The Canon 80D and the EOS Rebel T7i are both Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras from Canon.
In this article, we’ll show you some pointers on which one you should choose, and which one you should choose based on your needs.
At a Glance: Canon EOS 80D vs. Canon EOS Rebel T7i
Canon EOS 80D
The Canon EOS 80D is the older model of the two, but it comes from Canon’s mid-range product line. Released in 2016, it’s still a good all-rounder. It’s durable, versatile, and produces amazing photos.
Here are some EOS 80D key features below:
- Optics: Digital Single Lens Reflex
- Sensor: 24.2 MP APS-C (22. 5 x 15 mm) CMOS sensor
- Compatible Lenses: Canon EF mount
- Image Processor: Digic 6
- ISO: 100-12,800
- Shutter Speed: 1/8000-30 sec.
- Video: Full HD, 1080/60p
- Viewfinder Magnification: 0.85x/100%
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Battery Life: 960 shots
- Continuous Shooting: Up to 7fps
- Dimensions: 139 x 105 x 79 mm (5.47 x 4.13 x 3.11″)
- Weight: 730 g (with batteries)
Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D
The Canon EOS Rebel T7i, also known as the 800D in some territories, is a newer model. Released in 2017, the T7i is part of Canon’s Rebel line, which is Canon’s entry-level offering.
It doesn’t have a big difference in features, though. Have a look at some Canon T7i features below:
- Optics: Digital Single Lens Reflex
- Sensor: 24.2 MP APS-C (22. 3 x 14. 9 mm) CMOS sensor
- Compatible Lenses: Canon EF mount
- Image Processor: Digic 7
- ISO: 100-25,600
- Shutter Speed: 1/4000-30 sec.
- Video: Full HD, 1080/60p
- Viewfinder Magnification: 0.85x/100%
- Weather-Sealed: No
- Battery Life: 600 shots
- Continuous Shooting: Up to 6fps
- Dimensions: 131 x 100 x 76 mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 2.99″)
- Weight: 532 g (with batteries)
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Canon EOS 80D
The Canon EOS 80D feels substantial and durable on the hand. The 80D is bigger, measuring 139 x 105 x 79 mm (5.47 x 4.13 x 3.11″), and weighs 730 g inclusive of batteries.
The 80D is the bigger, heavier camera vs. the T7i, and Canon designed the 80D to last through tough conditions.
It’s also weather-sealed, so you can use the 80D in rainy conditions or in dusty areas.
If you’re the adventurous type, then the 80D might be your pick so you don’t end up with your precious camera broken on one of your journeys.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D
Because the Canon T7i is a budget camera, you can expect it to be lighter and smaller than the 80D. When compared vs. Canon 80D, the T7i is smaller and feels more plasticky.
That’s expected, of course, since the Canon T7i is the budget pick.
But that’s not a bad thing, because while the Canon T7i feels less premium, the plastic construction is useful for people who want something lighter.
The Canon T7i measures 131 x 100 x 76 mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 2.99″) and weighs 532 g, so it’s a portable option if you’re always on the go.
If you want to try things like street photography where you move around a lot, then the T7i might be the better pick for you.
Image Quality and Basic Imaging Features
Quality is subjective, but there are some metrics, like sharpness, color accuracy, and exposure range (or dynamic range), which make one photo look better than the other [R].
When choosing gear, the sensor and image processing technology are the first things you should look at.
Better specs for these features mean better pictures, specifically in low light conditions.
Sensor
The sensor is the single most important thing to consider for image quality [R]. It’s the sensor that makes a DSLR different from a point-and-shoot and a phone camera.
Both the Canon 80D and the Canon T7i use a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor. While an APS-C format sensor is smaller than your usual 35 mm analog film or a full-frame sensor, it’s much larger than a sensor from a phone camera [R].
Now, while both cameras stick to the general APS-C sensor format, their sizes are slightly different.
