The EOS Rebel series is Canon’s entry-level DSLR offering. For anyone starting out with photography, these two cameras are great choices.
But do you really need the newer model? Find out in our showdown below!
At a Glance: Canon T6i vs. Canon EOS Rebel T7i
Canon EOS Rebel T6i/750D
The Canon EOS Rebel T6i, also known as the 750 in some territories, is an older model. Released in 2015, the T6i is the predecessor of the T7i.
Here are the features of the Canon T6i:
- Optics: Digital Single Lens Reflex
- Sensor: 24.2 MP APS-C (22. 3 x 14. 9 mm) CMOS Hybrid AF III sensor
- Compatible Lenses: Canon EF mount
- Image Processor: Digic 6
- ISO: 100-12,800
- Shutter Speed: 1/4000-30 sec.
- Video: Full HD, 1080/60p
- Viewfinder Magnification: 0.85x/100%
- Weather-Sealed: No
- Battery Life: 440 shots
- Continuous Shooting: Up to 5fps
- Dimensions: 132 x 101 x 78 mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 2.99″)
- Weight: 555 g (with batteries)
You can see also the best lenses for Canon T6i
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.
The Canon T7i offers huge updates to the sensor and the image processor. 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 Dual Pixel AF 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)
You can see also the best lenses for Canon EOS Rebel T7i
Build Quality and Ergonomics
As part of the Canon entry-level offering, Rebel cameras tend to be lighter and smaller than the mid-range and premium Canon DLSR models.
Both cameras feel plasticky but are still durable enough for daily use. They honestly look similar, except that the Canon T7i is slightly smaller.
Both cameras are not weather-sealed, so they really aren’t made for adventure photography. With these cameras, it’s best to stick to urban settings, family gatherings, or photographing events.
However, the small, lightweight body of the Canon T7i and the T6i make them perfect for travelers and people who like moving around a lot. Just be careful of the weather, though.
Image Quality and Basic Imaging Features
Sensor
The Canon T7i and T6i both have 24.2 MP resolution APS-C CMOS sensors. The sizes of the two sensors are exactly the same.
The Canon T6i and the T7i sensor dimensions are at 22. 3 x 14. 9 mm, in the APS-C format. An APS-C sensor is the biggest sensor format you’ll get in this budget range, so you can take better photos [R].
Since both cameras use the same sized APS-C sensor, there isn’t a big difference with the depth of field, especially if you use the same lenses and the same aperture and focal length settings.
The difference between the two sensors is the autofocus system each camera offers. The Canon T6i uses the Hybrid AF III technology vs. the Canon T6i with the Dual Pixel AF system.
Verdict
The Canon T7i comes out as the winner here because the Dual Pixel AF technology is a step into the future. It’s a much faster autofocus system with 45 AF points (vs. the Canon T7i’s 19 AF points).
These days, Canon no longer makes cameras with the Hybrid AF III technology, so that’s one thing you should keep in mind.
Image Processing
This is where the two cameras differ greatly. The older Canon T6i uses the DIGIC 6 image processor, while the Canon T7i uses the DIGIC 7 processor.
Now, the image processors in your camera won’t matter as much if you’re planning to take photography seriously and learn about post-processing.
For that, you’ll usually take your photos in RAW format [R].
But if you’re getting a DSLR as a dedicated tool for documenting life events, then you’ll want to take images in JPEG form.
And a camera’s image processor makes a tremendous difference with how your photo turns out [R]. A better image processor can reduce noise and make your colors stand out.
Verdict
The Canon T7i, with the updated DIGIC 7 processor, will give you better JPEG results vs. the T6i, especially in low lighting conditions.
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.
Speed
We’ll tell you outright that the newer Canon T7i wins this round vs. the Canon T6i. The two cameras have the same shutter speed at 1/4000 seconds at its fastest, but the T7i is faster to use.
The Canon T7i comes with the Dual Pixel AF sensor, which focuses on your subject much faster vs. the Canon T6i’s Hybrid AF III sensor.
