DSLR camera lenses are interchangeable, meaning you can attach and remove different lenses to shoot multiple photography styles with one camera body. Canon DSLR cameras are compatible with two main types of lenses: EF lenses and EF-S lenses. EF lenses are compatible with all Canon EOS DSLR camera bodies, whether they’re full frame or the smaller APS-C size sensor. EF-S lenses were designed primarily to work with the EOS Rebel series and the double-digit D series (the EOS 77D and EOS 80D in Canon Canada’s current lineup). EF-S lenses are intended solely for APS-C cameras and cannot be used on full-frame DSLRs.

Absolutely! In addition to producing true-to-life still images, DSLR cameras can capture high-quality video. Many of Canon’s current DSLRs allow you to record in full HD as well as 4K. DSLR cameras are ideal for short-form video. You can record individual clip lengths of about 30 minutes, shorter if you’re shooting in 4K or at a higher frame rate.

No, a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) is a traditional interchangeable lens camera that uses a complex mirror system to capture an image. The mirror directs light from the lens to the viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror swings out of the way, light directly hits the imaging sensor and a photo is taken. A mirrorless camera is an interchangeable lens camera that does not use a mirror to reflect the image onto the viewfinder, which can allow for more compact designs.

Yes, you can use a DSLR camera as a webcam. Images taken by your laptop’s built-in webcam are not always the best quality. Select Canon DSLR cameras (or mirrorless or PowerShot cameras) bring studio-level quality to your virtual meetings. To remove icons or any on-screen info from your live feed, you’ll need a camera with a clean HDMI output. Learn more in our article “Use Your Canon Camera as a Webcam.”

The best DSLR camera for beginners has features that make the camera easy to use, and easy for users to familiarize themselves with the more advanced setup – and options – than found on a typical compact digital camera or smartphone. A vari-angle touchscreen is great for capturing photos and videos from any position – simply swivel the screen and shoot. A touchscreen interface is an intuitive adjustment for those who previously used only their smartphone camera. The best entry-level DSLRs offer built-in Wi-Fi, making it easy – with the free Camera Connect app – to transfer images to a mobile device for easy uploads to social media. The best DSLR cameras for beginners also include Scene Intelligent Mode. A fully automatic mode, it allows users to capture great photos in a variety of shooting circumstances. Switch it off when you’re ready to move up to manual mode.

Start your search: The EOS Rebel SL3 is the smallest and lightest product within Canon’s DSLR lineup. Ideal for first-time DSLR users, the EOS Rebel SL3 is compatible with Canon’s full line of interchangeable EF and EF-S lenses, making it a camera that can grow with you. The compact and lightweight EOS Rebel T8i is another ideal introduction to an interchangeable lens camera that’s compatible with Canon’s full line of EF and EF-S lenses. It can also capture vertical video, making it perfect for vlogging.

The best DSLR camera for video includes a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, dual pixel autofocus system, face detection autofocus and built-in microphone input.

Start your search: Ideal for entry-level users, the EOS Rebel SL3 is equipped with 4K recording capability. Its compact size makes it the perfect travelling companion for content creators. Capture cinematic time-lapse videos with the dedicated Time-lapse Movie mode. Designed for advanced-amateurs, the EOS 6D Mark II is a full-frame CMOS DSLR that offers full HD video capture at 60 frames per second. Manual movie mode gives users full exposure and sound control. A 3.5mm stereo mini jack enables an external microphone to be connected.

The best DSLR camera for professional photographers has a sturdy build that will withstand the elements (for example, dust and weather sealing), an advanced AF system, high-speed continuous shooting, a wide ISO range and dual card slots. Professional DSLR cameras generally use a full-frame image sensor. (Learn more in our article “Full-Frame Camera Benefits.”)

Start your search: Ideal for wedding, portrait and nature/wildlife photographers, the EOS 5D Mark IV features a 30.4 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, expanded 61-point AF system, 7 frames-per-second continuous shooting and an ISO range of 100-32,000. With its resilient weatherproofing, tough magnesium-alloy construction, and built-in GPS, and Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, the full-frame DSLR is a reliable camera body for professional photographers.

For professionals and enthusiast photographers looking to stretch their creative imaginations, the EOS 6D Mark II offers a 26.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and features a fully articulating 3-inch rear LCD touchscreen, 6.5 frames-per-second continuous shooting, a maximum sensitivity of ISO 40,000, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capability, and protective seals against dust and moisture.