In this Canon T6i review, we’re going to take an overall look at the specifics of this incredible consumer-friendly DSLR. Canon decided to release the T6i alongside the T6, providing many of the same features but at a significantly lower price. For consumers who need to stick to a budget but also want access to advanced options, the T6i offers a good alternative to an otherwise more expensive enthusiast DSLR. Stick around for our Canon T6i review to learn all there is to know.
Canon T6i Specs
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor;
- DIGIC 6 Image Processor;
- 3.0-inch 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD Monitor with 100% Screen Coverage;
- Pentamirror Viewfinder with 0.82x Magnification and 95% Coverage;
- Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 30 frames per second;
- Hybrid CMOS AF III 19-Point Cross-Type System;
- Full Resolution Continuous Shooting at 5 frames per second;
- ISO Range of 100-12800 (Auto) / 100-25600 (Extended);
- 7560-Pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor;
- Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC;
- SD / SDHC / SDXC Memory Card Compatibility;
- Dimensions of 5.2 by 4.0 by 3.1 inches;
- Weighs 19.58 ounces.
Canon T6i Features and Performance
Build and Buttons
Let’s start off this Canon T6i review by taking a closer look at the overall design of this DSLR. Featuring an aluminum alloy and polycarbonate resin with a composite shell, the T6i provides a surprising feeling of durability. The handgrip on the front of the camera and thumb grip on the back both have a textured coating for enhanced security. Users with larger hands might find the grips to be uncomfortable as they are a bit narrow and not too deep.
The physical controls available on the camera are standard of the classic Rebel models. For instance, on the top plate sit the mode dial, power switch, rear LCD toggle, ISO button, and active focus area button. The back of the camera includes the menu button, information display button, Live View/movie record button, autoexposure lock button, and another active focus area button. To the right of the LCD monitor sit the exposure compensation button and the Quick menu button; below those are buttons for white balance, drive mode, and Creative Style (contrast, color, and sharpness settings), as well as the single/continuous autofocus selector.
Display and Functions
The Canon T6i features a 3.0-inch 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle touchscreen LCD monitor with 100-percent screen coverage. Touch sensitivity and articulation are two welcome highlights offered by this unit. Thanks to the monitor’s Vari-Angle hinge, capturing that perfect shot at an awkward angle is never an issue. The monitor is responsive at all times and provides a user-friendly interface for easy navigation. Settings like ISO sensitivity and more can quickly be adjusted via the monitor if desired. Touch-to-focus allows users to easily achieve focus on subjects for both images and movies. As is typically expected, viewing the monitor under direct sunlight can be a challenge, so utilization of the viewfinder is necessary at times.
Speaking of the viewfinder, the T6i features a pentamirror viewfinder with 0.82x magnification and 95-percent coverage. This unit introduces a welcome addition of larger autofocus areas in lieu of the small autofocus points found on previous models. Given that 5-percent is missing from the scene capture, it’s important to take extra care in terms of framing each shot. Otherwise, unwanted elements may encroach on the frame’s edges, resulting in an undesirable outcome that requires a bit of editing.
Sensor, Resolution, and Autofocus
Equipped with a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 6 image processor, the Canon T6i provides satisfying results. Good lighting is key for capturing images of the highest quality. That being said, the T6i nevertheless does a pretty solid job of dealing with lowlight. Color accuracy is a big plus for all users as well. Due to the updated image processor, this unit has a quite responsive full resolution continuous shooting rate of 5 frames per second. The auto ISO range is 100-12800, while extended mode offers up a range of 100-25600. ISO sensitivity is good overall with little noise in images captured up through ISO 6400. Depending on the shooting conditions, usable images can in fact be captured at nearly any ISO level on the scale.
The T6i features a Hybrid CMOS AF III system, which features 19 cross-type points. Although the autofocus system isn’t groundbreaking by any means, it performs well in terms of speed even while shooting in lowlight. One downside of this system is that the subject-tracking mode cannot be activated while shooting in Live View. Working in combination with the T6i’s autofocus system is the 7560-Pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, which plays an important role in detecting accurate skin tones.
Video and Wi-Fi Capabilities
Lastly, we will wrap up this Canon T6i review with this camera’s video and Wi-Fi capabilities. The T6i offers up Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second. Video quality and color accuracy is satisfactory enough for general use. Unfortunately, the T6i does lack various features that are standard on more advanced cameras. In other words, devoted videographers would do better with another model — at its root, the Canon T6i is specifically designed for capturing stills rather than video.
The T6i also provides built-in Wi-Fi functionality with NFC. Transferring images is simple via Canon’s free smart device app, Camera Connect (available for both iOS and Android devices). However, it is important to read the instructions first, as establishing the initial Wi-Fi connection can be a little tricky. Besides transferring images, users can also remotely control the camera — this is perfect for capturing group shots or selfies. You can also utilize the app to adjust shooting modes, manage autofocus points, and select the drive mode.
Pricing
The Canon T6i is available in five configurations: the body only, priced at $699; the body with 18-55mm lens, priced at $649; the body with 18-135mm lens, priced at $799; the body with 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses, priced at $1,048; and the body with 18-135mm and 55-250mm lenses, priced at $1,248.
Verdict
Since this Canon T6i review tackled the specs, features, pros, and cons of the T6i, perhaps your decision has been made a bit easier. With image quality comparable to the competition, the T6i is a solid choice for photographers making the shift from a point-and-shoot or an older DSLR. Video quality stands up quite well but devoted videographers might consider another model.
We hope you enjoyed our Canon T6i review — leave us a comment below to share your thoughts on this consumer-friendly unit.
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