The autofocus points affect your camera’s speed. With the 45 focus points in the Canon T7i, you’re getting more accurate shots.
Verdict
If you want to get into sports photography, the Canon T7i is still the clear winner. The T7i has more focus points – which are smaller – which means you can track moving subjects for more of the frame.
And if you want to take burst shots and choose the best action shot, the T7i has you covered, too. The Canon T7i has 6fps continuous shooting vs. the Canon T6i’s 5fps continuous shooting.
Low Light Conditions
You’ll usually want to invest in a larger sensor and better lenses to take better pictures in low-light situations.
Otherwise, you risk having to go with slower shutter speed settings to let in the same amount of light. Slower shutter speeds mean blurrier photos. Capiche?
But if you have entry-level cameras like the Rebel series, then another way to take better photos in low light is by increasing your ISO.
With a higher ISO, you need less light to take a more detailed photo, unlike with a lower ISO setting. A lower setting, like ISO 100, at a dark area, will just give you a dark picture.
Verdict
The Canon T7i wins this category. With a maximum ISO of 25, 600, you can take low light photos with faster shutter speeds without worrying about blurry shots.
You might worry about grainy or noisy photos taken at higher ISOs. You shouldn’t worry, though. With the T7i, Canon made sure to pair its expanded ISO range with its DIGIC 7 processors.
But with the Canon T7i, higher ISO is no problem because of the DIGIC 7 processing technology. You can take higher ISO photos with less noise vs. the Canon T6i.
Image Quality: Who’s the Winner?
The newer Canon T7i wins the image quality category by making it easier to take better quality photos.
Even though the two cameras have the same APS-C sensor size, the differences lie in its autofocus and image processing technology.
It makes a difference, especially for general-purpose photographers who save their photos in JPEG and couldn’t care less with post-processing.
That doesn’t mean that the Canon T6i takes awful photos. It’s a perfectly fine camera, but for a few dollars more, you can take better shots with a Canon T7i.
Video Recording Features
Video Quality
The Canon T6i has full HD recording capabilities, and so does the Canon T7i. But if you’re getting a DSLR to take videos or start a YouTube channel, then the T7i is the better pick for a lot of reasons.
The T7i can shoot at a faster frame rate of 60p, unlike the T6i’s 30p fps. Action shots at 60p run smoother than a recording at 30p, so when you’re recording sports matches, the T7i is the better pick.
The Dual Pixel Autofocus of the Canon T7i is leaps and bounds ahead of the Hybrid AF III sensor of the Canon T6i. With this sensor, the T7i can track your video’s subject faster than older DLSRs do.
However, the biggest reason to choose a Canon T7i for video recording is the T7i’s video image stabilization.
Verdict
The Canon T7i’s DIGIC 7 processor makes your videos stable while shooting. Unlike with the T6i, you won’t need to buy a separate image stabilization (IS) lens, which is usually more expensive.
Extra Features for Video Recording
One extra feature of the Canon T7i is the Bluetooth connection. With the Bluetooth capabilities of the Canon T7i, you can take advantage of the BR-E1 remote from Canon.
The BR-E1 remote can help you focus, zoom, and shoot while leaving your camera mounted on a tripod or propped on a table for stability
Verdict
With the remote, you wouldn’t need to worry about the extra shake that comes with pressing the “record” button. When it comes to extra features, it’s a tie for both models.
While the remote isn’t a deal-breaker, it’s a great bonus that makes video recording more convenient.
Video Recording: Who’s the Winner?
The Canon T7i is the clear winner for video recording.
It’s hard to root for the Canon T6i vs. T7i here. Because the T6i is older technology, it doesn’t have all the great upgrades to video recordings, like image stabilization and 60p shooting that the T7i does.
The T7i offers features that a modern camera should have for video recording. The Canon T6i isn’t bad for taking videos, but we don’t recommend it as your primary video camera.
