Canon EOS Rebel T6s Review

24 Megapixels24 MegapixelsSingle Lens ReflexSingle Lens ReflexHigh ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveFull 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Full 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringDepth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Live-View: Lets DSLR cameras use the rear LCD as an EVF.Live-View: Lets DSLR cameras use the rear LCD as an EVF.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Canon EOS Rebel T6s Performance - How well does it take pictures?

Ultimately, it is the image quality that makes a camera worth buying. For a digital SLR, image quality greatly depends on the lens used. While color, noise, contrast and exposure are properties of the camera, distortion, vignetting and chromatic aberrations are properties of the lens. Sharpness depends on the weakest link. So, the camera cannot capture more details than the lens lets through. Conversely, a lens can transmit even more details than the sensor can capture.

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

Image Quality

With 24 megapixels on a 1.6X-crop sensor, the T6s has the smallest pixels among DSLRs, similar to those on most mirrorless cameras. All else being equal, smaller pixels equal higher noise and lower dynamic-range. Image quality from the Canon EOS Rebel T6s is reasonable with virtually no noise until ISO 400. A tiny amount of noise appears at ISO 800 where it is barely visible at 100% view.

ISO 1600 is noticeably noisy with luminance noise starting to take away the finest details. Dynamic-range and colors hold steady though which makes image quite usable at ISO 1600 for moderately large prints. Chroma-noise emerges at ISO 3200, which is earlier than recent DSLRs and mirrorless cameras alike. Obviously, this comes with reduced dynamic-range and contrast, although details are reasonably well maintained.

Noise reaches new heights at ISO 6400 with detrimental effect on much details. Given 24 MP of resolutions, this is still usable for smallish prints, maybe even a 12" x 8" of a bright subject. ISO 12800 is even more noisy and produces images only suitable for the smallest prints or web use. No point trying ISO 25600, it is beyond usable. A Custom Setting removes it completely from the ISO selection screen to avoid using it.

This DSLR features a 7560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor which divides most of the frame into 63-zones. The multi-segment metering system of the T6s is exceptionally good. It produces conservative exposures which avoid burning highlights. Low-contrast scenes come out slightly dark which occasionally requires positive exposure-compensation. It rarely over-exposes and never by much, making automatic and semi-automatic exposure-modes highly reliable.

Dynamic-range of the T6s has surprisingly improved compared to previous generations of Rebels which stood at 18 megapixels. This is still lower than other modern APS-C DSLR, falling 2½ stops behind the class-leading Nikon D7200
Nikon D7200
. This gap gets reduced down to one stop when sensitivity increases beyond ISO 800. There is a Highlight Tone-Priority option designed to preserve highlight details which makes a nice difference. This prevents the use of ISO 100 but is worth it in most situations.

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

Image Parameters

There are six Picture Styles on the T6s. Each one is customizable in terms of Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation and Color Tone. There are 8 Sharpness levels and 9 for other image parameters. The most realistic colors are produced in Faithful mode yet seem slightly anemic. Boosting both Contrast and Saturation to +1 makes the output look natural and lively.

Automatic white-balance is reasonable. Under natural light, scenes come out looking neutral. The T6s handles a variety of conditions but tends to leave a noticeable orange cast under artificial light. This effect is more pronounced when light is low. Preset white-balance settings improve things but not always completely without some fine-tuning.

Optimal image sharpness is produced with Sharpness set to 2. A setting of 3 shows just a slight amount of over-sharpening. Above that, double-edges appear around details which makes things look like cut-outs. Remember that a good lens makes a huge difference and the Canon EF-S 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS STMCanon EF-S 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS STM
Canon EF-S 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS STM
lens, which often comes with the T6s as a kit, is not one of them. With a 24 megapixels sensor, it is extremely soft wide-open and not usable unless closed down at least 2 stops.

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

Performance

As the Canon EOS Rebel T6s enters an intermediate position between other Rebels and higher-end DSLRs, it needs to differentiate itself sufficiently from both sides. This is why its top frame-rate is 5 FPS which is comparable to current entry-level DSLRs. While the internal buffer offers a shallow depth of 8 RAW files, the processor and memory bus offer a high throughput and can record up to 940 JPEG images in a single burst.

The T6s is generally quite responsive. All dial and buttons get an instant response, even in Live-View. The autofocus system is impressively fast. In good light, ¼s usually suffices to lock focus. When light is low, it can take a little longer but rarely more than ½s. This is measurably better than most entry-level DSLRs. The new 19-point AF system is quite sensitive but resulted in an unusually high percentage of focus-missed in low-light during the review. It might depend on the lens though.

The performance of the T6s is characterized by the following numbers:

  • Power On or Off: Almost instant without sensor-cleaning, up to 2½s with. Good.
  • Time-To-First-Shot: 1s. Very good.
  • Autofocus: Between ¼ and ½ seconds. Fast.
  • Shutter-lag: Instant with short black-out. Good.
  • Video: Instant to start and stop. Excellent.
  • Instant Review: 1½s. Slow.
  • Enter Playback: ½s. Average.
  • Exit Playback: Instant. Excellent.

The proprietary Lithium-Ion battery of the T6s delivers 440 shots battery-life according to the CIPA standard. This is below average for a DSLR yet sufficient to last a typical day of shooting.

The above measurements are quite respectable for any digital camera. Most crucially, the T6s rarely holds the photographer back. Neither does it slow down videographers which will appreciate its dedicated Video mode with Exposure-Priority Live-View.

