I spent three months shooting with seven of Canon’s most popular mirrorless bodies to find the best Canon cameras under $1500 that actually deliver in real-world use. Our team tested each camera for portrait sessions, 4K video, wildlife bursts, low-light street photography, and travel.
Canon’s RF mount lineup has matured fast. What used to cost $2000 a few years ago now fits under $1500 with room for a kit lens. Every camera here uses the RF or RF-S mount, so you tap into Canon’s growing native lens catalog while still supporting older EF glass through an inexpensive adapter.
Inside this guide you’ll find our top 3 picks, a side-by-side comparison table, and detailed reviews of all seven cameras. We’ve also added a buying guide section, an FAQ answering the questions we see most on photography forums, and clear use-case recommendations for beginners, vloggers, and enthusiasts stepping up from a smartphone or DSLR.
Top 3 Picks for Best Canon Cameras Under $1500 (September 2026)
Canon EOS RP with 24-105mm
- 26.2 MP full-frame sensor
- RF 24-105mm kit lens included
- Lightest full-frame EOS
Canon EOS R100 Kit
- 24.1 MP APS-C sensor
- RF-S 18-45mm lens + 64GB card
- Best starter bundle under $600
Best Canon Cameras Under $1500 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera with RF-S 18-45mm Lens Bundle |
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 Canon EOS R50 V Mirrorless Camera (Body Only) |
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 Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera (Body Only) |
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 Canon EOS R10 Mirrorless Camera with RF-S 18-45mm Lens Kit |
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 Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only) |
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| Canon EOS RP with RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit |
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| Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera (Body Only) |
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1. Canon EOS R100 with RF-S 18-45mm Lens Bundle – Best Budget Starter Kit
Pros
- Beginner-friendly controls
- Includes everything needed to start shooting
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF is fast and reliable
- Compact and lightweight body
- Great value at under $600
Cons
- 4K video capped at 24 fps
- No in-body image stabilization
- Rear LCD is fixed not vari-angle
I picked up the Canon EOS R100 bundle specifically to see if the cheapest Canon mirrorless body still delivers real Canon color science. After 60 days of family events, vacation snapshots, and a few portrait shoots for friends, my honest answer is yes for beginners, but with limits.
The 24.1MP APS-C sensor produces the warm, pleasing skin tones Canon is known for. Images straight out of camera look balanced, and RAW files give plenty of latitude for editing. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF locks onto faces quickly, which is exactly what a first-time camera owner needs. I handed it to my brother who had never used a mirrorless camera and he was shooting sharp photos of his kids within ten minutes.
The included RF-S 18-45mm IS STM kit lens is genuinely good. Image stabilization helps in low light, the STM motor is quiet for video, and the focal range covers most everyday scenes. The bundle also ships with a 64GB memory card and a camera bag, which saves new buyers an extra $50-80 in accessories. For someone buying their first interchangeable lens camera, having everything in one box removes a real barrier.
For video creators, the R100 falls short. 4K is cropped and limited to 24 fps, which is not enough for serious YouTube work. Full HD 60p is solid for casual video, but YouTubers and TikTok creators will outgrow it quickly. There is also no in-body image stabilization, so handheld video looks shaky without a stabilized lens or gimbal.
Build quality is light but plasticky. After a month of daily use the grip started showing minor wear, and the body feels closer to a point-and-shoot than a serious enthusiast tool. Battery life is acceptable for a day of casual shooting but drains faster than larger Canon models during video.
Who the EOS R100 is good for
The R100 is the right Canon camera for absolute beginners, parents documenting family life, and anyone stepping out of smartphone photography. If your priority is learning exposure, composition, and the Canon RF lens system without overspending, this kit gives you a complete setup. It also works well as a backup body for travelers who do not want to risk an expensive camera.
Who should skip the EOS R100
Skip the R100 if you shoot 4K video regularly, want a fully articulating screen for vlogging or selfies, or need weather sealing for outdoor assignments. Power users will feel limited by the slower burst speed and the absence of in-body stabilization. In those cases the EOS R50 or R10 are stronger choices in the same budget tier.
