Best Canon Rebel Camera buying strategy
Which Canon Rebel should you buy?

The best Canon rebel cameras are usually the most recently introduced. However, you shouldn't blindly buy the newest Rebel without considering a few things first.

Now updated for 2021, this post was originally published in 2015. What a difference 6 years makes. Click here to jump to the updates in this post for the best Canon Rebels.

All of Canon's Rebel Cameras have been very popular for photographers just like you. They give you a nice compromise in terms of price, features and quality.

Rebels fit in between the professional Canon cameras and the basic point and shoot line of Canon cameras. The second newest new Canon EOS Rebel T5i pictured above costs several hundred dollars more than the Canon T4i and only has incremental changes built into it's design.

Canon Rebel t6i

The Canon Rebel t6i demands you attention as a good candidate to buy. Unlike the t4i vs t5i marginal improvement, you get significant differences between the t5i and t6i.

Like most camera manufactures Canon improves features and functions of each new addition it comes out within each line of digital cameras.  One would assume then that the best choice should always be the most recent addition.

While I am just as guilty as the next camera geek to watch for the newest releases and read the digital camera reviews and blogs, it is important to take a step back and get a more distant view of what you really need and want in a camera.

The Canon Rebel S shown in the photo below was sold in 1991 and since then Canon has introduced dozens of Canon Rebel variations.

My suggestion, my friend, is to set aside some quiet time, completely away from your computer.  

Get away from this web site and the internet, and email. Leave your cell phone attached to its charger and find a quiet place to reflect without a television or any other distractions.

Our current society and the often invasive marketplace bombard us with messages and offers from manufacturers and advertisers without our best interests in mind.  

As great as we think our minds can multi-task and consider many things at once, we actually can think more accurately by eliminating distractions and clearing the mind of mental clutter

I can't tell you how valuable this little exercise can be. The only thing you'll need is pen and paper. Unless you have never used a camera, you already have some personal preferences based on at least some experience with digital photography.

By now, you may be thinking what the heck this has to do with choosing the best Canon Rebel Camera, but stay with me just for a minute longer. This technique of separating yourself from distractions and interruptions will help you focus and concentrate on what actually matters in your search for the best Rebel camera.

Take a minute to be very factual and accurate about the type of photography you have done in the past and want to do in the future.

Write down on a blank sheet of paper what shortcomings your cameras have had in the past and currently. Then list the features and functions that are important for you to have in your next camera. My specific needs and wants will be a little different than yours.  I earn a good part of my living from photography, so I primarily use cameras in Canon's 5D line.

Best Canon Rebel - Comparisons

My simplified advice:

The Canon 12 megapixel Canon T3 including the 18-55mm lens is absurdly affordable as a complete system ready to go for video and stills.

I slightly prefer the 18 megapixel Canon T3i at the higher price tag because of 50% higher pixel count, better LCD screen and superior video.

If you have the money to invest and you want a touch-screen LCD, faster frames-per-second shooting for sports photography and an improved focusing system, then the Canon T4i is a good buy.

For me personally the Canon T5i is not significantly superior enough over the T4i to justify it's price. It is a good thing for Canon Rebel buyers because it's release will cause the other Rebels to drop in price.

All of these take a wide variety of canon rebel accessories including Canon Speedlite options and many Canon Camera lenses

I encourage you to take the plunge and get the best Canon Rebel camera you can afford  based on what functions and features you absolutely need and what additions you really want.

bruce's best canon rebels camera deals for 2021

These are my top 5 rebels for 2020 for beginners wanting to dive into a good solid choice for a Canon DSLR. Note that these are Canon "Rebel" cameras and are perfect for beginners. 

The t4i brought in great improvements in the focusing. The T7i brought in great improvements in shooting video. The Canon Rebel SL1, SL2, and SL3 cameras give you a great alternative to get a capable DSLR in a small compact almost-mirrorless size.

The Rebels have come so far in terms of other technologies and they're absurdly affordable for what you get. Just click on any one of the ads below just to see the specs on these cameras and the Amazon prices.

where else can you get a good price on a t4i

If you're not a fan of Amazon, in today's mature market for T4i cameras you can buy a new or pre-owned T4i from any of these trusted online retailers.

Best place to read the most reviews on equipment

Trusted Retailer that specializes in camera equipment

Click Here To Save Money

Or, you can try my favorite place to buy used Canon cameras. I like getting only the used equipment that's still in top notch condition. My favorite "pre-owned" camera dealer is KEH. I liked them so much that I became an affiliate, meaning I earn a little extra when people purchase gear through one of the links on my website. The good news is that it doesn't cost YOU anything.

No matter where you get your bargain price on one, you can't go wrong with a Canon Rebel. Keep shooting your Canon!

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Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram  and Flickr.   Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

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Canon Rebel t6i Rotating
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Canon t5i Rotating
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