Canon T6 vs. T6i: Pros & Cons and Verdict

If you’re looking for an upgrade from your previous Canon camera, or are new to the world of photography and DSLRs, then you’ve come to the right place. The only question is which Canon Rebel should you choose?

The T6 is a point-and-shoot with a big sensor for better photo quality; and the ability to swap lenses. The Canon Rebel T6 has all the basics for an affordable price, but that’s it.

If you’re looking for a camera that’s easy to use and has better image quality than a smartphone, then we have good news for you. The Canon Rebel T6 is the descendant of one of the most popular cameras in recent years and features a few improvements.

Thanks to this camera, you’ll be able to transfer all your favorite shots to your device with the click of a button.

The Canon Rebel T6i was billed as the best Rebel yet and for good reason. It features a new 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a new 7560 pixel RGB + IR metering sensor for more accurate metering. It has some of the best technological features on the market for an affordable price, what could be better than that?

Both cameras have their advantages, but they also have a few flaws that need to be examined.

We’ll examine each camera’s features and take a look at where they fall short. Then we’ll take a brief look at their pros and cons. By the end of it all, you should have a clear verdict in mind.

Canon T6 vs T6i: Features

Each camera has their strengths and weaknesses. As the photographer, you have a unique set of wants and needs. It’s time to pick which strengths and weaknesses you can deal with.

Build & Handling

The Canon T6 has a lot in common with its predecessor. It has a polycarbonate body that’s almost identical to the Rebel T5. This means that if you’re planning on upgrading from the T5 then you can be sure that you’ll be getting advanced features in a familiar and comfortable body. If you’re upgrading from the Rebel T3 then you’ll also feel at home with the T6.

It has a resolution of 18 megapixels from a roomy APS-C sized image sensor. The T6 lags slightly behind more expensive cameras when it comes to resolution, but it’s usually enough for entry-level shooters.

The design of the Rebel T6i  adheres closely to the T5i. In fact, the two cameras look like twins. The camera has a compact body with an aluminum alloy and polycarbonate build and a composite shell.

It might not be as solid as high-end models, but the T6i doesn’t feel cheap. Photographers with big hands will face a familiar problem with this model.

The camera is compact, and so are the grips, so if you have bigger hands then you might have problems finding a solid grip on the camera,

The front of the camera features an AF-assist lamp, IR receiver, and a stereo microphone. The left side houses the SD card slot, and the I/O ports are on the opposite side. Most buttons can be found at the back, making it the standard controls easy to find and access.  

Both cameras are small enough to be transported with ease. They’re both designed well and even the newest newbies will quickly become comfortable when handling the camera.

Sensor and Processor

The Rebel T6 features an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor. This means that the camera captures images with crisp clarity, the tonal range is impressive too. It also has enough resolution for big enlargements or crops, you can enlarge all your favorite memories without sacrificing quality.

This sensor allows for an effective 1.6x field of view. It also has a few advanced Canon features that ensure that each pixel’s light gathering is maximized. The result is a brilliant shot, every time.

The T6 also features the Canon DIGIC 4+ Image Processor that powers the camera’s more advanced functions. Photographers will enjoy a responsive performance that’s as natural as breathing thanks to its accelerated processing speed.

The processor also enhances image quality by reducing the processing of high ISO shots by 60% compared to the processors used in previous models. Your pictures will have bright color and exquisite detail, even in low light.

The T6i camera has an advanced 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor which allows the camera to capture high-quality images. With HD and an ISO sensitivity of ISO 100–12800 the Rebel T6i captures images and videos with brilliant quality in a wide array of lighting situations.

A smartphone wouldn’t even come close to these results.  The advanced Canon technologies work with automatic exposure features makes the camera user-friendly. When you use this camera, you can be sure that you’re going to get good results.

This camera also features the DIGIC 6 Image Processor which is key when it comes to video and photo image quality. The improved light sensitivity capabilities allow for higher resolution and less noise when shooting in low light.

The processor powers high-speed continuous still and video shooting while automatically correcting distortion. Video records in MP4 format which improves compatibility with mobile devices and tablets.

The highly compressed MP4 video saves space on your memory card and improves playback on mobile devices. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without these features.

