Comparing the Canon EOS 700D and Canon EOS 750D: A Hands-On DSLR Showdown

In my 15+ years testing digital cameras, I’ve often found that entry-level DSLRs pack more punch than casual users might expect - especially models from Canon’s popular Rebel line. Today, I’m diving deeply into a practical comparison of two very close relatives: the Canon EOS 700D (also known as Rebel T5i) announced in 2013, and its direct successor, the Canon EOS 750D (aka Rebel T6i), launched in early 2015.

Both cameras target enthusiast photographers stepping up from a smartphone or bridge camera, offering solid image quality, intuitive controls, and versatile features. But in the real-world, do the modest spec bumps and improvements in the 750D justify the price difference? Which DSLR is better suited for your photography goals - whether portraiture, travel, wildlife, or video?

I’ve spent weeks shooting side-by-side with these two, putting their sensors, autofocus, ergonomics, and more through paces, across varied genres and conditions. Below, I’ll share what I learned - from technical nitty-gritty to practical fieldwork - to help you make an informed choice.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Controls

One of the first tactile elements I noticed when handling the two cameras side-by-side was the slight difference in weight and dimensions.

The 700D weighs around 580 grams with battery, while the 750D is a bit lighter at 555 grams. Dimensions are similarly close, with the 700D slightly taller and deeper overall. Both bodies have the classic compact DSLR silhouette with efficient handgrips and a well-balanced feel with a mid-sized zoom lens attached.

If you flip both cameras over and look top-down, the control layouts reveal subtle enhancements:

The 750D sports a slightly upgraded top LCD panel and an expanded AF point selection system. Buttons and dials feel a bit more refined, with a more tactile shutter release button and quick access to settings such as ISO and exposure compensation that welcome beginner users but also satisfy enthusiasts who want control precision.

As someone who frequently shifts between pro bodies and these entry-level options, I appreciated that neither camera feels cramped - the ergonomics invite longer shooting sessions without hand fatigue. Both also have fully-articulated 3-inch touchscreens, great for imaginative framing or selfies where the camera is in front-facing mode.

Inside the Frame: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both DSLRs pack an APS-C sized sensor measuring 22.3 x 14.9 mm, but here’s where the real technical leap happens. The 700D’s sensor resolution is 18 megapixels, while the 750D jumps to a 24-megapixel sensor - a significant boost in detail potential.

From a technical standpoint, the larger resolution in the 750D means you get images with more cropping flexibility and larger print sizes without noticeable quality loss. The sensors have the same crop factor of 1.6x and support Canon EF/EF-S lens mounts, so your lens ecosystem remains fully compatible.

My lab and real-world tests align with DxOMark’s ratings: the 750D scores an overall 71 versus 61 for the 700D. This gap is pronounced not only in resolution but also color depth (+1 stop) and dynamic range (+0.8 stops), making landscapes and portraits richer with tonal gradations and less highlight clipping.

Low light sensitivity also improves hitting an ISO low light score of 919 on the 750D versus 681 on the 700D. This translates to cleaner, less noisy images when shooting indoor events or night scenes.

Shooting in the Field: Autofocus and Performance

Autofocus (AF) systems are crucial for capturing decisive moments, and here the 750D shows clear advances. The 700D uses a 9-point AF system, all cross-type, which was industry-standard for its class at release. The 750D ups the ante with a 19-point all cross-type AF system enhancing precision and subject locking, particularly using Canon’s refined DIGIC 6 processor.

In everyday shooting - portrait sessions or street photography - I found the 750D’s AF tracking far more reliable and responsive, especially in continuous AF mode (AF-C). The 700D signals its age in slower AF acquisition during live view and a lack of sophisticated tracking algorithms found on newer models.

Still, the 700D’s autofocus can perform admirably for portraits with selective focus, thanks to face detection and touch-based AF on the articulating screen - I use it often with prime lenses. Yet, for unpredictable subjects like wildlife or sports where reliable tracking can make or break a shot, the 750D proves less frustrating overall.

Speaking of burst shooting, both models offer 5 frames per second - not blazing fast but sufficient for casual filming of action scenes or children playing.

How They Handle Different Photography Styles

Let me unpack how these two cameras fare across a range of popular photography disciplines, an approach I find most meaningful because specs alone never tell the whole story.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portrait photographers prioritize accurate skin tones and smooth background separation. Thanks to its newer sensor and processor, the 750D renders skin with a more natural, less “digital” feel, especially under mixed lighting.

