Should I Get the Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D or the Rebel T7/2000D?
If you're ready to step up from smartphone photography to one of Canon's entry-level DSLRs, you may be asking yourself "Which might be a better option for me? The Canon EOS Rebel T7i or the Rebel T7?"
If so, you're in luck. Today we're going to take a close look at these two Canon Rebel cameras to see which might be the better fit for your needs. First, let's take a look at what they have in common.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D and Rebel T7/2000D Shared Primary Features:
- Resolution: 6000 x 4000 pixels (24 MP)
- Crop Factor: 1.6x (APS-C sensor)
- Metering Range: EV 1 – 20
- Exposure Compensation: +/-5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
- Shutter Speed: 30-1/4000 sec
- Flash x-sync: 1/200 sec
- Viewfinder: pentamirror, 95% coverage
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
Primary Advantages of the Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D:
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF Sensor vs. traditional CMOS sensor
- Better Image Processor: DIGIC 7 vs. DIGIC 4+
- Better AF System: 45 cross-type AF points (45 f/5.6 cross-type AF points, 27 f/8 points [9 cross-type], center point is f/2.8 and f/5.6 dual cross-type) vs. 9 AF points (f/5.6 cross type at center)
- Focuses in Lower Light: EV -3 - 18 (at 23 °C & ISO 100) vs. EV 0 -18 (center point), EV 1 -18 (outer points)
- Better Metering: 7560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, metering with the area divided into 63 segments (9 × 7) [Evaluative, Partial, Center-weighted and Spot] vs. TTL full aperture metering with 63-zone SPC [Evaluative, Partial and Center-weighted]
- More Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) Options: 2, 3, 5 or 7 Shots +/-3 EV 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments vs. 3 shots +/- 2 EV, 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments
- Greater ISO Range: ISO AUTO (100 - 25600), 100 - 25600 (H1: 51200) in 1 stop increments vs. AUTO (100-6400), 100-6400 (H: 12800) in 1-stop increments
- Custom, Color Temperature White Balance Setting vs. none
- Higher Pop-up Flash Guide Number: 13.1 (ISO 100, meters) vs. 9.2
- Peripheral illumination, chromatic aberration, distortion and diffraction correction vs. peripheral illumination correction only
- Higher Burst Rage with Larger Buffer: max. approx. 6 fps for 27 RAW images vs. 3 fps for 11 RAW
- Higher Framerate Full HD Video: 1080p video at 60 fps vs. 1080p video at 30 fps
- Low-energy Bluetooth vs. none
- More Custom Functions: 15 custom functions with 44 settings vs. 11 custom functions with 33 settings
- External 3.5mm microphone port vs. none
- Compatible with Faster Memory Cards: supports SDXC (UHS-I) vs. SDXC
- Better Battery Life: approx. 820 shots vs. 500
- Compatible with More Remotes: E3 (corded), infrared (RC-series) & Bluetooth vs. E3 only
Primary Advantages of the Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D
- Smaller Size: 5.08 x 3.99 x 3.06" (129.0 x 101.3 x 77.6mm) vs. 5.16 x 3.93 x 3.00" (131.0 x 99.9 x 76.2mm)
- Lighter Weight: 16.75 oz (475g) vs. 18.77 oz (532g)
- Lower cost
If you glance at the specifications comparison found on this site, you'll likely notice that the Rebel T7 features a faster pop-up flash recycling time compared to the Rebel T7i (2 sec vs. 3 sec), which would seem to indicate an advantage. However, the T7 has a faster recycling time because it has a lower power flash. When fired at the T7's full power level, the T7i's recycling time will likely be similar.
Who Should opt for the Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D?
When describing the customers who may be best served by the cameras in one of our comparisons, we typically start with the higher-end option as its versatility will make it an overall better option for most consumers. In this case, the feature difference between the cameras is so substantial and the advantages so one-sided that there is really only one reason to choose the Canon EOS Rebel T7 over the Rebel T7i – a lower price tag.
The Rebel T7i's Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor, more advanced/sensitive AF system, higher burst rate/larger buffer and longer battery life could all be considered justification for the camera's higher price tag when considered individually. Put all those features together and the value you receive for the T7i's incremental price over the T7 is monumental.
Who Should opt for the Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D?
As previously mentioned, the primary reason to opt for the EOS Rebel T7/2000D is for its lower cost. The Rebel T7 will be more than adequate for capturing high quality imagery under normal / not-so-challenging conditions, and those stepping up from smartphone photography will certainly appreciate the benefits of a significantly larger sensor and the ability to change lenses. And speaking of lenses, for the price of a Rebel T7i + EF-S 18-55 IS STM kit, you could get a Rebel T7 + EF-S 18-55 IS II, EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens.
Beginner/novice photographers aren't the only groups that will appreciate the Rebel T7's lower price tag. Advanced photographers wanting to capture images in high-risk-of-damage situations can more easily justify the sacrificial cost of a Rebel T7. Such photographers can mount the T7 to a car, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, etc. to capture dynamic imagery without risking damage to their primary camera(s).
Summary
Few camera comparisons are a clear-cut as this one. The Canon EOS Rebel T7i's superset of features will make it a more versatile imaging platform for those who can afford its price difference over the Rebel T7. But for those whose budgets don't extend that far, especially beginner/novice photographers, the Rebel T7 offers a solid step-up for those currently shooting with smartphones and/or point-and-shoot cameras who want to experience the benefits of interchangeable lens camera photography first-hand.
Relevant Info
The Canon USA Store is the exclusive North American retailer of the Canon EOS Rebel T7 (so far). The Canon EOS Rebel T7i can be found at B&H | Adorama | Amazon (for more retail links, see the bottom of the T7i Review).
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