Canon T6i vs 70d: A Comprehensive Guide

Two of the most versatile and feature-packed cameras from Canon, the Rebel T6i and Canon EOS 70d are tough ones to beat.

With their powerful lenses and quality imaging sensors, not to mention their portability and ease of connectivity, how can we determine which Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera is the better option?

To help us decide, we’ll take a closer look at the features, similarities, and differences of these two cameras.

Let’s begin!

A Comparison of T6i vs 70D

Canon EOS Rebel T6i

The Canon T6i is the more recent model between the two. Released in February 2015, this DSLR is equipped with an APS-C Sensor and provides 24.2 Megapixels.

24.2 MP | Canon EF/EF S

APS-C Sensor (22.3 x 14.9 mm)

Specifications

• Mount lenses: Canon EF
• Sensor size: Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
• Viewfinder: Yes; 95%
• Natural Sensitivity: ISO 100-12,800 (100 – 25,600)
• Video Frame Rate: 1080/30p
• Min. Shutter Speed: 30 sec
• FPS: 5 shutter flaps
• Focus Points: 19
• Sensor-Based Image Stabilization: No

Body Dimensions

• Dimensions: 132 x 101 x 78 mm
• Body weight: 555g
• Screen type: Articulated LCD touchscreen
• Screen size and resolution: 3”, 1040k dots
• Weatherproof: Yes
• Battery life: 440 shots

Canon EOS 70D

Meanwhile, we have Canon 70D – the earlier model – which was released in July 2013. This DSLR is also equipped with an APS-C Sensor and provides 20.2 Megapixels.

20.2 MP | Canon EF/EF S

APS-C Sensor (22.5 x 15 mm)

Specifications

• Mount lenses: Canon EF
• Sensor size: Large APS-C  (22.5 x 15 mm)
• Viewfinder: Yes; 98%
• Natural Sensitivity: ISO 100-12,800 (100 – 25,600)
• Video Frame Rate: 1080/30p
• Min. Shutter Speed: 30 sec
• FPS: 7 shutter flaps
• Focus Points: 19
• Sensor-Based Image Stabilization: No

Body Dimensions

• Dimensions: 139 x 104 x 79 mm
• Body weight: 755g
• Screen type: Articulated LCD touchscreen
• Screen size and resolution: 3”, 1040k dots
• Weatherproof: Yes
• Battery life: 920 shots

70D Vs. T6i: A Complete Comparison Guide

In this comparison guide, we’ll look into three aspects to help us decipher the better option:

• Imaging sensor
• Physical camera body
• Features

You can check also the related comparisons and articles:

• Canon 70d vs 80d
• Canon 7d vs 70d
• Canon t5i vs t6i
• Canon t6i vs t7i
• The best lenses for Canon 70d
• The best lens for Canon t6i

Imaging Sensor

In any camera decision, the heavily weighted factor would be the quality of the image it can produce.

Image quality is dependent on the SIZE of the imaging sensor.

The rule of thumb is – the larger the sensor, the better the photo quality.

• Large sensors produce larger individual pixel units.
• When a pixel unit is large, it provides better color depth, processes a wider dynamic range, and has better low-light sensitivity.
• The imaging sensor would also be able to give you a better depth of field.

For macro photographers, singling out your subject from the rest of the photo would be possible through the imaging sensor.

A large sensor would be able to put the FOCUS on your subject while blurring out the background.

APS-C Sensor

Winner: Tie

Both cameras have a very high-resolution sensor – A large APS-C Sensor.

However, the sensor area of Canon EOS Rebel T6i is slightly smaller by just 2%.

In terms of native aspect ratio and format factor, both gadgets are similar:

• Native Aspect Ratio (sensor width to sensor height): 3:2
• Format Factor: 1.6

Image Processing Engine

Winner: Canon T6i

The later model – Canon EOS Rebel T6i – has benefited from the technology advancements made before its release.

Canon EOS Rebel T6i holds a more advanced image processing engine – DIGIC 6, while the 70D Canon unit runs on DIGIC 5+.

The processing engine is responsible for better color accuracy, noise reduction, and faster processing speed.

Megapixels

Winner: Canon T6i

Need to constantly resize, zoom, or crop your photos but worried about BLURRING the final image?

