This is a review guide covering the Canon EOS Rebel T8i/EOS 850D.
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i (also known as the Canon EOS 850D) is an entry-level DSLR camera. Under the hood, it is powered by a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and is paired with a DIGIC 8 image processor.
This, however, is not the most basic DSLR from the Canon stable. That tag will go to the Canon EOS 4000D.
In this Canon T8i review, I will like to focus on the specs of the camera and find out how it performs in different situations.
I would also like to find out whether it is a good decision to invest in it. Ok, without further ado let’s dive right in.
⭐ In a hurry? Here’s a quick review of the Canon EOS Rebel T8i/EOS 850D:
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i/EOS 850D is a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera aimed at amateur and hobbyist photographers who are looking to upgrade from a beginner-level camera or a smartphone camera. This camera offers a range of features that make it suitable for taking stills and shooting videos, including an advanced autofocus system, 45-point all cross-type autofocus system, 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 8 image processor, and fast shooting speeds.
It features:
- 45-point all cross-type AF system: The 45-point all cross-type AF system provides fast and accurate autofocus, making it easier to capture sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
- 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor: The 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor delivers high-resolution images with excellent detail and clarity, making it ideal for still photography and video recording.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF: Dual Pixel CMOS AF provides fast and smooth autofocus for both still photography and video recording, ensuring that you always capture sharp, clear images and videos.
- DIGIC 8 image processor: The DIGIC 8 image processor provides fast, efficient image processing and noise reduction, even at high ISO settings.
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD: The vari-angle touchscreen LCD makes it easy to compose shots from a variety of angles and provides an intuitive way to control the camera.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow you to connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to share images and videos, or control the camera remotely.
- 4K video recording: The Canon EOS Rebel T8i supports 4K video recording, providing high-quality video footage with exceptional detail and clarity.
Table of Contents
Canon EOS Rebel T8i Review Summary
This is a feature-loaded camera for anyone with a beginner or enthusiast-level interest in digital photography.
Supported by Canon’s ecosystem of lenses and a vast array of third-party lenses and accessories the Canon T8i/ Canon EOS 850D is a camera that you will not go wrong with.
If you are looking to invest in a starter camera the Canon T8i is an excellent option.
Pros and Cons Canon Rebel T8i
Canon Rebel T8i Pros:
- High-resolution sensor
- Paired with the latest image processor
- 5-axis image stabilization for video
- 7 fps continuous shooting speed
- 4K/UHD video 24 fps.
- Full-HD video at 60 fps.
- Built-in stereo mic
- Option to plug in an external stereo mic.
- 45-point all cross-type autofocusing system
- Articulating touchscreen LCD
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi bundled in
Canon Rebel T8i Cons:
- The viewfinder covers only 95% of the frame
- Viewfinder powered by a pentamirror rather than a pentaprism
Canon EOS Rebel T8i Specs
To start with the Canon T8i specs I will first take up the resolution of the camera because I know a lot of people would love to know how much detail this camera can capture.
The Canon T8i is powered by a 24.1-megapixel sensor and paired with a DIGIC 8 image processor. Kindly note that the Rebel T8i is a recent camera. It was launched in April 2020.
It features a recent image processor and a high-resolution sensor that can handle a large variety of tasks. More on that later.
24.1 effective MP means the EOS T8i can capture a lot of detail from the scene. Even though the camera is designed for beginner DSLR users it packs more punch than you will expect.
Pairing the camera with a recent DIGIC 8 image processor means the camera is capable of handling high-res videos and continuous burst shoots better than some of its competition.
When it comes to shooting videos the EOS T8i can capture 4K/UHD videos at 24 fps and full-HD videos at a maximum of 60 fps. Thanks to the resolving power of the DIGIC 8 image processor.
I would have loved to see 30 fps when shooting 4K/UHD. But then after all this is a starter DSLR and you cannot complain if you are not getting these high-end specs which are reserved for mid-range cameras.
The length of a clip can last for a maximum of 29 mins and 59 seconds. There is a built-in stereo mic that records passable quality audio.
I am not impressed with the quality of the audio. If you plan on using this camera for things like vlogging, I recommend using an external mic.
There is a 3.5mm audio jack input port in the camera. The highlight of the Canon T8i specs is the 45-point all-cross-type phase-detection autofocusing system.
This AF system is one of the best among the entry-level systems in the market and will give even mid-range cameras a run for their money.
Cross-type AF points can detect contrast into two-axis and that is why they are better suited in low light and low-contrast situations. This AF system is superb because it is better suited to track moving subjects.
It covers a decent area of the frame which also allows you to make off-center compositions much easier than with other cameras. Plus, this camera is capable of locking focus in difficult lighting.
I can recommend this camera for sports, fast action, and wildlife. Along with the powerful AF system, the Canon T8i has a continuous shooting speed of 7 fps.
