Canon NZ: Cameras, Printers & Lenses Explained - Brand Guide
Canon is one of the most recognised names in imaging, and at Tech Supply Shed NZ you'll find the brand across three very different product lines: EOS R mirrorless cameras, RF-mount lenses, and PIXMA, MAXIFY and SELPHY printers. This guide walks through what each range actually does, who it suits, and which model is worth your money - whether you're buying your first mirrorless camera, adding glass to an existing kit, or replacing a tired home printer.
Canon Cameras in NZ: The EOS R Mirrorless Range
Canon's current camera development is heavily focused on the RF-mount EOS R mirrorless system, which now spans everything from lightweight vlogging bodies to full-frame flagships. Browse the full lineup in our Digital Cameras collection, or filter by brand in our Canon collection.
For beginners and content creators, the APS-C bodies - EOS R10, R50, R50 V and R100 - pair a smaller, lighter body with RF-S kit lenses and are the easiest entry point into interchangeable-lens photography. Step up to the EOS R7 for faster autofocus and a higher-resolution APS-C sensor aimed at wildlife and sport shooters who want extra reach from the smaller sensor's crop factor.
Canon's full-frame EOS R range includes models such as the EOS R8, EOS R6 Mark III and EOS R5 Mark II, alongside more specialised professional and video-focused bodies like the EOS R1 and EOS R6 V. The R8 is the accessible full-frame option; the R5 Mark II and R1 are built for professional stills and video work.
If you're weighing up your first camera, our Camera Accessories collection is worth a look too - tripods, camera bags and spare batteries are easy to overlook when budgeting for a new kit.
Canon Lenses Explained: The RF Mount System
Canon's current mirrorless cameras use the RF mount, which comes in two flavours. Standard RF lenses are designed for full-frame bodies (R8, R6 Mark III, R5 Mark II), while RF-S lenses are built specifically for Canon's APS-C bodies like the R10, R50 and R100 - though RF-S lenses can generally be mounted on full-frame RF bodies too, with the camera automatically shooting in crop mode. Always check compatibility on the individual model's page, since not every combination behaves the same way.
If you're upgrading from an older Canon EF-mount DSLR, an EF-EOS R mount adapter lets you keep using EF lenses on an RF-mount body rather than replacing your whole kit in one go.
For everyday shooting, STM lenses like the RF 50mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro offer a fast, affordable prime. For reach, the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a lightweight telephoto zoom suited to travel and casual wildlife shots, while wider options like the RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM suit landscape and interior work.
Canon Printers in NZ: PIXMA vs MAXIFY vs SELPHY
Canon's printer range splits into three families with quite different jobs. PIXMA covers home printing, from cartridge-based all-in-ones to refillable MegaTank models. MAXIFY targets small offices with faster print speeds and higher-capacity ink tanks. SELPHY is Canon's dedicated photo printer line, built for quick 4x6-style prints rather than everyday documents.
| Range | Best for | Ink system | Example model |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIXMA (standard) | Light home printing | Cartridge | Pixma TS3465 |
| PIXMA MegaTank | Frequent home printing | Refillable bottles | PIXMA G3630 |
| MAXIFY MegaTank | Small office / higher volume | Refillable bottles | MAXIFY GX4060 |
| SELPHY | Instant-style photo prints | Dye-sublimation cassette | SELPHY CP1500 |
MegaTank models generally cost less per page over time than cartridge-based printers, since you're refilling from ink bottles rather than replacing cartridges - though how much that saves you in practice depends on your print volume, so it's worth checking the specific model's rated page yield before deciding.
Browse the full range in our Printers & Scanners collection, or head straight to Inkjet Printers if you already know that's the type you need. Once you've got a printer sorted, our Photo Lab Supplies collection covers photo paper and darkroom consumables if you're printing images rather than documents.
Which Canon System Is Right for You?
If you're buying your first camera, an APS-C EOS R body with a kit lens (R10 or R50) gets you shooting without overspending on glass you may not need yet. If you already shoot Canon and want more reach or a wider field of view, check whether you need an RF or RF-S lens for your specific body before buying. And if you're choosing a printer, weigh up how often you'll print: occasional users are usually better off with a standard PIXMA, while anyone printing regularly will save more over time with a MegaTank PIXMA or MAXIFY model.
FAQs
What's the difference between Canon RF and RF-S lenses?
RF lenses are designed for Canon's full-frame EOS R bodies, while RF-S lenses are built for its APS-C bodies like the R10, R50 and R100. RF-S lenses can generally be used on full-frame RF bodies in crop mode, but it's worth checking compatibility on the specific model's page first.
Can I use an older Canon EF lens on an EOS R camera?
Yes, with an EF-EOS R mount adapter, which lets EF and EF-S lenses attach to RF-mount bodies. This is a common way to carry over lenses from an older Canon DSLR kit.
Which Canon printer is best for home photo printing?
For everyday documents and occasional photos, a standard PIXMA all-in-one covers most home needs. If you print photos often, a MegaTank PIXMA model or a dedicated SELPHY photo printer will generally suit better - SELPHY is built specifically for quick, compact photo prints rather than document printing.
Is the Canon EOS R10 good for beginners?
The R10 is one of Canon's more accessible APS-C mirrorless cameras and is commonly bought as a first interchangeable-lens camera, particularly paired with its RF-S 18-45mm kit lens.
Do MegaTank printers really cost less to run?
MegaTank models use refillable ink bottles instead of cartridges, which typically lowers the cost per page for people who print often. If you only print occasionally, a standard cartridge-based PIXMA may still work out more cost-effective, so it's worth checking your expected print volume against each model's rated yield.
Shop Canon at Tech Supply Shed NZ
Whether you're after a first mirrorless camera, an extra RF lens, or a printer that can keep up with a busy household, Canon's NZ lineup covers a wide range of budgets and use cases. Browse the full range in our Canon collection, or jump straight to Digital Cameras or Printers & Scanners to start browsing.