Overview of Canon "Prosumer" DSLR cameras

September 30, 2013 The mongrel word "prosumer" has been coined for a class of camera that are certainly adequate for use by professionals, but are the usual choice of serious amateurs. At least all this was the case until after the 50D.

This page lists all (or almost all) of the 1.6 crop sensor Canon cameras. The exception is the 7D, which is really the flagship 1.6 crop camera, but really defies classification.

Canon 7D

This is a unique 1.6 crop camera. It has a 18 megapixel sensor camera with autofocus and metering features taken from the 1D line. Far and away this is the 1.6 crop camera of choice. Rumors were active in 2013 that a Mark II version of this camera was in the works, which I would applaud.

The unfortunate 60d

I'll have to admit that I have an attitude problem here. I have respected this line of cameras beginning with my first DSLR, the 20D. However, after the 50D, things began a strange slide downhill with the 60D and 70D, which seem more like Rebel cameras than their predecessors. Maybe it is just me, but if you like, you can read more here:

The cameras in chronological order

Canon D30

Obsolete, not to be confused with the 30D. This was Canon's first digital SLR. Well made, and yields fine images. It had a 3 megapixel CMOS sensor. It has a 1.6 crop sensor, but will not take EF-S lenses. Originally sold for $3000. Replaced by the D60.
April, 2000

Canon D60

Obsolete. A 6 megapixel version of the D30. Sold for $2000 Replaced by the 10D
February, 2002

Canon 10D

Obsolete, but was still available for $800 in early 2006. A 6 megapixel sensor. Originally sold for $1500. Replaced by the 20D.
February, 2003.

Canon 20D (no longer in production)

This is special because it was my first DSLR. I still have it and it is working fine. What is really tempting me (as of late 2009) among the features of the 50D is not more megapixels, but two features: above all the ultrasonic sensor cleaning feature of the 50D, but also the live-view capability for tethered extreme macro photography. I don't feel an urgent need for more megapixels or a bigger LCD display, though both would be nice. An 8.2 megapixel sensor (APS-C 1.6 crop). It takes EF-S lenses. Price in 2006: $1100 (you paid $400 more than the rebel XT to get a more sturdy camera).
Note: in 2011 used copies of this camera are selling for $200, but my lenses still sell for what I paid for them. Take note! introduced in August, 2004

Canon 30D (no longer in production)

A mildly improved 20D, with a bigger 2.5 inch LCD and a spot metering ability. Same 8.2 megapixel sensor as the 20D. I decided it wasn't worth $400 to me to get a spot meter and a bigger LCD. Accepts EF-S lenses and has a 1.6 factor. Price in 2006: $1500
introduced in Winter, 2005

Canon 40D (no longer in production)

This camera is interesting in many ways. A big 3 inch LCD display, a 10.1 megapixel sensor. The Digic III chip. Ultrasonic sensor dust elimination. 14 bit adc (previous cameras had 12 bit data in their raw files). Generates RAW or sRAW (sRAW is a smaller RAW file with 1/4 the resolution and about half the size).
Selling (in early 2008) for $1150 without a lens.
introduced in October, 2007

Canon 50D

A 15.1 megapixel APS-C sensor. 9 focus points. 14 bit conversion, DIGIC 4 processing chip. Offers ISO 12800. 3 inch LCD. Ultrasonic dust elimination.

Canon 60D

A 18 megapixel APS-C sensor. 9 focus points. Plastic chassis, flip out LCD, does video. No longer deserves to be in the same series as the 20D through 50D. Serious photographers now choose either the 50D or the 7D. Maybe Canon "dumbed this down" to divert people to the 7D?

Canon 70D

A 20 megapixel APS-C sensor. 19 focus points. I have lost interest in this series, so you are on your own.
Feedback? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's Digital Photography Info / tom@mmto.org