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Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D Camera Review

Tested using Methodology v0.12.1
Reviewed Feb 25, 2021 at 08:59 am
Latest change: Writing modified Jul 10, 2024 at 02:54 pm
Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D Picture
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
  1. Recommended in 2 articles:
  2. DSLR For Beginners
  3. Under $1,000

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

7.4 Travel Photography

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.

Pros
  • Comfortable to use.
  • Good image quality for its class.
  • Good autofocus performance.
Cons
  • Bulky design.
  • Slightly plasticky build quality.
7.4 Landscape Photography

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.

Pros
  • Comfortable to use.
  • Good image quality for its class.
  • Bright, sharp, fully-articulated screen.
Cons
  • Bulky design.
  • Slightly plasticky build quality.
6.9 Sport & Wildlife Photography

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.

Pros
  • Comfortable to use.
  • Good image quality for its class.
  • Good autofocus performance.
Cons
  • Bulky design.
  • Low maximum shooting speed.
  • Slightly plasticky build quality.
7.3 Raw Photo Performance

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.

Pros
  • Good dynamic range.
Cons
  • Noise handling is just okay.
7.0 Vlogging

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.

Pros
  • Bright, sharp, fully-articulated screen.
  • Easy-to-use menu system.
  • Superb autofocus performance in FHD.
Cons
  • Poor autofocus performance in 4k.
  • Bulky design.
  • Poor overall video stabilization performance.
6.9 Studio Video

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.

Pros
  • Wide variety of inputs and outputs.
  • Easy-to-use menu system.
  • Superb autofocus performance in FHD.
Cons
  • Poor autofocus performance in 4k.
  • Sub-par overall video quality in FHD and 4k.
  • Limited selection of frame rate options.
2.9 Action Video

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.

Pros
  • Superb autofocus performance in FHD.
Cons
  • Bulky design.
  • Limited selection of frame rate options.
  • Poor overall video stabilization performance.
  • 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
  1. 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.
  2. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Added text to the 'Raw Photo Performance' verdict box and updated other verdict boxes for clarity and accuracy.
  3. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.1.
  4. Updated Apr 24, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.
  5. Updated Apr 17, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.11.
  6. Updated Oct 03, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.10.
  7. 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.
  8. Updated Aug 05, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.9.
  9. Updated Apr 22, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
  10. Updated Jan 13, 2022: Updated 'Lens Mount' from 'EF' to 'EF/EF-S'.
  11. Updated Feb 25, 2021: Review published.
  12. Updated Feb 18, 2021: Early access published.
  13. Updated Feb 11, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  14. 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

Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D

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.

Canon EOS 90D

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.

Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D

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.

Nikon D3500

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

perceptual testing image
Design
4.7
Design
Portability
Height
4.1" (10.3 cm)
Width
5.1" (12.9 cm)
Depth
3.2" (8.2 cm)
Volume
66.0 in³ (1,081.1 cm³)
Weight
1.18 lbs (0.53 kg)
6.5
Design
Build Quality

  • 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

Design
Body
Body Type
DSLR
Water Resistance
No
Mirrorless
No
Rugged
No
Hot Shoe
Yes
Customizable Button
No
Command Dial
2
Tripod Mount
Yes
Lens Mount
EF/EF-S Mount
Built-In Flash
Yes
Fastest Shutter Speed
1/4,000 s
Design
In The Box

  • 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

8.0
Design
Ergonomics & Comfort
Hand Grip: Small Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Medium Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Large Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Extra-Large Hand
Yes

  • 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

Design
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type
Optical
Advertised Coverage
95%
Advertised Resolution
N/A
Advertised Magnification
0.82
9.5
Design
Screen
Screen Articulation Type
Fully-Articulated
Screen Max Brightness
970 cd/m²
Advertised Resolution
1.04 million dots
Size
3.0" (7.6 cm)
Touchscreen
Yes
9.0
Design
Menu System
Guide Mode
Yes
App Name
Canon Camera Connect

