Canon took an interesting approach when it introduced the two newest cameras in its consumer-friendly Rebel SLR family. The EOS Rebel T6i ($749.99) and the EOS Rebel T6s ($344.98 at Amazon) are, from an imaging and performance standpoint, identical. But the T6i comes in at a lower price point and makes some ergonomic sacrifices to do so. It's a solid performer, and certainly a big update over the aging T5i ($469.98 at Amazon) , but we think it's worth spending a little bit extra on the T6s, which is our Editors' Choice for under-$1,000 D-SLRs. If your budget is tight, however, read on to better understand the differences between the two models.

Design and Features
Although they've got different controls, the T6i ($529.99 at Amazon)  and the T6s share the same dimensions and weight—4 by 5.2 by 3.1 inches (HWD) and 1.2 pounds without a lens. The T6i puts its mode dial and power switch on the right side of the top plate, and omits the lock that prevents it from accidentally turning. Its placement makes the top plate a bit more busy than that of the T6s (which has a monochrome information LCD on the right side of its top plate), and makes the three top control buttons (which adjust the active focus area, ISO, and toggle the rear LCD) a little less comfortable to access.

The display button isn't present on the T6s; it uses an eye sensor to automatically disable the rear LCD when you bring the camera up to your eye. You'll have to do that manually with the T6i, or deal with the light from the LCD shining in your eye as you frame a shot. The T6i does automatically dim the rear display when you press the shutter button to activate the autofocus system, which is a definite plus.

The other big change in controls is the T6i's lack of a rear control dial. In the past that's been a feature reserved for more expensive Canon cameras, but the T6s has one. It's used to adjust the aperture when shooting in full manual mode, and exposure compensation in other modes. The T6i requires you to hold a button on the rear of the camera and turn the control dial on the top plate at the same time in order to make those adjustments.

Aside from that, the cameras handle equally well and share the same menu system, Wi-Fi functionality, and vari-angle touch-screen LCD. The T6i is available as a body only, with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM ($96.18 at Amazon) lens ($849.99), or with an EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM ($304.00 at Amazon) lens ($1,099.99). The T6s sells as a body only or with the 18-135mm ($1,199.99); there's no 18-55mm kit option.

Performance and Conclusions
The T6i and the T6s use the same autofocus system, 24-megapixel sensor, and image processor. I tested both cameras in the lab and, unsurprisingly, they are true equals in terms of focus performance and image quality. There is one small difference in the Live View focus system; the T6i cannot track a subject when shooting still images using the rear LCD.

See How We Test Digital Cameras

The differences between the T6i and the T6s may be minor, but I recommend spending the extra $100 to get the T6s. Its dual-dial control layout lends itself to a more pleasant, comfortable shooting experience, and I appreciate the sensor that disables the rear LCD when you bring the camera to your eye. The placement of the mode dial to the left of the viewfinder, and its locking mechanism, reduce some clutter on the right side of the camera, and makes the focus toggle button easier to reach. Taken individually the differences in the control scheme may seem minor, but when considered as a whole they're worth the extra cost, which is why we name the T6s as our Editors' Choice. But if you're on a budget the T6i is an attractive option, especially if you're looking to buy a lens at the same time.

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