Your solution lies in the MEGAPIXELS.

• Cameras with higher megapixels produce clearer images that retain their clarity once zoomed in.
• Photos with smaller pixels tend to blur when resized or edited.

Larger pixels can absorb or collect more light and higher pixel density which results in better image resolution.

Canon EOS Rebel T6i has a higher resolution at 24 megapixels. Meanwhile, although still above average, the Canon EOS 70D only has 20 megapixels.

This is a good indicator that Canon EOS Rebel T6i would be able to give you crisp images for printing even after the editing process. The guide below indicates the maximum print size of each camera.

Canon 70D:

• Excellent quality prints (300 dots per inch): 18.2 x 12.2 inches
• High-quality photos (250 dpi): 21.9 x 14.6 inches
• Good quality images (200 dpi): 27.4 x 18.2 inches

Canon T6i:

• Excellent quality prints (300 dpi): 20 x 13.3 inches
• High-quality photos (250 dpi): 24 x 16 inches
• Good quality images (200 dpi): 30 x 20 inches

ISO Sensitivity Range

Winner: Tie

There is no difference in terms of native sensitivity range between the Canon 70D and Canon T6i. Both have the same ISO Settings of ISO 100 to ISO 12800 which can be extended to ISO 100-25600.

The higher the sensitivity range, the better the sensor absorbs light which can result in clearer and crisp photos.

DXO Mark

Winner: Tie

If you’re looking for a more objective and quantified basis for your camera decision, you could always refer to DXO Marks.

These lab-tested results provide scores for the sensor performance. It studies the RAW FILES captured by the camera, so NO PRIOR EDITING has been made when the scores are given.

It gives a DXO Overall score based on three aspects:

• DXO Sports or low-light sensitivity
• DXO Landscape or dynamic range
• DXO Portrait or color depth

Interestingly, both cameras scored well and garnered marks that are not far from each other. The overall score of Canon T6i – 71 – is higher by just 3 points. Canon EOS 70D landed with a score of 68.

Canon EOS Rebel T6i DXO Scores

• Sports: 919
• Landscape: 12.0
• Portrait: 22.7

Canon EOS 70D DXO Scores

• Sports: 926
• Landscape: 11.6
• Portrait: 22.5

Although both are tied for this category, here’s a clear difference that may give you better preference and insight over the other:

• Canon 70D scored higher in sensitivity to low-light, suggesting it can perform better in low-lit environments.
• However, the Canon T6i is more reliable in terms of depth of color and dynamic range.

Video Recording & Frame Rate

Winner: EOS 70D

The read-out speed of the cameras are ABOVE average. Do note that both the Canon EOS 70D and Canon EOS T6i offer the same movie specifications of 1080/30p.

BURST FRAMES are also a good alternative to short clips.

• For the continuous shooting speed, the Canon EOS 70D has the upper hand with its 7 fps.
• Meanwhile, Canon EOS Rebel T6i has 5 fps – which is also not bad.

This feature can be handy in portrait photography or sports photography wherein shutter speed is important.

The clear winner for this category would be the Canon EOS 70D. The continuous shooting speed rate will be able to capture fast-moving subjects without the fear of missing crucial frames!

Our Verdict:

In terms of imaging sensor, it’s a tie between Canon EOS 70D and Canon T6i.

• Both are equipped with a very high resolution sensor – which means you get the same control on the depth of field when shot from the same focal length and aperture.
• Both offer similar features that are great for portrait photography or landscape photography.
• The minimal difference in APS-C sensor size doesn’t affect the image quality that much.
• The video recording and continuous shooting speed are also a close tie between these two cameras.

However, if we factor in the megapixels and processing engine, Canon EOS Rebel T6i is better than Canon 70D.

Despite its smaller sensor, it offers HIGHER megapixels and it operates on DIGIC 6, a more advanced processing engine.

Physical Camera Body

Portability

Winner: T6i

Portability-wise, our clear winner is the Canon EOS Rebel T6i.

From a front view, it’s evident the Rebel T6i is smaller than the 70D Canon. In addition to the size difference of about 5%, the Canon T6i is also lighter by 200 grams.

