Canon T7i Review

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T7i Overview Tech Info First Shots: Closer Look

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Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Canon EOS Rebel T7i (EOS 800D)
Resolution:	24.20 Megapixels
Sensor size:	APS-C (22.3mm x 14.9mm)
Kit Lens:	3.06x zoom 18-55mm (29-88mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	Optical / LCD
Native ISO:	100 - 25,600
Extended ISO:	100 - 51,200
Shutter:	1/4000 - 30 sec
Max Aperture:	4.0 (kit lens)
Dimensions:	5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in. (131 x 100 x 76 mm)
Weight:	26.3 oz (747 g) includes batteries, kit lens
Availability:	04/2017
Manufacturer:	Canon
Full specs:	Canon T7i specifications

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Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 18-135mm lens
Kit with 18-55mm lens

T7i Deals

24.20 Megapixels	Canon EF/EF-S	APS-C size sensor

T7i Summary

Though not a huge technological jump from its predecessor, the Canon T7i continues Canon's tradition of making reliable, easy-to-use, consumer-friendly DSLRs for the masses. Pairing an updated 24MP sensor with a faster DIGIC 7 image processor, the Rebel T7i offers better dynamic range, better high ISO performance and improved buffers over the T6i. Add in a 45-point AF system plus Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and the affordable Canon T7i has a lot to offer for an entry-level DSLR. On the other hand, the T7i shares a lot with the 77D, which has more features for a minimal difference in price. Consumers at least have a choice, though the T7i, on its own, is a competent entry-level DSLR.

Pros

Very good image quality; Improved dynamic range & high ISO quality over T6i; 45-point AF system; Fast Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Improved buffer depth.

Cons

Default JPEGs slightly soft straight out of camera; Dynamic range & high ISO still lags behind competitors; No 4K video.

Price and availability

Available since April 2017, the T7i was introduced at a price of around US$749 body-only, approximately US$150 less than the EOS 77D at the time. Two kit versions were also introduced: One with the new, smaller Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens for US$899, and the other with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens for US$1,299. Prices have since been reduced, with the body available for US$699 and the two kits available for only US$749 and US$999 respectively as of this writing.

Imaging Resource rating

4.0 out of 5.0

Canon T7i Review

by Jeremy Gray, Mike Tomkins and Jaron Schneider
Preview posted: 02/14/2017
Last Updated: 05/09/2018

Updates:
03/20/2017: First Shots posted
04/04/2017: Performance posted
05/01/2017: Field Test posted
05/09/2018: Conclusion posted

Almost three years ago, Canon launched its new Rebel T6i and T6s DSLRs, a duo which shared many features with each other. They also blurred the line between the top end of Canon's entry-level EOS Rebel lineup, and the bottom end of the enthusiast and pro-oriented EOS lineup. With the 24-megapixel Canon Rebel T7i, that division between entry-level and enthusiast DSLRs blurs even further.

The Rebel flagship is essentially an EOS 77D-lite.

The Rebel T7i slots into Canon's lineup directly above the earlier T6s (which remains on sale) and T6i (which, now that the T7i is here to follow in its footsteps, is no longer current). The next rung up the ladder from the T7i, meanwhile, is the simultaneously-launched EOS 77D. Take a look at the specs of the T7i and compare them to that camera, and you'll find it's much quicker to list the features which differ between the two, rather than those that they share. These two cameras are very closely related indeed, even if only one bears Rebel branding.

And since it shares so liberally with the higher-priced EOS 77D, the T7i marks a number of firsts for the Rebel line. It's the company's first Rebel model to feature a 45-point all cross-type autofocus system, as well as its first with Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus. It's also the first Rebel model to feature Canon's DIGIC 7 image processor.

Some important differences between the T7i and its EOS sibling

Of course, the T7i has a Rebel-class pricetag as well, where the EOS 77D is a little bit pricier (at least when first announced). That being the case, Canon has not surprisingly reserved some features for the more expensive model. If you opt for the Rebel T7i, for example, you'll find that it lacks the top-deck status LCD found on the EOS 77D, with its Mode dial instead assuming this location on the top deck.

