Canon Rebel T6 vs T6i: Which Dslr Camera Reigns Supreme?
Choosing your first DSLR can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular entry-level cameras: the Canon Rebel T6 and the T6i.
Both the Canon Rebel T6 and T6i offer a fantastic entry point into the world of photography. They’re designed to be user-friendly, allowing beginners to learn the ropes while still capturing impressive images. But which one is the better choice for you?
We’ll explore their key differences, from image quality and features to performance and value. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which Rebel model best suits your needs and budget, empowering you to make an informed decision and start your photography journey with confidence.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | rebel t6 | t6i |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 18MP | 24.2MP |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 | 100-12800 |
| Autofocus Points | 9 | 19 |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 fps | 5 fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ Fixed | 3.0″ Vari-angle Touchscreen |
| Video Resolution | 1080p at 30fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Processor | DIGIC 4+ | DIGIC 6 |
| Weight | 485g | 510g |
| Body Material | Plastic | Plastic |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sensor Resolution
- Rebel T6: 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor. Offers good image quality for general photography, but resolution is lower compared to newer models. Good for beginners, but limited for cropping.
- T6i: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor. Provides significantly higher resolution, allowing for more detailed images and greater cropping flexibility. Better overall image quality and more detail.
- Winner: t6i
Autofocus System
- Rebel T6: 9-point autofocus system. Simple and effective for basic shooting scenarios, but struggles with fast-moving subjects. Limited AF points compared to the t6i.
- T6i: 19-point all cross-type autofocus system. Offers superior focusing performance, with more points and cross-type sensors for enhanced accuracy and tracking. Better for action shots.
- Winner: t6i
ISO Range
- Rebel T6: ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800). Performs reasonably well in good lighting conditions, but noise becomes noticeable at higher ISO settings.
- T6i: ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600). Offers a wider ISO range, allowing for better low-light performance and more flexibility in various shooting situations.
- Winner: t6i
Continuous Shooting Speed
- Rebel T6: 3 frames per second (fps). Relatively slow, making it less suitable for capturing fast-moving action.
- T6i: 5 frames per second (fps). Faster continuous shooting speed, allowing for better capture of action and sports photography.
- Winner: t6i
LCD Screen
- Rebel T6: 3.0-inch LCD with 920,000 dots. A standard LCD screen that provides adequate viewing and review of images. No touch functionality.
- T6i: 3.0-inch Vari-angle touchscreen LCD with 1,040,000 dots. Offers a touchscreen interface for easy menu navigation and focusing, plus a fully articulating screen for versatile shooting angles.
- Winner: t6i
Video Recording
- Rebel T6: 1080p at 30fps. Basic video capabilities, suitable for casual video recording but lacking advanced features.
- T6i: 1080p at 30fps. Similar video resolution and frame rate to the T6, but offers more advanced video features, such as better focusing during video recording.
- Winner: t6i
Connectivity
- Rebel T6: Wi-Fi and NFC. Offers basic wireless connectivity for transferring images and remote control via smartphone.
- T6i: Wi-Fi and NFC. Similar wireless connectivity to the T6. Allows for easy sharing and remote control.
- Winner: Tie
Build Quality & Design
- Rebel T6: Compact and lightweight, designed for ease of use. The build quality is decent but not as robust as some higher-end cameras.
- T6i: Similar compact and lightweight design, but with slight improvements in build quality and a more premium feel.
- Winner: t6i
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Image Quality (Overall) | t6i |
| Autofocus | t6i |
| Video Features | Tie |
| Ease of Use | Tie |
| Features | t6i |
| Value | rebel t6 |
What They Have in Common
- Sensor Size: Both cameras feature an APS-C sensor, providing a good balance between image quality and camera size. This allows for excellent image quality and shallow depth of field effects.
- Video Recording: Both the T6 and T6i can record Full HD 1080p video at 30fps, making them suitable for casual video shooting. They both offer similar video capabilities for everyday use.
- Built-in Wi-Fi: Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for easy sharing of photos and videos to social media or transferring them to a smartphone or tablet. This feature enhances the camera’s usability and connectivity.
- Aps-C Sensor: Both cameras utilize an APS-C sized sensor, offering a good balance between image quality and camera size. This sensor size is common in entry-level DSLRs.
- Viewfinder: Both cameras have an optical viewfinder, allowing users to frame their shots directly through the lens. This provides a clear view of the scene and improves the shooting experience.
Rebel T6 vs T6i Buying Guide
Image Quality and Sensor Performance
The Canon Rebel T6 and T6i share a similar core in terms of image quality, both featuring an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. However, the T6i benefits from a slightly more advanced image processor, the DIGIC 6, compared to the DIGIC 4+ in the T6. This processor contributes to better noise reduction, especially at higher ISO settings, and can result in slightly sharper images. While both cameras produce excellent images in good lighting, the T6i holds a slight edge in challenging conditions, offering cleaner results and potentially better dynamic range in some scenarios. The difference is subtle but noticeable, particularly for photographers who frequently shoot in low light or need to heavily edit their images.
