Canon EOS Facts for Kids

The Canon EOS (which stands for Electro-Optical System) is a very popular camera system made by Canon. It includes both cameras that use film and modern digital cameras. These cameras are known as SLR cameras, or dSLRs for digital versions.

The Canon EOS system first came out in 1987 with a camera called the Canon EOS 650. It's still being made today and is Canon's main line of dSLR cameras. The name EOS was chosen from Eos in Greek mythology, who was the goddess of dawn. People often say "EE-oss" when they talk about it, like a word, but some people spell out the letters "E-O-S." Both ways are fine!

Canon EOS cameras compete with other big camera brands like Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony/Minolta, and Panasonic/Leica. In many countries, Canon EOS cameras are the most popular SLR cameras.

What is an EOS Camera?
- How the EOS System Works
- From Film to Digital
Key Features of EOS Cameras
Images for kids
See also

What is an EOS Camera?

Canon EOS cameras are special because they use a system called "autofocus." This means the camera can automatically adjust the lens to make your pictures sharp and clear. You don't have to turn a ring on the lens yourself to focus.

How the EOS System Works

The EOS system is built around a special type of lens mount called the "EF mount." This mount allows different lenses to connect to different EOS cameras. It's like a universal connector for Canon's lenses and cameras. This design helps the camera and lens communicate quickly, especially for autofocus.

From Film to Digital

When the EOS system first started in 1987, it used 35mm film. These were called film SLRs. Over time, as technology changed, Canon started making digital EOS cameras, known as dSLRs. These digital cameras use a sensor to capture images instead of film. Today, Canon continues to make both dSLRs and newer mirrorless cameras under the EOS name.

Key Features of EOS Cameras

Canon EOS cameras are known for several important features that help photographers take great pictures.

Autofocus Technology

One of the biggest advancements in EOS cameras was their advanced autofocus. This technology uses special sensors to detect how far away your subject is and quickly adjust the lens to get a sharp focus. This is very helpful for capturing fast-moving subjects or when you need to focus quickly.

Interchangeable Lenses

A key part of the EOS system is the ability to change lenses. This means you can use different lenses for different types of photos. For example, you might use a wide-angle lens for landscapes or a telephoto lens to zoom in on distant subjects. Canon has a huge range of EF and RF lenses for its EOS cameras.

Different Camera Models

Canon makes many different EOS camera models, from beginner-friendly cameras to very advanced ones used by professional photographers.

Entry-level dSLRs: These are great for beginners and students, like the Canon EOS 650D or the Canon EOS 100D. They are easy to use and still take high-quality photos.
Mid-range dSLRs: These cameras offer more features and control for hobbyists, such as the Canon EOS 90D.
Professional dSLRs: Top-tier models like the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III are built for demanding professional use, offering speed, durability, and the best image quality.

Mirrorless EOS Cameras

More recently, Canon has also introduced "mirrorless" cameras under the EOS name, such as the Canon EOS M series and the EOS R series. These cameras don't have the mirror mechanism found in traditional SLRs, which makes them smaller and lighter. They still use the same great EOS technology for autofocus and image quality.

Images for kids

Features of EF-lens
A Speedlite 550EX, an early E-TTL flash from 1998
Rear view of Canon 60D featuring quick control dial to the right of the LCD screen.
Canon EOS DCS 3c
Canon EOS 650D, a Canon entry-level DSLR
Canon EOS M, Canon's first mirrorless system camera
Canon EOS Kiss X8i, also known as 750D and Rebel T8i
Canon EOS 100D compact DSLR camera
Canon EOS 9000D, also known as 77D semi mid-range DSLR
Canon EOS 90D mid-range camera
Canon EOS 7D Mark II high-end APS-C DSLR
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame DSLR
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, the highest-end Full Frame DSLR camera of Canon as of January 2021
Canon EOS M MILC camera
Canon EOS M3, entry-level mirrorless camera
Canon EOS M50, also known as EOS Kiss M in Japan
Canon EOS M5, the highest-end APS-C mirrorless camera of Canon as of January 2021
Canon EOS R, the first Full Frame MILC of Canon
Canon EOS R6 with RF 85mm f2 lens attached
Canon EOS R5 with a 35mm lens
Canon EOS R3
Canon EOS-1N high-end film autofocus camera
Canon EOS 650, the first camera in the Canon EOS serias
Canon EOS 300 entry-level film SLR camera
Canon EOS iX, one of the few APS format analog SLRs of Canon with unconventional design