The T7i also lacks the AF-ON button of its EOS sibling, as well as that camera's Quick Control dial and locking switch. And in the absence of a top-deck status display, it uses what would be the LCD illumination button as a display control for the rear-panel LCD instead. The rear-panel button layout is also a little different from that of the EOS 77D, since the Rebel T7i has a bit more room to spare as it lacks its sibling's Quick Control dial and switch.

The T7i actually has one more custom function than does the EOS 77D because of its fewer buttons, but it offers fewer options to re-assign the function of controls, and so isn't quite as customizable as its higher-end sibling. It's also just a touch lighter, though, which may prove handy if you want to keep your load to a minimum, especially when traveling. (The difference in weight isn't huge, but if you've got a lot of gear to bring along on a trip, every little bit helps.)

In other respects, the T7i offers most of its sibling's features

Beyond those main points (see below for a summary table), the T7i gives you most of what's offered by the EOS 77D. Both cameras share the same 24.2-megapixel, APS-C sized image sensor, for example, and use the same DIGIC 7 image processor.

This provides an identical sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 25,600 (expandable to 51,200) for the pair, and also yields the same burst capture performance for both. Like the EOS 77D, the Canon Rebel T7i can shoot at six frames per second in single-servo AF, while enabling continuous-servo AF provides for a choice of either 3.5 or 4.5 fps burst capture.

Both cameras also rely on the same pentamirror viewfinder design as each other, and feature the same 45-point, all cross-type autofocus system complete with viewfinder indications. The pair also both feature Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, allowing a manufacturer-claimed minimum time to focus lock of just 0.03 seconds.

On their rear panels, both the Canon Rebel T7i and EOS 77D share the same 3.0-inch, vari-angle, touch-screen LCD monitor. And both models also share the same selection of in-camera Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Near-Field Communications radios for quick and simple image sharing.

They also share a friendly new guide system which offers both text and visual confirmation of what the effect on your photos of different camera modes and features will be. One slight difference here, though, is that the guide system is enabled by default on the T7i, but disabled by default on the 77D. Incidentally, you can separately enable or disable the system in two parts: One for the Mode guide, and another for the Feature guide.

As well as stills, the T7i can also shoot movies at up to Full HD (1,920 x 1,080-pixel) resolution with a maximum frame rate of 60 fps. In addition, the T7i can record HDR and time-lapse movies at Full HD resolution with a fixed 30 fps frame rate.

Both siblings use the same LP-E17 lithium-ion battery pack, the same model used earlier in the T6i and T6s. Battery life is now rated at 600 shots on a charge when using the optical viewfinder or 270 shots in Live View mode, a significant improvement over the 440 and 180 ratings respectively for the T6i/T6s.

Canon T7i vs. Canon 77D

Here's a table summarizing the differences between the two siblings:

Feature	Canon T7i	Canon 77D
Top Status LCD	No	Yes
Locking Mode Dial	No	Yes
Dedicated AF-ON Button	No	Yes
Second Control Dial (Quick Control Dial)	No	Yes
Multi Function Lock Switch	No	Yes
Display-off Sensor (Eye Sensor)	No	Yes
Built-in Stills Intervalometer	No	Yes
Bulb Mode Timer	No	Yes
Customizable Buttons	2	4
Weight (body-only)	485g / 17.1 oz	493g / 17.4 oz
Body-only Price (as of May 9, 2018)	US$699	US$649
Everything else is the same...

Canon T7i Price and Availability

When the Canon T7i first started shipping in April 2017, it had a street price of around US$749 body-only, approximately US$150 less than the EOS 77D at the time. Two kit versions were also introduced: One with the new, smaller Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens for US$899, and the other with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens for US$1,299.

Prices have since been reduced, though, with the body available for US$699 and the two kits available for only US$749 and US$999 respectively as of this writing. Interestingly, the 77D's price has dropped more significantly to US$649 for body-only, however the 77D's 18-55mm kit is $50 higher at US$799. The 77D is offered with the more expensive EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, but it too is currently offered for only $50 more than the T7i and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM bundle.

