Ten years ago, in 2016, Canon released a trio of cameras that would go on to define entire segments of the photography market. While smartphone photography was beginning its explosive rise, Canon doubled down on what it does best: building reliable, capable cameras for every level of photographer. As we look back in 2026, three models from that year stand out as truly iconic — not because they were perfect, but because they each represented something important about where photography was headed.
The 80D: Perfect for Learning
Released in March 2016, the Canon EOS 80D arrived at a time when aspiring photographers were beginning their transition from smartphones to dedicated cameras. It came with a 24MP APS-C sensor and the DIGIC 6 processor — respectable specs, but nothing revolutionary. What really stood out was the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system, which made Live View shooting genuinely usable for the first time on a mid-range Canon body.
For students, hobbyists, and anyone learning the fundamentals of exposure and composition, the 80D was a revelation. Its articulating touchscreen, reliable 45-point AF system, and approachable price point made it the default recommendation for anyone asking, "What camera should I buy to learn photography?" A decade later, the 80D still holds up remarkably well as a secondhand purchase. Its 1080p video might look dated next to modern 4K options, but for stills photography, it remains a competent and intuitive tool.
The 5D Mark IV: Still a Pro Favorite
Canon's EOS 5D Mark IV arrived in late 2016 as a 30.4MP full-frame camera that, at the time, represented the pinnacle of Canon's DSLR engineering. Even now, you will find working professionals who refuse to part with theirs. The 61-point AF system, Dual Pixel RAW, and genuinely impressive color science kept it relevant long after newer mirrorless bodies hit the market.
What made the 5D Mark IV iconic was not any single breakthrough feature, but rather its relentless reliability. Wedding photographers, portrait artists, and photojournalists trusted it because it simply worked — in dim churches, at outdoor ceremonies, and during fast-paced event coverage. Its DCI 4K video was limited by a heavy crop factor, which frustrated filmmakers, but for stills work, the Mark IV delivered images that needed minimal post-processing.
Canon officially discontinued the 5D Mark IV in March 2026, just months shy of its tenth anniversary. The move marks the end of an era for the 5D series, which had served as Canon's professional DSLR backbone since 2005. For those who built careers around the EF mount, the discontinuation feels like the closing of a chapter — though the used market will keep these cameras shooting for years to come.
The EOS M5: Canon's Mirrorless Awakening
The third iconic camera from 2016 is one that often gets overlooked: the Canon EOS M5. Released in September 2016, the M5 was Canon's first serious attempt at a mirrorless camera with an integrated electronic viewfinder. Before the M5, Canon's M-series had been a half-hearted experiment — compact bodies with slow autofocus and no viewfinder. The M5 changed that narrative entirely.
With a 24.2MP APS-C sensor featuring Dual Pixel AF, a 2.36m-dot EVF, and a tilting touchscreen, the M5 signaled that Canon was finally taking mirrorless seriously. It was not perfect — the 1080p video and limited native lens selection held it back — but it laid the groundwork for everything that followed, including the enormously successful EOS R system we know today.
In hindsight, the M5 represents a turning point. It proved that Canon could build a compelling mirrorless experience when it chose to prioritize the format. Without the lessons learned from the M5 and its successors, the EOS R5 and R6 might have arrived years later — or not at all.
Why These Three Cameras Still Matter
Looking back at 2016 from the vantage point of 2026, these three cameras tell a story about transition. The 80D represented the peak of the enthusiast DSLR. The 5D Mark IV was the last great professional DSLR before mirrorless took over. And the M5 was the first glimpse of Canon's mirrorless future.
None of them were perfect. None of them revolutionized the industry overnight. But each one served its purpose exceptionally well, and each one helped countless photographers develop their craft. In a world where cameras are increasingly disposable, these three models prove that solid photography gear truly stands the test of time.