Canon Mirrorless Cameras
The Canon mirrorless camera naming convention is primarily organized by Lens Mount and Sensor Size, with additional letters or numbers indicating the camera's Tier/Features and target user.
The system is simpler than the DSLR era, but is split into two distinct, incompatible lens mounts.
Canon Mirrorless Naming Cheatsheet
1. Primary Distinction: Lens Mount & Sensor Size
Canon's mirrorless system is split between two physically incompatible lens mounts: RF (Full Frame & APS-C) and the older EF-M (APS-C only).
| Lens Mount | Sensor Size | Camera Line Prefix | Target Users |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF Mount | Full Frame (FF) | EOS R (e.g., EOS R5, EOS R3) | Professionals, high-end enthusiasts, and modern users. |
| RF Mount | APS-C (Crop) | EOS R (e.g., EOS R7, EOS R100) | Enthusiasts, vloggers, and compact users. |
| EF-M Mount | APS-C (Crop) | EOS M (e.g., EOS M50, EOS M6) | Older, compact, entry-level system (being phased out). |
2. RF Mount Full Frame (EOS R Series)
The single-digit or single-letter models represent the Full Frame line, generally denoting the professional or enthusiast tier.
| Model | Naming | Tier & Focus/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| EOS R1 | The Flagship | Top-tier professional model, focused on speed, reliability, and advanced technology. |
| EOS R3 | High-End Speed | Professional sports/action, speed-focused, best autofocus/frame rates. |
| EOS R5 | High-Resolution Hybrid | High-resolution stills (45MP+) and advanced video features (8K), aimed at hybrid shooters. |
| EOS R6 | High-Speed All-Rounder | Excellent speed (frames per second) and low-light performance (less resolution than R5), great for general/event/video. |
| EOS R8 | Mid-Range Compact FF | Successor to the EOS R, focused on a lightweight body while retaining high-end FF features. |
| EOS R | Original Entry FF | The original full-frame RF mount model (now largely superseded). |
3. RF Mount APS-C (EOS R Series)
The double or triple-digit models represent the APS-C line within the newer RF mount. Lower numbers are better in this segment.
| Model | Naming | Tier & Focus/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| EOS R7 | APS-C Flagship | Top-of-the-line APS-C model. Focused on speed, fast sports, and wildlife (due to crop factor). |
| EOS R10 | Mid-Range/Vlogging | Excellent all-around performance, aimed at advanced beginners and content creators. |
| EOS R50 | Entry-Level/Vlogging | Successor to the EOS M50. Very compact, user-friendly, aimed at social media content. |
| EOS R100 | Budget/Beginner | The most basic, lowest-cost model, aimed at those replacing older entry-level DSLRs. |
4. Legacy EF-M Mount (EOS M Series)
This is the older, separate mirrorless system. It is generally considered discontinued or phased out in favor of the RF-Mount APS-C line.
| Model | Naming | Tier & Focus/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| EOS M5/M6 | Advanced/Enthusiast | Higher control and features in a compact body. |
| EOS M50 | Vlogging/Entry-Level | Very popular compact vlogging camera; a common entry point to mirrorless. |
| EOS M200 | Basic/Casual | Simple, point-and-shoot style interface. |