What’s New. The biggest additions over the T6i include Dual Pixel Autofocus, an expanded 45-point cross-type autofocus system, and 1080 / 60p in video mode.

24.2MP APS-C Crop-Frame CMOS Sensor. Like the T6i, the T7i features a high resolution 24.2MP APS-C sensor that offers beginners and the budget-minded probably more resolution than they need, but it does give more flexibility for cropping and giant prints. It has a normal ISO range of 100-25,600, with the ability to expand to 51,200 in a pinch. The DIGIC 7 image processor helps to keep high ISO noise down, while also providing a decent 6 fps in continuous shooting mode.

45-Point All Cross-Type Autofocus System. Still shooters rejoice, the T7i gains a wide-area 45-point cross-type phase detection autofocus system. That means that you get really accurate, really fast autofocus even in low-light situations.

Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus. Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOSautofocus system provides extremely fast and accurate live view autofocus performance. This is the first iteration of the Dual Pixel focus system that supports continuous focusing in live view still mode (sadly, no tracking). On the video front, there is also a Movie Servo AF mode, which offers smooth focusing when changing distance within a shot—essentially built-in rack focusing for video shooting. You also have the option to set tracking sensitivity, AF speed, and face tracking priority—a huge leap in performance over what was previously available in DSLRs.

HD Video. The T7i offers Full HD 1080 recording at up to 60p in the MP4 format, with Movie Servo for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects during recording. There’s manual exposure control, as well as built-in stereo mic with manual audio level adjustment. Additionally, there’s a mic jack for connecting an external microphone. The 3.0-inch articulating touchscreen is great for review and composition, with touch-to-focus being a very handy feature.

Other Notable Features. Wi-Fi allows wireless image and video transfer to smartphones using the free Camera Connect mobile app. There’s also an integrated NFC chip for quick pairing with a compatible bluetooth device. The camera records images and video to SDHC/XC memory cards, while its LP-E17 battery is rated for 600 shots per charge.