Canon 600D vs Canon 700D

Last Updated: October 8, 2018

This clear-cut comparison guide looks at the entry-level Canon 600D vs Canon 700D Digital-SLRs. They’re also known in some places as the EOS Rebel T3i and EOS Rebel T5i respectively.

These favorites by Canon look similar at first glance, but they’re not the same. Keep reading to learn of the subtle and significant differences between the two.

Technical specs are vital of course, but they’re not the only factors. Image quality, handling, ergonomics, and the range of features also matter to amateur photographers.

There’s not one Canon beginner DSLR to suit all users, but some models are perfect for certain people. No photographer’s needs and expectations are the same, hence the need for different models.

Side-by-side Comparison

	Canon 600D (EOS Rebel T3i)	Canon 700D (EOS Rebel T5i)

Best For	Advanced entry-level user	Entry-level budget-conscious beginner
Price	See Price on eBay	See Price on eBay
Weight:	20.1 oz. (0.3 ounces lighter)	20.4 oz.
Touchscreen:	NO	YES
Video Crop Mode:	YES (3x~10x Digital Zoom )	NO
Max ISO:	6.4	12.800 (100% higher)
Continious Shooting:	4.0 fps	5.0 fps (1 fps faster)
Cross Type Focus Points:	1	9 (+8)
Color Depth:	22.1 (higher color depth)	21.7
Dynamic Range:	11.5 (higher dynamic range)	11.2
Low Light ISO:	793 (better ISO performance)	681

Here’s what we cover in this review:

Canon 600D and 700D Shared Features

The distinctions between Canon’s 600D and 700D are not apparent at first glance. That’s because they look alike and share a bunch of the same or similar features.

Both these models sport articulating screens, and the selfie-friendly rotating LCD is hugely popular. Articulating screens are essential for photographers who need to shoot from unusual angles.

Each camera has Face Detection Focus which is invaluable for taking sharper portraits. The handy built-in flash is another pleasing feature that comes into its own in low-light situations.

Staying with flash, Canon’s 600D and 700D have external flash shoes. External flash photography is no small detail. It gives more creative lighting control and produces professional, natural-looking results.

Off-camera flash is a cinch thanks to the flash sync ports. These ports let you connect one or more flashlights when there’s a call for extra light or more creative lighting. Think studio work.

Another shared feature is the RAW support. Raw files allow photographers to produce superior images using post-processing software. Both cameras have the same APS-C 18.0MP resolution CMOS sensors.

A camera’s sensor size and resolution contribute toward image quality. The maximum 18MP resolution with these cameras produces large sized prints and plenty of image detail.

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) is another welcome feature with both models. AEB helps in challenging light conditions and produces High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) footage.

A couple of other standard features include the optical pentamirror viewfinders and microphone ports. There are a few subtler similarities, but the ones mentioned here are the most significant.

Camera Body Comparison

The physical specs between these camera bodies are different yet negligible. The Canon 600D shares identical height and width as the Canon 700D when facing the models from the front.

Canon’s 600D is 1mm thicker (top view front to back) than the 700D. And at 20.1 oz. (570g), it’s 10g lighter than the 700D’s 20.4 oz. Again, this difference is negligible and shouldn’t sway opinions.

Both bodies share the same Canon EF/EF-S lens mount, so lens choices are identical. Canon’s native lens collection includes more than 300 choices. Over 90 of their lenses have Optical Stabilization (OS).

There are a few subtle physical variations between the two bodies. They include small distinctions in the size, shape, and positions of some buttons and other parts.

The dial on the Canon 600D doesn’t turn 360° as it does on the 700D. Canon has painted the icons on the 600D dial and embossed them on the 700D. You only notice this if you look for it.

The backs of the popup flashes have slightly different shapes. The body’s finish is also distinct between the two models. The 600D is smoother to touch, but both cameras feel about the same in the hands.

The rubber grips also have a slightly different texture yet the difference in feel is negligible.

Why Consider the Canon 600D Over the 700D?

It’s a good question and some of you may already have your answer. One of the less subtle differences with the two models is the price tag (see next section).

The Canon 600D is slightly lighter than the 700D though not enough to influence decisions.

It does win with its higher color depth, though. The 600D’s 22.1 vs. the 700D’s 21.7 means it has the edge over image quality. The 600D also has a slightly higher dynamic range, 11.5 vs. 11.2.

The dynamic range is all about improved exposure. A good dynamic range means the dark areas are not too dark and the light areas not too bright. The 600D is a little better than the 700D in this area.