2. Canon EOS R50 V Mirrorless Camera – Best Budget Vlogging Body
Pros
- CLog3 and 10-bit color
- Vertical tripod mount built-in
- Front record button for vloggers
- Compact and lightweight
- Great value for video creators
Cons
- No electronic viewfinder
- 4K overheats after 30-35 minutes
- No in-body image stabilization
- Battery life is limited
The EOS R50 V is Canon’s first dedicated vlogging camera in the budget tier. I filmed a full week of talking-head videos, product b-roll, and social-first vertical clips with it. For under $600 body only, the video feature set punches well above its price.
The standout feature is 10-bit color with CLog3. Most budget cameras give you 8-bit footage that falls apart when you try to grade it. CLog3 on the R50 V captures a much wider dynamic range, so I could recover highlights and lift shadows in DaVinci Resolve without banding. For a creator who edits color, this is huge.
The vertical tripod mount is a thoughtful touch. I screwed the R50 V onto a small tabletop tripod in portrait orientation without an L-bracket, which makes TikTok and Instagram Reels filming effortless. The front record button is also positioned where your index finger naturally rests, so I never missed a take.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject detection tracked my eyes and face reliably across 200 test clips. The camera pulled focus smoothly between me and products on my desk without hunting. For solo creators, this AF behavior is the difference between usable footage and constant retakes.
The major trade-off is the missing electronic viewfinder. In bright sunlight I had to rely on the rear LCD, which is harder to see and drains battery faster. The EVF is one of the most useful features on the regular R50 and RP bodies, so its omission here is noticeable.
Who the EOS R50 V is good for
This camera is built for solo YouTubers, TikTok creators, and content creators who care more about video than stills. If you film mostly indoors or in controlled lighting, want 10-bit color for grading, and need a camera that supports vertical video natively, the R50 V is the strongest sub-$600 Canon option right now.
Who should skip the EOS R50 V
Skip it if you shoot a lot of stills, need an EVF for outdoor framing, or record long interviews and podcasts. The 4K recording limit of around 30-35 minutes before overheating makes it unsuitable for long-form documentary work. For stills-heavy creators, the regular EOS R50 is a smarter buy at the same sensor.
3. Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera – Best for Beginners Wanting Room to Grow
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Excellent subject detection autofocus
- Built-in flash for low light
- Compatible with all RF and EF lenses
- 12-15 fps continuous shooting
Cons
- 4K can overheat after 40 minutes
- No in-body image stabilization
- APS-C crop affects wide-angle
- Smaller battery than higher models
The EOS R50 is the camera I recommend most often to friends asking where to start with Canon mirrorless. I tested it for two months alongside a DSLR upgrade path, and the R50 keeps up with much more expensive bodies for everyday shooting.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 651 AF zones is the headline upgrade over the R100. Subject detection now recognizes people, animals, and vehicles automatically. I shot a soccer game and the camera locked onto players running across the frame without me touching the joystick. For parents and casual sports shooters, this is a noticeable quality-of-life upgrade.
The DIGIC X processor enables 4K 30p uncropped video, which is a big step up from the R100’s cropped 4K 24p. I shot a 20-minute family event with the R50 and the footage was sharp with accurate color. After about 40 minutes of continuous 4K, the camera did throttle due to heat, so long-form recorders should plan accordingly.
The built-in flash is something I underestimated. On a dim restaurant shoot, the pop-up flash gave me clean fill light on faces and balanced the background exposure. Few budget cameras still include a built-in flash, and Canon deserves credit for keeping that feature.
At only 13.28 ounces with the battery, the R50 disappears in a small camera bag. I carried it on a hiking trip with the RF-S 18-45mm lens and barely noticed the weight. For travel photographers who do not want to lug a heavy DSLR, this body is one of the lightest ways to get into the RF system.
Who the EOS R50 is good for
The R50 fits beginners, hobbyists, parents, and casual content creators who want a single camera that handles both photos and video well. The Guided UI mode is genuinely helpful for first-time users, while advanced shooters can switch to full manual control. It is also a strong second body for travelers who already own a full-frame Canon.
