In today’s post, we will compare two highly popular advanced amateur digital SLR cameras, the Nikon D5600 and Canon T7i. These cameras mark the latest offerings in both manufacturer’s upper-range beginner lineups and represent excellent options for beginning cameras. However, each camera tailors to a very distinct population of users. So then which of these is the best option that’s perfect for your specific needs? Let’s find.
Table of Contents
Size & Dimensions
Physically, both cameras are similar in dimensions measuring at approximately 130 mm x 100 mm. However, they differ in weight. In this case, 70 grams. The Nikon weights 415 g while the Canon weighs 485 g. In hand, this difference is noticeable.
Interestingly, though both cameras offer similar dimensions, the Nikon features a more profound and pronounced grip, making it more comfortable to hold as well. Overall, this category goes to the Nikon for comfort and size.
Physical Controls & Ergonomics
Both cameras have the physical controls expected on this range of SLR and supply adequate immediate controls. And both cameras feature only a single physical adjustment dial. However, the Nikon allows users to configure the touchscreen to adjust exposure, virtually adding a second adjustment dial in the process. Users can change ISO, for example, by simply swiping across the rear LCD. With that, it provides added versatility for quick and immediate access to exposure, something the Canon lacks and allows it to be superior in this regard.
Displays
Both cameras feature fully articulating touchscreen LCDs with touch functionality that works similar across-the-board. However, the Nikon features a slightly larger screen of 3.2-inches, while the Canon has a 3-inch display. Yet, both screens have an identical resolution of 1.04 million dots and offer 95% coverage of the imaging area.
You may not think this slight bump in screen size makes a difference. But, during use, it does. The increase in size allows both the text and on-screen icon s to be slightly larger, which provides a subtle but distinct advantage in this regard for the Nikon.
Image Quality
Both cameras feature 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensors. However, the Nikon lacks an Anti-Aliasing (AA) filter, which helps it provide a subtle but distinct edge over the Canon at resolving fine details, especially in low light.
Not only that, but the Nikon also features a small APS-C crop factor than the Canon at 1.5x, while the Canon is 1.6x. In all, this means that lenses used on the Canon have a slightly more narrow field of view and alters their focal length slightly. Truthfully, most people will never notice this difference in crop factor during regular use. However, this is still an important distinction.
Video Quality
Both cameras shoot full HD 1080p video up to 60 frames per second. The Canon, however, does have a very slight advantage, which is it offers a video recording time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds at 1080p 60p. The Nikon maxes out at 20 minutes. To shoot it’s maximum time you must drop down to 1080p 30p.
Though the Nikon will supply slightly sharper video, due to the lack of AA filter as mentioned previously. It’s recording time will slowly be a limitation for you when shooting slow-motion video.
Autofocusing
In autofocusing performance, the Canon takes the lead by offering 45 all cross-type Af points. The Nikon, on the other hand, only has 39 AF points, 9 of those points being cross-type compatible. Not only that, but the Canon also offers Canon’s acclaimed Dual Pixel CMOS AF, when using Live view.
This system is known to deliver excellent cinematic subject tracking performance and is among the best in class, for that matter. Not only is this focusing system smooth, but it’s also insanely capable when shooting both stills and video.
The Nikon offers only a small number of AF points, the majority of which they’ve clustered towards the center of the frame. With that, it just doesn’t provide a system that’s as well versed in low light or tracking motion as the Canon. Not to mention, the Nikon only uses contrast-detection AF alone, which makes its performance similar to that of a run of the mill point and shoot camera. For many, this will ultimately be the deal-breaker between both cameras.
Battery Life
In battery performance, the Nikon reigns superior deliver a 970 shot battery life, compared to Canon’s 820 shot life.
User Interface & Menus
Both cameras follow the traditional design and logical structures of each camera maker, respectively. With that, previous users will feel at home with either camera. Easy to navigate and master user interfaces are longstanding strengths for both of these camera makers.
However, one small advantage to note here. While each camera offers a touchscreen LCD that functions to interact with the camera, only the Nikon provides the ability to use the touchscreen as an AF touchpad when composing via the viewfinder. A subtly advantage, but a necessary one considering both cameras lack dedicated AF joysticks.
Extra Features
Both cameras feature Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC technology, supplying excellent wireless connectivity. However, Nikon’s SnapBridge does offer automatic transferring of images to the paired smartphone, something that occurs manually with the Canon Camera to Connect App.
In continuous burst shooting, the Canon takes the lead by offering shooting speeds of 6 frames per second, while the Nikon offers 5 frames per second. The Canon also supplies a deeper buffer before fulling, 24 RAW images in a row or 140 JPEGs. The Nikon, however, only 8 RAW and 100 JPEGS. Ouch.
The Nikon also changes buffer performance speed based on the selected file format, unusual. When shooting in 14-bit RAW, the achievable performance reduces to 4 frames per second, further making the camera a poor choice for an action-oriented camera.
Both cameras have microphone inputs.
Missing Features
Both cameras lack headphone inputs, so neither can monitor captured audio.
So which is best?
Well, as you’ve gleaned so far, the Canon dominates in the majority of areas in this comparison. And, overall, it makes a better well-rounded camera. It’s undoubtedly the better option due to its stronger buffer coupled with superior AF performance for sports or action photography. However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Nikon here. Some reasons to choose the Nikon include: you value compact size, slightly improved image quality, or want more responsive wireless connectivity.
If you don’t plan on filming many videos, nor do you shoot action, the Nikon is surprisingly the better choice. However, if you do plan on shooting video, action, or movement whatsoever, the Canon is best. Its Dual Pixel technology is confident, accurate, and insanely good. Overall, it makes the better choice if those mediums are essential to you. In all, however, for value, the Canon remains the winner in the end.