Introduction
Nikon D5600 and Canon T6i are two entry-level DSLR cameras that have been on the market for a couple of years now, but, since their launch date, they have reshaped the market by introducing new features and design that makes them not look nor perform like entry-level cameras.
These aren’t new news though, Nikon and Canon are tough competitors and they are continuously trying to take a chunk of the market, and so far, they are doing it pretty well.
Nikon D5600 is a direct upgrade to the D5500 which was 18 months old on the market, and Nikon incorporated a refreshed look to their newer model, new features including 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 3.2″ vari-angle touchscreen, 39-point AF, burst shooting of 5fps and more!
On the other side, Canon T6i is a worthy member of the Rebel SLR family that came as a huge update over the aging T5i for a price that justifies its performance. Even though it looks like its predecessor, Canon introduced a 24.2MP CMOS (APS-C) sensor, an expandable ISO to 25600, 3.2″ vari-angle touchscreen, 19-point AF, and burst shooting of 5 fps. The aforementioned qualities of these cameras are only a drop of water of the whole ocean, so let’s begin reviewing both products so that you will have a better insight of the things you can expect from them in a case of an eventual purchase!
Similar Comparison: Canon 80D vs Canon 6D Mark II
Head To Head Comparison
Nikon D5600
Aesthetically speaking, Nikon D5600 measures 3.8 by 4.9 by 2.8″ (HWD), weighs approximately 1.2 pounds without a lens and has a considerably slimmed down body if you compare it with its predecessor, hence, it will suit your hands pretty nicely since it is lightweight enough to feel comfortable when you’re holding it with your hands.
Throughout its body, there are strategically positioned controls that let users tailor the picture and video depending on what you want to achieve in a specific moment quickly and effectively, and this is essential when shooting.
On the left, there is a dual-function button that activates the in-body flash and adjusts its power, a Drive and FN button which will help you adjust ISO default. On the top-right plate of the body, there is an integrated Live View toggle, EV buttons, movie Record and a standard Mode dial, while on the rear, above the 3.2″ 1.037m-dot vari-angle touchscreen there are multiple buttons including a four-way joypad.
Nikon did an excellent job in engineering such a good-looking and intuitively made camera, no doubt. Let’s see what ‘s cool about Canon T6i now.
Well, this camera shares the same dimensions and weighs as the T6s – 4 x 5.2 x 3.1″ (HWD), weighs around 1.2 pounds without a lens, and as you can see, when you compare it with Nikon D5600, both of them are lightweight, however, T6i is a bit larger.
If you take a look at the top, you can notice the presence of a mode dial, power switch, while on the rear, you won’t find a control dial, but what you will see would be a vari-angle touchscreen LCD rated at 1 .040k-Dots and an 82x optical viewfinder.
So far, without thinking twice I can say that both cameras have highly responsive screens and a sufficient amount of controls, however, what makes them different is that T6i’s screen has more dots than D5600.
Speaking of the connections and the battery, D5600 packs a 3.5mm microphone input, a hot shoe for flash mounting, micro USB port, mini HDMI port, wired remote port, single memory card that supports SD, SDHC and SDXC cards, as well as a highly-capacitive battery that allows you to shoot up to 820 shots without any problem. Also, D5600 is Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth-enabled, which by default means that you will have multiple sources through which you can share your photos or videos!
Nikon D5600 Sample Images:
Similar Comparison: Canon G7X vs Canon G7X Mark II
Canon T6I
T6i has Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity and what’s cool is that this model is the first member of the Rebel lineup that packs these features. Unfortunately, Canon lacks the responsiveness and fast-stream of data because you would have to pay attention to the manual to set up everything like it should. Here, D5600 wins the race.
Moreover, T6i’s employs 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, HDMI port, USB/AV digital out, a tripod screw mount positioned on the bottom, and a battery that provides up to 550 shots without using flash, or about 440 if you use flash at least 50% of the time you’re shooting. Once again, D5600 outperforms T6i, but, in terms of battery life.
Now, let’s briefly explain their qualities when it comes to performance.