User Experience
Entry-level cameras should be easier to use for beginners, so things like the menu buttons and user interface matter a lot. It’s hard to focus on taking pictures when you get lost trying to figure out the menu.
Read on to see which camera is easier to use.
Menu Buttons and User Interface
The menu buttons are similar between the Canon T6i vs. T7i. The only difference between the two cameras is the wireless shortcut key, which takes you to the wireless device pairing selections.
The Canon Feature Assistant helps beginners navigate the camera menu options, settings, and shooting modes with easy-to-understand explanations.
The Feature Assistant works really well with the touch interface, so you wouldn’t have to spend a lot of time navigating using the menu buttons on your camera.
If you’re a more experienced photographer, though, you can just switch this feature off.
Verdict
The interface of the two cameras is the same. However, the Canon T7i wins thanks to its gem feature for beginners: the Canon Feature Assistant.
Battery Life
The T7i has the larger battery capacity of the two cameras, with 600-shot battery life. This rivals the 440 shots you can get from the Canon T6i on a single shot.
440 shots is still a lot of photos, if you think about it. If you’re going to bring your DSLR to take photos of your family during Thanksgiving, it’s only going to take a few shots. A T6i can still last you a whole day if you’re strategic about it.
Verdict
You shouldn’t worry about missing a shot with any of these cameras, though. The shorter battery life in the T6i vs. the T7i isn’t all that noticeable if you charge your camera every day, making it a tie round.
If you want to take videos, though, the T7i’s battery life might be a better option vs. the T6i.
Connectivity
Both cameras come with NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity. This makes it easy for you to transfer photos to your devices without needing cables or adapters.
The only upgrade with the T7i is the Bluetooth receiver, which you can pair with the Canon BR-E1 wireless remote.
User Experience: Who’s the Winner?
The Canon T7i is the winner of this round, yet again. It has better battery life, letting you take more shots in one full charge vs. the Canon T6i.
And the Canon Feature Assistant is also a great plus for beginners, especially since camera menus are often very confusing.
Which Camera Is Better?
The answer here’s pretty easy: the Canon T7i wins vs. the T6i, hands down, in all of our categories.
From image quality and features to video quality features and user experience, the T7i is the better performer overall.
There are some qualities about the Canon T7i that make it the obvious choice for both general-purpose photography and other photography styles. The T7i:
- Takes better photos. Its higher ISO range, combined with the new DIGIC 7 processor, makes it the clear winner, especially in low lighting situations.
- Is more versatile. Whether you need a DSLR for photo or video, for general use, or for action shots, the T7i is the better pick for all its features.
- Is easier to use for beginners. The Canon Feature Assistant is a great tool to figure out how to navigate your camera and to learn about your camera’s shooting modes.
Now, we’re not saying that the Canon T6i is horrible vs. the Canon T7i. It just happens to be a more outdated camera with older image processing and autofocus technology.
And those features matter a lot if you want a camera for all conditions.
Now, hold on just a minute!
There is one situation we recommend you choose a Canon T6i: as a learning tool for beginners who want to take photography seriously.
It’s cheaper to buy the Canon T6i vs. T7i, and you can use your savings to invest in better lenses. After getting a decent DSLR camera body, lenses are the smarter investment for taking better photos [R].
If you want to learn and master photography, you really don’t need the extra video features and the updated image processing technology of the Canon T7i.
All you need is a decent sensor size (at least APS-C), great lenses, and the ability to take pictures in RAW format. Then you can learn about getting the best shot and post-processing for the best results.
To be fair, the Canon T6i will still give you stunning photographs with a lot of patience, time, and dedication.
Conclusion
After comparing the two cameras, we found that the Canon T7i is the better option vs. the T6i for beginner photographers and even for more advanced enthusiasts.
The T7i is the more versatile camera for most cases, and it takes great photos, no matter the lighting situation.
But if you’re on a budget and want to spend more on quality lenses, then the T6i is a great choice.
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