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Canon EOS Rebel T8i Camera Review

Tested using Methodology v0.12.1
Reviewed Feb 25, 2021 at 08:59 am
Latest change: Writing modified Jan 29, 2024 at 09:10 am
Canon EOS Rebel T8i 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

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i 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 Jan 29, 2024: Added text to the 'Raw Photo Performance' verdict box and updated other verdict boxes for clarity and accuracy.
  2. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.1.
  3. Updated Apr 24, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.
  4. Updated Apr 17, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.11.
  5. Updated Oct 03, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.10.
  6. 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.
  7. Updated Aug 05, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.9.
  8. Updated Apr 22, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
  9. Updated Jan 13, 2022: Updated 'Lens Mount' from 'EF' to 'EF/EF-S'.
  10. Updated Feb 25, 2021: Review published.
  11. Updated Feb 18, 2021: Early access published.
  12. Updated Feb 11, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  13. 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 tested it in conjunction with the Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM lens, but other EF and EF-S-mount lenses can be purchased with this camera. However, we haven't tested it in any other configuration. It can also be purchased without a lens at all.

Let us know if you come across a different variant, so we can update our review.

Compared To Other Cameras

Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is better than the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 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. 

Nikon D3500

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i 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
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
56%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
79%
9.0
Photo General
Photo AF-C Center Point
Autofocus Center Point Shots
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
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
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