The Canon camera lineup can be confusing with its various model letters. This guide is designed to help you understand better the full digital camera line up from IXUS to EOS, with example models.

Let's break down what each letter represents and provide some examples:

EOS (Electro-Optical System)
- Used for Canon's interchangeable lens cameras
- Examples: EOS R5, EOS 90D
PowerShot
- Canon's line of compact digital cameras
- Examples: PowerShot G7 X Mark III, G12 and PowerShot SX70 HS
IXUS (ELPH in North America)
- Ultra-compact point-and-shoot cameras
- Examples: IXUS 185 (ELPH 180 in North America)

Canon EOS Model Letters

R series: Full-frame and APS-C mirrorlessTechnically speaking most DSLR, point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras are mirrorless, in that they don’t have internal mirrors. However, mirrorless camera is a specific term for a camera where the sensor is directly exposed to light and the photographer has a preview of the potential image at all times to view on an electronic viewfinder. For example the Olympus and Panasonic micro four-thirds cameras are mirrorless.
M series: APS-C mirrorlessTechnically speaking most DSLR, point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras are mirrorless, in that they don’t have internal mirrors. However, mirrorless camera is a specific term for a camera where the sensor is directly exposed to light and the photographer has a preview of the potential image at all times to view on an electronic viewfinder. For example the Olympus and Panasonic micro four-thirds cameras are mirrorless.
Single-digit models (1D, 5D, 6D, 7D): Professional and prosumer
Double-digit models (70D, 80D, 90D): Enthusiast
Triple-digit models (outside NA): Entry-level to mid-range
Four-digit models: Entry-level
Rebel series (NA only): Entry-level to mid-range

R Series (Full-Frame MirrorlessTechnically speaking most DSLR, point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras are mirrorless, in that they don’t have internal mirrors. However, mirrorless camera is a specific term for a camera where the sensor is directly exposed to light and the photographer has a preview of the potential image at all times to view on an electronic viewfinder. For example the Olympus and Panasonic micro four-thirds cameras are mirrorless.)
- R: Full-frame mirrorlessTechnically speaking most DSLR, point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras are mirrorless, in that they don’t have internal mirrors. However, mirrorless camera is a specific term for a camera where the sensor is directly exposed to light and the photographer has a preview of the potential image at all times to view on an electronic viewfinder. For example the Olympus and Panasonic micro four-thirds cameras are mirrorless. cameras
- Example: EOS R6
M Series (APS-C MirrorlessTechnically speaking most DSLR, point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras are mirrorless, in that they don’t have internal mirrors. However, mirrorless camera is a specific term for a camera where the sensor is directly exposed to light and the photographer has a preview of the potential image at all times to view on an electronic viewfinder. For example the Olympus and Panasonic micro four-thirds cameras are mirrorless.)
- M: Compact mirrorlessTechnically speaking most DSLR, point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras are mirrorless, in that they don’t have internal mirrors. However, mirrorless camera is a specific term for a camera where the sensor is directly exposed to light and the photographer has a preview of the potential image at all times to view on an electronic viewfinder. For example the Olympus and Panasonic micro four-thirds cameras are mirrorless. cameras with APS-C sensors
- Example: EOS M50 Mark II
Rebel Series (Entry-level DSLRsA digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with a digital imaging sensor. The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between a DSLR and other digital cameras. In the reflex design, light travels through the lens and then to a mirror that alternates to send the image to either the viewfinder or the image sensor. The viewfinder of a DSLR presents an image that will not differ substantially from what is captured by the camera's sensor but presents it as a direct optical view through the lens, rather than being captured by the camera's image sensor and displayed by a digital screen. DSLR is often (wrongly) used to describe cameras that are Micro Four Thirds or Bridge Camera - just because they look similar. This can bee seen when cameras are offered for sale. , called xxxD & xxxxD outside North America)
- T: Entry-level DSLRA digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with a digital imaging sensor. The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between a DSLR and other digital cameras. In the reflex design, light travels through the lens and then to a mirror that alternates to send the image to either the viewfinder or the image sensor. The viewfinder of a DSLR presents an image that will not differ substantially from what is captured by the camera's sensor but presents it as a direct optical view through the lens, rather than being captured by the camera's image sensor and displayed by a digital screen. DSLR is often (wrongly) used to describe cameras that are Micro Four Thirds or Bridge Camera - just because they look similar. This can bee seen when cameras are offered for sale. in North America
- Example: Rebel T8i (850D outside North America)
- Rebel T3 (North America) EOS 1100D
xxD Series (Enthusiast DSLRsA digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with a digital imaging sensor. The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between a DSLR and other digital cameras. In the reflex design, light travels through the lens and then to a mirror that alternates to send the image to either the viewfinder or the image sensor. The viewfinder of a DSLR presents an image that will not differ substantially from what is captured by the camera's sensor but presents it as a direct optical view through the lens, rather than being captured by the camera's image sensor and displayed by a digital screen. DSLR is often (wrongly) used to describe cameras that are Micro Four Thirds or Bridge Camera - just because they look similar. This can bee seen when cameras are offered for sale. )
- Double-digit D: Enthusiast-level DSLRsA digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with a digital imaging sensor. The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between a DSLR and other digital cameras. In the reflex design, light travels through the lens and then to a mirror that alternates to send the image to either the viewfinder or the image sensor. The viewfinder of a DSLR presents an image that will not differ substantially from what is captured by the camera's sensor but presents it as a direct optical view through the lens, rather than being captured by the camera's image sensor and displayed by a digital screen. DSLR is often (wrongly) used to describe cameras that are Micro Four Thirds or Bridge Camera - just because they look similar. This can bee seen when cameras are offered for sale.
- Example: EOS 90D
xD Series (Professional DSLRsA digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with a digital imaging sensor. The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between a DSLR and other digital cameras. In the reflex design, light travels through the lens and then to a mirror that alternates to send the image to either the viewfinder or the image sensor. The viewfinder of a DSLR presents an image that will not differ substantially from what is captured by the camera's sensor but presents it as a direct optical view through the lens, rather than being captured by the camera's image sensor and displayed by a digital screen. DSLR is often (wrongly) used to describe cameras that are Micro Four Thirds or Bridge Camera - just because they look similar. This can bee seen when cameras are offered for sale. )
- Single-digit D: Professional-grade DSLRsA digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with a digital imaging sensor. The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between a DSLR and other digital cameras. In the reflex design, light travels through the lens and then to a mirror that alternates to send the image to either the viewfinder or the image sensor. The viewfinder of a DSLR presents an image that will not differ substantially from what is captured by the camera's sensor but presents it as a direct optical view through the lens, rather than being captured by the camera's image sensor and displayed by a digital screen. DSLR is often (wrongly) used to describe cameras that are Micro Four Thirds or Bridge Camera - just because they look similar. This can bee seen when cameras are offered for sale.
- Example: EOS-1D X Mark III