  • 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

not tested
Design
Built-In Lens
Maximum Aperture
No built-in lens
Max Aperture (Full-Frame Equivalent)
N/A
Minimum Focal Length
N/A
Maximum Focal Length
N/A
Max Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent)
N/A
Optical Image Stabilization
No
Luminance
N/A
Light Falloff
N/A
Design
Sensor
Sensor Type
CMOS
Advertised Effective Pixels
24.1 MP
Sensor Size
APS-C
Processor
DIGIC 8
Extended ISO Minimum
N/A
Native ISO Minimum (Base ISO)
100
Native ISO Maximum
25,600
Tested Firmware
Ver. 1.0.0
7.8
Design
Battery
Battery Type
Canon LP-E17
USB Charging
No
Power Delivery While Recording
No
Advertised Battery Life In Photo
1,240 photos
Tested Battery Life In Video
116 min
Photo General
5.5
Photo General
Photo Shooting Speed
Low Speed Continuous
4 fps
High Speed Continuous
7 fps
Silent Shooting Continuous
N/A
Raw Buffer Size
33 Photos
JPEG Buffer Size
132 Photos
Buffer Empty Time
11 s
7.0
Photo General
Photo AF-C Tracking
Autofocus Tracking Shots
tracking-run-01-01
Run 01
AF-C Tracking 01
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
56%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
79%
9.0
Photo General
Photo AF-C Center Point
Autofocus Center Point Shots
center-point-run-01-01
Run 01
AF-C Center Point 01
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
87%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
100%
8.0
Photo General
Photo Image Stabilization
Minimum Shutter Speed Achieved
1/10 s
In-Body Image Stabilization
No
Photo Image Quality
7.5
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range At Base ISO
9.8 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/500s Exposure Time
8.0 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/2000s Exposure Time
6.7 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/4000s Exposure Time
5.8 f-stops
7.6
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Sharpness
See details on graph tool
Vertical Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
1,583 LW/PH
Horizontal Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
1,821 LW/PH
6.8
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Noise
See details on graph tool
SNR 18% At 1/8 Exposure Time (125 ms)
32.9dB
SNR 18% At 1/30 Exposure Time (33 ms)
29.8 dB
SNR 18% At 1/125 Exposure Time (8 ms)
25.3 dB
SNR 18% At 1/500 Exposure Time (2 ms)
20.1dB
Pictures Sample Gallery
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Skate Park Picture
JPEG Skate Park Picture Download
RAW Skate Park Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Polish Church Picture
JPEG Polish Church Picture Download
RAW Polish Church Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Studio Picture
JPEG Studio Picture Download
RAW Studio Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Stairway Picture
JPEG Stairway Picture Download
RAW Stairway Picture Download
Video General
Video General
Video Features
Full HD Video
Yes
4k Video
Yes
6k Video
No
Clean HDMI Output
Yes
Advertised Max Chroma Sampling Over HDMI
Not Advertised
Advertised Max Bit Depth Over HDMI
N/A
Log Picture Profile
No
Recording Light
No
Video General
Audio
Audio Test Sample
Audio Recording
Stereo
Microphone Level Display
No
Video General
Video File Format And Compression
MP4 H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Yes
MP4 H.265 / HEVC
No
MOV H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Yes
MOV H.265 / HEVC
No
AVCHD H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
No
All-I Compression
Yes
4k Video
3.0
4k Video
4k Video Frame Rate
240 fps In 4k
No
120 fps In 4k
No
60 fps In 4k
No
30 fps In 4k
No
24 fps In 4k
Yes, with a Crop
4k Crop At Max Available fps
1.51 x
7.9
4k Video
4k Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In 4k
130 Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In 4k
130 Mbps
Chroma Sampling In 4k
4:2:0
Bit Depth In 4k
8 Bit
Record Time Limit In 4k
30 min
Overheat Recording Interruptions in 4k
0
4.3
4k Video
4k Video Autofocus Performance
Object Tracking In 4k
5.7
Face Tracking In 4k
1.0
Face Detection In 4k
Yes
Eye Detection In 4k
Yes
6.0
4k Video
4k Video Quality
Low Light Capability In 4k
5.0
Test Scene Extract In 4k
7.0
2.0
4k Video
4k Video Rolling Shutter Effect
4k Rolling Shutter
12.3°
Full HD Video
8.5
Full HD Video
FHD Video Frame Rate
240 fps In FHD
No
120 fps In FHD
No
60 fps In FHD
Yes
30 fps In FHD
Yes
24 fps In FHD
Yes
FHD Crop At Max Available fps
1 x
7.6
Full HD Video
FHD Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In FHD
60 Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In FHD
13 Mbps
Chroma Sampling In FHD
4:2:0
Bit Depth In FHD
8 Bit
Record Time Limit in FHD
30 min
8.3
Full HD Video
FHD Video Autofocus Performance
Object Tracking In FHD
8.0
Face Tracking In FHD
8.0
Face Detection In FHD
Yes
Eye Detection In FHD
Yes
5.5
Full HD Video
FHD Video Quality
Low Light Capability In FHD
5.0
Test Scene Extract In FHD
6.0
6.8
Full HD Video
FHD Video Rolling Shutter Effect
FHD Rolling Shutter
4.7°
Storage And Connectivity
Storage And Connectivity
Storage
Card 1 Slot
SD Card UHS-I
Card 2 Slot
No 2nd Card Slot
7.8
Storage And Connectivity
Inputs / Outputs
USB
Micro USB
HDMI
Mini (Type C)
Headphones
No
Microphone
Stereo
Wi-Fi
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes

Comments

  1. Product

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.

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  1. 2
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    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.

  2. 2
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    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?

  3. 2
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    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.

  4. 2
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    1
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    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?

  5. 2
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    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.

  6. 2
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    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”?

  7. 2
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    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.

  8. 2
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    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!

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