Canon EOS 750d/760d review

Canon usually launches cameras in isolation, a trend it broke earlier this month with the dual announcement of the EOS 750D and 760D – two sides of the same coin aimed at photographers of varying skill. We got the chance to see them in action at the Photography Show in Birmingham this weekend, in order to see whether enthusiasts will get everything they need from the 760D and if newbies can pick up and shoot the 750D with minimal fuss.

Both cameras share the same internals: a 24.2-megapixel sensor paired with a DIGIC 6 image processor capable of ISO 100-12,800 shooting at up to 5fps, and a Hybrid CMOS AF III autofocus system with 19 cross-type AF points. This is a healthy step up from theEOS 700D, which made do with an 18-megapixel sensor, and more closely rivalsNikon’s D5500 in terms of pixel count. We’ll wait until a full review to pass judgement on image quality, of course, as well as video – each camera can shoot 1080p video at up to 30fps.

The EOS 760D is arguably the more exciting of the pair, as it borrows heavily from Canon’s more expensive models in terms of ergonomics. That means you get a secondary LCD display on the top of the camera in addition to the 3in vari-angle touchscreen, for quickly referencing shooting settings. A light sensor next to the viewfinder will automatically switch off the main screen, which is a welcome addition.

The mode dial has been relocated to the top left, which will feel familiar to anyone that’s used a high-end Canon DSLR before, and can be locked to prevent accidentally changing settings mid-shoot. A second command dial on the back should make changing settings much easier without taking your eye away from the viewfinder too.

The 750D is a much similar proposition, with fewer buttons overall and no secondary display. There’s no secondary command dial either, although as Canon expects 750D customers to be first time DSLR buyers this may not be a big deal. The mode dial can’t be locked, but has moved to the right side to be within quick reach of your thumb. The single command dial near your index finger means most settings can be changed with one hand.

You still get a fully articulated touchscreen, which should help when it comes to creative shooting, and both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quickly pairing to a smartphone or tablet. The companion app has the full range of controls and download options, including the ability to upload directly to social networks.

Having used the older 700D as our main camera throughout 2014, we think that both the 750D and 760D have their merits. It will be interesting to see which proves more popular, and whether the gaps at either end are big enough, or whether customers will simply make the jump to a more advanced model in the case of the 760D. Curiously Canon plans to continue selling the existing EOS 700D alongside the 750D, which will surely be a more sensible purchase once prices stabilise a month or two after launch.

We’ll find out when we get the chance to give each camera a full review a little closer to release. Both go on sale from April onwards, with the 750D available with an 18-55mm STM lens kit for £690 and the 760D as a body-only camera for £650.