Note: Since the Rebel T7i uses the exact same sensor and processor as the Canon 77D, we decided not to fully test it. Please see our 77D test results and additional review pages: Image Quality Comparison, Print Quality, Optics, Exposure, Flash and Video. And if you're considering the T7i, be sure to read our entire Canon 77D review first, especially since the price difference is negligible at time of writing.

Canon T7i Field Test

Big improvements in autofocus and performance compared to T6i

by Jeremy Gray | 05/01/2017

The Canon Rebel T7i was announced alongside the EOS 77D and shares many features with its larger, more expensive sibling. It offers the same 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor as its predecessor, however, the T7i is the first DSLR in Canon's Rebel lineup to include the DIGIC 7 image processor, which allows the new camera to offer a wider ISO range than the T6i. This new Rebel camera is straddling the line between being an entry-level or enthusiast DSLR more than ever. How does the new T7i handle in the real world?

Key Features and Info

24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
DIGIC 7 image processor
Tilt/swivel 3-inch touchscreen LCD
Native ISO range of 100-25600
Dual Pixel CMOS AF
Full HD video at 30 frames per second
Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth
US$750 for body only

Read our Canon T7i Field Test

Canon T7i Technical Insights

A look under the hood...

by Mike Tomkins | 02/14/2017

Sensor
The Canon Rebel T7i is based around a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor, the same resolution as used in the previous-generation camera. The image sensor is overlaid with a low-pass filter that subtly blurs the finest details to help fight moiré and false-color effects, a sensible choice in a camera aimed at consumers. Total resolution of the 22.3 x 14.9mm sensor is 25.8 megapixels, and it has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The pixel pitch is approximately 3.72µm, and an RGB Bayer color filter is used.

Processor
Output from the T7i's image sensor is handled by the company's current-generation DIGIC 7 image processor.

Click to read our Canon T7i tech insights!

Canon T7i First Shots: Closer Look

Canon's first DIGIC 7 Rebel-series DSLR makes its way to our testing lab

by William Brawley | 03/20/2017

The latest Rebel-series camera, the T7i (aka the EOS 800D for Europe or the Kiss X9i for Japan) is the first EOS DSLR model, along with simultaneously-announced EOS 77D, to feature the latest DIGIC 7 image processor. We now have our review unit in our hands and are ready to share our signature Canon T7i First Shots series of lab test images for your discerning eyes.

Although the T7i gets an upgrade in the processing horsepower department, it's nevertheless paired to a similar 24.2-megapixel APS-C image sensor as housed in the earlier T6i and T6s models from 2015. However, thanks to the updated processing, the ISO range has been expanded, going from a native ISO 100-25,600, with an expanded high ISO sensitivity of 51,200. By contrast, the Canon T6i/T6s top out at ISO 12,800 as their highest native ISO, and ISO 25,600 as the maximum expanded ISO.

Click to see Canon T7i First Shot Comparisons!

Canon T7i Conclusion

by Jaron Schneider | 05/09/2018

Though not a huge technological jump from its predecessor nor its competitors, the Rebel T7i continues Canon's tradition of producing reliable, easy-to-use, consumer-friendly and affordable DSLRs for the masses. It's a solid camera that doesn't do anything special, but it doesn't have to. However, it is basically the same camera as the Canon 77D, save for some body, control and feature deletions. For consumers who do their research, this can lead to some confusion as to what makes the 77D or the T7i the right choice for them.

And unfortunately, that's not an easy question to answer.

Canon would argue that the T7i is for the more basic consumer, while the 77D is for a more "advanced" amateur photographer. It's an odd distinction for two reasons. One, there are only the slightest of differences between those two groups of photographers. Two, the differences between these two cameras have nothing to do with technical performance or image quality, but rather the exterior design of the two bodies and a few firmware features. Performance, actual photographic image capturing performance, is more critical, and both cameras perform extremely similarly in this regard. Yet, the additions the 77D brings to the experience, such as a top-facing status LCD, dedicated AF-ON button and a second control dial, don't really muddle or confuse the camera experience, which would be one reason to simplify the camera body on the T7i. No, instead, the additions actually make the camera easier to use.