Canon EOS Rebel T7 vs. T7i Complete Comparison: Which One To Buy?

As someone who has been taking photos for years,  I sometimes still struggle to get a good-quality image. If I were to upgrade to a new Canon camera, I’d most likely choose the T7 or T7i.

While Canon T7 and T7i are similar in name and appearance, but differ significantly in their features and specifications.

In this article, we’re comparing the Canon T7 and T7i. Both cameras are promising and have great specs. But they’re also quite different, and neither camera is best for everyone.

So, let’s dive into our comparison of the Canon EOS Rebel T7 and T7i to help you make an informed decision on which one could be the best option for you.

Let’s get started!

At a Glance

In my opinion, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i is better than the T7 mainly because some of the features make it easier to take photos, and shoot more images on a single charge, which is something that I value personally. 

However, a lot goes into choosing a camera, and I recommend looking at everything from the specs to the price, as you may not value the same thing as I do in a camera.

Keep reading to learn how these models compare and which is better for you.

Key Specs Comparison

When comparing the Canon EOS Rebel T7 and T7i, start with some of the key specs.

• The T7:  a 24.1-megapixel camera
• The T7i: a 24.2-megapixel camera

This means that with the T7i, I can get slightly better images. However, the difference is minute, so I may not notice a difference between the two if I’m new to digital cameras.

Both cameras also feature a built-in WiFi connection, which allows me to quickly transfer photos and videos from my camera to another device. They also have NFC capabilities, which enable me to transfer files without access to a WiFi network.

I’ll get access to an optical viewfinder no matter which camera model I select. The T7 has a viewfinder with about 95% coverage. Unfortunately, the T7i product listing doesn’t specify the coverage in the viewfinder.

Another similarity between the cameras is that they’re compatible with EF and EF-S lenses. However, the T7 isn’t compatible with EF-M lenses.

No matter which lenses I use, I can connect either camera model to my PC or Mac computer to use as a webcam. The excellent quality of the cameras can make my videos stand out on a video call or when filming videos on my computer.

The screen size on the T7 and T7i is three inches. Meanwhile, I can use the T7 to shoot in portrait or landscape mode. There are also modes for nighttime, food, and sports photography.

Overall, the Canon T7 and T7i are quite similar in terms of features and specifications. The T7i has a slightly higher megapixel count, but the difference is negligible for most users.

Both cameras have built-in WiFi and NFC capabilities, an optical viewfinder, compatibility with EF and EF-S lenses, webcam connectivity, a three-inch screen, and various shooting modes. However, the T7i is now discontinued, while the T7 is still available for purchase as new.

Sensor Comparison

The sensor on a camera refers to the part of the device that captures light. Consider how the sensors differ between the two models.

• T7i: a Digital 7 processor
• T7: a Digic 4+ processor

First, the size of the photosensor on the T7i is APS-H. That means the sensor measures about 27.9 by 18.6 millimeters (mm). The basic APS is a high-quality format with a wide-angle aspect ratio.

Specifically, the APS-H is about 70% as large as a full-frame sensor. It’s one of three sizes within the APS family of camera sensors.

The T7 comes with a Digic 4+ processor, which can help me take great photos and videos. However, the processor is a bit older, so it can run a little slow.

If I choose the T7i, I’ll get a photo sensor in the size APS-C. The sensor is 25.1 by 16.7 mm, so it’s a bit smaller than the sensor on the T7. It also features a 3:2 aspect ratio.

That sensor size and aspect ratio are perfect for photographing things that are far away. Items will appear bigger, and that increases the focal length by about 1.6 times, regardless of the lens I use.

In summary, the T7i has a larger sensor size (APS-H) and a newer Digital 7 processor compared to the T7’s APS-C sensor and older Digic 4+ processor. So if I’m looking for a camera that is fast and responds well, T7i is a great choice.

Image Quality

Getting good photos and videos is one of the most vital features of a camera. Considering what I can expect from the T7 and T7i, the megapixels for both cameras are almost identical, only being off by 0.1. 

However, the sensors and processors have a more significant effect on the photos I can produce, and the T7i is generally considered to be the better choice in terms of image quality. This is because it has a newer processor, which can help produce sharper and more vibrant images. T

I can see more significant differences between the two cameras when taking photos at night or in similar environments with minimal lighting. If I go outdoors in the evenings and photograph wildlife, I should go with the T7i.

