Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi
      72
      Image cannot be found
      56
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Canon EOS Rebel XSi, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II was introduced in September 2014 and Canon EOS Rebel XSi was introduced in May 2008. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II Highlights

      • 20.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 16,000 Native ISO
      • 65 Focus Points (65 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 1,040k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi Highlights

      • 12.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 3.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon EOS 7D Mark II
      4. Advantage of Canon EOS Rebel XSi
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

      PROS

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      •   Video Capture
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 670 shots
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 61
      •   Weight - 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)

      Advantage of Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon 7D II
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS 7D Mark II over Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Canon EOS Rebel XSi
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixel vs 12.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 16,000 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 vs 4272 x 2848
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 65 vs 9
      Center Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 230k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 95%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.63x vs 0.54x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps vs 3.5 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/200 sec
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Partial Metering vs
      Lower Min Metering 0 EV vs +1 EV
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1082 vs 692
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.4 vs 21.9
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.8 vs 10.8
      Higher DxO Overall Score 70 vs 61
      Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output Mini vs
      Speaker Mono vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Built-in GPS vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS 7D Mark II.

      Canon 5D II
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      21.1 MP

      Nikon Z6 II
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon Z5
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      OM System TG-7
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      12 MP

      Fujifilm X-E2S
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Canon 7D
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Nikon 1 V2
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      14.2 MP

      Pentax 645Z
      Image cannot be found

      Medium format

      51.4 MP

      Nikon L100
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.33-inch

      10.0 MP

      Canon SD1400 IS
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Pentax K10D
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Panasonic FH1
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.33-inch

      12.1 MP

      Advantage of Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Canon Rebel XSi
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS Rebel XSi over Canon EOS 7D Mark II.

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Canon EOS Rebel XSi
      Lighter 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz) vs 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

      Canon Rebel XT
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      8 MP

      Canon Rebel XS
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.1 MP

      Canon Rebel XTi
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.0 MP

      Canon Rebel T1i
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15.1 MP

      Pentax ist DS2
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6 MP

      Sony a6400
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon M5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Pentax K-7
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 MP

      Fujifilm X-M1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Canon 5DS
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Fujifilm X-T2
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Leica M8
      Image cannot be found

      APS-H

      10.35 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon EOS 7D Mark II Canon EOS Rebel XSi
        Built-in Flash
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS 7D Mark II Canon EOS Rebel XSi
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Canon EOS Rebel XSi have 3.0" Fixed screens with 1,040k dot and 230k dot resolutions respectively.


      Viewfinder

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderCanon EOS Rebel XSi has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. Canon EOS 7D Mark II has 100% coverage with 1x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Canon EOS Rebel XSi has 95% coverage with 0.87x (0.54x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II features a 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 22.4 x 15 mm and a total area of 336 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 16,000 and expands to 100 - 51,200 in boosted mode. Canon EOS Rebel XSi features a 12.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 22.2 x 14.8 mm and a total area of 219 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II is equipped with Dual DIGIC 6 processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4104 x 2736 (M-Raw), 3648 x 2432, 2736 x 1824, 1920 x 1080, 720 x 480 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Canon EOS Rebel XSi can take pictures up to 4272 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3088 x 2056, 2256 x 1504 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Canon EF/EF-S lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.6x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.6.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Canon EOS 7D Mark II it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS Rebel XSi nothing can be done. On Canon EOS Rebel XSi it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS 7D Mark II nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II comes with LP-E6N battery pack with battery life of 670 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II has two card slots - one for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) and one for CompactFlash (UDMA 7). Canon EOS Rebel XSi has a single SD/SDHC/MMC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II has Electronically Controlled Vertical-travel Mechanical Focal-plane shutter. Canon EOS Rebel XSi has Electronically-controlled Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS 7D Mark II, and up to 1/4000 sec on Canon EOS Rebel XSi. Canon EOS 7D Mark II can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps. Canon EOS Rebel XSi can shoot continuously up to 3.5 fps.


      Focusing

      Both cameras have Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with Canon EOS 7D Mark II having 65 (65 cross-type) focusing points and from -3 to +18 EV detection range and with Canon EOS Rebel XSi having 9 focusing points. and Canon EOS 7D Mark II having from -3 to +18 EV detection range.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Canon EOS Rebel XSi range from 0 to +20 EV and +1 to +20 EV respectively and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Canon EOS 7D Mark II and ±2 EV range on Canon EOS Rebel XSi. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS 7D Mark II and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS Rebel XSi.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m on Canon EOS 7D Mark II and 13.00 m at ISO 100 on Canon EOS Rebel XSi. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Canon EOS 7D Mark II. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Canon EOS 7D Mark II and 1/200 sec on Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II body has dimensions of 149 x 112 x 78 mm (5.87 x 4.41 x 3.07") and Canon EOS Rebel XSi body has dimensions of 129 x 98 x 62 mm (5.08 x 3.86 x 2.44"). Canon EOS 7D Mark II weighs 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz) and Canon EOS Rebel XSi weighs 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz).

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      149 mm

      112 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      129 mm

      98 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      112 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      98 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      78 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      62 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Canon EOS Rebel XSi for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      GOOD
      71
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 670 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 670 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      GOOD
      79
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      73
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      GOOD
      79
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      GOOD
      78
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 670 shots
      GOOD
      80
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Canon EOS Rebel XSi and give them scores of 72 and 56 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      OVERALL
      72
      OVERALL
      56

      Sensor

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 61

      Photo

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      GOOD
      71
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

      Video

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      BAD
      32
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      GOOD
      84
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      78
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      GOOD
      72
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 670 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.