The Canon 80D has the larger sensor at 22.5 x 15 mm, while the Canon T7i has the smaller sensor at 22. 3 x 14. 9 mm.
That means both options have a 3:5 ratio. And the pixel density is the same for both models: 24 MP.
The Canon 80D and Canon T7i both use the Dual Pixel 24 MP CMOS AF system, which has a 45-point cross-type phase-detect system.
This means you get to take faster shots because it takes less time to focus, and then record, a shot [R].
Verdict
With regards to the sensor, the two are pretty similar. But if you’re taking photos and saving them as JPEG, something else will affect image quality: the image processing technology.
Image Processing
The Canon 80D sports the older DIGIC 6 image processor vs. Canon T7i’s DIGIC 7 processor.
The DIGIC 7 processor is better at improving JPEG quality for higher ISO photos because it reduces JPEG artifacts.
This means you’ll have less “pixelated” photos when you use higher ISO settings at low lighting situations.
There are more advantages to image processing technology, like color accuracy and processing speed, of course. But remember that these are only important for shooting photos in JPEG.
If you’re shooting photos in RAW, then either option will be just fine.
Verdict
If you’re a general-purpose photographer looking to take casual shots here and there, or if you want a dedicated camera for recording family highlights, the Canon T7i is the better option vs. the 80D.
Speed
Both cameras focus equally fast. That’s because both the 80D and the T7i come with a cross-type phase-detect sensor, so you can frame, point, and shoot.
It’s a different story when it comes to the shutter, though.
The Canon EOS 80D is faster vs. the Canon T7i, with a speed of 1/8000 seconds at its fastest. This means you can take pictures in a snap, with no blur.
In ideal lighting conditions, like daylight, you can take much better sports photos, wildlife photos, or any other action shots.
And in case you’re into speed, the Canon 80D has a faster continuous shooting mode (burst mode), at up to 7fps.
Faster continuous shooting is better for action photography because you can take multiple action shots at a time and choose the best picture.
Verdict
The Canon 80D wins this round by a slight inch.
However, the Canon T7i is no slouch, either. Though it’s just a touch slower than the Canon 80D, the T7i’s speed is still 1/4000 seconds at its fastest.
In ideal lighting conditions, you’ll still get clear, crisp pictures. For ordinary pictures, the Canon T7i speed should be enough.
Low Light Conditions
There are three ways to go about taking pictures in low light. One is to find a lens with a wide aperture (lower f-stop). Another is to reduce your camera’s speed.
The third way is to increase ISO sensitivity. Many enthusiasts misunderstand ISO, but just know that it has something to do with improving how your camera processes light.
A higher ISO setting means you need less light to take a decent photo, while a lower ISO setting, like ISO 100, means you’ll need more light to get a more visible picture.
Verdict
When it comes to ISO, the T7i is the one to choose. It has a wider ISO range, capping out at 26,500. The best part is, the DIGIC 7 image processor processes higher ISO photos for less noise.
But if you want a clearer nighttime photo, then the 80D is better vs. the T7i.
Image Processing: Who’s the Winner?
The EOS 80D wins in the quality department, hands down. It’s the better, faster option that can capture stunning images in any lighting condition.
Its bigger sensor (22. 3 x 14. 9 mm) and faster speed makes the EOS 80D the more versatile choice vs. Canon’s T7i. These advantages also mean you get to take better night-time pictures.
That doesn’t mean you can’t take great photos with the Canon T7i. You can still take good nighttime shots with its DIGIC 7 processor and higher max ISO.
Take note, though, it can be noisier than the sharp image than a Canon 80D will give you under the same conditions.
Video Recording Features
Both the Canon T7i and the Canon 80D shoot great video. They are equally capable of Full HD at 24/30/60p, so they’re pretty decent for modern standards.
There are some differences between the two, though. In our tests, we found that the 80D takes better sounding video, while the T7i takes a better-looking video.