On the other hand, the difference in image quality is less noticeable in areas with better lighting. I find the T7 is just as good when I’m photographing things during the day.

Not only that, but the right lens could offer a much better image quality. So I could upgrade my lens from the standard lens on the T7. Then, my photography may look just as good as it would have if I used the T7i.

Maybe I like to shoot in RAW, or I do a lot of editing on my photos. Using the T7i will give me a head start on getting the best possible image quality. The same is true if I have any amount of photography experience.

Whether I shoot still images or video, pairing my camera with the best lens I can buy is essential. That way, I can increase the image quality overall.

In summary, the T7i is generally considered to have better image quality due to its newer processor. The T7i is recommended for night photography and RAW photography/editing. However, both cameras can benefit from upgrading to a better lens to improve image quality.

Sensitivity (ISO)

The ISO range of the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is 100 to 6400, and it’s expandable to 12,800. An ISO setting can affect how bright or dark a photo is. And the higher the number, the brighter your images can be.

• T7i: base ISO 100, up to an ISO of 25,600
• T7: base ISO 100, up to an ISO of 6400

Like most digital cameras, the base ISO on the T7 is 100. Increasing the ISO to 200 will give me an image that’s twice as bright. When I tend to shoot in areas with low light, increasing the ISO can be a good choice.

However, like with other cameras, increasing it can negatively affect the image quality. Because the camera can go up to an ISO of 6400, you can shoot photos without a ton of light.

But when compared to the T7i, the range is small. The more advanced model can shoot from an ISO of 100 all the way up to 25,600. It’s even expendable to 51,200, which is excellent if you never have enough lighting.

Since both cameras have the same base ISO, I believe the T7i wins this category for its broader range. I can experiment with all parts of the range to decide what ISO to use in a particular environment.

However, increasing the ISO too much has consequences. Sure, the image may be bright, but it can also look grainy, so I may not get as high-quality of a photo. 

No matter which camera I choose, I should find a balance between quality and brightness.

As I get used to my camera, I won’t have to spend as much time on this step. I should be able to set it to the right ISO and get straight to taking photos.

In summary, the T7i has better ISO performance, particularly in low light conditions, but both cameras require a balance between ISO and image quality.

Video

Not only can I take still images with the T7 or T7i, but I can also film videos. This is a great option for me as a content creator with a YouTube channel, but I need to consider how each camera handles videos.

• T7i: shoot up to 60 fps at 1080p
• T7: shoot up to 30 fps at 1080p

Both cameras can shoot 1080p video, with the T7 capable of shooting at this quality up to 30 frames per second (fps). The T7i, on the other hand, can shoot up to 60 fps at 1080p.

Unfortunately, neither camera offers 4K video, which is quite common nowadays. Nevertheless, 1080p is of decent quality, especially for beginners and vlogging cameras.

One significant difference between the two cameras is that the T7i offers Dual Pixel Autofocus (DPAF). This feature enables the camera to refocus as I shoot video, making it more like a camcorder.

The phase detection focus on the T7i makes it super easy to shoot video. However, this feature is not available on the standard T7.

Although it may be challenging to invest a lot as a beginner, spending more for DPAF can be worth it. I won’t have to struggle to get the camera to focus while filming myself or others. Of course, if I don’t plan on taking many videos, this feature may not be as crucial.

Regardless of the autofocus feature, the ISO range applies to videos as it does to photos. Thus, the T7i is much better if I don’t have good lighting for filming videos.

Overall, the T7i has some advantages over the T7, such as higher frame rate for video and Dual Pixel Autofocus (DPAF). However, the T7 is still a decent option, especially for beginners who do not need these advanced features.

Interface and Connectivity

The interface and connectivity can have an impact on how I use my camera. Overall, the T7i has an advantage in terms of interface and connectivity compared to the T7. 

• T7i: touchscreen, Bluetooth
• T7: no touchscreen, no Bluetooth

The base T7 model has a fixed screen that is not a touchscreen, while the T7i has a touchscreen. If I have used any other DSLR, I should be able to adapt to the interface of the T7. It offers a standard interface.

However, the T7i comes with a standard interface and a guided interface, which is great for beginners who need help learning how to navigate the settings on a camera. The Feature Assistant describes what each camera mode can do.