Its expanded AF system includes center-zone AF points, improving eye autofocus capability when combined with face detection in live view - delivering sharp eyes that pop, perfect for headshots.

Both cameras benefit from the Canon EF-S and EF lens lineup, where fast primes (like the 50mm f/1.8 STM) excel in giving creamy bokeh backgrounds. However, the 750D’s better sensor resolution preserves delicate detail in eyelashes and hair, enhancing final portrait quality.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution Matter

When shooting sweeping landscapes or cityscapes, the 750D’s 24MP sensor’s superior dynamic range provides more latitude to recover highlight and shadow details in post-processing. Paired with Canon’s in-camera multi-exposure bracketing, the 750D enables compelling HDR composites with less noise.

The 700D can hold its own here but requires more careful exposure to prevent clipped highlights, particularly in high-contrast scenes like bright skies and shaded foregrounds.

Weather sealing is absent in both models, so carrying a rain cover or choosing dry days is a must if you want to protect your gear on rugged shoots.

Wildlife: Autofocus Speed and Telephoto Performance

Wildlife photography demands fast and accurate AF with telephoto lenses. Here, the 19-point dedicated AF of the 750D shines, delivering quicker focus lock and enhanced tracking during continuous shooting.

The 700D occasionally falters with moving subjects, especially in dense foliage or low contrast backgrounds, due to its fewer AF points and lack of center-point cross AF sensors.

Burst rates identical at 5 fps limit both for fast-action, but for casual wildlife observers or beginner birders on a budget, the 750D edges ahead owing to better AF reliability.

Sports: Tracking Accuracy and Low Light ISO

Sports photography is a relentless test of autofocus and high ISO performance. Although neither camera is designed as a sports shooter, the 750D’s improved AF tracking stands out under gymnasium lighting and twilight conditions.

The lower noise floor and higher ISO ceiling of the 750D allow usable images beyond ISO 6400, while the 700D’s grain becomes more intrusive above ISO 1600, constraining shooting flexibility.

Still, neither camera can compare to pro-level bodies with 10+ fps or advanced phase-detection AF arrays, so amateur sports photography is best served simply with patience and suitable lenses.

Street: Discretion and Portability

Both cameras offer respectable discretion for street shooting: compact, quiet, and reasonably lightweight for DSLRs. The 700D’s built-in flash is a bit more powerful with longer range, useful for fill in harsh shadows.

The fully articulating touchscreen on both models facilitates low-angle or overhead shots, doubling as a touchscreen for quick focus selection - a boon for dynamic street compositions.

Battery life clocks near identical at 440 shots (CIPA rating), enough for a day’s wandering with spare batteries in your bag.

Beyond Still Photos: Video Capabilities

Canon has long been a favorite for entry-level DSLR video, and these two cameras demonstrate why.

• Both support Full HD (1080p) at 30, 25, and 24 fps - smooth enough for most vloggers and hobbyists.
• 750D adds 14-bit RAW image file processor advantages translating to slightly cleaner video noise control.
• Both record in H.264 codec, but the 750D supports MPEG-4 as well.
• External microphone ports are present on both, but no headphone jacks, so sound monitoring requires workaround.
• No 4K or higher resolutions found, which is expected given their release eras.

I found the 750D’s autofocus smoother and quieter during video, and touch-to-focus changes in live view were responsive, making it easier to keep moving subjects sharp. The 700D’s video autofocus can hunt noticeably more, which may distract in the final footage.

While neither camera offers in-body image stabilization (IBIS), Canon’s EF-S lenses with Image Stabilization optics compensate well. If video is a big priority, consider stabilizing rigs or lenses with IS.

Battery, Connectivity, and Workflow Integration

Battery life is on par at around 440 shots, which comfortably meets the expectations for entry-level DSLRs but plan for spares for extended sessions.

Connectivity sees a jump with the 750D’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC support, facilitating easy image transfer to smartphones or computers, as well as remote camera control - features that the 700D lacks outright, relying solely on optional Eye-Fi SD cards for wireless.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but 750D supports faster UHS-I cards, reducing buffer times during burst shooting and video writing.

The 750D utilizes a newer LP-E17 battery, which is slightly smaller and lighter than the LP-E8 of the 700D, another small ergonomic win.

User Interface and Experience: LCD and Viewfinder

The fully articulated 3-inch touch-sensitive LCD on both models is a joy to use in the field, especially for composing at odd angles and navigating menus.

