Canon T7i vs T8i – Which is Best & Why

The Canon T7i vs T8i comparison reveals two excellent entry-level DSLR cameras with distinct advantages. While the T7i offers great value for beginners, the T8i brings enhanced features for more advanced users. This comprehensive analysis explores their specifications, capabilities, and strengths to help you choose the perfect camera for your needs.

Canon T7i vs T8i Side by Side Comparison

Features/SpecificationsCanon T7iCanon T8i
Sensor24.2MP APS-C CMOS24.1MP APS-C CMOS
Image processorDIGIC 7DIGIC 8 (newer and faster)
Autofocus system45-point all cross-type AF45-point all cross-type AF (improved algorithm)
ISO range100-25600 (expandable to 51200)100-25600 (expandable to 51200)
Continuous shooting speed6 fps7 fps (8 fps in Live View)
Video capabilitiesFull HD 1080p at 60 fps4K at 24 fps, Full HD 1080p at 60 fps
LCD screen3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04 million dots3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04 million dots
ViewfinderOptical, 95% coverageOptical, 95% coverage
ConnectivityWi-Fi, NFC, BluetoothWi-Fi, Bluetooth
Battery life (CIPA)Approx. 600 shotsApprox. 800 shots
Weight532g (body only)515g (body only)
Dimensions131 x 100 x 76 mm131 x 103 x 76 mm
Eye Detection AFNoYes (in Live View)
4K time-lapseNoYes
Spot AFNoYes
PriceCheck Canon T7i PriceCheck Canon T8i Price

Why Do I Recommend Canon T7i?

While the Canon T8i is the newer model with some improved features, there are several compelling reasons why the Canon T7i remains a strong contender and my recommendation for many photographers:

  • Excellent value for money: The T7i offers a great balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point.
  • Proven track record: With years on the market, the T7i has established itself as a reliable and capable camera.
  • User-friendly interface: Perfect for beginners, the T7i’s menu system and controls are intuitive and easy to navigate.
  • Impressive image quality: The 24.2MP sensor delivers sharp, detailed images suitable for various photography styles.
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF: This advanced autofocus system ensures quick and accurate focusing, especially in Live View mode.
  • Articulating touchscreen: The fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen allows for easy composition from various angles.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Convenient wireless connectivity for easy sharing and remote control.
  • Compatibility with a wide range of lenses: Access to Canon’s extensive EF and EF-S lens lineup.
  • Solid battery life: With up to 600 shots per charge, the T7i outlasts many competitors in its class.
  • Lightweight and compact design: Easy to carry and handle, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
  • Full HD video capabilities: While not 4K, the 1080p video quality is more than sufficient for most users.
  • Creative filters and scene modes: Great for experimenting with different styles and effects in-camera.
  • Time-lapse movie feature: Built-in functionality for creating engaging time-lapse videos.
  • Fast continuous shooting: 6 fps burst rate is suitable for capturing action and moving subjects.
  • Guided interface option: Helpful for beginners to learn camera settings and photography basics.

What can both do?

Both the Canon T7i and T8i are versatile DSLR cameras capable of handling a wide range of photography and videography tasks. Here’s a list of capabilities shared by both models:

  • Capture high-quality still images with their 24MP APS-C sensors.
  • Shoot in various modes, including manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program auto.
  • Record Full HD 1080p video at up to 60 fps.
  • Use Live View mode for composing shots via the LCD screen.
  • Employ the 45-point all cross-type autofocus system for precise focusing.
  • Utilize the vari-angle touchscreen for easy composition from different angles.
  • Connect wirelessly to smartphones or tablets for remote control and image transfer.
  • Shoot continuously to capture action and moving subjects.
  • Expand their capabilities with a wide range of compatible EF and EF-S lenses.
  • Create time-lapse movies in-camera.
  • Apply creative filters and effects to images.
  • Use the built-in flash or connect external flashes for additional lighting options.
  • Capture images in both JPEG and RAW formats.
  • Adjust white balance settings for accurate color reproduction.
  • Use the optical viewfinder for traditional DSLR shooting experience.
  • Take advantage of various scene modes for quick, optimized settings in different situations.
  • Employ exposure compensation for fine-tuning image brightness.
  • Use the hot shoe to attach external accessories like flashes or microphones.
  • Geotag images when paired with a GPS-enabled smartphone.
  • Customize button functions for a personalized shooting experience.

Similarities Between Canon T7i and T8i

Despite their differences, the Canon T7i and T8i share several common strengths that make them both excellent choices for photographers. Here’s a list of features and specifications that stand out in both models:

  • High-resolution 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor: Delivers detailed, high-quality images suitable for large prints and cropping.
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF: Provides fast and accurate autofocus in Live View mode, great for both stills and video.
  • 45-point all cross-type AF system: Ensures precise focusing across the frame when using the viewfinder.
  • Vari-angle touchscreen LCD: Allows for easy composition from various angles and intuitive menu navigation.
  • Built-in wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable easy sharing and remote control via smartphones.
  • Optical viewfinder: Offers a traditional DSLR shooting experience with 95% frame coverage.
  • Compatibility with EF and EF-S lenses: Access to Canon’s extensive lens lineup for versatile shooting options.
  • Creative filters and scene modes: Ideal for beginners to experiment with different styles and effects.
  • Full HD 1080p video recording: Capable of capturing high-quality video footage.
  • Time-lapse movie feature: Built-in functionality for creating engaging time-lapse videos.
  • Intuitive user interface: User-friendly menus and controls make both cameras accessible to beginners.
  • Compact and lightweight design: Easy to carry and handle, perfect for travel and everyday photography.
  • Good low-light performance: ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) allows for shooting in various lighting conditions.
  • Fast continuous shooting: Capable of capturing action and moving subjects with burst modes.
  • In-camera RAW processing: Ability to process RAW files directly in the camera for quick adjustments.

