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The Best Canon DSLRs Under $1,500 of 2023

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Editor's Choice Product image of Canon Rebel T6s
Best Overall

Canon Rebel T6s

Canon's Rebel lineup was stuck in time for the past few years, but that's changed thanks to the new T6s. Read More

Pros

  • Additional control dial
  • Beginner friendly

Cons

  • Lacks sharpness in video
Product image of Canon EOS Rebel SL1

Canon EOS Rebel SL1

The Rebel SL1 is the most compact DSLR Canon has to offer, going toe to toe with mirrorless cameras in terms of size. Read More

Pros

  • Great starter camera
  • Interchangeable lenses

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of Canon Rebel T6i

Canon Rebel T6i

The T6i is the first time Canon has updated performance on the Rebel line in some time. Read More

Pros

  • Solid burst speed
  • Good video quality

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of Canon EOS Rebel T5i

Canon EOS Rebel T5i

The T5i is a classic example of Canon's "if it ain't broke" approach to DSLR updates. Read More

Pros

  • User friendly
  • Lots of features

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of Canon EOS Rebel T5

Canon EOS Rebel T5

The EOS Rebel T5's biggest selling point is its user-friendliness. Read More

Pros

  • Easy to Use
  • Includes full-HD 1080p video

Cons

  • Limited features

Whether you've just had a baby, you're getting married, or you're about to embark on the trip of a lifetime, getting a great camera should be at the top of your to-do list. Well, here's some good news: Years ago, a high-end DSLR might have cost you several thousand dollars, but these days you can pick one up for well under $1,500. Even top brands like Canon make plenty of affordable options, which gives you more money to spend on lenses and other goodies.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Product image of Canon Rebel T6s
Best Overall
Best Overall
Canon Rebel T6s

Canon's Rebel lineup was stuck in time for the past few years, but that's changed thanks to the new T6s and T6i. The two DSLRs have the same 24.2-megapixel image sensor, providing a boost to image quality over past Rebels. The T6s goes furthest, adding a second control dial and a status LCD. The result is a camera that's beginner-friendly, but also a great stepping stone on the path to a true professional DSLR.

Pros

  • Additional control dial

  • Beginner friendly

Cons

  • Lacks sharpness in video

Product image of Canon EOS Rebel SL1
Canon EOS Rebel SL1

Canon's Rebel DSLRs have rightfully earned a reputation as easy-to-use, beginner-friendly cameras. Perhaps none deserves that accolade more than the Rebel SL1. It's also the most compact DSLR Canon has to offer, going toe to toe with mirrorless cameras in terms of size. For those looking to wade into the world of interchangeable lens cameras for the first time, the SL1 is a good starting point, even if there's better performance to be had elsewhere.

Pros

  • Great starter camera

  • Interchangeable lenses

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Canon Rebel T6i
Canon Rebel T6i

The T6i is the first time Canon has updated performance on the Rebel line in some time. A new sensor and processor breathe new life into the series and bring it up to par with other cameras in its class. While it isn't the best in its price range, it provides beginners an easy to use option that isn't intimidating. Solid burst speed, good video quality, and great handling round out an attractive mid-range package.

Pros

  • Solid burst speed

  • Good video quality

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Canon EOS Rebel T5i
Canon EOS Rebel T5i

The T5i is a classic example of Canon's "if it ain't broke" approach to DSLR updates. There are enough features here to give beginner-to-intermediate shooters plenty to sink their teeth into, but it’s hard to argue for the T5i over its near-identical predecessor, the T4i. On the plus side, the Rebel DSLR line offers a consistently high-quality user experience that makes cameras like the T5i a great stepping stone for any point-and-shoot user.

Pros

  • User friendly

  • Lots of features

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Canon EOS Rebel T5
Canon EOS Rebel T5

Canon knows what an entry-level DSLR needs to succeed, and it has certainly upgraded the Rebel T5 to fill in all the blanks. That includes an 18-megapixel sensor, full-HD 1080p video, a 3-inch LCD screen, and, well... not much more. The camera's biggest selling point is its user-friendliness. You could hand this camera to just about anyone and expect them to get up to speed in no time flat. And for some users, that's probably the most important thing.

Pros

  • Easy to Use

  • Includes full-HD 1080p video

Cons

  • Limited features

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