Who should skip the EOS R50
Skip the R50 if you shoot a lot of wide-angle landscape photography (the APS-C crop factor narrows your field of view), need in-body image stabilization for low-light handheld work, or record 4K video continuously for more than 30-40 minutes. For those use cases, the EOS R10 or R8 are worth the extra investment.
4. Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-45mm Lens Kit – Best for Sports and Action
Pros
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight and compact
- 15 fps mechanical burst
- 4K video recording
- Subject detection for people
- animals
- and vehicles
Cons
- Kit lens limited past 10 feet
- Battery not compatible with higher-end models
- Single SD card slot
The EOS R10 sits in a sweet spot between beginner and enthusiast. I shot a full day of wildlife, indoor basketball, and street photography with the 18-45mm kit lens and a borrowed RF 100-500mm telephoto. The autofocus speed and burst rate surprised me for a camera at this price.
Up to 15 fps with the mechanical shutter and 23 fps with the electronic shutter is genuinely fast. I captured a heron taking off across a pond with the 23 fps mode and pulled three sharp frames from a single burst. For bird photography and youth sports, this is the fastest Canon you can buy under $1500.
Subject detection tracks people, animals, and vehicles. While testing with the basketball game, the camera identified individual players and kept them sharp even when they crossed in front of each other. Reviewers on photography forums consistently mention the R10 as the strongest sports camera in this budget tier.
The APS-C crop factor is actually a benefit for telephoto work. My RF 100-500mm lens behaves like a 160-800mm equivalent, which gives wildlife photographers much more reach than a full-frame body at the same price. Combined with the fast burst rate, the R10 punches well above its weight for outdoor action.
The included RF-S 18-45mm kit lens is a clear weak point. At longer distances it produces softer results, especially past 10 feet. For landscape and travel work the kit lens is fine, but anyone serious about sports should plan on adding a telephoto lens later.
Who the EOS R10 is good for
The R10 is the best Canon camera under $1500 for sports, wildlife, and action photography. Beginners who want to grow into the system will appreciate the deep feature set, and the kit lens keeps total cost reasonable. If you regularly shoot moving subjects and want the fastest burst rate in this budget, the R10 wins.
Who should skip the EOS R10
Skip the R10 if your photography is mostly static subjects, portraits, or landscapes where full-frame image quality matters more than speed. The lack of in-body image stabilization also makes it less ideal for low-light handheld work. For those use cases, the EOS R8 is a stronger full-frame choice at a similar price.
5. Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless (Body Only) – Cheapest Full-Frame Canon
Pros
- Lightest full-frame EOS camera
- Excellent low-light performance
- Full-frame image quality
- Compatible with EF lenses via adapter
- Strong value under $1000
Cons
- Ergonomics feel somewhat cheap
- No in-body image stabilization
- Battery life could be better
- Menu system can confuse beginners
The Canon EOS RP has been on the market for years, and it remains the cheapest way to step into a Canon full-frame body. After a month of street photography, indoor portraits, and travel shooting, I came away impressed by the value even in 2026.
The 26.2MP full-frame sensor delivers noticeably better dynamic range and low-light performance than any APS-C body in this list. I shot an indoor birthday party at ISO 6400 and the RAW files held detail with manageable noise. Photographers coming from older Canon DSLRs will immediately feel the upgrade in shadow recovery and overall image depth.
Eye-detection autofocus works reliably for portraits. I tested the RP with three different portrait subjects in available light, and the camera locked onto eyes and tracked them through head turns and laughter. It is not as advanced as the R8’s Dual Pixel AF II, but it remains very capable for the price.
The vari-angle LCD is one of the most useful features on the RP. I used it for overhead flat-lay product shots and for vlogging at eye level. Touch autofocus on the LCD is responsive, and the screen flips fully around for self-recording. Combined with Canon’s EOS Utility webcam software, the RP doubles as a high-quality streaming camera.
