Should I Get the Canon EOS Rebel T7i or Rebel SL2?
If interested in purchasing a Canon Rebel-series camera, you may be wondering if the additional features of the Rebel T7i / 800D are worth the additional size and weight compared to the Rebel SL2 / 200D. If so, it's important to know how the two cameras stack up against one another.
Below are some of the primary similarities and differences between the Rebel T7i and Rebel SL2.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i and Rebel SL2 Shared Primary Features:
- 24.2 MP Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor
- DIGIC 7 processor
- ISO 100 - 25600 (H1: 51200)
- 30 - 1/4000 sec shutter speed (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments)
- 1/200 sec (flash) x-sync
- Ambience priority, White priority Auto White Balance (AWB)
- Pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD, 7.7 cm (3.0") 3:2 Clear View II TFT, approx. 1040 K dots
- Up to 1920 x 1080 (59.954, 29.97, 25, 23.98 fps) video recording
- Video output (PAL/ NTSC) (integrated with USB terminal), HDMI micro out, external microphone (3.5mm Stereo mini jack)
- Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC & Bluetooth
Advantages of the EOS Rebel T7i over the EOS Rebel SL2:
- More advanced AF: 45 cross-type AF points (27 f/8 points [9 cross-type], center point f/2.8 and f/5.6 dual cross-type) vs. 9 AF points (f/5.6 cross type at center, extra sensitivity at f/2.8)
- Wider AF working range (better in low light): EV -3 - 18 vs. EV -0.5 -1
- Better metering: 7560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, metering with the area divided into 63 segments (9 × 7) vs. 63 zone dual-layer metering sensor
- More autoexposure bracketing (AEB) options: 2, 3, 5 or 7 Shots +/-3 EV vs. 3 shots +/- 2 EV
- Intelligent viewfinder vs. fixed
- Single axis electronic level vs. N/A
- More powerful pop-up flash: 13.1 GN vs. 9.8
- Pop-up flash can act as master vs. N/A
- Faster continuous shooting and larger buffer: 6 fps, 27 RAW vs. 5 fps, 6 RAW
- Longer battery life: 820 shots vs. 650
Advantages of the EOS Rebel SL2 over the EOS Rebel T7i
- Higher viewfinder magnification: 0.87x vs. 0.82x
- Smaller size/weight: 4.82 x 3.65 x 2.75" (122.4 x 92.6 x 69.8mm), 15.98 oz (453g) vs. 5.16 x 3.93 x 3.00" (131.0 x 99.9 x 76.2mm), 18.77 oz (532g)
- Lower cost
Who should opt for the Canon EOS Rebel T7i / 800D?
If minimal size/weight are not top priorities, and the Rebel T7i's higher price tag is not a barrier to investment, the T7i's higher-end features will make it a more versatile choice for most photographers. In fact, its more advanced, more sensitive in low light AF system alone is likely worth the T7i's price over the SL2.
Who should opt for the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / 200D?
If you want the most lightweight, compact DSLR, or if your budget does not extend to the Rebel T7i's price tag, the Rebel SL2 will be a solid investment. The SL2 provides a solid feature set at a very reasonable price, and anyone carrying their camera kit for long periods of time (those hiking, for example) will surely appreciate the camera's smaller size and weight. Other groups who will gravitate to the SL2 include those with smaller hands and those intending to use the camera in a high-risk remote setup. Because of its small size and simple user interface, the SL2 may be the perfect DSLR to buy for a young photographer-in-training.
Summary
Built around an identical sensor and sharing many noteworthy features, the Rebel T7i and SL2 are more similar than they are different. Both deliver very good image quality, feature excellent subject tracking in video mode and offer an intuitive user interface that makes the cameras very easy to use, especially for those with minimal photography experience or otherwise transitioning from a compact camera or a smartphone.
Arguably the Rebel T7i's biggest drawback – its higher price tag – results from the inlcusion of noteworthy features not found in the SL2 (primarily, a much better AF system). For most photographers, the Rebel T7i will fulfill their needs better because of those additional features. But for those who don't need those features, are budget limited or who otherwise value reduced size and weight, the Rebel SL2 remains a viable option.
More Information
See our full list of Camera Gear Comparisons to aid in other purchasing decisions.
 |
|