If I want, I can turn off the Feature Assistant and still choose the settings I want to get good images and videos.

Both cameras offer WiFi and near-field communication (NFC), which makes it convenient to send photos to my phone or another computer.

The T7i also works with Bluetooth so that I can use my phone as a remote. I’ll still have to connect to WiFi to transfer files, but a wireless remote can make it faster to take photos from different angles.

Unfortunately, the T7 doesn’t work with Bluetooth, so I’ll need to press the button right on the camera to take a photo. Still, the WiFi and NFC connections may be plenty for some photographers and videographers.

Overall, the T7i has an advantage over the T7 camera in terms of interface and connectivity

Live View AF

Live view offers me a better, bigger picture of the image I’m taking. I can use the feature to get the best exposure and contrast on my camera.

• T7i: 45 AF points, a more advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
• T7: 9 AF points, contrast detection

Overall, the T7i is the better choice between the two cameras if you prioritize Live View AF performance.

The T7 features contrast detection. This allows me to view how the contrast is changing in real time. Sadly, it doesn’t have as many features as the T7i.

On the more expensive camera, I can use phase detection. The camera has Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology that I can use in photo or video mode. It works much faster than the contrast detection of the T7.

My camera can also choose from 45 AF points, or I can select one myself. The T7i is especially good at focusing when shooting video. However, the feature makes it a better camera for taking pictures compared to the T7.

Regardless of the camera, the live view gives me more accurate autofocus. I can also focus the camera manually to get a better shot. Previewing the depth of field is also easier when I use live view.

What’s more, I don’t have to worry about taking photos that are too bright or too dark. The histogram will tell me if this is the case. That way, I can adjust the settings accordingly before spending time taking photos or filming a video.

Overall, like many other categories, the T7i is the clear winner when it comes to live view. While the T7 has some good features, it’s not as advanced as the other camera. If I’m serious about photography, it’s worth spending more.

Viewfinder AF System and Screen

Another way the cameras differ is with their viewfinder systems and the camera screens.

• T7i: a more advanced 45-point AF system and a fully articulating touchscreen
• T7: a 9-point AF system with a fixed screen

The T7i has a better viewfinder AF system compared to the T7. The T7 viewfinder has 9 points: 1 f/5.6 cross-type at the center. In comparison, the T7i viewfinder has 45 points: 45 f/5.6 cross-type AF points and 27 f/8 points (9 cross-type).

In the T7i viewfinder, the center point is f/2.8 sensitive and has an f/5.6 dual cross-type. With 36 more points, the T7i is better at targeting subjects and tracking them as they move within the frame.

The cross-types in this camera make it more sensitive than linear points. So if I or my subject moves, the camera can latch onto the item or person and refocus as necessary to get the best possible image.

Of course, all of those extra features make the T7i a better choice than the T7. However, if I tend to shoot a lot of still photography, the T7 can work as long as I and my subject don’t move.

Still, even if most of my photography is this way, the autofocus features of the T7i are super helpful. I may want to get a better camera now in case I want to try other styles of photography in the future.

Whether I shoot in well-lit or low-light areas, I need to focus on my subject. The T7i makes that super easy for beginners and experienced photographers.

In summary, the T7i has a much more advanced AF system and viewfinder than the T7.

Battery Life

All of the features in the world won’t matter if I need to constantly charge my camera. I should consider how the cameras compare and how I can make the most of the battery life on either model.

• T7i: 600 shots per charge
• T7: 500 shots per charge

The T7i has a slightly better battery life than the T7. 

First, the T7 can shoot up to 500 images on a single charge assuming I use the viewfinder rather than live view. It also assumes that I tend to shoot photos at around 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, I can shoot as many as 600 photos on a single charge if I get the T7i. This model comes with a rechargeable LP-E17 battery, but the T7 comes with an LP-E10. Both are lithium-ion batteries, but they have different capacities.

Now, if I use live view, the number of photos I can take on a single charge drops by about 50%. That means I can take 250 images on a single charge with the T7 and 300 photos with the T7i.

Of course, I can buy a second battery for either camera to get longer battery life. A long battery life is particularly important if I’m a professional photographer. That way, I won’t run out of battery during the middle of a photoshoot.

I should think about how many photos I tend to take in one go as well as if I prefer using live view over the viewfinder. Over time, an extra 50 to 100 images per charge can add up and help me save time by not having to charge my camera batteries as often.