The body is the lightest full-frame EOS camera Canon has ever made, weighing in at about 16 ounces. I carried the RP with a small RF 35mm prime for an entire afternoon of street shooting and never felt weighed down. For travel photographers who care about image quality but not bulk, the RP is a serious option.
Who the EOS RP is good for
The RP is the best Canon full-frame camera for budget-conscious photographers stepping up from APS-C or older DSLRs. Portrait, street, and travel photographers will appreciate the sensor quality and lightweight body. Vloggers who want a flip screen and webcam support also get strong value here, especially when buying body only and adding an RF lens separately.
Who should skip the EOS RP
Skip the RP if you need 4K video without crop, want modern autofocus subject detection for animals and vehicles, or shoot sports that demand fast burst rates. The 5 fps continuous shooting is slow for action. For those needs, the EOS R8 brings much better autofocus and modern video features at a modest price premium.
6. Canon EOS RP with RF 24-105mm Lens Kit – Best Full-Frame Starter Bundle
Pros
- Excellent entry-level full-frame camera
- Versatile 24-105mm kit lens included
- 5 stops of optical image stabilization
- Fast and accurate face detection AF
- Good battery life for stills
Cons
- Kit lens edges soft at wider apertures
- Limited 4K video with crop
- No in-body image stabilization
- Single SD card slot
The EOS RP kit with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens is one of the best value bundles Canon has ever offered. For around $1149, you get a full-frame body plus a lens that covers wide-angle to short telephoto. I carried this kit on a three-day vacation and only needed this one lens for everything from landscapes to portraits.
The 24-105mm focal range is the most versatile range Canon offers in a single zoom. I shot wide architecture in a city, mid-range street scenes, and tight portraits without swapping lenses. For travelers who want to pack light, the kit lens essentially replaces three or four prime lenses.
The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM has up to 5 stops of optical image stabilization. I shot handheld at 105mm at 1/30 second and pulled sharp images three times in a row. Combined with the RP’s full-frame sensor, low-light handheld photography becomes much more practical than with smaller-sensor cameras.
Image quality from the kit lens is good across most of the frame but slightly soft at the wide end when shot wide open. Stopping down to f/8 noticeably improves edge sharpness. For most social media and print sizes, the lens is more than adequate.
The kit is also fully compatible with EF and EF-S lenses via Canon’s EF-EOS R adapter. If you have older Canon DSLR glass, you can use it on this body with full autofocus and image stabilization. This makes the RP kit a great upgrade path for DSLR shooters who already own lenses.
Who the EOS RP 24-105mm Kit is good for
This bundle is the right Canon camera for first-time full-frame buyers, travelers, and DSLR upgraders who want one lens that does everything. The included 24-105mm covers the most useful focal lengths for vacation, family, and portrait photography. If you want maximum versatility without buying additional lenses, this kit delivers.
Who should skip the EOS RP 24-105mm Kit
Skip this kit if you already own the RF 24-105mm lens, want faster burst rates for sports, or need modern 4K video features. Body-only buyers who want to start with a fast prime lens like the RF 50mm f/1.8 will save money by purchasing the RP body only and adding their preferred lens separately.
7. Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera – Best Full-Frame Canon Under $1500
Pros
- Excellent full-frame image quality
- 40 fps electronic shutter with full AF
- 4K 60p with Canon Log 3
- Lightest full-frame RF body
- UVC/UAC webcam support
Cons
- No in-body image stabilization
- Small battery with limited life
- Single SD card slot
- Can overheat in extended 4K 60p
The Canon EOS R8 is, in my opinion, the best Canon camera under $1500 in 2026. I used it as my primary camera for two months across portrait sessions, a wedding, low-light concerts, and 4K vlogs. It performed like cameras costing twice as much.
The 24.2MP full-frame sensor paired with the DIGIC X processor delivers image quality that rivals the Canon EOS R6 II in many real-world scenarios. Dynamic range is excellent, RAW files recover shadows cleanly, and the high ISO performance is class-leading. I shot a concert at ISO 12800 and produced usable files for social media without aggressive noise reduction.
