The Best Canon DSLRs Under $1,500 of 2026

Canon's Rebel DSLRs have rightfully earned a reputation as easy-to-use, beginner-friendly cameras. Perhaps none deserves that accolade more than the Rebel SL1. It's also the most compact DSLR Canon has to offer, going toe to toe with mirrorless cameras in terms of size. For those looking to wade into the world of interchangeable lens cameras for the first time, the SL1 is a good starting point, even if there's better performance to be had elsewhere.

The T6i is the first time Canon has updated performance on the Rebel line in some time. A new sensor and processor breathe new life into the series and bring it up to par with other cameras in its class. While it isn't the best in its price range, it provides beginners an easy to use option that isn't intimidating. Solid burst speed, good video quality, and great handling round out an attractive mid-range package.

The T5i is a classic example of Canon's "if it ain't broke" approach to DSLR updates. There are enough features here to give beginner-to-intermediate shooters plenty to sink their teeth into, but it’s hard to argue for the T5i over its near-identical predecessor, the T4i. On the plus side, the Rebel DSLR line offers a consistently high-quality user experience that makes cameras like the T5i a great stepping stone for any point-and-shoot user.

Canon knows what an entry-level DSLR needs to succeed, and it has certainly upgraded the Rebel T5 to fill in all the blanks. That includes an 18-megapixel sensor, full-HD 1080p video, a 3-inch LCD screen, and, well... not much more. The camera's biggest selling point is its user-friendliness. You could hand this camera to just about anyone and expect them to get up to speed in no time flat. And for some users, that's probably the most important thing.