Canon T7 vs T8I: Which Camera Should You Buy?

In the vast landscape of digital cameras, choosing the right model can be a daunting task, especially for photography enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of features and performance. Canon, a reputable name in the imaging industry, offers a range of cameras catering to various needs.

In this article, we delve into the detailed comparison of two popular models, the Canon T7 and T8i, aiming to provide users with valuable insights to make an informed decision.

Comparison Table of Canon T7 vs T8I

Feature	Canon T7	Canon T8i
Sensor	APS-C CMOS, 24.1 MP	APS-C CMOS, Approx. 24 MP
Image Processor	DIGIC 4+	DIGIC X
ISO Range	100–6400 (expandable to 12,800)	100–25,600 (expandable to 51,200)
Autofocus System	9-point phase-detection AF	Dual-pixel CMOS AF with more AF points
Continuous Shooting	Up to 3 fps	Above 5 fps (exact fps may vary)
Video Recording	Full HD (1080p) at 30 fps	4K at 24 fps, Full HD at higher frame rates
LCD Screen	3.0-inch, approximately 920,000 dots	3.0-inch Vari-angle touchscreen
Viewfinder	Optical pentamirror, approx. 95% coverage	Optical pentamirror, approx. 95% coverage
Wireless Connectivity	Built-in Wi-Fi	Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
External Mic Input	No	Yes
Battery Life (CIPA)	Approx. 500 shots	Actual battery life may vary
Dimensions	129.0 x 101.3 x 77.6 mm	Similar dimensions may vary
Weight	Approx. 475g (body only)	Varies depending on model and accessories
Video Formats	Full HD in MOV format	4K and Full HD in MOV or MP4 format
Creative Features	Basic creative filters and modes	Enhanced creative options
Flash	Built-in flash with Guide Number	Built-in flash with Guide Number
Price	Check Price On Amazon	Check Price On Amazon

Canon T7 Overview

The Canon EOS Rebel T7, often known simply as the Canon T7, stands as an entry-level DSLR camera tailored for beginners and photography enthusiasts.

Key Specifications

1. Sensor Type and Resolution

The Canon T7 boasts an APS-C CMOS sensor with a resolution of 24.1 megapixels, providing users with sharp and detailed images.

2. Image Processor

Equipped with the DIGIC 4+ image processor, the T7 delivers efficient performance in image processing, contributing to high-quality photos.

3. ISO Range

The ISO range spans from 100 to 6400 and is expandable to 12,800, offering flexibility in various lighting conditions.

4. Autofocus System

The T7 features a 9-point phase-detection autofocus system with a cross-type AF point at the center, providing basic yet reliable focusing capabilities.

5. Continuous Shooting Speed

With a burst rate of up to 3 frames per second (fps), the T7 is suitable for capturing moderate-speed action.

6. Video Recording Capabilities

The T7 supports Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps in the MOV (H.264) format, catering to users interested in both photography and basic videography.

Design and build

1. Dimensions and Weight

The T7 has dimensions of 129.0 x 101.3 x 77.6 mm (5.08 x 3.99 x 3.06 inches) and weighs approximately 475g (body only), providing a compact and lightweight design.

2. Build materials

Constructed with polycarbonate resin and glass fiber, the T7 maintains durability while keeping the camera’s weight manageable.

3. Ergonomics and User Interface

The T7 features an ergonomic design with a textured grip, ensuring comfortable handling for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Display and viewfinder

1. LCD Screen Specifications

The T7 is equipped with a 3.0-inch TFT LCD screen with a resolution of approximately 920,000 dots, offering a decent platform for image composition and review.

2. Viewfinder Type and Coverage

The optical pentamirror viewfinder provides approximately 95% coverage with a magnification of 0.80x, offering users a traditional framing option.

Canon T8i Overview

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i, a successor to the T7, brings notable upgrades and advancements, making it a suitable choice for enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance.

Key Specifications

1. Sensor Type and Resolution

The Canon T8i features an APS-C CMOS sensor with around 24 megapixels, providing high-resolution images for advanced users.

2. Image Processor

Utilizing the DIGIC X image processor, the T8i offers improved image processing capabilities, contributing to enhanced overall performance.