Autofocus System

The T6 uses a 9-point AF system that has a center cross-type AF point, this means that the camera can deliver precise focus no matter how the camera is oriented in portrait or landscape position. The system works with both normal and high-precision focus, although this naturally depends on the available light and aperture.

These features mean that your images will come out with crisp and clear detail. The AI Servo AF system allows and maintains reliable focus.

The T6i’s autofocus system has been upgraded from previous versions. The 19-point all cross-type AF system features improved tracking of moving subjects, which makes it great for capturing accurate action shots.

Cross-type AF points allow the camera to keep accurate focus no matter how the camera is held and it doesn’t matter where the frame focus was first achieved.

The T6i also features three focusing area selection modes: Single-point AF, Zone AF and 19-point automatic selection AF, these features mean that achieving accurate focus has never been easier.

Connectivity

Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity which makes it easier than ever to share to compatible smart devices. You can also choose which social media sites you want to use to show off your photographic prowess.

The built-in NFC technology allows direct connection to compatible devices by touching the NFC icon on the camera to your preferred device.

The Canon T6i’s wireless capabilities let photographers use their compatible smart devices to control the camera remotely through the Camera Connect app.

You could get that perfect picture from afar! You could also print your photos if the printer supports PictBridge (Wireless LAN), of course, the printer will also have to be compatible. If this is the case, then printing should be easier than ever.

Image Comparison

Since the pictures are the main reason why we’re here, we’ve decided to take a good look at the photographs produced by both cameras. Let’s see what they’re capable of.

Canon T6 Images:

The T6’s images come out looking great thanks to the ISO 1600. Unfortunately, a little noise makes itself known, but if you’re willing to use noise reduction, then they come out looking better.

ISO 800 gives out crisper results still, and you probably won’t notice any noise in a detailed scene at ISO 400. We found that ISO 100 is the best ISO setting to use. Just make sure that the setting has the shutter speed and aperture settings required for the picture you want.

The reason that the ISO settings are features is because ISO 100 doesn’t allow the shutter speeds and aperture settings that are needed for most pictures. Remember that a crisp and noisy image will always be better than a blurry and noise-less image.

The good news is that in-camera noise reduction is available in EOS DSLRs. You can also apply noise reduction during post processing. Unfortunately, noise reduction effectively reduces visible noise, but it wreaks havoc on image details and sharpness. You’ll have to choose what you can live with.

The T6 usually delivers admirable focusing in One Shot AF mode. This doesn’t mean that it’s the best camera for challenging fast-action capture. When it comes to action shots, then this camera doesn’t rank very high.

It does very well for a camera in its price range. While you wouldn’t get professional images, the cameras that do get those types of pictures are very expensive.   

DSLR viewfinders are much better than the ones you’ll find on point-and-shoot cameras, but the T6 viewfinder is small when compared to most DSLRs. Viewfinder size doesn’t matter much, it’s just about what you prefer.

T6 is a compact camera with a sma body size and a small viewfinder to match. Viewfinders are useful because they stabilize the camera against your eyebrow.

Another advantage is that they are great when shooting in bright sunlight, because it allows the scene to be clearly seen and clearly portrays the composition frame.

The T6 viewfinder provides 95% coverage, this means that you’re going to have more subject in the final product than you initially thought. You get used to it fairly quickly, it just means that you have to crop a few things out during post processing. If you’re used to 100% viewfinders, then this will be annoying for you.

Rebel cameras have a tradition of using a pentamirror instead of a pentaprism for the viewfinder, and the T6 is no different. This viewfinder is light and more cost effective, but it has more air-to-glass surface transitions, which makes the pentamirror less bright than the pentaprism.

Canon T6i Images

The image quality in general is a massive leap from its predecessors. The level of detail is fantastic, but noise levels aren’t different despite the extra pixels on the sensor.

When you view the images at 100% on-screen, the T6i’s high sensitivity JPEGs look better than raw files captured at the same time. Some even look good at around A3 size at about ISO12,800.

When all noise reduction is turned off, the raw files have more visible noise at 100%. In this case, it’s fine grained and there’s no banding. This means that it’s possible to take images that are a bit crisper than the JPEGs.