Think about how subtle most of the features and benefits are between these two cameras. The only significant feature difference between the two models is the 3x~10x Digital Zoom.

The Digital Zoom is sure to be a key selling feature for some photographers. It can increase the zoom range of any attached lens by three times, and with zero light loss.

Consider the Canon 600D Digital-SLR if the 3x~10x Digital Zoom is worth your extra bucks.

Why Consider the Canon 700D Over the 600D?

Now let’s look at the reasons to consider the cheaper Canon 700D over the costlier 600D. The price difference is considerable with savings of at least $300 on new models.

The savings are only worth it if the camera provides everything you need, or close to it. Let’s look at the Canon 700D’s other advantages. It can shoot at five frames per second (5fps) to the 600D’s 4fps.

The Canon 700D has a touchscreen display but the 600D doesn’t. We’re so used to easy touchscreen controls these days, so this alone is sure to appeal to some of you.

The handy 360° rotating dial is a small but welcome feature for a lot of photographers. It may not be a deal breaker, but it’s certainly worth adding to the list of 700D pros.

The 700D’s max ISO setting is 100% higher than that of the 600D. That sounds impressive, but how often do you—or expect to—take your ISO to those available max settings?

It’s easier to make informed decisions once you discard anything you don’t need or won’t use.

Shared Weaknesses

The Canon 600D and 700D share a few common weaknesses. Be mindful that these are entry-level models and can’t’ offer the best of everything. Sometimes we must compromise.

Neither camera body has built-in sensor-based image stabilization (IS). Without some form of stabilization means more need for tripod or monopod support in certain conditions.

Stabilization technology lets photographers take blur-free handheld photos at slower shutter speeds. The good news is that Canon has more than 90 lenses that come with optical stabilization (OS).

Another shared drawback is the absence of environmental protection or weather sealing. It’s not unique to budget-level camera bodies, but it’s still a letdown. Just be careful in wet weather.

Both cameras have built-in optical pentamirror viewfinders, and they do a decent job. I have this down as a shared weakness because pentaMIRROR viewfinders are not as bright as pentaPRISM viewfinders.

Finally, there isn’t any autofocus fine-tuning on either model. AF micro adjustment (AFMA) can be a valuable feature in some situations. Alas, Canon reserves AFMA for its mid and high-end EOS DSLRs.

What Reviewers Say

Canon released the EOS 600D on 7 February 2011. It’s an oldie but goodie and continues to sell well and enjoy plenty of positive feedback. Those who buy this camera love it for a whole bunch of reasons.

The photographic quality and video capability get plenty of mention. It’s a user-friendly camera with a clear display and intuitive menu system. Users appreciate the range of features there are to explore.

Videographers think the 3x~10x Digital Zoom justifies the extra cost. It’s particularly popular because of the minimal light loss when zooming in. That’s invaluable for low-light situations.

This camera attracts people at the pre-midrange level more so than beginner enthusiasts. It’s not praised all the way, though. Some find it a tad bulky for one, though they don’t say compared to what.

A few others report that the 600D feels fragile in the hands, the flip screen in particular. The battery life is perhaps the common gripe. It’s not terrible at 440 shots, but it’s far from impressive.

Canon released the EOS 700D on 21 March 2013. It also enjoys lots of positive feedback from the folks who own one. The price gets a big thumbs-up as a great value camera for entry-level enthusiasts.

Canon’s 700D is not the first camera for most owners. The image and video quality impresses most who upgrade to this model. A lot of people seem happy with the default out-of-the-box settings too.

An entry-level favorite

The articulating flip-out touchscreen is one of the cameras favorite physical features. Few cameras share the same amount of upbeat feedback as Canon’s EOS 700D.

The battery life for the 700D is the same as the 600D at just 440 shots, but few reviewers moan about this. That’s likely due to the lower overall expectations than the 600D’s semi-pro users.

It’s hard to find any common gripes for this affordable model because it delivers on its promises. There are a few personal nitpicks, wishes, and observations from reviewers, but no widespread issues.

The Verdict

Both of these cameras are worthy contenders and offer similar performance. This page highlights the main differences of the two models.

Aside from the 600D’s higher price tag and digital zoom, the distinctions are quite subtle. Which is better comes down to personal needs and wants.

If the 600D’s impressive 3x~10x Digital Zoom is valuable to you, then you know which one to go for. If it’s not, you may want to save your money and opt for the D700D instead.