The Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D is a simple APS-C DSLR camera. It offers good overall image quality and has an autofocus system that does an exceptional job of tracking faces and objects during still photography. It's also quite comfortable to use and has a bright, fully articulated screen that's easy to see, even in direct sunlight. Unfortunately, it's quite bulky, and its video recording quality in both 4k and FHD isn't particularly impressive.
Our Verdict
The Canon T8i is decent for travel photography. Images are low in noise and graininess even at high ISO levels, and its autofocus system is quick, reliable, and consistent when accurately tracking moving objects and faces. The camera's minimum shutter speed also drops low enough for long exposure photography. Unfortunately, it's quite bulky and doesn't feel especially sturdy, though it is comfortable to operate.
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Comfortable to use.
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Good image quality for its class.
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Good autofocus performance.
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Bulky design.
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Slightly plasticky build quality.
The Canon T8i is decent for landscape photography. Its overall image quality is good, though it doesn't perform too well in low light, with just okay noise handling. Still, it has good dynamic range for its class, so it's fairly well-suited to high-contrast landscapes. Its touchscreen interface is bright enough to be seen clearly even under direct sunlight and is quite sharp. Unfortunately, while the camera itself is comfortable to operate, it isn't especially easy to carry around for long periods, and the body isn't weather-sealed.
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Comfortable to use.
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Good image quality for its class.
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Bright, sharp, fully-articulated screen.
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Bulky design.
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Slightly plasticky build quality.
The Canon T8i is okay for sports and wildlife photography. Its maximum continuous shooting speed isn't particularly high, which can make it difficult to capture distinct images of fast-moving subjects. Thankfully, the image quality itself is good, and you should be able to capture clear images that are mostly free of graininess, even at high ISO levels. The camera's autofocus system does an exceptional job of tracking moving subjects. Unfortunately, the camera's kit lens doesn't zoom sufficiently far enough to let you take pictures of far-away objects.
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Comfortable to use.
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Good image quality for its class.
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Good autofocus performance.
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Bulky design.
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Low maximum shooting speed.
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Slightly plasticky build quality.
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i captures decent RAW image quality. Its sensor has good dynamic range, so it preserves a fair amount of highlight and shadow detail. It also does a good job of resolving fine detail. However, its low-light noise handling is just okay.
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Good dynamic range.
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Noise handling is just okay.
The Canon T8i is passable for vlogging. It's quite bulky, which can make carrying it around a bit of a nuisance. Videos recorded in FHD and 4k also look somewhat noisy and grainy, and handheld footage can look shaky due to the camera's poor video stabilization performance. However, the camera's autofocus system does a fantastic job of tracking faces in FHD video, and the fully articulated screen can be fully rotated to let you see yourself when the camera is pointed at you.
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Bright, sharp, fully-articulated screen.
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Easy-to-use menu system.
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Superb autofocus performance in FHD.
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Poor autofocus performance in 4k.
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Bulky design.
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Poor overall video stabilization performance.
The Canon T8i isn't really intended for studio video. Video quality in FHD and 4k is sub-par, but the camera features a wide variety of inputs and outputs to let you attach a variety of accessories, from headphones and a mic to an external recorder. The camera's menu system is also quite easy to use. While autofocus performance in 4k is poor, it performs far better while recording FHD video.
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Wide variety of inputs and outputs.
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Easy-to-use menu system.
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Superb autofocus performance in FHD.
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Poor autofocus performance in 4k.
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Sub-par overall video quality in FHD and 4k.
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Limited selection of frame rate options.
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i isn't designed for action video. It's too big to be mounted on a helmet or chest rig and doesn't support any high-speed frame rate options in 4k or FHD for smooth, slow-motion video. Video stabilization performance is also middling overall.
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Superb autofocus performance in FHD.
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Bulky design.
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Limited selection of frame rate options.
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Poor overall video stabilization performance.
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Slightly plasticky build quality.
- 7.4 Travel Photography
- 7.4 Landscape Photography
- 6.9 Sport & Wildlife Photography
- 7.3 Raw Photo Performance
- 7.0 Vlogging
- 6.9 Studio Video
- 2.9 Action Video
- Updated Jul 10, 2024: We updated this camera's name from the 'Canon EOS Rebel T8i' to the 'Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D' and added a note in the Differences Between Variants section about international naming variants.
- Updated Jan 29, 2024: Added text to the 'Raw Photo Performance' verdict box and updated other verdict boxes for clarity and accuracy.
- Updated Jan 29, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.1.
- Updated Apr 24, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.
- Updated Apr 17, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.11.
- Updated Oct 03, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.10.
