Can someone explain Canon DSLR model numbers?

[200bhp]

I've been looking around for a starter DSLR and have decided to try a used/re-furbished one. However, when looking online, there are so many different models that it's hard to know what's what.

If I were buying new, it would be easy to see which were further up the range, simply by looking at the price. However, with used and re-furbed cameras thats not possible.

So how does the Canon model number system work?

[Tycho]

Pretty sure the more numbers it has the less "pro" it it. Then there are US models with the Rebel name which just confuses me more...

E.g.in order of quality. I believe the single digit models are made of magnesium.

500D -> 50D -> 5D

Explained better here

[SamHH]

This explains it. It's pretty simple.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Canon_DSLR_c...

[DavidCane]

The more digits in the number, the lower the subrange.

So where X=Numbers

XD
XXD
XXXD
XXXXD

Then for the single digit range (1D, 5D, 6D, 7D) the lower number is the more pro-model.

So a 1D is the top top model.

a 1100D is the lowest

[200bhp]

Thanks guys - That makes perfect sense now.