Canon EOS Rebel T5i vs Canon EOS Rebel T6i Camera Comparison

Canon has once again updated their Rebel series of cameras with the new T6i (and T6s that will be covered in a separate comparison article). So what has changed from the T5i and is the new T6i an improvement? Read my in depth Canon EOS Rebel T5i vs Canon EOS Rebel T6i comparison article for the detailed differences.

Canon EOS Rebel T5i Pricing*

  • Canon EOS Rebel T5i Body Only - $649
  • Canon EOS Rebel T5i With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS Lens - $799

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Canon EOS Rebel T6i Pricing*

  • Body Only - $749.99
  • Body with 18-55 IS STM Lens - $899.99
  • Body with 18-135mm IS STM Lens - $1099.00

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*Pricing from Manufacturer's website - Current selling price may be different. Be sure to visit the links below for current pricing.

Canon EOS Rebel T5i Advantages

The only advantage of the Canon EOS Rebel T5i is the lower price. The Canon EOS Rebel T6i adds to an already great camera many new features.

Canon EOS Rebel T6i Advantages

  • Higher Resolution (24mp vs 18mp on the T5i)
  • 19-point AF System (vs 9-pt on the T5i)
  • Bigger Buffer (Burst capacity 180 jpgs vs 22 jpgs on the T5i and 8 RAW vs 7 RAW on the T5i)
  • Tighter partial and spot metering areas (6% and 3/5% vs 9% and 4% on the T5i)

Conclusion

Both of these cameras are excellent, but which one should you buy? If you can spring the extra $100, I would get the Rebel T6i. I think the biggest improvement is in the AF system, and that alone is worth the extra $100 in my opinion. Add to that the extra resolution and the other minor upgrades and the Rebel T6i is a great choice over the T5i. If you can’t swing the extra $100, then get the T5i and you will be very happy with it as well. If the Rebel T5i price drops more than the $100 difference then it might change my recommendation.

If you already own a T5i, should you upgrade to the T6i? Well, that becomes a little trickier. Chances are you will probably want to sell you T5i to help offset the cost of the T6i and unfortunately your T5i is not worth as much on the used market (Around $500-$550 depending on condition as of October, 2015). This means you will be spending an extra $250 or so to upgrade, not to mention the necessity to purchase new extra batteries as well. I usually recommend skipping a generation or two before you upgrade as you will typically see much more significant gains and I would say that advice applies just as well in this case.

Canon EOS Rebel T5i Overall User Rating

4.74 out of 5

based on 1482 user reviews online.

: 81% (1200)
: 16% (230)
: 1% (22)
: 1% (10)
: 1% (20)

Canon EOS Rebel T6i Overall User Rating

4.71 out of 5

based on 848 user reviews online.

: 82% (697.03)
: 13% (107.13)
: 2% (15.28)
: 1% (10.14)
: 2% (18.42)

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Specs

Spec Canon EOS Rebel T5i Canon EOS Rebel T6i
Sensor Size APS-C (1.6x) APS-C (1.6x)
Megapixels 18 24
Body Construction Plastic w/metal chassis Plastic w/metal chassis
Dimensions (WxHxD) 5.24 x 3.94 x 3.11 in. 5.2 x 4 x 3.1 in.
Weight 1.28 lbs. 1.22 lbs.
Weather Sealed No No
Memory Card SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Dual Command Wheels No No
Viewfinder Type Pentamirror Pentamirror
Viewfinder Coverage 95 95
ISO Range 100-25600 100-12800 (Extended Mode: 100-25600)
Mirror Lock Up Yes Yes
Burst Rate 5 fps 5 fps
LCD Size 3 in. 3 in.
LCD Resolution 1,040,000 pixels 1,040,000 pixels
Articulated LCD Screen Tilt & Swivel Tilt & Swivel
Touchscreen Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Remote Shutter Release Wired & Wireless (InfraRed) Wired & Wireless (InfraRed)
WiFi Yes Yes
GPS Optional Optional
AF Points 9 19 (all cross point - center Dual Cross Point f/2.8)
AF Sensitivity -0.5ev EV -0.5 - 18
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 second 30 second
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Flash Sync Speed 1/200 second 1/200 second
Built In Flash Yes Yes
Wireless TTL Flash Yes Yes
Video Specs 1920x1080 30fps 1920 x 1080: 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps
1280 x 720: 60 fps, 50 fps
640 x 480: 30 fps, 25 fps
Mic In Yes Yes
Headphone Out No No
Built In Mic Stereo Stereo