There’s a slew of new Canon cameras being readied for release this year, updating several aging models with upgraded tech. Among them is a new entry-level DSLR camera, the recently leaked Canon EOS Rebel T8i (EOS 850D outside the US). With that in the works, how do earlier models such as the Canon EOS Rebel T6i, released 5 years ago, compare? Here’s our quick comparison using the latest revealed info on the Rebel T8i.
Canon EOS Rebel T8i vs T6i DSLR Camera Comparison Chart
| Model | Canon EOS Rebel T8i (EOS 850D) | Canon EOS Rebel T6i (EOS 750D) |
 |  | |
| Price | Coming Soon | Check Price |
| Dimensions | 131.0 x 102.6 x 76.2 mm | 131.9 x 100.9 x 77.8 mm |
| Weight | 515 g | 555 g |
| CMOS Sensor | 24.1 MP | 24.2 MP (APS-C) |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 8 | DIGIC 6 |
| Optical Viewfinder | All-cross 45-point AF | All-cross 19-point AF |
| AF System | Dual Pixel CMOS AF | Hybrid CMOS AF III |
| Continuous Shooting | 7 fps | 5 fps |
| ISO | n/a | 100-12800 |
| Video | Up to 4K at 30p | Up to 1080p at 30p |
| LCD | 3-inch 1.04M dots | 3-inch 1.04M dots |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Weather Sealed | n/a | No |
| Battery | n/a | 550 shots |
Design
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i and T6i look virtually identical.
Unsurprisingly, there aren’t any major changes in the overall design of the Canon EOS Rebel T8i (EOS 850D) from the rest of the Rebel series of cameras. Of course, why change something that has worked for a long time, except to make tiny improvements. There’s a noticeable rounding in the lines of the T8i though it should still feel as solid in your hands as the T6i.
Canon has managed to shave off a few grams on the newer Rebel T8i, so it’s lighter and a bit slimmer than the T6i. Both cameras will still have the same 3-inch LCD monitor with a 1.04 million dot resolution, though there are a few more updates to the touchscreen interface since it was introduced. The general button layout remains the same as in other DSLRs from Canon, though there are fewer stops on the Mode Dial of the EOS Rebel T8i.
Features
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i has a newer image processor than the EOS Rebel T6i.
It’s unconfirmed yet, but it’s likely that the Canon EOS Rebel T8i sports the same APS-C sensor as the T6i, though it has a slightly lower megapixel count of 24.1. Where it differs big though is in its image processor, which is now the DIGIC 8, the same one as on higher end models released in 2019 such as the EOS M6 Mark II and the EOS 90D. This should bump up the camera’s speed in general and make the Rebel T8i even smoother to use, especially compared to the T6i’s DIGIC 6 image processor.
Another huge upgrade that the EOS Rebel T8i is getting is in its autofocus system, as it now sports the more advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF. You’ll be able to focus much quicker on your subjects especially when they’re moving. In contrast, the T6i still has the Hybrid CMOS AF III which only covers around 80% of the screen area. Moreover, the T8i will have a 45-point cross-type AF system compared to the 19 points of the Rebel T6i.
Performance
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i can record higher quality videos than the EOS Rebel T6i.
Canon is finally keeping up with its competitors in offering 4K resolution at 30 fps on the upcoming EOS Rebel T8i. Once it’s confirmed that it also retains the microphone input introduced in the T6i, this would make the new entry-level DSLR in its lineup a more attractive choice for would-be vloggers and YouTubers. In comparison, the Rebel T6i only allows up to 1080p Full HD quality at 30 fps.
Furthermore, it seems the new EOS 850D won’t be cropping further than the 1.6x that comes with Canon’s APS-C body. This should result in better compositions overall and a lot more action being captured.
Another performance improvement over the two models is the 7.0 fps burst shooting capability of the newer Rebel T8i. That puts it on par with other modern DSLRs from the rest of Canon’s lineup as well as its rivals. Meanwhile, the T6i can go up to a respectable 5.0 fps in continuous shooting mode.
Verdict
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i will easily outperform the EOS Rebel T6i.
Canon EOS Rebel T8i (EOS 750D)
Canon EOS Rebel T6i (EOS 750D)
We’ve gotten enough info on specs and features to confidently say that the Canon EOS Rebel T8i will be solid upgrade over the Rebel T6i. It’s going to have all of the latest hardware and software advancements that Canon has achieved since the T6i was released. You’ll be looking at a faster and smoother shooting experience with this upcoming entry-level DSLR from the brand.
The only question remaining will be on price. There’s no word yet on pricing for the new cameras that Canon will be releasing this year. Depending on how much the EOS Rebel T8i will retail for, and how low the T6i’s price drops, we can decide whether the extra cost of the T8i is really worth it. If you can’t wait though, the Canon EOS Rebel T6i is a nice, solid beginner DSLR to hone your photography chops on. It sports one of the best interfaces in the biz, and will let you discover its full potential as well as yours.