Canon EOS Rebel T6i has a lower weight, coming only at about half a kilo or roughly 1.2 lbs. Meanwhile, the large body of the Canon EOS 70D has a weight of 755 grams or about 1.7 lbs.

Durability

Winner: Canon 70D

The Canon T6i may have the upper hand when it comes to weight and dimensions, but the 70D Canon is the heavy-duty option between the two.

Sporting a weather-sealed body, the 70D Canon unit is splash and dust resistant, making it a reliable companion on land or sea.

Meanwhile, the Canon EOS Rebel T6i, although durable on its own, cannot withstand external dust or liquid.

Battery Life

If you are looking for a long-lasting companion for your shoots or travels, your better pick is the Canon EOS 70D.

• Equipped with an LP-E6 Battery, it can capture up to 920 images in a single charge.
• The Canon EOS Rebel T6i has the LP-E17 Power Pack which can only take 440 photos before the battery dies out.

Interchangeable Lenses

Winner: Tie

In this category, it’s a tie between the two cameras as they have the same lens mount – Canon EF/EF S.

The interchangeable lenses that are compatible with the Canon EOS Rebel T6i should perfectly fit the 70D Canon as well.

Another important factor to consider when checking lenses is if they support image stabilization.

Do note that for both, they are NOT equipped with sensor-based image stabilization.

However, you can easily mitigate this by attaching lenses that support this. Currently, there are about 110 lenses that support image stabilization.

LCD Screen

It’s also a draw when it comes to the LCD Screen. Both can be tilted and transformed to a front fracking screen.

We love this feature as not all DSLR cameras have flexible screens.

A fully articulated LCD screen comes in handy when shooting from hard-to-reach areas or during selfies!

However, we noticed the LCD screen of the 70D Canon model is top-level, a feature not available in the Canon EOS Rebel T6i.

This means it has a better control panel that helps you adjust settings, view system information, and settings verification more quickly and easily compared to the Canon EOS Rebel T6i.

Our Verdict:

There isn’t a clear winner in terms of physical camera body as both have their own strengths and weaknesses.

• For those who are looking for a reliable and durable travel buddy, especially for outdoor shoots or long trips, we recommend the Canon EOS 70D as it has more details in its design. PLUS, It has a longer battery life of 47% and a weather-sealed body. (This is an important factor as you can continuously shoot without worrying if it would damage the camera or your lenses).
• Meanwhile, if you need a compact and lightweight camera to help you get those crisp images, your best bet would be the EOS Rebel T6i Canon unit.

Features: Viewfinder, Connectivity, and Accessories

Lastly, we’ll look at the camera features, specifically the viewfinder, storage, and connectivity.

Optical Viewfinder

Winner: Canon 70D

If ever you find yourself shooting in a brightly lit environment, you might have a hard time achieving the best frame for your photo.

This is where the OPTICAL VIEWFINDER comes in handy.

It’s the small hole in the camera where you’ll be able to see the view that can be captured by the camera.

For viewfinders, what’s crucial is how wide the field of view is. The wider the viewfinder coverage, the more elements you can capture in the frame.

In this aspect, our recommendation is the Canon 70D as it offers 98%, in contrast to Canon EOS Rebel T6i’s 95%.

Moreover, the 70D Canon has a more powerful viewfinder magnification which means the image proportion in the camera is closer to what we see with our naked eye.

• Canon 70D magnification: 0.59x
• Canon EOS Rebel T6i magnification: 0.51x

Storage

Winner: Tie

There are no differences when it comes to memory storage. Both cameras operate and store their files in SDXC Cards.

Moreover, they also have UHS Card support – which allows Ultra High-Speed transfer of 104 MB per second.

Connectivity

Winner: Canon T6i

It would be a bummer if you have tons of eye-catching photos and videos, only to find out you forgot your camera’s cord or your external microphone!

This is why IT’S CRUCIAL to have a camera that can “interact” well with the external environment without the need for any wires.

This can be transferring photos to your device or capturing a clear audio recording.

The two cameras almost have the same connectivity features EXCEPT for Near Field Communication (NFC) Support. NFC can connect your camera to gadgets for data transmission or enable your mobile device to act as a remote control.