It can capture up to 40 RAW frames before the buffer overruns.
In case you prefer to shoot in JPEG mode the camera can shoot up to 170 JPEG frames before the buffer overruns. All that with the mechanical shutter.
There is also an electronic shutter option. Using that you can shoot at a slightly higher frame rate of 7.5 fps.
The number of RAW or JPEG frames, however, does not change. It remains at 40 frames RAW or 170 frames JPEG.
The Canon T8i comes with a built-in intervalometer. This is a cool tool if you are into timelapse and hyper-lapse shooting.
Normally, you would have needed an external intervalometer but with a built-in option you can just set the timer and the number of frames you need, and the camera does the rest.
Three additional features of the camera that directly benefits those who are interested in shooting videos are – dual-pixel CMOS autofocusing, the articulating touchscreen, and the digital image stabilizer.
The first one is the dual-pixel CMOS autofocusing technology. This technology together with the Movie Servo AF functions helps produce smooth autofocusing results, especially when shooting videos.
The slow and smooth AF performance is reminiscent of cine cameras. Along with this the touchscreen LCD at the back of the camera also allows you to lock focus at the touch of a finger.
The fact that it is an articulated screen means it can be turned in any direction regardless of the direction the lens is looking at. That allows the camera to be used not just from eye level but from any level.
That automatically adds a lot of creative options for the videographer. This Canon T8i review will be incomplete with a reference to the built-in electronic image stabilization.
Finally, the built-in five-axis electronic image stabilization inside the Canon T8i helps keep the footage clean and jerk-free.
Canon EOS Rebel T8i Design
The Canon EOS T8i is a very well-made design. It looks beautiful and feels solid when you hold it in your hands.
I love the bulging handgrip which gives a reassuring feeling to anyone holding the camera.
The back of the camera is dominated by the 3-inch touchscreen LCD screen.
The buttons and dials are well laid out. Most of them can be accessed with the right thumb. Except for the Menu and the Info buttons which require you to use your left thumb.
There is no LCD screen at the top of the camera panel. As you can imagine that would be asking too much out of a starter DSLR camera.
The main command dial at the top panel has all the necessary shooting modes.
Apart from that, this panel also houses the ISO button, the power on/off button, and the video toggle switch too.
There is a Display button too. At the far end is the AF point selector button.
It is pertinent to keep in mind that this is a starter camera. A lot of plastics have been used in construction.
There is no weather sealing too. So, you cannot take this camera outdoors in bad weather.
Overall, the design is pleasing and functional.
Canon EOS Rebel T8i Image Quality
Canon has always been popular for its color reproduction straight out of the camera. And the EOS T8i is no different.
If you have been shooting with a smartphone camera and then switch to the Canon EOS T8i you will immediately notice the differences in detail, color, and image sharpness.
And that is true for almost any camera. The color of the T8i is warm and natural.
You could even shoot JPEG if you want to. But you only be putting to use the full benefit of using a DSLR when you shoot in RAW mode.
One of the critical tests of the T8i is in low-light situations. The native ISO goes from 100 to 25600.
Tests show that the usable ISO range is 100 to about ISO 3200.
Anything beyond that noise becomes too apparent for the image to be of any use.
Canon EOS Rebel T8i Video Quality
Being able to shoot 4K/UHD is a plus point for the T8i. many entry-level DSLRs don’t have this feature.
Many users are preferring to shoot in 4K/UHD because of the higher resolution.
Not necessarily so that they can upload on social media but for their records and so that they can playback their favorite videos at high resolution.
If you are looking for a camera that can shoot crisp quality video, then the EOS T8i is a good option to look at.
Sure, it does not have many of the advanced features like zebra highlights warning or manual focus peaking, but the T8i has a bunch of movie shooting features that make up for that.
You have Dual pixel CMOS Autofocusing with Movie Servo AF and Digital Image Stabilization that stabilizes your footage in five-axis for sharper and steadier videos.
Canon EOS T8i Overall Performance
I am happy with the overall performance of the EOS T8i.
Considering that it is an entry-level camera it is still feature-loaded for someone looking for their first DSLR/interchangeable lens camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon T8i good for beginners?
Yes, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i (also known as the EOS 850D) is considered a good camera for beginners due to its ease of use and user-friendly features, such as the Vari-angle LCD touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and 45-point all cross-type AF system.
Is T8i better than T7?
The Canon T8i is a newer camera model compared to the T7, so it generally offers more advanced features and improved performance in various aspects.
Does Canon T8i have 4K?
Yes, the Canon T8i has 4K video recording capabilities.
When did the Canon T8i come out?
The Canon T8i (also known as the Canon EOS 850D) was released in February 2020.
Final Remarks
We hope you enjoyed this review guide on the Canon EOS T8i.
Consider everything we’ve reviewed as to whether this is the right camera for you!
Have fun, good luck, and keep photographing!
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