- Updated Aug 31, 2022: Updated 'Advertised Battery Life in Photo' to show the advertised battery life when using the viewfinder rather than Live View, since this aligns more closely with real-world DSLR usage and better reflects the camera's capabilities.
- Updated Aug 05, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.9.
- Updated Apr 22, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
- Updated Jan 13, 2022: Updated 'Lens Mount' from 'EF' to 'EF/EF-S'.
- Updated Feb 25, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Feb 18, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Feb 11, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Feb 11, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Canon Rebel T8i is only available in one color variant: 'Black,' and you can see its label here. We purchased the camera in a bundle with the Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM lens, but you can also buy it without a lens and buy EF or EF-S lenses separately.
Note that the Rebel T8i is also called the Canon EOS Kiss X10i in Japan and the Canon EOS 850D in other markets outside of North America.
Let us know if you come across a different variant so we can update our review.
Compared To Other Cameras
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D is better than the Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D. Though both use 24 MP sensors, the T8i is newer, with a better processor, resulting in better overall image quality. It also has a more advanced and effective autofocus system, along with extra features like a vari-angle touchscreen and 4k video capability.
The Canon EOS 90D is better than the Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D, which isn't surprising, as it sits at a higher price point. It's a better-built camera, with weather-sealing and slightly better ergonomics. It also has a higher-resolution sensor, faster burst shooting, and a longer battery life.
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D and the Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D are both great beginner DSLRs. The major difference is their design; the SL3 is more portable, while the T8i offers slightly better ergonomics and a better overall autofocus system. Otherwise, they're quite evenly matched and use similar sensors.
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D is better overall than the Nikon D3500. It has a slightly more capable sensor, a faster max burst rate, and a more advanced autofocus system, along with extra features like 4k video capability and a fully articulated touchscreen. That said, the D3500 has a unique 'Guide Mode' to help new users grasp the basics of photography, meaning it may be preferable for absolute beginners.
Test Results
- Command dials, mode wheel, and buttons offer reasonably good physical feedback
- Features a mostly plastic construction
- Articulated screen hinge isn't as solid as that of more expensive cameras
- D-pad dial feels somewhat slack
- Canon EOS Rebel T8i body
- EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens
- Lens cover
- Lens cap
- Shoulder strap
- 1x LP-E17 battery
- Sensor cap
- Battery charger
- Startup guide
- Rubber eyecup around the viewfinder feels comfortable and well-padded
- Hand grip should accommodate a wide variety of hand sizes, without fingers getting pinched between the body and lens
- Hand grip has a textured surface that provides a secure hold
- Changing ISO is simple due to the dedicated ISO button
- Camera features a toggle switch to change from photo to video mode
- Simple to navigate
- Guide mode is also a helpful feature for novice users who want to understand the camera's features
- Graphical representations of some features
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Comments
Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D: Main Discussion
Let us know why you want us to review the product here, or encourage others to vote for this product.
- 21010
thank you!
However, I’m confused because I thought the 2022 in the RTINGS review said it had flicker even though the flicker graph was flat while the 2021 review indicated no flicker but then it’s flicker graph had bumps in it. Wondering if both reviews were off to start, and were both years reviews updated or just the one? Also do you know if there are any iPhones and also any iPads that would work for me at certain brightness settings, that is without flicker? I want one of each. And do you do any consulting away from RTINGS. If I were to buy a MacBook Air (or iPhone/iPad) could we have it shipped to you and have you test it for flicker (within the return window) and maybe configure it, of course for a fee?Hi,
I think there’s a bit of confusion regarding the actual model. There’s no 2021 MacBook Air. The M1 came out in 2020, while the M2 came out in 2022, and the M3 came out in 2024. Are you referring to the MacBook PRO from 2021?
As for iPhones and iPads, most recent models flicker as far as I’m aware. Unfortunately, we don’t do any consulting work to test specific products.
- 21010
thank you!
However, I’m confused because I thought the 2022 in the RTINGS review said it had flicker even though the flicker graph was flat while the 2021 review indicated no flicker but then it’s flicker graph had bumps in it. Wondering if both reviews were off to start, and were both years reviews updated or just the one?
Also do you know if there are any iPhones and also any iPads that would work for me at certain brightness settings, that is without flicker? I want one of each.
And do you do any consulting away from RTINGS. If I were to buy a MacBook Air (or iPhone/iPad) could we have it shipped to you and have you test it for flicker (within the return window) and maybe configure it, of course for a fee?
- 21010
Thank you for all this information. Can you tell me what other sizes the M2 2022 Macbook comes in besides 13"? And what memory options, and where to buy?
