The greatest Rebel yet. That's a phrase we mutter about once a year. This time, we really mean it, and by a factor of two. The Canon EOS Rebel T6i, as well as it's companion, the T6s (known as the 750D and 760D outside of the US) both feature a new 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor (up from 18MP on the T5i / 700D) coupled with a new 7560 pixel RGB + IR metering sensor for more accurate metering. Although both cameras are very similar there are also distinct differences, so each will get it's own review. You can read about the T6s here.

Canon's new Hybrid CMOS AF III uses sensor-based phase detection points for increased focus speed and accuracy in live view. Canon claims that the performance of Hybrid CMOS III should be close to that of Dual Pixel AF (found in the EOS 70D and 7D II).

With the mirror down, the Rebels T6i uses the same 19-point phase detection AF as the 70D, which represents a vast improvement over the 9-point AF system in the T5i. The ISO range remains the same as its predecessor, 100-12800, expandable up to 25600.

EOS Rebel T6i (750D) key features

  • 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • 19-point autofocus system
  • Hybrid CMOS AF III focus system (live view)
  • 7560 pixel RGB + IR metering sensor with skin tone detection
  • 3" fully articulating touchscreen LCD
  • 5 fps continuous shooting
  • 1080/30p video
  • Wi-Fi with NFC

Other advancements come in the form of built-in Wi-Fi with NFC - a first in the EOS DSLRs range - and Flicker detection, first seen in the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, which also makes its way into both models.

The camera also retains several features from the Rebel T5i, including a fully articulating 3" touchscreen LCD, 5 fps continuous shooting, and 1080/30p video.

Specs compared

While the T6i shares many core features with the T6s, the user experience on the T6i is very similar to previous Rebels. In contrast, the T6s gains a few features historically reserved for Canon's more enthusiast models. These include a a top LCD screen - the first on any Rebel - a Quick Control dial on the back, and an eye sensor to shut off the LCD panel when you're shooting with the viewfinder. The T6s also offers Servo AF in Live View which allows for continuous AF in burst mode. The final advantage is the T6s' ability to record HDR movies in real time, a potentially nifty feature for budding film makers. As a result, the T6s will cost $100/£50/€60 more than the T6i.

Before we get to those differences in detail, let's see how the the T6i compares with the T6s, as well as the Rebel T5i (700D) that is now the low-end model in Canon's DSLR lineup.

 
Canon T5i
Canon T6i
Canon T6s
Effective resolution
18MP
24.2MP
 
ISO range
100 - 12800 (expandable to 25600)
 
 
AF system
Hybrid CMOS AF
Hybrid CMOS AF III
 
AF points
9
19
 
Metering sensor
63-zone
7560 pixel RGB+IR
Continuous shooting
5 fps
Info screen on top plate
No
Yes
Quick control dial
No
Yes
Servo AF in live view
No
Yes
Video
1080/30p
 
Wi-Fi
No
Yes (with NFC)
 

Probably the biggest difference between the T6i and the T5i is the sensor. It's no secret that Canon has been using the same (or very similar) 18 Megapixel sensor since the Rebel T2i (EOS 550D). The new 24.2MP sensor catches up with the latest DSLRs from Nikon, Pentax, and Sony.

The other major addition is Wi-Fi with 'active' NFC.  If you're using an NFC-equipped phone (iPhone 6's don't count) then you can tap it against the camera to pair. If you don't, it's not terribly difficult. Once that's done you can remotely control the camera from your phone, transfer photos, and then share them with friends and family. If you set up Canon's Image Gateway service you can choose where photos go (and add comments) right on the camera.

The T6s (right) offers several things over the T6i, including an LCD info display, locking mode dial, and quick control dial (not pictured).

Pricing and availability

The T6i (750D) ships in a body-only for $749/£599/€799, with an 18-55mm STM lens for $899/£689/€899, and $1099 with the 18-135mm STM lens. 

Available accessories include a battery grip (BG-E18), numerous viewfinder knick-knacks, and wired and wireless remotes. Both cameras will be available in April.

Canon EOS T6s / T6i overview video


If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C.

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