The Canon EOS 800D, known as the EOS Rebel T7i in North America, was succeeded by the Canon EOS 850D, also marketed as the Canon EOS Rebel T8i in various regions. This new model built upon its predecessor, introducing several key advancements.
The Successor: Canon EOS 850D (Rebel T8i)
Released a few years after the 800D, the Canon EOS 850D (Rebel T8i) emerged as the next generation in Canon's line of enthusiast-level DSLR cameras. It offered a range of improvements designed to enhance performance, usability, and modern video capabilities, responding to the evolving demands of photographers and videographers.
Key Upgrades and Enhancements
The Canon EOS 850D brought significant improvements over the EOS 800D, making it a more versatile and capable camera. These enhancements included:
- Image Processor: An upgrade from the DIGIC 7 to the more advanced DIGIC 8 image processor. This new processor enabled faster operation, improved image quality, and better noise reduction, particularly in challenging low-light conditions.
- Video Capabilities: A major leap in video recording with the introduction of 4K UHD video recording (up to 24p/25p). This was a significant upgrade from the 800D's Full HD (1080p) maximum, offering higher resolution and more detail for video content creators.
- Autofocus System: Enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II for Live View shooting. This refined autofocus system provided even faster, smoother, and more precise focusing across a wider area of the frame.
- Eye-detection AF: A new feature that enabled the camera to detect and track the eyes of subjects, ensuring sharp focus on portraits and moving subjects when shooting in Live View.
- Continuous Shooting Speed: Increased burst shooting rates, allowing the camera to capture up to 7 frames per second (fps) when using the optical viewfinder and up to 7.5 fps in Live View mode with AF tracking. The 800D was limited to 6 fps.
- Ergonomics and Controls: The addition of a dedicated AF-ON button for back-button autofocus, providing more control and flexibility for professional shooting techniques.
Comparative Overview: EOS 800D vs. EOS 850D
To illustrate the differences, here's a direct comparison of some key specifications:
| Feature | Canon EOS 800D (Rebel T7i) | Canon EOS 850D (Rebel T8i) |
|---|---|---|
| Image Processor | DIGIC 7 | DIGIC 8 |
| Video Resolution | Full HD (1080p) up to 60fps | 4K UHD (24p/25p), Full HD up to 60fps |
| Live View AF | Dual Pixel CMOS AF | Dual Pixel CMOS AF II |
| Eye-detection AF | No | Yes |
| Continuous Shooting | 6 fps (OVF), 4.5 fps (LV) | 7 fps (OVF), 7.5 fps (LV) |
| Dedicated AF-ON Btn | No | Yes |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.2 Megapixels APS-C | 24.1 Megapixels APS-C |
Significance for Users
For photographers upgrading from the EOS 800D, the EOS 850D offered a substantial improvement in video capabilities, making it a more compelling hybrid tool for both stills and motion. The enhanced autofocus system, particularly with eye detection, improved subject tracking and made portraiture and action shots more reliable. The faster processor and continuous shooting speeds also provided a more responsive shooting experience, especially for capturing fast-moving subjects. While the sensor resolution remained largely similar, the overall performance gains solidified the 850D as a worthy successor, catering to enthusiasts looking for modern features in a traditional DSLR body.