First of all, D5600 combines a 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor, an EXPEED 4 Image Processor and an ISO range that stretches from 100-25600. In practice, this camera can turn on, focus and fire in about 0.7-seconds and this is pretty cool though, because this capability makes this unit be an indeed speedy performer.
In addition, if you have an opportunity to shoot with D5600 at higher ISO settings by shooting in Raw format, you will notice that the details are pretty-well defined, as well as the colors, however, Nikon haven’t utilized noise reduction in the camera, which in practice, means that images will show more grain when compared with JPGs. For instance, if you adjust the ISO at 12800, you will see that the raw image quality looks great, but if you reach the ISO range of 25600, grain will appear more pronounced.
I would also like to add that that although images won’t be the best in the world while you’re pushing the camera to its boundaries of noise control, still, they will be sharp enough to get your attention especially if you shoot through ISO 1600.
Also, keep in mind that the best ISO results happen when you shoot from ISO100 to 25,600 because the imagery remain lifelike regardless of the lighting conditions.
Furthermore, the continuous rate of 5 and the 39-point AF system makes this camera be great for shooting natural landscapes, streets, buildings, however, fast-moving objects may be a challenge. Either way, its specs are good considering the fact that this is an entry-level camera.
In comparison, Canon T6i’s 24.2MP CMOS APS-C sensor and DIGIC 6 Image processor with 14-bit processor contribute a lot to the quality of the images due to the fact that they do give that typical Canon “feel” to the person who uses this camera. Namely, colors are exceptionally rich and accurate, hence, the overall results are nothing more than pure gold.
The T6i has an ISO range that starts from 100-12800 but it is furtherly expandable to 25600, and depending on the area you’re shooting and the lighting, you may still achieve great results even if you shoot through the ISO 25600 expandable setting.
For example, noise increases according with ISO’s sensitivity, this is normal, but, if you shoot through ISO 800 in areas that have sufficient amount of light, JPEGs are going to be crystal clear, adjust it a bit higher to ISO 1600, you will find out some noise. ISO 3200 JPEGs shots are cool as well, but only if you shoot under bright light, finally, by iSO 6400, the noise starts getting more pronounced.
In terms of the continuous shooting rate, T6i shares the same, 5fps shooting rate as Nikon D5600, and here, the result is tied since both of them are very similar to each other.
Last but not least, both cameras lack 4K capability, so, they offer Full HD 1080 video recording, however, D5600 is better mainly because of the fact that the video recording is done at 60fps. T6i video tops out at 30 fps.
Canon T6I Sample Images:
Similar Comparison: Canon Powershot SX530 vs Nikon Coolpix B500
Nikon D5600 vs Canon T6I Feature Comparison
| Nikon D5600 | Canon T6I | |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Megapixels | 24.2 | 24.2 |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 | 100-12800 |
| Flip-Out Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | YES | No |
| Viewfinder | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Video Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor Size | CMOS | CMOS |
Similar Comparison: Canon G7X Mark II vs Sony RX100 V
Conclusion
Which one is better? Well, it really depends due to the fact that both of them are entry-level, the price between them is close, and both of them share relatively similar qualities.
The performance of D5600 and T6i is extremely good if we take into consideration the fact that they are entry-level cameras, as a matter of fact, their existence is a good proof that says a lot about the way these companies craft their cameras.
If you ask me, If you want to achieve better video recording results aside from the quality imagery, and prefer better live-view autofocus along with a better overall moire control, I would go for Canon’s T6i.
Otherwise, if you are keen on getting richer colors, better low-light sensitivity, larger screen easier wireless transfer, and powerful battery life, I would go for Nikon D5600.
Either way, I’d recommend you read this article precisely because it will help you a lot in making the right decision because choosing the right camera for your purposes is hard, and it is even harder especially when we make a comparison of products made by Nikon and Canon.
Similar Comparison: Canon 6D Mark II vs Canon 7D Mark II
Photo & Videographer
A photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of nature and the human form. My work has been featured in galleries and publications around the world, and I strive to create images that evoke emotion and tell a story.
240 seconds
Photo & Videographer
A photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of nature and the human form. My work has been featured in galleries and publications around the world, and I strive to create images that evoke emotion and tell a story.