PowerShot Model Letters

G Series: High-end compact cameras
SX Series: Superzoom cameras
ELPH/IXUS Series: Ultra-compact point-and-shoot

Older G Series Models

G model cameras were highly regarded in their time and formed the foundation of Canon's high-end compact camera line. They are still sought after as many have a CCDA CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) is an integrated circuit containing an array of linked or coupled capacitors and it is one of two types of sensors used in digital cameras and other optical devices. The other one being CMOS. CCDs are considered to the older technology and although most current digital cameras use CMOS sensors they are still widely used and many photographers seek out older cameras with CCD sensors because of their colour and image characteristics. CCD image sensors are widely used in professional, medical, and scientific applications where high-quality image data is required CCDs use a global shutter, which exposes the entire image simultaneously. This can lead to blur if any motion occurs in the image during exposure, but a high shutter speed prevents this problem. Whereas CMOS sensors are equipped with ‘rolling shutters,’ which expose different parts of the frame at different points in time. This can lead to skew, wobble and partial exposure in photographs. CCD sensors create low noise images but consume 100 times more power than a similar CMOS sensor. sensor rather than CMOSA CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) is a type of metal–oxide–semiconductor that is one of two types of sensors used in digital cameras, the other being CCD. CMOS sensors are equipped with “rolling shutters,” which expose different parts of the frame at different points in time. This can lead to skew, wobble, and partial exposure in photographs. However, neither technology is a clear winner over the other in overall image quality. CMOS sensors consume around 100 times less power than equivalent CCD sensors leading to longer battery life. CMOS cameras are now more popular and currently used in most modern digital cameras. CMOS sensors can be fabricated on a standard silicon production line and are therefore less expensive compared to CCD sensors. with great features and full manual control. One rare feature is the built-in ND filterAn ND (Neutral Density) filter is a type of filter that reduces the amount of light entering a camera lens, allowing the photographer to use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures in bright conditions without overexposing the image. ND filters are commonly used in landscape photography to create long exposure effects, such as smooth water and blurred motion. Some cameras such as the Canon G series (see Canon G12 and XZ1) have a built in ND filter. ND Filters - get the right diameter or/and but a reducer. on many model