Hi,
The M2 MacBook Air is available in a 13- and 15-inch. However, the 15-inch has been discontinued, so you can only get it from a thrid-party seller or marketplace like Amazon or Bestbuy. The 13-inch is still available from Apple and other retailers. RAM options vary from 8GB up to 24GB. Apple has recently discontinued the 8GB model and made the 16GB the baseline spec, though you can still get the 8GB from third-party sellers.
- 21010
Thank you for all this information. Can you tell me what other sizes the M2 2022 Macbook comes in besides 13"? And what memory options, and where to buy?
- 21010
Did the iPad Pro M4 measure any flicker? Is there any super simple “no set up” tool to measure flicker at home? Rereading your comments, still some confusion whether the 13" MacBook from 2021 or 2022 measured flicker-free, or if both measured flicker-free? When you say “IF” the 2021 13" MacBook is flicker-free then according to the Apple Tech the larger variants from that year should also be flicker-free, it is the Rtings review of the 2021 13" MacBook that says it is flicker-free, so are you thinking it is possible there is flicker on that model but the Rtings review measurement tool just was not able to pick it up, or how should I understand the “IF”?
Yo! The iPad Pro M4 does measure with flicker at 480Hz.
Opple Lightmaster meters are a consumer-grade luminance tool that will give you a bunch of information on the display (brightness, color temperature, flicker, etc). I’ve not personally used one as I have access to much more sophisticated tools, but the reviews seem to be positive about the tool itself, but the app being more of an annoyance than anything. I’m hesitant just because it doesn’t tell me all the thresholds for it’s reading capability, so I’m concerned it wouldn’t be able to identify flicker above a certain cap, which they don’t tell us.
Another method is to use a camera and set the shutter speed to 1/4000 and you might be able to identify it. The thing you’ll see more of with this method is the stroboscopic visibility, which would be the seen as wide gaps in the line. The Macbooks don’t have a wide stroboscopic visibility so this method isn’t really useful for you in this particular circumstance.
Sorry, I’ll try to make it a bit clearer. It does get a bit confusing.
So, the M1 Macbook Air we tested from 2021 does have flicker (this should be updated in the review soon). The M2 Macbook Air from 2022 does not have flicker.
What I meant by “if” was more a reference to the information I received from the Apple Store genius. I can confirm what I have here but any variants of our products (so in this case a larger M2 Macbook from 2022), I cannot verify. I can only say what Apple employees have told me. So the “if” is a lack of my ability to 100% guarantee that information. What I can guarantee is that the M2 Macbook Air 13" 2022 does not have flicker.
- 21010
Thank you so much again! You are going above and beyond to help me figure this out, and I really appreciate it. I hope they give you a raise because it sounds like you deserve it haha. There’s not much more I can ask of you, other than if there’s any way to find out if the larger 2022 MacBooks also have a flicker-free screen like the 13-inch one. I tried going to the Apple Store, but they had no idea. I also tried calling customer support, and I don’t think they even knew what flicker was. If there is some Apple customer support number to actually talk to their engineers, then maybe I could get an answer myself, but I don’t know if there is or who to contact. Do you know anyone who owns that model and could measure it, or, if not, do you have any way to do it? Please let me know, or if you have any ideas on who I could contact. If you can do it, great, but if not, I understand.
Did the iPad Pro M4 measure any flicker?
Is there any super simple “no set up” tool to measure flicker at home?
Rereading your comments, still some confusion whether the 13" MacBook from 2021 or 2022 measured flicker-free, or if both measured flicker-free?
When you say “IF” the 2021 13" MacBook is flicker-free then according to the Apple Tech the larger variants from that year should also be flicker-free, it is the Rtings review of the 2021 13" MacBook that says it is flicker-free, so are you thinking it is possible there is flicker on that model but the Rtings review measurement tool just was not able to pick it up, or how should I understand the “IF”?
- 21010
It’s all good! It wasn’t a waste or anything, so no worries about that. :) If the information I received from Apple is correct, than if one of the models is flicker-free than all models regardless of size within that same category should be flicker free as well. So the 2021 13" Macbook Air being flicker free should mean that the larger sizes of the Macbook Air from that year should be the same. I hope that answers your question!
Thanks so much! If you ever get a chance to confirm this by measurements or some other means let me know, otherwise thanks again for your time and help.
- 21010
I’m sorry but I think I goofed. I just looked on rtings.com at the 2021 13" macbook air review and that is the model that is flicker free, so I was hoping you could find out if the larger models were also flicker free for that year. I realize you’ve already spent quite a bit of time on this.
It’s all good! It wasn’t a waste or anything, so no worries about that. :)
If the information I received from Apple is correct, than if one of the models is flicker-free than all models regardless of size within that same category should be flicker free as well. So the 2021 13" Macbook Air being flicker free should mean that the larger sizes of the Macbook Air from that year should be the same.
I hope that answers your question!