CANON EOS 850D / Rebel T8i
Canon’s popular triple D line for enthusiast DSLR camera users gets an upgrade for 2020 with some new mod cons
Say hello to the new Canon EOS 850D / Rebel T8i, the new beginner/enthusiast DSLR, a lightweight, versatile and connected 24-megapixel machine, powered by Canon’s latest speedy tech, and with 4K movie capability.
The Canon EOS 850D / Rebel T8i is the successor to the one-off Canon EOS 77D (like an EOS 750D / Rebel T6i, but with small top LCD plate), and EOS 800D / Rebel T7i, both launched back in early 2017.
Canon sticks with the same size 24.1-megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS APS-C sensor as we’ve seen in the Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3 and actually a fraction less megapixels than the older Canon EOS 800D / Rebel T7i. It also retains the same 45-point autofocus system, all cross-type AF points for better and faster autofocus accuracy.
Spec upgrades
Equipped with some minor if not major spec upgrades, which include stepping up from 6fps (frames-persecond) to 7fps for an improved continuous burst mode, and gaining the newer DIGIC 8 processor (based around the same tech as seen in the pocket-powered EOS 250D). Both mods work together for a faster shooting experience for action photography.
Inherited from Canon’s professional range, the EOS 850D has an Intelligent Tracking (ITR) automatic focus (AF), made possible by the 220,000 Pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, matching its bigger brother EOS 90D.
By exchanging high-resolution exposure data with the AF sensor, the ITR automatic focus provides some very high speed accuracy, ideal for capturing fast-moving action sport and elusive wildlife subjects. This makes automatic face tracking through the optical viewfinder now possible.
All seeing eye
What’s encouraging is the EOS 850D gets new Eye Detection AF with tracking in Live View, that aims to create natural-looking portraits with sharp eyes. Plus the usual AF options in Live View, as in the EOS 800D, will be present: Face Detection and Tracking AF, Flexizone-multi, and Flexizone-single.
For low-light shooting scenarios, from sunrise to sunset, the cameras lets you shoot up to ISO25,600 – which is expandable to 51,200 – to help you capture subjects and scenes with the option for faster shutter speeds in darker conditions, such as indoors. Although we imagine you’ll get better, noise-free images shooting at ISO3200 and below.
When capturing stills in Live View using the 3-inch 1040K Vari-angle touchscreen LCD, you have ultimate control when selecting your focal point from 143 points in automatic mode or 3975 points in manual selection, thanks to the Dual Pixel CMOS AF.
The Remote Live View function gives you extended control, including remote shutter release and the ability to view from your smartphone, useful if you need to move away from the camera. The Canon EOS 850D can record in Full HD up to 60p, stunning 4K up to 25p (like the EOS 250D), and expands on its predecessor’s options for movie capture, with a more detailed setup for time-lapse movies and automatic scene selection. To counteract the jittery shake associated with handheld movie shooting, the EOS 850D features 5-Axis Movie Digital IS, for smooth, controlled videos.
With Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can quickly connect the Canon EOS 850D to your Apple or Android mobile device through the Canon Camera Connect app, to edit and share high-quality images. Content can then be downloaded to a smart device and posted on social media or shared with friends and family.
Improved handling
The ergonomic design features top and rear dials for dual control of both shutter speed and aperture. To improve handling the EOS 850D gets a Quick control dial for changing settings faster, plus a new AF-ON button on the rear we usually only see in high-spec larger camera bodies like the EOS 7D Mark II or EOS 5D Mark IV.
Size and weight of the EOS 850D are 131x103x76mm and 515g (with battery and card), compared to the EOS 800D’s 131x100x76mm and 532g – so nothing in it.