Canon Rebel T6 Review: Is it Good in 2023? (Review Guide)

Canon Rebel T6 – a great starter camera.

This is a review guide covering the Canon Rebel T6.

⭐ In a hurry? Here’s a quick review of the Canon Rebel T6:

The Canon Rebel T6 (also known as the Canon EOS 1300D) is an entry-level DSLR camera that is designed for amateur photographers and beginners who are looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot or smartphone camera. In fact, the Canon Rebel T6 was actually my very first DSLR! The Rebel T6 offers features such as a range of shooting modes, manual control options, and an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor which provides a good step up in image quality compared to entry-level cameras. Additionally, it is compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses, which gives users the flexibility to expand their lens collection as their skills progress. The camera is also relatively affordable compared to other DSLR models and easy to use.

It features:

• 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 4+ image processor
• 9-point AF system
• ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)
• 3.0-inch LCD with 920,000 dots
• Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for remote control and image sharing
• Scene Intelligent Auto mode, which automatically selects the best camera settings
• Creative filters and scene modes for easy experimentation with different shooting styles
• Compatibility with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses

Canon Rebel T6 Intro

The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is an entry-level DSLR from the Canon stable.

As per the naming convention used by this Japanese manufacturer, their rebel series cameras are known by different names depending upon which part of the world you are reading this in.

So, while it is known as the Rebel T6 in the United States, it is known as the Kiss X80 in Japan. In South Asian countries such as India, the same camera is known as the EOS 1300D.

No matter the name you decide to call it by, it is an entry-level product and comes with some decent entry-level features.

It is a superb camera if you are gifting it to somebody who is just starting in photography. If you are looking for a starter camera to get into photography this is one option you can look at.

The Rebel T6 was launched back in March 2016, about the same time when the EOS 80D came about. Several new Rebel cameras have since been launched.

Many of them have features that are more advanced than the Rebel T6. But at the same time, they are a greater investment as well.

So, the question is, is the Rebel T6 still relevant in 2022? If you do find a brand new copy would it make sense to invest in one?

Let’s find out the answers to these and other questions as we go through the features of this camera.

Canon Rebel T6 Specs

Everything about the EOS Rebel T6 revolves around the 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 4+ image processor.

The resolution is fine and I have no issues with it. It’s not that you will be needing to print large 36-inches by 24-inches high-resolution prints every day. If that is the case or you are looking for a camera to take photos for stock websites then you are on the wrong page.

For both these pursuits, you will require a high-resolution sensor-powered camera.
Coming now to the image processor. DIGIC 4+ is a dated image processor.

I have already made my feelings clear about that. The difference is in the speed at which a camera can process the raw information and convert that into a digital image.

There is also a noticeable difference in video resolution. A faster image processor is capable of handling higher-resolution videos and offers a beefier frame rate at the same time.

Both of which are absent on the Rebel T6 because it is powered by the old DIGIC 4+ image processor.

Another aspect that is directly the result of a slower image processor is the area of continuous shooting speed. The Rebel T6, e.g., shoots continuous frames at 3 fps.

I wouldn’t recommend this camera for sports or anything that is moving. With a subject moving in-between frames, it may be possible to walk away with a few sharp shots now and then.

But more than anything else it will depend on the skills of the photographer. But don’t push your luck with subjects like birds or fast-moving animals.

This camera is best suited for stationary subjects.

The 9-point autofocusing system of the Rebel T6 is the most basic of all Canon AF systems. There is one cross-type central AF point.

While it does the job of focusing accurately in good light, it struggles in low light and especially when trying to track a moving subject.

The rear part of the camera is dominated by a large 3-inch LCD screen. This screen is fixed and offers a resolution of 920-k dots.

That’s reasonable, and nothing out of the ordinary. I would have preferred a tilt screen because that way it would have given beginner photographers a bit more room to experiment with camera angles.