The autofocus system is where the R8 truly separates itself from older Canon models. Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1,053 zones covers nearly the entire frame. Subject detection recognizes people, animals, vehicles, aircraft, trains, and even horses automatically. While shooting a horse-jumping event, the camera locked onto the horse’s eye through jumps and turns without me touching the focus point.
4K 60p uncropped video oversampled from 6K is one of the most impressive specs in this price range. Combined with Canon Log 3, the R8 records footage that grades beautifully in post-production. I filmed an interview with two subjects walking through a market and pulled highlight detail out of bright window light without losing shadow information.
At 40 fps with the electronic shutter, the R8 captures action faster than any other Canon under $1500. I photographed a friend’s martial arts tournament and came home with dozens of perfectly timed frames. The mechanical shutter tops out at 6 fps, but the electronic mode is silent and fast enough for most sports and wildlife scenarios.
Who the EOS R8 is good for
The R8 is the right Canon camera for serious enthusiasts, content creators, hybrid shooters, and anyone stepping up from APS-C. Photographers who shoot weddings, portraits, wildlife, sports, and travel will all find this camera more than capable. Vloggers and filmmakers get professional-grade video features including C-LOG3, HDR PQ, and clean HDMI output for streaming.
Who should skip the EOS R8
Skip the R8 if you need in-body image stabilization for handheld low-light video, want dual card slots for professional redundancy, or require longer continuous recording times. The battery is also smaller than the R6 II, so heavy daily shooters may want to carry spares. For users who need IBIS and dual slots, the EOS R6 II is the next step up but sits above the $1500 budget.
How to Choose the Best Canon Camera Under $1500?
Choosing the right Canon camera depends on what you shoot, how often you shoot it, and how much you value image quality versus portability. Here are the four most important factors to weigh before you buy.
Sensor size and image quality
Full-frame sensors deliver better dynamic range, cleaner high-ISO performance, and a wider field of view than APS-C. The Canon EOS R8 and EOS RP are the two full-frame bodies in this guide. APS-C sensors like those in the R50, R50 V, R10, and R100 offer smaller bodies, lighter weight, and telephoto reach thanks to the 1.6x crop factor. For low-light and portrait work, full-frame wins. For sports and wildlife on a budget, APS-C’s reach advantage is hard to beat.
If you are coming from a Canon DSLR like the Rebel series or the 80D, an APS-C body is the most familiar upgrade path and keeps your existing EF-S lenses relevant through an adapter. Pairing the RF-S 18-45mm lens with a Canon body under $1500 lets you see whether mirrorless fits your style without a major commitment.
For photographers prioritizing image quality above all else, the full-frame EOS R8 is the clear winner. Its 24.2MP sensor and DIGIC X processor produce files that hold up to professional editing. If you mostly share images online and rarely push ISO above 3200, an APS-C body like the R50 will satisfy you for years.
Autofocus and burst performance
The newest Canon mirrorless bodies use Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject detection. The R8, R10, R50, and R50 V all support this technology with hundreds to over a thousand AF zones covering nearly the full frame. The R100 uses the older Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which still works well for people but does not detect animals or vehicles.
For sports, wildlife, and kids running around, the EOS R10 at 15 fps mechanical and 23 fps electronic is the fastest Canon body under $1500. The R8’s 40 fps electronic shutter goes even faster, but lacks the telephoto reach advantage of APS-C. For portraits, family events, and travel, the R50’s 12-15 fps is more than enough.
Reviewers on photography forums consistently rate Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II as one of the most reliable systems in the mirrorless market. For most users, autofocus is no longer the deciding factor between Canon and competing brands.
Video features and use cases
Video capability separates these cameras more than any other factor. The EOS R8 offers the strongest video specs in this lineup with 4K 60p uncropped, Canon Log 3, HDR PQ, and a 2-hour maximum recording time. The R50 V is built specifically for vloggers with 10-bit color, vertical mounting, and a front record button. The R50 offers 4K 30p uncropped for casual video creators.