Audio Quality
The 80D is better if monitoring your audio is a priority. The Canon 80D comes with a headphone jack vs. Canon T7i, which doesn’t have this feature.
This means you can plug in your headphones to pick up which sounds make it to your final video recording.
Verdict
The two cameras have the same mic jack, which means you can attach a microphone to record audio in your surroundings. They work the same way and have the same audio quality.
Video Quality
When it comes to video quality, the two cameras are the same with Full HD capability. The two models also have dual point cross-type autofocus, so they have an easier time accurately focusing on moving subjects.
The difference between the two cameras lies in its video image stabilization.
Because of the T7i’s DIGIC 7 processor, you won’t need a lens with image stabilization (IS) to get more stable shots.
Verdict
You get butter-smooth videos with the T7i’s DIGIC 7’s 5-axis image stabilization. Allow us to translate: No shaky videos with the T7i, even if you’re not using a tripod.
Extra Features for Video Recording
The Canon T7i has Bluetooth vs. Canon 80D, which doesn’t have this connectivity.
With the T7i remote, you can focus, zoom, and shoot without disturbing your camera’s stability. This is useful if you have your device at a fixed position when you’re trying to record videos.
Verdict
Bluetooth connectivity doesn’t seem like a big deal, but the versatility of using Canon’s BR-E1 remote might be useful for taking videos, making the T7i the winner.
Video Recording: Who’s the Winner?
If you want a camera that can shoot better videos, then the Canon T7i is the better one to get vs. Canon 80D.
While the Canon T7i doesn’t have an additional headphone jack to monitor sound, it has better features overall for taking videos.
With the Canon T7i, you don’t need to buy a set of Canon IS lenses for stable video. The Canon T7i stabilizes your video through its processor.
User Experience
It could get confusing to choose a camera with all the numbers, so we’ll make it easier for you by giving you a rundown of the ease of use and all the extra features which make using your camera more convenient.
Of course, if you want the easiest option, there’s always your phone’s camera. After all, phone cameras take splendid pictures with outstanding quality [R].
But the draw of a DSLR is its customizability and the control you have with taking pictures. That doesn’t mean you should have a hard time accessing the menus and taking pictures with it, though.
The Viewfinder
The first thing we looked at, after the camera construction, is the optical viewfinder.
An optical viewfinder is one of the standout features of DSLRs when compared to other camera types like mirrorless cameras and phone cameras [R].
Viewfinders make it easier to look at a subject under direct sunlight and makes framing your shot easier.
With the 80D, Canon fit a pentaprism “intelligent” viewfinder. Pentaprism viewfinders are brighter vs. pentamirror viewfinders, which the T7i come with.
The 80D’s viewfinder is also 100% coverage. This is good news if you’re just starting out since what you framed with your optical viewfinder is the same as what you’ll see in your final photo.
Verdict
The Canon T7i has a smaller-coverage viewfinder vs. the 80D though, so you’ll find that your image is bigger than what you’ve framed while shooting.
Menu Buttons
The Canon 80D has more customizable buttons for metering, AF, and drive. The buttons are well-labeled and easy to identify. It also comes with a rear-wheel dedicated to aperture.
With the dedicated rear wheel, you don’t have to go into your settings to change how wide your lens opening is going to be.
If you plan to use your camera in aperture-priority mode or in full manual mode, this rear wheel is useful.
Verdict
The Canon 80D takes the stand for a better menu button design.
The Canon T7i has a less user-friendly button design. It’s hard to locate buttons for particular settings, and it doesn’t have a dial.
Instead, the Canon T7i uses up-down-left-right buttons, which can get tedious if you’re adjusting aperture or scrolling through photos.
Extra Features
Connectivity
Both cameras come with NFC connectivity. This makes it easy for you to connect your camera with compatible devices, like Android phones.
Both cameras also have Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can seamlessly transfer your photos through the Canon Camera Connect app without having to use cables or card adapters.