PowerShot G1 (2000)
- 3.3 MP sensor
- 34-102mm equivalent f/2.0-2.5 lens
- First in the G series
PowerShot G2 (2001)
- 4 MP sensor
- Similar lens to G1
PowerShot G3 (2002)
- 4 MP sensor
- 35-140mm equivalent f/2.0-3.0 lens
PowerShot G5 (2003)
- 5 MP sensor
- Similar lens to G3
PowerShot G6 (2004)
- 7.1 MP sensor
- 35-140mm equivalent f/2.0-3.0 lens
PowerShot G7 (2006)
- 10 MP sensor
- 35-210mm equivalent f/2.8-4.8 lens
- First G series without RAWRAW is a file format that contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of a digital camera. RAW files are larger in size compared to JPEG files, as they retain all of the image data captured by the camera sensor without any compression. This allows for greater latitude in adjusting exposure, colour balance, and other image settings in post-processing, resulting in higher quality prints and digital images. One of the key advantages of shooting in RAW format is the ability to recover details in highlights and shadows that may be lost when shooting in JPEG format. Additionally, RAW files allow for non-destructive editing, meaning that changes can be made to the image without affecting the original image data. support (controversial at the time)
PowerShot G9 (2007)
- 12.1 MP sensor
- RAWRAW is a file format that contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of a digital camera. RAW files are larger in size compared to JPEG files, as they retain all of the image data captured by the camera sensor without any compression. This allows for greater latitude in adjusting exposure, colour balance, and other image settings in post-processing, resulting in higher quality prints and digital images. One of the key advantages of shooting in RAW format is the ability to recover details in highlights and shadows that may be lost when shooting in JPEG format. Additionally, RAW files allow for non-destructive editing, meaning that changes can be made to the image without affecting the original image data. support returned
PowerShot G10 (2008)
- 14.7 MP sensor
- 28-140mm equivalent f/2.8-4.5 lens
PowerShot G11 (2009)
- 10 MP sensor (Canon reduced MP count for better low-light performance)
- 28-140mm equivalent f/2.8-4.5 lens
- Introduced articulating screen to the G series
PowerShot G12 (2010)
- Similar to G11 but with added 720p video recording
- Last of the “original” G series design before significant changes

Key features of these older G series models:

Robust build quality
Manual controls with dedicated dials
Hot shoeA camera hot shoe is a metal bracket on the top of a camera that allows various accessories to be attached, such as external flashes, microphones, and other equipment. These accessories typically have a matching "foot" that slides into the hot shoe and makes a secure connection for communication and power transfer. They are used to connect flash guns, flash triggers, microphones (although the connections are usually not used and the microphone uses a microphone port), digital viewfinder, etc. for external flash
Optical viewfinderA camera optical viewfinder is a small window on a camera that allows the user to frame and compose a shot by looking through it. Typically uses a system of mirrors and lenses (SLR and DSLR) to show the view through the camera's lens, giving a real-time, optical representation of the scene. On simple cameras it is just a lens that roughly lines up with the frame, but may not be accurate and may not change with a zoom lens. This can be especially useful in bright lighting conditions or when shooting fast-moving subjects where using the camera's digital screen may be difficult. (though small and not very accurate)
RAWRAW is a file format that contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of a digital camera. RAW files are larger in size compared to JPEG files, as they retain all of the image data captured by the camera sensor without any compression. This allows for greater latitude in adjusting exposure, colour balance, and other image settings in post-processing, resulting in higher quality prints and digital images. One of the key advantages of shooting in RAW format is the ability to recover details in highlights and shadows that may be lost when shooting in JPEG format. Additionally, RAW files allow for non-destructive editing, meaning that changes can be made to the image without affecting the original image data. shooting capability (except G7)
Considered as “photographer's compact cameras”

These cameras were popular among enthusiasts and even professionals as backup cameras (to EOS models) due to their advanced features in a relatively compact body. The series evolved over time, gradually increasing in resolutionRefers to the number of pixels, both horizontally and vertically, used to either capture or display an image. The higher the resolution, the finer the image detail will be. and expanding the zoom range, while maintaining a similar form factor until the G1 X introduced a larger sensor in 2012.

G X Series Models

G1 X Mark III
- Features an APS-C sensor (largest in the G series)
- 24-72mm equivalent f/2.8-5.6 lens
- Built-in electronic viewfinder
G5 X Mark II
- 1-inch type sensor
- 24-120mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens
- Pop-up electronic viewfinder
G7 X Mark III
- 1-inch type sensor
- 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens
- Popular among vloggers for its video capabilities
G9 X Mark II
- 1-inch type sensor
- 28-84mm equivalent f/2.0-4.9 lens
- Ultra-compact body, smallest in the G series
G3 X
- 1-inch type sensor
- 24-600mm equivalent f/2.8-5.6 lens
- Long zoom range for a compact camera

Key features of the G Series:

RAWRAW is a file format that contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of a digital camera. RAW files are larger in size compared to JPEG files, as they retain all of the image data captured by the camera sensor without any compression. This allows for greater latitude in adjusting exposure, colour balance, and other image settings in post-processing, resulting in higher quality prints and digital images. One of the key advantages of shooting in RAW format is the ability to recover details in highlights and shadows that may be lost when shooting in JPEG format. Additionally, RAW files allow for non-destructive editing, meaning that changes can be made to the image without affecting the original image data. shooting capability
Manual controls
High-quality build
Larger sensors compared to typical compact cameras and older G models
Fast lenses (especially at wide angle)
Advanced autofocusAutofocus (AF) is an optical system that uses a sensor, a control system and a motor to focus on an automatically or manually selected point or area. The process of autofocusing generally works as follows: • An autofocus processor (AFP) makes a small change in the focusing distance.
• AFP reads the AF sensor to assess whether and by how much focus has improved.
• Using the information from (2), the AFP sets the lens to a new focusing distance.
Autofocus systems can be found on film and digital cameras. systems
4K video capability (in newer models)

The numbering system within the G Series doesn't necessarily indicate a hierarchy. Instead, each model is designed for slightly different use cases. For example, the G7 X line is popular for vlogging, while the G1 X line offers the largest sensor for better image quality.