It’s hard to go a full day, or even an hour, without scrolling across a stunning image of a landscape or picturesque foreign town. Instagram has brought these incredible views right to your fingertips. These snaps make you stop and stare, and the very best transport you around the world in an instant. And naturally, they have the power to inspire you to venture out and try your hand at photographing your own world and travels.

Creating a gorgeous image truly starts with your camera. DSLR cameras are likely the powerhouse tools behind the images you regularly double tap and were made to capture impressive scenes, minute details and everything in between. DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex camera and was designed to mimic the popular SLR film camera. As such, they follow a similar design with a viewfinder, a reflex mirror and an interchangeable-lens system.

DSLR cameras come in a full spectrum of prices and features and are the preeminent image-capturing technology available today. They boast the highest image quality, speed and user-friendly design to match basically any type of photography you can dream up. They are generally the first step toward serious photography for many people. It’s an investment, so it’s important to understand the DSLR cameras available and what will best fit your personal needs.

When setting your budget for a new DSLR camera, always be sure to factor in additional costs for a lens, says Jay Soriano, a portrait photographer based in Las Vegas.

Canon DSLRs make up a slice of the wide array of digital cameras available on the market today. There are models suitable for beginners, professional photographers and everyone in between. DSLRs are the leading camera technology available today, and Canon is one of the most popular manufacturers.

Unlike basic digital cameras, when buying a DSLR camera, you’ll likely purchase at least two parts. They are made up of two main components, the body and the lens. Generally, these pieces are sold separately, and there are specific lens options for each camera body. The DSLR camera body contains a mirror that reflects the light onto an optical viewfinder that displays the image viewed through the lens.

It is with various lenses, not camera bodies, that you will notice the biggest difference in photos and capabilities. As such, one of the most important characteristics to think about is the system of lenses compatible with each camera body. While you may begin with one or two lenses, over time, you will likely invest in more as your photography grows. Each camera body connects with a different system of lenses.

For beginners, there are specific entry-level Canon DSLR models made just for you. These cameras, like the Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera Kit, are a good starting point because of their economical price point and ease of use. The imaging quality of these cameras is still high, but the amount of control you have as a photographer over the camera’s settings is more limited. There are automated options and a variety of preset effects to rely on while learning how to handle a DSLR camera.

If you’re familiar with photography and want a bit more control and range in a Canon DSLR, you may be ready for the intermediate category of cameras. This category includes the greatest number of DSLRs and fills the space between beginner and professional levels. It’s an exciting category because much of the innovation occurs in this space.

For example, the Canon EOS 70D DSLR features redefined autofocus technology along with an enhanced feature set, upgrades to its predecessor. With the enhanced capabilities also comes a higher price tag. Similarly, the newer Canon EOS 80D DSLR offers even more upgraded features. It boasts excellent auto-focus in live view, as well as video mode and faster shutter speed for capturing every moment and movement. The camera body also includes weather sealing to protect against the elements. These are valuable features, but it may be hard for less experienced shutterbugs to justify the added cost.

The top pick, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR, also falls within the intermediate category, albeit on the higher end. It has top-of-the-line professional features and innovative technology that contribute to its high-end price tag, yet a user-friendly and compatible design make it approachable. Notable features like 4K video capture, an upgraded auto-focus system, a touchscreen and high-quality 30.4 megapixels add to its appeal for aspiring shutterbugs and professionals alike.

Within Canon’s range of DSLRs, there’s a camera and a price point that’s perfect for every photography ability. Technology is constantly changing, offering more features at ever-more reasonable prices.