Autofocus System Capabilities
The autofocus systems are a key differentiator. The T6 features a 9-point autofocus system, which is adequate for general photography but can struggle with fast-moving subjects or off-center compositions. The T6i, on the other hand, boasts a more sophisticated 19-point all cross-type autofocus system. This provides significantly improved focusing speed, accuracy, and tracking capabilities. The T6i’s advanced system is much better suited for capturing action shots, sports photography, and wildlife, where precise and rapid focus is crucial. This is a crucial factor for photographers prioritizing action or subject tracking.
Video Recording Features
Video recording capabilities are another area where the T6i shines. While both cameras offer Full HD 1080p video recording, the T6i provides more advanced features. The T6i includes a touchscreen LCD that allows for easy control of video settings and focusing. The T6i also features continuous autofocus during video recording, a major advantage for keeping subjects in focus. Furthermore, the T6i offers a higher frame rate option for more cinematic slow-motion effects. These improvements make the T6i a much more versatile choice for videographers.
Ease of Use and User Interface
Both cameras are designed to be user-friendly, catering to beginners. The T6 has a simpler interface, which can be beneficial for those new to DSLR photography. However, the T6i offers a more advanced interface with a touchscreen LCD, which simplifies navigation, setting adjustments, and live view shooting. The touchscreen also allows for quick access to various settings, making the overall shooting experience more intuitive. The T6i’s interface is an upgrade, offering more control and ease of use, appealing to both beginners and those with more experience.
Display and Viewfinder Quality
The T6i features a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, providing greater flexibility for composing shots from various angles. This is a significant advantage over the fixed LCD screen on the T6. The touchscreen allows for touch-to-focus and touch-to-shoot functionality, enhancing the ease of use. Both cameras have an optical viewfinder, but the T6i’s viewfinder provides a slightly larger and brighter view. The T6i’s display and viewfinder features contribute to a more enjoyable and versatile shooting experience, especially when shooting at unusual angles or in bright sunlight. The T6i is superior in this regard.
Overall Build Quality and Design
Both cameras have a similar build quality, with a sturdy plastic body designed to withstand everyday use. The T6i, however, often feels slightly more refined due to its more extensive button layout and better ergonomics. Both cameras are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around. The T6i may have a slightly more premium feel, but both cameras offer good value for their respective price points. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference and shooting style. The T6i’s is slightly better in terms of ergonomics and layout, but both are durable.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy rebel t6 If…
- You’re on a tight budget and need the most affordable option.
- You’re a beginner and want a simple, easy-to-use camera.
- You primarily shoot stills and don’t need advanced video features.
- You are looking for a lightweight option.
Buy t6i If…
- You want a camera with more megapixels for higher resolution images.
- You need a more advanced autofocus system for capturing moving subjects.
- You prefer a vari-angle touchscreen for flexible shooting angles.
- You want a camera with a faster continuous shooting speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the Canon T6 and T6i?
The most significant difference lies in their autofocus systems. The T6i features a 19-point all cross-type AF system, providing superior focusing speed and accuracy compared to the T6’s 9-point system. This makes the T6i better for action photography. Additionally, the T6i has a touchscreen LCD and more advanced video features, while the T6 has a simpler interface and a slightly older image processor.
Does the T6i offer better image quality than the T6?
While both cameras share the same sensor resolution, the T6i’s DIGIC 6 image processor provides slightly better noise reduction and potentially sharper images, especially at higher ISO settings. The difference is subtle, but noticeable in challenging lighting conditions. The T6i’s slightly improved processing leads to cleaner images, which make it better for the user.
Which camera is better for video recording?
The T6i is significantly better for video recording. It features continuous autofocus during video, a vari-angle touchscreen LCD for easy control, and offers a higher frame rate option. These features make the T6i much more versatile for video recording compared to the T6, which lacks these advanced features. The T6i is best for those who do video work.
Is the T6i more difficult to use than the T6?
The T6i might seem more complex at first due to its more advanced features and touchscreen interface, but the touchscreen actually makes it easier to navigate settings. Both cameras are designed to be user-friendly, but the T6i’s touchscreen can simplify the shooting process. Beginners may prefer the T6 for its simplicity at first, but the T6i is not difficult.
What are the key advantages of the T6i’s touchscreen?
The T6i’s touchscreen allows for touch-to-focus, touch-to-shoot, and easy navigation through menus. It also provides greater flexibility for composing shots from different angles with its vari-angle design. The touchscreen streamlines the shooting process and improves the overall user experience, making it easier to control camera settings and focus on your subject.
Which camera is better for beginners?
Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the T6 offers a slightly simpler interface. However, the T6i’s touchscreen can be intuitive for beginners as well, providing easy access to settings and a more interactive shooting experience. The choice depends on personal preference. Both cameras are considered beginner friendly, but the T6i has more features.
What are the main differences in the autofocus systems?
The T6 uses a 9-point autofocus system, while the T6i has a 19-point all cross-type autofocus system. The T6i’s system is significantly more advanced, offering faster, more accurate focusing and better subject tracking, especially for moving subjects. The T6i’s autofocus is one of the biggest differences between the two cameras and a major advantage.
Final Verdict
The Canon T6i emerges as the clear winner, offering a more advanced autofocus system, a versatile vari-angle touchscreen, and enhanced video recording capabilities. While both cameras share a similar sensor, the T6i’s improved image processor and user-friendly interface provide a superior overall shooting experience. The T6 remains a viable option for budget-conscious users, the T6i’s features make it the better choice for most photographers.
Winner: Canon T6i