What’s the difference between Canon’s xxxD and xxxxD DSLR series?
Asked 12/24/2016
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Canon’s xxxD and xxxxD DSLR lines both sit near the entry-level end of the EOS range, and some models were sold at the same time. Why did Canon have both series, and what typically separates the cheaper xxxxD models from the xxxD models?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
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The XXXXD series is essentially a way to leverage three-generations old XXXD technology.
Canon always keeps the last two generations of XXXDs current in the lineup, and in order to offer a cheaper model, creates the XXXXD, which is mostly based on the third generation back, but with a few updates to bring it in line with the current models, while leveraging as much of the older tech as possible.
The first XXXXD model, the 1000D, was concurrent with the 450D, but was essentially a 350D with a newer sensor/processor. For example, the 350D had a 7-point AF system. The 400D and 450D had a 9-point AF system. But the 1000D inherited the 350D's 7-point AF system. It was just updated to the 400D's 10MP sensor and the Digic III processor.
Currently, Canon sells both the 700D and 750D/760D new, as well as the 1300D. But the 1300D has 18MP, like the 700D (not 24MP like the 750D/760D), and is on the old Digic4 processor, like the 600D (700D is on Digic 5, and 750D/760D are Digic 6).
Essentially, it's cheaper because it's using inherited older XXXD tech.
In the timeline you mentioned, it's color-coded for processor generation. Look again, and you can see the trickle-down effect.
Originally by user27440. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user27440
9y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Canon’s xxxxD line was generally the lower-cost option, built by reusing older xxxD technology with a few updates. In practice, Canon often kept recent xxxD models in the lineup, then introduced an xxxxD body based largely on hardware from roughly an earlier generation so it could hit a lower price point.
That means the xxxxD models often had simpler specs and features than the current xxxD cameras—such as a less advanced autofocus system, fewer controls, or older underlying design—even if they shared a newer sensor or processor.
A typical example is the EOS 1000D: it was sold alongside newer xxxD models, but much of its design was closer to an older generation, with selective updates to keep it current enough for the market.
So while both series target beginners, the usual pattern is:
- xxxD: the more advanced consumer entry/mid-entry line
- xxxxD: the budget entry-level line using more hand-me-down tech
Manufacturers do this because entry-level DSLRs sell in high volume, and offering multiple price tiers helps them cover more of that market.
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