From 400D to 200D (SL2) or 800D (T7i)

strawbale wrote:

Asking this for a friend of mine.

She's got a 400D (2006/7?), plus 18-55 & 75-300 (both non-IS) from the same period and a (recent) 50mm.

As her budget is about 500€, it could (only) buy her (in the Netherlands, where she lives) a 200D or a 800D (or some used, ofcourse). She uses the 18-55 primarily, shoots jpg only and is not into action photos.

Q1: Is there any compelling reason to advice her to go for the 800D in stead of the 200D?

200D's smaller size (and bigger viewfinder). For what she's shooting, the 800D offers mainly more autofocus points to choose from, and better low light AF.

Note: no matter which camera, make sure she is selecting a single AF point. 👍

There's a pretty detailed spec comparison over at TDP...

200D vs 800D spec sheet

And the reviews can be found here...

200D review

T7i review

Here at DPReview you can read more about the cameras in the Review section too.

Canon camera reviews

Q2: If bought with a (new) kit lens, any IQ difference between the 3.5-5.6 DC III and 4.0-5.6 IS STM, and are they better than the one she already has?

Absolutely go for the new STM kit lens. It may be just a little sharper, but it performs much much better in every other way.

Thank a lot for any feedback - much appreciated!

Best of luck!

Edit: any of these two have a separate exp comp button/dial?

No, but if the 77D is available then it has the Quick Control Dial on the back (a quick spin adjusts exp comp). Very handy. In other modes it adjusts other parameters (like Aperture when shooting in full Manual Mode).

And don't forget the Touchscreen where you can adjust numerous settings with ease.  However that dial is really nice because you can just keep your eye to the viewfinder and see the adjustment right in the viewfinder.

In the US the 77D has been about the same price as the T7i (they're identical except for a couple of controls like the aforementioned Q.C. dial, and the top LCD).

R2