3. ISO Range

The T8i typically spans an ISO range from 100 to 25,600, expandable to higher values, providing increased sensitivity in various lighting situations.

4. Autofocus System

With dual-pixel CMOS AF and a significantly higher number of AF points, the T8i offers improved autofocus performance and subject tracking capabilities.

5. Continuous Shooting Speed

The T8i boasts a faster burst rate, likely exceeding 5 fps, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced action.

6. Video Recording Capabilities

Noteworthy is the 4K video recording capability of the T8i, along with Full HD video at higher frame rates (1080p at 60fps or more), expanding its versatility for videography enthusiasts.

Design and build

1. Dimensions and Weight

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i features a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for on-the-go photography. With approximate dimensions of 131.0 x 102.6 x 76.2 mm (5.16 x 4.04 x 3.00 inches) and a weight of around 515 grams (body only), the T8i strikes a balance between ergonomic handling and functionality.

2. Build materials

Like its predecessor, the T8i likely features a sturdy build with an ergonomic design and a textured grip for comfortable handling.

3. Ergonomics and User Interface

Expect the T8i to provide a user-friendly interface and ergonomic design, catering to both beginners and experienced photographers.

Display and viewfinder

1. LCD Screen Specifications

The T8i is equipped with a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, approximately 3.0 inches, with an improved resolution, offering a flexible and high-quality platform for image composition and review.

2. Viewfinder Type and Coverage

The optical pentamirror viewfinder provides around 95% coverage with a magnification of 0.82x, offering users a traditional framing option with some enhancements.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Canon T7 vs T8i

1. Sensor and Image Quality

• Canon T7: APS-C CMOS sensor with 24.1 megapixels, good for entry-level photography.
• Canon T8i: APS-C CMOS sensor with around 24 megapixels higher resolution for more detailed images

Verdict: T8i has a slight edge in image quality.

2. Image Processor

• Canon T7: DIGIC 4+ processor efficient but older generation
• Canon T8i: DIGIC X processor. latest iteration for improved performance.

Verdict: T8i offers better processing capabilities.

3. Autofocus

• Canon T7: 9-point phase-detection AF, basic but reliable.
• Canon T8i: Dual Pixel CMOS AF with significantly more AF points, enhanced autofocus, and subject tracking

Verdict: T8i excels in autofocus capabilities.

4. ISO Range

• Canon T7: ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800).
• Canon T8i: Typically ISO 100–25,600; higher sensitivity in low-light conditions.

Verdict: T8i offers a broader ISO range.

5. Continuous Shooting

• Canon T7: Up to 3 fps
• Canon T8i: Faster burst rate, likely exceeding 5 fps.

Verdict: T8i is better for capturing fast action.

6. Video recording

• Canon T7: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps
• Canon T8i: 4K video capability and higher frame rates for Full HD

Verdict: T8i is superior for video recording.

7. Design and Build

• Canon T7: compact and lightweight with a polycarbonate resin build
• Canon T8i: similar form factor with likely sturdier build materials

Verdict: T8i maintains portability with potential build improvements.

8. Display and Viewfinder

• Canon T7: 3.0-inch TFT LCD with optical pentamirror viewfinder (95% coverage)
• Canon T8i: Vari-angle touchscreen LCD with improved resolution and optical pentamirror viewfinder (95% coverage).

Verdict: The T8i offers a more versatile and higher-quality display.

9. Connectivity

• Canon T7: Built-in Wi-Fi
• Canon T8i: Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and external microphone input

Verdict: T8i provides more advanced connectivity options.

10. Battery

• Canon T7: LP-E10 Lithium-Ion with approximately 500 shots
• Canon T8i: LP-E17 Lithium-Ion with improved battery life

Verdict: The T8i offers a longer-lasting battery.

Winner Of the comparison?

The winner of the comparison between the Canon T7 and T8i is the Canon T8i.

The T8i excels in various aspects, offering a higher-resolution sensor, an advanced image processor, a superior autofocus system, a broader ISO range, faster continuous shooting, enhanced video recording capabilities, and improved connectivity options. Additionally, the T8i features a more versatile display and a longer-lasting battery.

While the Canon T7 remains a solid choice for beginners seeking an entry-level DSLR at a more budget-friendly price, the T8i stands out as a preferable option for users who want more advanced features and performance.