Canon T6i & T6s Comparison: An Enthusiast DSLR That Meets the Professional Grade

Canon’s Rebel linehas always been their consumer brand that’s promised both ease of useand professional­-grade image quality; the newCanon T6sandT6idefinitely delivers bycombining the extensive lens lineup and imaging know­how that Canon offers along with newtechnologies never offered in the Rebel line before. Both the T6s and T6i offer a nocompromises option that is a photographer’s camera through and through without ignoring theconnectivity demands of today’s social media savvy photographer.

Some key features found in both theCanon T6sandT6iare a new 24 megapixel CMOSAPS-­C sensor powered by a new DIGIC 6 imaging processor, and a fully articulating 3­inchTFT capacitive touch display. Both the T6s and T6i are capable of a speedy 5frame­per­second burst mode.

One of the biggest improvements in this pair of Rebels are tweaks to their auto­focusingsystems. There are 19 cross­type Auto Focus points borrowed from the Canon 70D and thenew Hybrid CMOS AFIII focusing system allowing for faster live view auto focusing times andimproved tracking. There’s also an improved metering system that can identify colors and skintones to help improve exposure metering.

The Canon T6s and Canon T6i bring something entirely new to the Rebel line by being thefirst internet ready bodies in this market segment. Clearly Canon understands that thephotographer looking at this line of camera is definitely about sharing their photographs andthe Wi­Fi and NFC radios in these cameras make it easy to shoot and share to a PC, an NFCcapable Android device[i], or Canon’s Connection Station 100.

So which is the right Rebel for you?

For all their similarities, there are some key differences between the two models. A quick onceover will reveal a slight but significant difference in the Canon T6s – the addition of top LCDpanel on the right side of the camera body. This LCD panel is also a first in the Rebel line,allowing a photographer for quick access to camera settings, a battery meter, and estimatednumber of remaining shots on a card. The function dial on the T6s also has a slight butnotable change – it includes a locking mechanism to prevent any unwanted changes to yourshooting mode. Handy if you find yourself quickly pulling your camera in and out of a camerabag.

On the rear of the body you’ll notice two more features on the Canon T6s; to the right of the3.0­inch fully articulating TFT display you’ll notice a command dial, also a first for the Rebel.The command dial, a feature in other higher­end Canon cameras, can be used to have morecontrol when shooting in full manual mode and navigating your images. Just under theeyecup, you’ll find a proximity sensor that will automatically turn off the LCD as you bring thecamera up to your eye.

Canon T6s (abobe) VS. Canon T6i (below)

TheCanon T6salso comes with some notable shooting features including Canon’s SERVOAF in live view, allowing for some of the fastest refocusing and tracking capabilities in aCanon Rebel camera. If you’re an aspiring wildlife photographer or want to capture all theaction at a sporting event, SERVO AF will help keep the action tack sharp. Lastly, althoughboth the Canon T6s and Canon T6i can shoot 30 frames-­per-­second 1080P full HD video, theT6s includes an in­camera HDR­movie mode.

Depending on the type of shooter you are, both the Canon T6s andCanon T6ihave a lot tooffer. Whether you’re a brand new photographer getting their feet wet in the world of digitalphotography (our recommendation the Canon T6i) or a budding hobbyist who demands morecontrol and faster live view shooting (the Canon T6s) both Rebels offer improved anautofocusing system, a more robust sensor, and sharing capabilities that make this an easybuy if you’re looking for a step up from your previous Rebel, compact or smartphone camera.