So the 80D is more or less the same as the T7i when it comes to connectivity. The only difference is with Bluetooth. The T7i has Bluetooth connectivity vs. the Canon 80D, which doesn’t.
But if you don’t need to operate your camera with a remote, then the Bluetooth feature isn’t necessary.
Battery Life
You don’t want to run out of battery while recording important moments. While DSLRs have better battery lives than phone cameras or mirrorless cameras, it’s still good to know which one will last longer.
For this feature, the 80D wins vs. the T7i. The Canon 80D has a 960-shot battery life with its LP-E6N battery.
Meanwhile, the T7i has a 600-shot life with its LP-E17 battery pack, which you’ll need to charge more often.
Verdict
It takes paying a little extra dollars to get extra features that make your camera experience even better.
The Canon 80D wins this round vs. the Canon T7i, because the 80D is feature-packed with all those well-thought-out qualities, like easier to access menu buttons, a brighter viewfinder, and a better battery.
Which Camera Is Better?
So, which camera should you choose?
It’s honestly difficult to compare the Canon 80D vs. the Canon T7i. The 80D and T7i have similar sensor sizes (APS-C), pixel density (24 MP), and basic features.
And the 80D and the T7i are both compatible with the Canon EF system, which means you can choose from hundreds of lenses made by Canon or by a third party [R].
So if you’re after good quality photos, you’re safe with either option. But there are just some features that one camera has that just makes it a better choice over the other.
The EOS Rebel T7i is better if you’re a beginner on a budget. If you’re just starting out and you don’t know which camera to choose, then we recommend you try going for the Canon EOS Rebel T7i.
The T7i has all the features you’ll need as a budding photographer, is compatible with all Canon EF lenses, has a decent battery life, and is cheaper vs. the 80D.
Plus, if you’re only starting out with photography, it’s better to save your money and invest them in better lenses [R].
And if you do move up, at least the lenses you bought will still be compatible with your upgraded Canon camera.
The EOS 80D is better if you’re a more advanced photographer. We recommend the Canon 80D if you take plenty of action shots and need a rugged camera body. It’s just the better choice all around.
But in case you really need a summary of which is better, here’s our quick checklist:
Choose the Canon T7i if you’re a general-purpose photographer. The T7i is:
- The more budget-friendly camera. And you can spend the hundreds of dollars you save with a T7i on better quality lenses.
- Better for videos. If you want a DSLR as a dedicated device for documenting family events, then videos are a must. The Canon T7i takes more stable videos vs. the Canon 80D.
- More portable. The Canon T7i is more lightweight and a bit smaller vs. EOS 80D. Weight matters a lot especially when you’re always on the go.
- Has better image processing for JPEG shots. If you don’t want to post-process your photos and you’ll settle for JPEG, then you can rely on the updated DIGIC 7 processor for better photos.
General-purpose photographers don’t need all the features of the T7i. In fact, if you shoot more videos, the Canon T7i is the better option vs. the Canon 80D.
Choose the Canon 80D if you’re into action photography, sports photography, and wildlife photography. With the 80D, Canon made sure that it:
- Has more features. The Canon 80D is more user-friendly, has a higher battery capacity, and takes higher-quality shots vs. Canon T7i.
- Is more durable. The Canon 80D is ergonomic, rugged, and weatherproof. It can survive any weather condition you throw at it.
- Is better for low-lighting conditions. The Canon 80D gives you better, less grainy night-time photos.
- Made a faster camera. Action shots are a breeze with the 80D Canon camera. It’s quick, with a fast continuous shooting mode and higher speed for the shutter.
Conclusion
With the 80D, Canon built a versatile, feature-rich camera with consistent quality across all lighting conditions.
It’s pretty hard to beat if you’re an intermediate to advanced hobbyist, and it’s overall the better option.
But if you’re just starting out or you’re on a budget, then you can’t go wrong with the Canon T7i. On the plus side, at least you can spend more on lenses.
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