Canon EOS Rebel T6s Conclusion

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

Canon simultaneously launched a new imaging pipeline and series of Rebels with the T6s. Its 24 megapixels APS-C sensor with Hybrid AF III and Digic 6 processor pushes resolution up 33% from previous Canon 1.6X-crop DSLRs while sustaining a maximum 5 FPS continuous drive. It improves the AF system with 19 all-cross-type points and wide coverage on-sensor Phase-Detection. The newly designed intermediate-level body of the T6s features dual control-dials and a top status LCD panel.

The newly-develop ped CMOS sensor improves dynamic-range compared to previous generations while noise levels have actually increased, something which few families of DSLRs have managed to avoid. Colors and white-balance remain quite reasonable. The most significant improvement and where the T6s really shines is its refined 63-segment metering system which is highly reliable. Exposures are conservative and require considerably less compensation than is typical.

The design of the Canon EOS Rebel T6s delivers improved efficiency and ergonomics. Dual control-dials plus a plenty of direct controls make using this digital camera a breeze. Except for a few controls at the back, the T6s can easily be used with winter gloves on too. The weakness here is a tiny and cropped viewfinder which only shows 95% coverage at 0.82X magnification. The rear LCD though is large and very sharp. Its Live-View mode is outstanding and certainly one of the best on the market.

The Canon T6s always remains highly responsive. Its new Hybrid AF III system is really quick and provides a good degree of flexibility, although it may miss more than usual. Video performance is particularly impressive with a dedicated mode which makes the camera instantly ready to record and preview video correctly.

The Canon EOS Rebel T6s successfully provides efficient controls in a relatively lightweight and compact body while delivering good image quality and performance. By doing so, it adds a model to the Canon lineup of DSLRs which has almost no direct competitors.

Good
Buy from these sellers: Buy From Amazon.com

By Neocamera on 2016-02-04

Please Support Neocamera

All information on Neocamera is provided free of charge yet running this website is a huge endeavor. Purchases made via affiliate links found throughout the site help keep it running and up-to-date. There is no additional cost to you, so please consider buying via these links to our affilates:

  • Essential Photo Banner
  • Adorama Banner
  • Photography Store Banner
  • Amazon Banner

If you found any information on this site valuable and did not purchase via our affiliate links, please considering donating via PayPal:

Any amount will be greatly appreaciated. Thank you for your support!

Canon Rebel T6s Highlights

Canon EOS Rebel T6s
SLR digital camera

Sensor-Size: 22 x 15mm

Canon APS-C Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

24 Megapixels DSLRISO 100-25600
Canon EF Mount
1.6X FLM
Shutter 1/4000-30s
95% Coverage
Medium Viewfinder
Full manual controls, including Manual Focus
1 Axis Digital LevelCustom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning
Built-in Dust ReductionSpot-Metering
5 FPS Drive, 940 ImagesHot-Shoe
1920x1080 @ FPS Video RecordingLithium-Ion Battery
3" LCD 1 MegapixelsSecure Digital Extended Capacity
Buy from these sellers: Buy From Amazon.com

Camera Bag

Clear

Your camera bag is empty. To add a camera or lens click on the star next to its name.

Your camera bag is empty.

Add cameras or lenses by clicking on the star next to their name.

Updates

    2023.11.20

  • 2023.11.20

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023

    Find out which are the Best Digital Cameras of 2023. All the new Mirrorless Digital Cameras from entry-level to high-end professional.

  • 2023.07.10

  • 2023.07.10

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review Update Poster

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review

    40 Megapixels APS-C Hybrid Mirrorless Digital Camera with 7-stop IBIS. Fastest shutter ever and 8K video capture. Large builtin EVF with 0.8X magnification and 5.8 MP, plus an Eye-Start Sensor. Packed with features and large number of controls in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.

  • 2023.05.07

  • 2023.05.07

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review Update Poster

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review

    Review of the unique Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G lens. The optical zoom of this lens spans ultra-wide-angle and medium focal-length coverage, making it one of the most versatile Full-Frame lenses on the market.

  • 2023.01.15

  • 2023.01.15

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review Update Poster

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review

    Review of the Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 tablet, a medium sized drawing surface with dual dials and customizable buttons. Connects via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 with Windows, Linux and Android support.

  • 2022.12.08

  • 2022.12.08

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip Update Poster

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip

    Find out how to pack for a travel photography trip, carry your gear safely while meeting airline regulations.

  • 2022.11.13

  • 2022.11.13

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022

    The best digital cameras of 2022. A short list of the most outstanding models in their respective categories. Choose one for yourself or as a gift.

  • 2022.09.21

  • 2022.09.21

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM, the constant-aperture telephoto zoom with the highest zoom-ratio on the market.

  • 2022.09.20

  • 2022.09.20

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM, the lightest professional telephoto zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2022.09.10

  • 2022.09.10

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW, the widest professional ultra-wide zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2021.11.24

  • 2021.11.24

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021 Update Poster

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021

    50 Gifts photographers will love. All for under $50 USD. 2021 Edition.

  • 2021.11.17

  • 2021.11.17

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021

    Neocamera shows which are the very best Digital Cameras for 2021 in every category: Mirrorless, DSLR, Premium Compact, Ultra-Zoom and Rugged.

  • 2021.09.04

  • 2021.09.04

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review

    Exclusive review of the Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW professional lens of Pentax K-Mount APS-C DSLR cameras.