Which one might be the best choice for different types of photographers?

Image Quality and Performance

Both the T7i and T8i produce excellent image quality, thanks to their high-resolution 24MP APS-C sensors. In most shooting scenarios, you’d be hard-pressed to notice significant differences in image quality between the two models. However, the T8i’s newer DIGIC 8 processor does provide some advantages in terms of noise reduction and color accuracy, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

The T8i also has a slight edge in continuous shooting speed, offering 7 fps (or 8 fps in Live View) compared to the T7i’s 6 fps. This difference may be noticeable for photographers who frequently shoot sports or wildlife, where every frame counts.

Autofocus and Tracking

Both cameras feature a 45-point all cross-type AF system when shooting through the viewfinder, which performs admirably in most situations. However, the T8i benefits from an improved algorithm that enhances its tracking capabilities, especially for moving subjects.

In Live View mode, both cameras utilize Canon’s excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. The T8i, however, introduces Eye Detection AF in Live View, which can be a game-changer for portrait photographers. This feature helps ensure that your subject’s eyes are always in sharp focus, even when they’re moving.

Video Capabilities

One of the most significant upgrades in the T8i is its ability to shoot 4K video at 24 fps. While the T7i is limited to Full HD 1080p, it’s worth noting that many users find 1080p sufficient for their needs, especially considering the larger file sizes and more demanding processing requirements of 4K footage.

Both cameras offer good video quality, but the T8i’s 4K capability and slightly improved autofocus during video recording give it an edge for those who prioritize video features.

Battery Life

The T8i shows a marked improvement in battery life, offering approximately 800 shots per charge compared to the T7i’s 600 shots. This extended battery life can be particularly beneficial for photographers who spend long days shooting or those who may not have frequent access to charging options.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Both the T7i and T8i feature user-friendly interfaces that are great for beginners. They both offer a guided menu option that can help newcomers understand different camera settings and their effects. The T8i’s interface is slightly refined, but the differences are minor, and users familiar with the T7i will have no trouble adapting to the T8i.

Price and Value

As the older model, the T7i is typically available at a lower price point than the T8i. For many photographers, especially beginners or those on a budget, the T7i offers excellent value for money. It provides most of the essential features found in the T8i at a more accessible price.

The T8i, while more expensive, does offer some notable upgrades that may justify the higher cost for certain users. The 4K video capability, improved autofocus, and longer battery life are significant enhancements that could make a difference depending on your specific needs.

Here are some FAQs About Canon T7i vs T8i

How does the T7i’s DIGIC 7 processor compare to the T8i’s DIGIC 8 in terms of real-world performance?

The T8i’s DIGIC 8 processor offers slightly better noise reduction, faster image processing, and improved autofocus performance, particularly in low light conditions. However, for most casual photographers, the difference may not be noticeable in everyday shooting scenarios.

Can the Eye Detection AF on the T8i be used with non-Canon lenses?

Yes, the T8i’s Eye Detection AF works with compatible third-party lenses in Live View mode. However, performance may vary depending on the specific lens and its compatibility with Canon’s autofocus system

How do the T7i and T8i compare in terms of weather sealing?

Neither the T7i nor the T8i are fully weather-sealed. They have some basic protection against dust and moisture, but they’re not designed for use in harsh weather conditions. For better weather sealing, you’d need to look at higher-end Canon models.

Is there a significant difference in the viewfinder experience between the T7i and T8i?

No, both cameras use the same pentamirror optical viewfinder with 95% coverage. The viewfinder experience is virtually identical between the two models.

How does the T8i’s 4K video crop factor affect wide-angle shooting?

The T8i applies a significant crop factor (about 1.6x) when shooting 4K video, which can make wide-angle shots challenging. This means a 24mm lens would effectively become around 38mm in 4K mode, limiting your field of view.

Can the T7i’s firmware be updated to include any of the T8i’s new features?

While Canon occasionally releases firmware updates to improve performance or fix bugs, it’s unlikely that major features from the T8i will be added to the T7i through firmware updates. The hardware differences between the models prevent some features from being implemented on the older T7i.

How do the T7i and T8i compare in terms of buffer depth during continuous shooting?

The T8i has a slightly larger buffer, allowing for more consecutive shots before slowing down. In JPEG mode, the T8i can take about 170 shots before filling the buffer, compared to around 150 for the T7i. In RAW, both are more limited, with the T8i managing about 40 shots and the T7i about 27.

Is there a difference in the quality of the built-in microphones between the T7i and T8i?

Both cameras use similar built-in stereo microphones. While the T8i might have slight improvements in audio processing due to its newer processor, the difference in built-in audio quality is minimal. For best results, an external microphone is recommended for both cameras.

How do the T7i and T8i handle long exposure noise reduction?

Both cameras offer long exposure noise reduction, which can be enabled in the menu. The T8i’s newer processor may provide slightly better results, but the difference is generally minimal. For the best long exposure results with either camera, it’s recommended to shoot in RAW and process the images manually.

Can the vertical video feature of the T8i be replicated on the T7i?

While the T8i has a dedicated vertical video mode that records metadata for proper playback on smartphones, this feature is not available on the T7i. However, T7i users can still shoot vertical video by rotating the camera and then rotating the footage in post-processing, though this method lacks the automatic orientation metadata of the T8i.