When it comes to entry-level DSLR cameras, Canon has long been a trusted brand for both amateur and aspiring photographers. With a range of models to choose from, Canon offers options that cater to different needs and budgets.
Two popular choices among Canon’s entry-level DSLR cameras are the Canon T7 and the T8i. If you’re considering purchasing a DSLR camera and are torn between these two models, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive comparison of the Canon T7 vs T8i, highlighting their differences and similarities in terms of features, performance, and overall value. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which camera may be the better fit for your photography needs.
Canon T7 Standout Features:
- 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor:
The Canon T7 features a 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which delivers high-resolution images with excellent detail and image quality. - DIGIC 4+ Image Processor:
The T7 is powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4+ image processor, which provides fast image processing and helps deliver accurate colors, smooth tonal gradations, and reduced noise in images, even in low-light conditions. - 9-Point Autofocus System:
Camera features a 9-point autofocus (AF) system with a cross-type AF point at the center, which provides accurate and fast autofocus performance. - Full HD Video Recording:
It allows for Full HD video recording at up to 30p, which is ideal for capturing high-quality videos for vlogging, family events, or other occasions. - Creative Filters:
This T7 camera offers a variety of creative filters, such as Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera, and Miniature Effect, to add artistic effects to your photos and videos.
Canon T8i Standout Features:
- 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor:
Similar to the Canon T7, the T8i also features a 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, providing high-resolution images with excellent detail and image quality. - DIGIC 8 Image Processor:
The Canon T8i is powered by Canon’s latest DIGIC 8 image processor, which offers improved image processing performance compared to the DIGIC 4+ processor in the T7. - 45-Point All Cross-Type Autofocus System:
One of the standout features of the Canon T8i is its advanced 45-point all cross-type autofocus (AF) system, which provides precise and fast autofocus performance. - Vari-Angle LCD Touchscreen:
The T8i features a 3.0-inch Vari-angle LCD touchscreen with 1.04 million dots, which provides flexibility in shooting from various angles and easy control over camera settings. - Enhanced Video Capabilities:
The Canon T8i offers enhanced video capabilities, including 4K UHD video recording at 24p/25p and Full HD video recording at up to 60p, providing greater flexibility in capturing high-quality videos. - Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
The T8i comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy sharing of photos and videos to compatible devices and social media platforms. - Creative Filters and Scene Modes:
Similar to the T7, the Canon T8i offers a range of creative filters and scene modes, including HDR Movie, Time-Lapse Movie, and Creative Assist, which provide creative options for adding unique effects and enhancing your visual storytelling.
Canon T7 vs T8i: Key differences
Are you torn between the Canon T7 and T8i, trying to figure out which DSLR camera is the right choice for you? As a photographer, it’s crucial to understand the key differences between different camera models to make an informed decision. Let’s see the key differences and similarities between Canon T7 vs T8i cameras.
Design and Build Quality:
When comparing the Canon T7 and T8i, both cameras share a similar design aesthetic, featuring a classic DSLR form factor with a sturdy build. However, there are some notable differences in their design and build quality.
- The Canon T7 sports a compact and lightweight body, making it easy to handle and carry around for extended periods of time. It features a polycarbonate construction, which is durable but not as rugged as the magnesium alloy construction of higher-end Canon models. The T7 features a 3-inch fixed LCD screen, and its control layout is straightforward and user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners.
- On the other hand, the Canon T8i is slightly larger and heavier than the T7, but it also feels more robust and premium due to its magnesium alloy construction. It features a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, which can be tilted and rotated for versatile shooting angles, and its control layout is more advanced with additional buttons and dials for quick access to settings. The T8i also has a built-in pop-up flash, whereas the T7 requires an external flash attachment.
Overall, both the Canon T7 and T8i are well-built cameras, but the T8i offers a more advanced design with better ergonomics and durability, making it suitable for users who require more control and versatility in their photography.
Image Sensor and Processor:
Let’s take a closer look at the image sensor and processor of the Canon T7 and T8i.
- The Canon T7 features a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which is capable of capturing high-resolution images with good dynamic range and low noise levels. It has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded up to 12800 for low-light photography. The T7 is powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4+ image processor, which is a capable processor for basic photography needs, but it may not offer the same level of speed and performance as the more advanced processors found in higher-end Canon models.
- The Canon T8i boasts a more advanced 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor as well, but it features Canon’s latest DIGIC 8 image processor. The DIGIC 8 processor offers improved image processing performance, allowing for faster burst shooting, better noise reduction, and improved autofocus performance. T8i also has a native ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded up to 51200 for better low-light performance.
In terms of image quality and performance, the Canon T8i has an advantage over the T7, thanks to its more advanced image processor and higher ISO range. The T 8i is capable of delivering better low-light performance, faster burst shooting, and improved autofocus performance compared to the T7, making it a better choice for those who require higher image quality and performance in their photography.
Autofocus and Shooting Speed:
- Canon’s T7 features a basic autofocus system with 9 AF points, including one cross-type AF point at the center. It has a relatively modest shooting speed of up to 3 frames per second (fps) in continuous shooting mode, which may be sufficient for general photography but may not be ideal for action or sports photography.