In any case, I love the vari-angle screen. It is so much better to use than the fixed screen, especially when shooting from a low or a high angle.

Finally, you get built-in wifi and NFC. NFC lets you pair your camera with a compatible smartphone or tablet; plus the built-in Wi-Fi lets you connect your camera to a wireless network in your home or office for seamless transfer of images.

Wireless connectivity ensures that you can use your smartphone as a remote trigger for your DSLR.

Isn’t that cool? No more having to set the timer and run to take your place before the three-second timer counts down to 0.

But the real benefit I feel is that you can back up your images seamlessly to your smartphone if you want to.

That allows you to post your photos on social media as you go.

Canon Rebel T6 Design

It is very difficult to assess the build quality of a camera without picking it up in hand. Plus, until you pick up a camera in your hands you are unlikely to find any design or ergonomic issues either.

In the case of the Rebel T6, this is a very small camera. Looking at the design I would that it was built keeping in mind small hands.

At the back of the camera, you will notice that none of the buttons and controls are on the left. That means you can control the camera just with your right thumb and index finger.

Because of the way it is designed the mode dial is on the right of the top panel. It is pretty uncomplicated the way the design of the camera has been rendered.

If you know nothing about manual modes and exposure controls and stuff like that simply turn the main dial to A+ or even P which stands for Program mode and you should be able to shoot lovely images straight away.

In this mode, the camera does all of the heavy lifting. Exposure and focusing are done by the camera while you just have to do the composition bit.

The other modes, meaning the Tv, the Av, and the M modes are designed for advanced photographers.

One day you too should be using these modes, at least the Av mode, as quickly as possible.

This is because these are the manual creative modes that allow you a lot more freedom to choose your shutter speed and aperture and ISO and decide how much light you want o capture, how much of the scene you want to have in focus, and so on.

These are the modes for which you are paying for a DSLR.

Canon Rebel T6 Image Quality

18-megapixel resolution is decent enough for the web. But not enough if you want to print large.

Think of 8 inches by 11 inches. I mean larger than that. So, unless it is a billboard that is in your mind you should be fine.

I have mentioned the DIGIC 4+ image processor. This is an old image processor that came out back in 2014.

There are bound to be issues like subpar low-light performance, or slower continuous shooting speed, and lower dynamic range when you compare this camera with the ones that came out in the last couple of years.

That said, if you can work around the issues you will get beautiful images as you can see shared on Flickr, Instagram, and elsewhere on the web by users who have this camera.

I love the colors in the JPEG cameras in the camera. will a little bit of self-learning you can produce better colors if you bring in Lightroom or CaptureOne into your workflow.

Then you will no longer have to depend on the built-in image processor of the camera.

Canon Rebel T6 Video Quality

The EOS Rebel T6 shoots full HD videos at a 30 fps frame rate. Decent video quality with stereo sound recording done with the built-in mic.

I have never been a big fan of recording audio using DSLRs. No matter how good they have become off late, they are still pretty bad compared to proper audio recorders.

The problem with the Rebel T6 is that you cannot plug in an external mic, which would have improved the quality of audio by a notch.

If you are serious about video recording I would not suggest that you go with the Rebel T6.

I think you would be better off buying the EOS 90D or even the 5D Mark IV which are great for video recording purposes.

They come loaded with a lot of features (especially the 5D Mark IV).

Canon Rebel T6 Overall Performance

Overall performance of the Rebel T6 is more than satisfactory.

I think the still quality is good. Don’t mind the 18-megapixel sensor. I have already made it clear that you will not find this a major problem.

Plus, as a beginner, you are likely going to share your photos mainly on social media.

And for that, you don’t need a good deal of resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Remarks

We hope you enjoyed this review guide on the Canon Rebel T6.

Consider everything we’ve reviewed as to whether this is the right camera for you!

Also, check out the full list of best lenses for Canon Rebel T6.

Have fun, good luck, and keep photographing!

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.