In summary, the T7i has a slightly better battery life than the T7, with 600 shots per charge compared to 500 shots per charge.

Value (Price)

Another thing to keep in mind when looking for a good camera is how much it will cost and if it’s worth that price.

The T7i is more expensive than the T7. Depending on where I buy it, the T7 costs about $400 to $450. If I look for a used one, I should be able to save some money. The specific price will depend on the seller and the condition of the camera.

Sadly, I don’t find a new T7i, so there’s no one set price. We found the camera can cost as low as $700 or as much as $1,000.

The more expensive ones are in better condition and may come with accessories. On the other hand, the cheaper cameras may only include the body. The quality might not be as good as it could be.

Keep in mind that these cameras are from 2021 at the latest, so they’re starting to get relatively old.

Regardless of the price, the T7i is usually a better value than the T7. Even though it costs more, it offers a ton of extra features that the T7 doesn’t have. I can get much better photos and videos from the more expensive camera.

Plus, I won’t have to charge the battery as often since it can take more pictures on a single charge.

If I’m a professional, the extra features will allow me to offer a better-finished product to my clients. That means I could charge higher rates, which can help the camera pay for itself much sooner.

And even if I’m a beginner, the extra features, like Feature Assistant, can help me learn how to use the camera much faster.

Overall, the T7i is more expensive than the T7, with prices ranging from $700 to $1,000, while the T7 costs between $400 to $450.

Canon T7i Pros & Cons

The biggest advantage of the Canon T7i over the T7 is the added features. I can take video at up to 60 fps rather than 30 fps. Also, the Feature Assistant is super useful for beginners or anyone learning to use a DSLR.

Another advantage is the longer battery life. While an extra 100 photos might not make a difference for a professional, it can be helpful for many hobbyists. If I don’t want to have to carry a ton of batteries around, I’ll love the better battery.

The T7i also comes with an amazing viewfinder to help me take good images and videos. Plus, the Bluetooth connection lets me use my phone as a wireless remote. So if I take a lot of selfie-style photos or videos, I can do so more easily.

I’ll also get access to a better sensor and a larger ISO range on the T7i. If I don’t always have good lighting, these features can come in handy.

One of the biggest cons of the T7i is the fact that it’s been discontinued. If I want to use it, I have to find a used camera. And while there are a lot on sale as of this writing, that could change in the future.

Plus, the used cameras aren’t that cheap; they’re still more expensive than the T7. I can find similar cameras that are new for a similar price. Then, I won’t have to worry about having to replace an old battery within a few months, for example.

Canon T7 Pros & Cons

The Canon T7’s biggest pro is the affordable price. While it’s not exactly cheap, it’s a bargain compared to many other DSLR cameras. I can learn how DSLRs work and start taking photos and videos on a budget.

Of course, it’s also still in production, so I can buy a new T7. Then, I won’t have to worry about whether a seller took good care of the camera. And I know the battery is new and has more charge cycles in it before it needs a replacement.

The camera works very well in settings with good lighting. However, the ISO range is decent enough that I can brighten photos in dim settings. While the range isn’t as high as that of the T7i, it’s still good for a beginner.

It’s only shy by 0.1 megapixels compared to the T7i, so the image quality will be similar. As long as I have good lighting, my images can look very similar.

One of the biggest cons of this camera is that it doesn’t have a ton of advanced features. I need to use the camera itself, rather than my phone as a wireless remote. Also, I won’t be able to take as many photos on a single charge.

Specifically, when comparing the T7 and T7i, I find the T7i has all of the features of the T7. So if I can’t decide whether I need a feature or not, it’s better to get the T7i. Meanwhile, if I buy the T7, I could regret that choice as I learn more about photography.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 vs. Canon EOS Rebel T7i: The Winner

For our money, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i is the clear winner between the two. It offers more features than the T7, including all of the lower-priced model’s features.

Professionals and other advanced photographers will enjoy all of the specs, from the live view to the higher-quality images of the T7i. It’s also a better choice for photographers and videographers who are looking to make the most of their cameras.

However, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is better for people on a budget. Yes, you can save with a used T7i, but they still cost hundreds more than even a new T7.

No matter which camera is right for you, it’s up to you to make that choice. Be sure to compare the models in detail and choose the T7 or T7i based on your needs.