- Canon T8i on the other hand boasts a more advanced autofocus system with 45 cross-type AF points, covering a larger area of the frame for better subject tracking and accuracy. It also has Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which provides smooth and fast autofocus performance in live view and video shooting. The T8i has a faster shooting speed of up to 7 fps in continuous shooting mode, making it more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
T8i’s autofocus system and shooting speed are significant advantages over the T7, making it a better option for those who require more advanced focusing capabilities and faster shooting speed for action or sports photography.
Video Recording Features:
Both the Canon T7 and T8i offer video recording capabilities, but there are some differences in their video features that may be relevant for videographers or vloggers.
- T7 can shoot Full HD video at up to 30 frames per second (fps), and it has basic video features such as manual exposure control, built-in stereo microphone, and a 3.5mm microphone jack for external microphones. However, it lacks advanced video features such as 4K recording, articulating LCD, and headphone jack for monitoring audio.
- T8i offers more advanced video recording features, including 4K UHD video recording at up to 24 fps, and Full HD recording at up to 60 fps. It also has an articulating LCD screen, which can be rotated and tilted for flexible shooting angles, making it suitable for vlogging or self-recording. Additionally, the T8i has a 3.5mm microphone jack and a headphone jack for monitoring audio, providing more options for professional-grade audio recording.
If video recording is an essential aspect of your photography needs, the Canon T8i offers more advanced video features and capabilities compared to the T7, making it a better option for videographers or vloggers.
Connectivity and Other Features:
In terms of connectivity and other features, both the Canon T7 and T8i offer similar options. They both have built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image transfer and remote control via a smartphone or tablet. They also have Bluetooth connectivity for quick and seamless pairing with compatible devices.
Both cameras have an optical viewfinder for composing images, but the T8i has a slightly larger and brighter viewfinder compared to the T7, providing a better overall viewing experience.
One notable difference between the two cameras is the availability of a touchscreen LCD. The Canon T8i features a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, which can be tilted and rotated for versatile shooting angles and easy navigation through the camera’s menu system. The T7, on the other hand, has a fixed LCD screen without touchscreen functionality.
Battery life
Battery Performance:
Canon T7 is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery LP-E10, which provides a battery life of up to 500 shots per charge based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards. As for the Canon T8i, it comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery LP-E17, which offers a higher battery life of up to 800 shots per charge, making it more efficient in terms of battery performance. This can be a significant advantage, especially during long photography sessions or when traveling without easy access to charging facilities.
Power-saving Features:
Both the Canon T7 and T8i are equipped with power-saving features that can help extend their battery life. The T7 features an Auto Power Off function that automatically shuts down the camera after a set period of inactivity, conserving battery power. Additionally, it has an ECO mode that reduces the camera’s power consumption by dimming the LCD screen and disabling certain features when not in use. On the other hand, the T8i comes with an even more advanced power-saving feature called “Auto Power Off during Viewfinder shooting,” which turns off the LCD screen when you are using the viewfinder, further conserving battery power. This can be particularly useful during extended photo sessions where you are predominantly using the viewfinder.
Real-world Usage:
In real-world usage, the actual battery life of a camera can vary depending on various factors such as shooting conditions, usage of flash, video recording, LCD screen brightness, and more. Both the Canon T7 and T8i are capable of capturing a significant number of shots on a single charge, making them suitable for various photography needs. However, if you are a heavy user who shoots extensively or uses power-intensive features like continuous autofocus, burst mode, or video recording, the T8i with its higher battery life may provide a more reliable and long-lasting performance compared to the T7.
Price
When it comes to pricing, the Canon T7 is positioned as an entry-level DSLR camera, offering an affordable option for beginner photographers or those on a tight budget. The Canon T7 typically retails at a lower price point compared to the T8i, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious photographers who are just starting their photography journey or looking for an affordable backup camera. Our Canon T8i is positioned as a mid-range DSLR camera, offering more advanced features and capabilities for experienced photographers who are willing to invest in a higher-priced camera. To check for the exact prices please visit online stores like Canon, Amazon or Walmart.
Canon T7 Pros and Cons
Canon T7 Pros:
- Affordable entry-level DSLR option
- 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor for high-resolution images
- DIGIC 4+ image processor for fast image processing
- Full HD video recording for capturing high-quality videos
- Creative filters for adding artistic effects to photos and videos
Canon T7 Cons:
- Basic 9-point autofocus system
- Limited video recording options compared to T8i
- Older DIGIC 4+ image processor
Canon T8i Pros and Cons
Canon T8i Pros:
- Advanced 45-point all cross-type autofocus system for precise and fast autofocus performance
- DIGIC 8 image processor for improved image processing
- Vari-angle LCD touchscreen for flexible shooting and easy control
- Enhanced video capabilities, including 4K UHD video recording
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing and remote control
- Creative filters and scene modes for added creative options
Canon T8i Cons:
- Higher price point compared to T7
- Heavier and bulkier compared to T7
- Battery life may not be as long as other models
Verdict
In conclusion, both the Canon T7 and T8i are excellent DSLR cameras that cater to different levels of photographers and different shooting needs. The T7 is a great option for beginners or those on a budget, offering solid performance, good image quality, and a user-friendly interface. It’s a reliable choice for entry-level photographers who are looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot camera or step into the world of DSLR photography.
On the other hand, the T8i is a more advanced camera with additional features and improvements over the T7 , making it suitable for intermediate to advanced photographers who are looking for more versatility and performance in their photography. The T8i’s enhanced autofocus system, faster burst rate, and improved ISO performance make it a better option for action photography, low-light shooting, and more demanding situations.
