R50 V lets you change lenses as your video projects become more ambitious. The EOS R100 and Rebel T7 are better suited to still photography. Both cameras crop their footage when recording 4K at 60 fps.
Canon PowerShot V1
Video cameras head to head: Canon EOS R50 V vs. Canon PowerShot V1
Canon EOS R50 VCanon PowerShot V1Camera typeMirrorless, interchangeable lensCompact, fixed lensSensor24.2MP APS-C22.3MP 1.4-inch typeLensCanon RF mount; kit includes RF-S 14-30mm power zoomBuilt-in zoom, 17–52mm equivalent for videoScreen and viewfinderVari-angle touchscreen; no viewfinderVari-angle touchscreen; no viewfinderVideoOversampled 4K/30p; cropped 4K/60pOversampled 4K/30p; cropped 4K/60p; built-in cooling fan for long takesCreator featuresFront record button, vertical tripod mount, Canon Log 3Built-in 3-stop ND filter, cooling fanGreat forCreators who want interchangeable lensesVloggers who prefer a built-in lens
What's a good camera gift for someone who wants to take better photos of their kids?
If you're shopping for someone who wants better family photos, think about what they love to capture. For everyday moments and kids' sports, the Canon EOS R100 Double Zoom Lens Kit is a sensible first choice. Its two lenses cover everything from family portraits to action across the soccer field, without requiring an immediate upgrade.
For someone who prefers a traditional camera with an optical viewfinder, the Rebel T7 two-lens kit offers a similar range of possibilities. If they're more interested in recording family videos or creating online content, the EOS R50 V Video Creator Kit is worth considering.
And for travelers who'd rather not carry extra lenses, the PowerShot V1 offers a convenient all-in-one option with a built-in zoom.
The perfect Canon camera for anyone on your gift list
Good gift forCameraStarter kitUpgraded kitWhat the upgrade addsParents who want sharper photos of kids, near and farCanon EOS R10018-45 Kit (RF-S18-45mm lens)Double Zoom Lens Kit (RF-S18-45mm plus RF75-300mm)A telephoto zoom for sports, school events and wildlifeSomeone who wants a classic DSLR with an optical viewfinderCanon EOS Rebel T7EF-S 18-55mm lensTwo-lens kit (18-55mm plus EF75-300mm for sports, wildlife and distant subjects)A second lens for more reachAspiring YouTubers and short-video creatorsCanon EOS R50 VRF-S14-30mm power zoomVideo Creator Kit (same lens, DM-E100 microphone, HG-200TBR tripod grip, and BR-E2 Bluetooth remote for steadier video and easier self-recording)Accessories for filming yourselfTravel vloggers who want one camera and no lensesCanon PowerShot V1Sold on its own (built-in lens)Camera with built-in lens, a Video Creator Kit with microphone, tripod grip, and remoteA microphone, tripod grip and remote for easier self-recording and better audio
FAQs
Is a Canon camera easy to use if I've only taken pictures with my phone?
Yes. Beginner-friendly cameras like the Canon EOS R100 have automatic shooting modes that handle settings such as exposure and focus, so you can start taking pictures right away. As you gain confidence, you can experiment with manual controls to get more creative.
What should I look for in a camera for photographing kids' sports?
Look for reliable autofocus, continuous shooting and a telephoto zoom lens that lets you photograph the action from the sidelines. The Canon EOS R100 Double Zoom Lens Kit is a good starting point for outdoor sports, although indoor games and low-light conditions can be more challenging.
What else do I need to buy with my first Canon camera?
You'll need a compatible memory card to store your photos and videos, since one generally isn't included with the camera. A spare battery and a protective camera bag are also worth considering, especially if you're planning to take your camera on family outings or vacations.
Will my old Canon EF lenses work on the EOS R100?
Yes. Canon's Mount Adapter EF-EOS R lets you mount compatible EF and EF-S DSLR lenses on RF-mount mirrorless cameras like the EOS R100 and EOS R50 V, generally retaining autofocus and electronic aperture control. That makes upgrading easier if you've already invested in Canon lenses , although the adapter is an additional purchase.
Can I use Canon RF lenses on the EOS Rebel T7?
No. The Rebel T7 uses Canon's older EF/EF-S mount, while RF lenses are designed for Canon's newer mirrorless cameras. You can adapt EF lenses to an RF camera, but the reverse doesn't work because RF lenses are designed to sit much closer to the image sensor.
Do you need extra lenses for the Canon PowerShot V1?
No. The PowerShot V1 has a built-in zoom lens covering a 16-50mm equivalent range for still photography, so there's nothing to buy or swap. Its wide-angle coverage is particularly useful for travel and self-recording, although video settings can slightly narrow the field of view.
Can the Canon EOS R100 shoot 4K video?
Yes. The EOS R100 records 4K video at up to 24 frames per second (fps), but it crops the image, making the field of view narrower than when shooting photos. It also records Full HD at up to 60 fps. For more advanced video features, the EOS R50 V offers 4K at up to 60 fps, also with a crop at that higher frame rate.
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