Between the two, the Canon T6i has a significant advantage since it carries this feature.

More details on the connectivity features are found below:

70D Canon

• Internal Mic: Stereo
• Speaker: Mono
• Microphone Port: Yes
• Fill Flash: Built-In Flash
• Hotshoe Port: Yes
• USB Port: 2.0
• Built-in Wi-Fi Support: Yes
• NFC Support (remote control): No
• HDMI Port: No
• Bluetooth Port: No

T6i Canon

• Internal Mic: Stereo
• Speaker: Mono
• Microphone Port: Yes
• Fill Flash: Built-In Flash
• Hotshoe Port: Yes
• USB Port: 2.0
• Built-in Wi-Fi Support: Yes
• NFC Support (remote control): Yes
• HDMI Port: No
• Bluetooth Port: No

Our Verdict:

Between the two cameras, our vote goes to the Canon EOS 70D.

Even if it’s an older model, it offers a more powerful magnification AND wider field of view which may be highly useful for landscape photographers.

Summary: Best Bits of Canon EOS 70D and Canon EOS Rebel T6i

We know this can be a lot to take in.

The section below gives a summarized overview to help you decide which new camera to buy.

NOTE: The production of both cameras has been discontinued. However, they are still highly available on a number of online platforms.

Canon EOS 70D is replaced by Canon 80D. Meanwhile, the next model closest to and after the Canon T6i would be the Canon T7i.

Advantages of Canon 70D over Canon EOS Rebel T6i

• Bigger field of view: Wider frame and more components in your photos
• Better continuous shooting speed: more frames to capture that crucial moment!
• More heavy-duty: weather-sealed companion for your sunny or wet shoots!
• Better battery life: can last twice longer than T6i
• Lower price point: more savings without compromising the quality of the camera you’ll get!

Who It’s For:

The Canon 70D is our recommendation for those who are looking for a quality entry-level DSLR camera. With the specs and features of Canon EOS 70D, achieving high image quality would be a breeze!

Advantages of Canon EOS Rebel T6i over Canon 70D

• More megapixels: High-quality photos thanks to its 24 MP
• More advanced processing engine: the DIGIC 6+ can facilitate better processing speed and produce noise-free images
• Lighter and more compact option: great travel buddy for long walks or light travels
• Better connectivity: supports NFC!
• More modern: the more recent model which has highly benefited from technological advancements

Who It’s For:

For professional or amateur photographers needing a good camera investment, go for the EOS Rebel T6i Canon unit.

It has higher sensor resolution and a better processing engine – advanced features perfect for this compact camera!

FAQs

Is Canon T7i Better Than Canon T6i?

Canon T7i is a later model from Canon. It has several more advanced features compared to the T6i.

However, this doesn’t mean that T6i isn’t worth considering. Both cameras have strengths and weaknesses. This ultimately boils down to the photographer’s preferences and budget.

Is the Canon T6 or Canon T6i Better?

Canon EOS Rebel T6i has multiple solid features and specifications that are not present in the T6.

In our opinion, T6i has more advantages compared to T6, which makes it a better option for those looking for a reliable DSLR camera.

Is Canon 7D Better Than 70D Canon?

In terms of specs, the Canon EOS 7D offers more advanced camera features that may be useful for professional photographers. In effect, the Canon 7D comes at a higher price than the Canon 70D.

For the amateur or skilled photographers looking for a reliable camera at a more reasonable price point, you can’t go wrong with the Canon 70D.

Plus, the large body of the Canon 70D can support and carry heavier lenses as well!

Is the Canon T6i Good for Photography?

A solid YES.

As the Canon T6i boasts 24 Megapixels, a large APS-C sensor, and a wide optical viewfinder, you’ll be able to capture clear and crisp images and clips with little to no difficulty.

Final Snappy Words

That ends our comparison of the Canon EOS Rebel T6i and Canon 70D!

With the plethora of digital cameras available nowadays, it may be hard to decide which one to get.

Remember, each camera has its own strengths and advantages which may not be present in other cameras. Objectively, there may be a “better” camera.

BUT – Ultimately, the “best” one for you depends on your priorities and the type of photography you want to take.

Feel free to comment and share your thoughts below!