Screen brightness and resolution are identical at 1040k dots, providing crisp image previews. The USB 2.0 ports limit file transfer speeds, but wireless options on the 750D ease workflow.

The optical pentamirror viewfinder in both cameras offers 95% frame coverage and a magnification close to 0.5x. The 700D has a slightly larger viewfinder magnification (0.53x) compared to the 0.51x on the 750D, though the difference is barely perceptible during normal use.

Performance Breakdown: Scores and Strengths

Check out the overall performance ratings from our hands-on assessment side-by-side with DxOMark’s lab scores:

Here’s a summary of key points I’ve observed:

Tailoring to Your Photography Style: Who Should Choose Which?

To distill this extensive comparison into useful guidance, here’s how I’d match these cameras to typical user profiles:

• Beginner Enthusiasts on a Budget: The Canon 700D remains a solid pick for newcomers wanting DSLR experience without splurging too much. It covers all basic needs well - responsive live view, simple touchscreen, decent autofocus for portraits and static subjects.

• Upgraders Seeking Modern Features: The 750D’s sharper sensor, improved AF, and wireless capabilities justify its higher price for photographers anticipating growth and more challenging shooting scenarios (wildlife, travel).

• Portrait Photographers: 750D edges ahead with higher resolution and eye detection – ideal for sharp, detailed faces and expressive portraits.

• Travel and Street Shooters: Lightweight and portable, both are trustworthy, but the 750D’s wireless sharing and faster AF improve adaptability during travel shoots.

• Videographers: Neither camera is perfect for video pros, but the 750D’s smoother autofocus and codec flexibility make it better suited for casual video project work.

• Sports and Wildlife: Only modest improvements over 700D, but the 750D’s autofocus system is noticeably better at tracking moving subjects for wildlife snapshots or amateur sports.

The Verdict: Is the Canon 750D Worth the Upgrade Over the 700D?

After thorough testing, my conclusion is that the Canon 750D stands as a meaningful but evolutionary upgrade. Its 24-megapixel sensor and faster autofocus offer genuine improvements in image quality and shooting confidence, especially for users expanding their photographic horizons.

That said, the 700D is not obsolete - it remains a capable and affordable DSLR that delivers excellent image quality and user-friendly operation for casual shooting and first-time DSLR owners.

Canon 700D screen back Canon 750D screen back

If budget is tight and your work primarily involves portraits, travel snapshots, or street scenes without demanding motion tracking, the 700D is well worth considering. Its image quality is still respectable, and you benefit from the mature Canon EF-S lens lineup.

However, if you want better low-light performance, more autofocus versatility, and built-in wireless features to streamline your workflow, the 750D’s extra $100–$150 investment offers valuable returns.

Deep Dive into Genre-Specific Scores and Takeaways

To round things out, here’s a genre-specific performance analysis synthesized from my testing:

• Portrait: 750D wins for detail and AF accuracy
• Landscape: Higher DR and resolution favor 750D
• Wildlife: 750D autofocus leads but both limited at 5 fps
• Sports: Similar frame rate, 750D tracks better in low light
• Street: Both comfortable and relatively discreet
• Macro: Comparable focusing precision, with 750D’s extra AF points helpful
• Night/Astro: Cleaner high ISO from 750D is preferable
• Video: 750D’s smoother AF and codec options make it a stronger video tool
• Travel: 750D’s lighter weight and connectivity appeal more
• Professional: Neither replaces mid-to-high-end bodies; 750D offers better file quality

Final Thoughts: Making Your Choice

Both the Canon EOS 700D and 750D embody Canon’s commitment to user-friendly DSLRs tailored for learning and creative exploration. Your preferred model depends largely on your budget and intended use.

I encourage enthusiasts to prioritize 750D for a DSLR that ages better with improved optics, autofocus, and wireless features - my personal pick for all-around versatility. The 700D, meanwhile, offers great value, especially if you find it discounted or refurbished, making it a fantastic gateway camera.

I hope my direct side-by-side experience, blended with technical assessments and practical shooting perspectives, helps you select the best match for your photographic journey.

Disclosure: I have no financial affiliation with Canon beyond product testing loans and have independently verified all data to maintain objectivity and transparency.

Feel free to ask any questions or request hands-on tips regarding these cameras or lenses in the Canon ecosystem! My goal is to help you capture your vision with confidence.

Happy shooting!