The chroma noise only becomes more visible at 100% in raw files captured at ISO1600 and above. The softening of detail that goes with noise reduction in the default settings becomes obvious at 100% in JPEGs captured at ISO3200, but it’s not much of a problem until ISO12,800.

The ISO100-12,800 is expandable to 100-25,600, and you’ll find that images have good skin tones. The viewfinder on the T6i is almost the same as on the T6, so you won’t find too many differences.

Battery Life

When looking at the battery life, the Canon T6 has an edge over the T6i. The T6i can take roughly about 440 pictures on a single charge while the T6 can take about 500 on a single charge.

This isn’t a massive difference, but 60 pictures is a lot when you’re running out of battery life.

Advantages and Disadvantages

It’s essential to discuss the strong sides and shortcomings of both Canon T6 and T6i.

Canon T6: Product Summary

Getting into photography can be tough, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Any experienced photographer will tell you that the journey is a lot easier if you have the right camera. The general consensus is that this is an amazing entry-level camera.

If you’re a casual student who would like to increase the quality of their pictures, then this is the camera for you. It does well with most pictures and videos. It is also user-friendly and has everything that a newbie could want or need.

It’s the perfect camera to introduce you to the world of stills and image quality. If you’re looking to upgrade from your entry-level camera or are becoming more advanced in your photography passion, then it would be better to look elsewhere.

Canon T6i Advantages and Disadvantages

It’s essential to discuss the strong sides and shortcomings of both Canon T6 and T6i. Let’s dive in:

Canon T6i: Product Summary

It’s always a good sign when a cheaper camera upholds the same quality as high-end cameras. This is the case of the Canon T6i. It won’t break the bank and it will perform a lot of high-end functions. The image quality is great for this type of camera, and while the video quality isn’t outstanding, it’s good enough for most users.

The camera won’t withstand prolonged professional use, but if photography is a hobby then it’s the right camera for you. The Wi-Fi connectivity could be improved, but every camera has a feature that could be improved. The point is that many users are happy with this camera and it will get the job done.

Canon T6 vs Canon T6i: Verdict

The time has come for us to decide! We’ve looked through what these cameras have to offer, and there’s only one clear winner. Which one of these cameras stood out for you? Both cameras have a lot to offer and are great options.

If you’re a beginner, then this will be a lovely introduction to the world of photography. If you’re a seasoned photographer, then you’ll enjoy the features that they have to offer.

The T6 is the more affordable option out of the two, and it’s great in that you get what you pat for. It’s hard to complain about the camera when you consider just how good the price is. It is a basic camera. It won’t do less, and it certainly won’t do more.

A few of the features might irritate more experienced photographers who are used to better. That being said, beginners should find this camera a joy. It’s like a gateway into something better. This is the right camera for beginners, or if you want to upgrade from a lower model.

The T6i is an upgrade in every way. There are many features that allow the camera to run ahead of its predecessors. This camera is closer to the high-end models that professional photographers prefer than it is to previous models.

It utilizes better software and features to create a picture that you would be proud to show off on social media. It’s more expensive than the T6, but many users feel that the higher price tag is worth the quality. This camera works almost as hard as you do.

Which camera do you prefer?

While we do choose a winner, it’s up to you to decide what you want to spend your money on. As the photographer, you’re going to have to deal with all the camera’s quirks and little issues. There’s also the matter of personal preference.

What you look for in the camera won’t be the same as what someone else is looking for. If you’ve made up your mind and know which camera you want, then go ahead and get it. You’re the photographer and your preference is what ultimately matters.

As for the question that we set out to answer, we have a clear winner. It’s obvious that the Canon T6i is the better camera. Although the Canon T6 is cheaper and lighter, those are the only advantages it has over the T6i.

The T6i on the other hand, has better pictures, more sophisticated software, a much better screen and superior auto-focusing. It has the edge photography wise, and in the end, that’s what makes it the better camera.

If you’re a beginner, then it’s the perfect springboard into the world of photography. If you’re looking for an upgrade, then you’ll be delighted by how easy it is to get used to the camera. Upgrading to this camera is like coming home after renovating your house. It’s still home, but it’s much better than you remember.

Now, go get your camera and shoot the world.