The R100 and EOS RP both have limitations on 4K recording, including crop factors or shorter recording windows. If you shoot serious video, the R8 or R50 V are the better choices. If video is secondary and you mostly capture family moments, the R50, R10, and RP all produce solid Full HD footage.
One practical consideration is overheating. The R8, R50 V, and R50 can throttle after 30-40 minutes of continuous 4K recording in warm conditions. Documentary filmmakers recording long interviews may need to plan breaks or step up to a higher-tier Canon body. For most YouTube content, social media clips, and event videos, these limits rarely matter.
Lens ecosystem and long-term value
Every camera in this guide uses Canon’s RF mount. RF lenses are sharper, faster-focusing, and more future-proof than older EF glass. Canon has steadily expanded the RF lineup since 2018, so you can find everything from budget 50mm primes to professional 100-500mm telephotos.
If you already own Canon EF or EF-S DSLR lenses, the official Canon EF-EOS R adapter lets you mount them on any RF body with full autofocus and image stabilization. This makes upgrading to mirrorless painless and protects your existing lens investment. Our guide to switching from a Canon DSLR to a Canon mirrorless covers this in more detail.
For lenses under $1500, our best Canon RF lenses under $1500 guide covers the best options to pair with the cameras in this roundup. Many photographers spend more on lenses than on the body, so plan a budget that includes at least one quality lens beyond the kit option.
Whichever body you pick, the RF mount ensures a long upgrade path. A camera body from this list today can grow with you for years as you add better lenses, an external flash, and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera for photography under $1500?
The Canon EOS R8 is our top pick for photography under $1500. It combines a 24.2MP full-frame sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject detection for people, animals, and vehicles, and a 40 fps electronic shutter. For action and wildlife specifically, the Canon EOS R10 is also an excellent choice thanks to its 15 fps mechanical burst and APS-C crop factor for extra telephoto reach.
What is the best Canon camera for the money?
The Canon EOS RP with the RF 24-105mm lens kit delivers the best mix of price, image quality, and versatility for most buyers under $1500. You get a full-frame sensor, a versatile zoom lens, and a complete package for around $1149. For those who value video and autofocus more than telephoto reach, the Canon EOS R8 body is the strongest overall value.
Which Canon camera is the most affordable and best?
The Canon EOS R100 with the RF-S 18-45mm lens bundle is the most affordable and best Canon camera for absolute beginners. It includes the camera body, kit lens, 64GB memory card, and camera bag for under $600. Beginners get Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, and full access to the Canon RF lens system without a major financial commitment.
Which Canon camera is the best under $1000?
The Canon EOS RP body only at under $1000 is the best Canon camera in that price bracket. It offers a 26.2MP full-frame sensor, vari-angle LCD, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and compatibility with both RF and legacy EF lenses via an adapter. Beginners upgrading from a smartphone will get a noticeable jump in image quality for the price.
Should I get a full-frame or APS-C Canon camera under $1500?
Pick full-frame if image quality, low-light performance, and shallow depth of field matter most. The EOS R8 and EOS RP are both strong full-frame options under $1500. Pick APS-C if you shoot sports, wildlife, or travel and want smaller bodies, lighter weight, and extra telephoto reach from your lenses. The EOS R10, R50, R50 V, and R100 all offer modern features at lower prices.
Final Verdict: Our Top Canon Camera Under $1500
After three months of testing seven cameras across portrait, video, wildlife, and travel scenarios, our team’s pick for the best Canon camera under $1500 in 2026 is the Canon EOS R8. It delivers full-frame image quality, 4K 60p video with Canon Log 3, and the most capable autofocus in this price range. For buyers on a tighter budget, the Canon EOS RP with the RF 24-105mm kit lens offers the best balance of value and versatility, while the Canon EOS R100 kit is the perfect entry point for first-time Canon mirrorless owners.
For more comparisons in this budget tier, see our guide to the best cameras under $1500 across all brands, our picks for the best mirrorless cameras under $1500, and our favorite landscape photography cameras under $1500. Whichever Canon you choose from this list, the RF mount gives you a long upgrade path and access to one of the most respected lens ecosystems in photography today.