As a freelance travel writer, I’ve had the honor of visiting over 17 countries this year. My job has taken me to an elephant sanctuary in Bangkok, a floating market in Cambodia, a century-old luau in Hawaii, a zip-lining spot in Iceland, and so many other interesting places. Recently, I’ve been looking for a way to bottle up all these life-changing moments by composing travel reel recaps as a supplement for my written content. However, capturing these cultural experiences with my smartphone hasn’t measured up to my vision.
Content creator and photographer friends recommended investing in the Canon EOS Rebel T7 ($460), a beginner-friendly DSLR camera, to improve my stills and video. After hearing about its easy-to-use features and impressive image quality, I picked up one two weeks ago and have never looked back.
Keep reading for more details about the Canon camera, and learn what makes it an ideal gift for frequent travelers with the holidays quickly approaching.
About the Canon EOS Rebel T7
- It is an entry-level DSLR camera, perfect for those just getting started
- It has a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and built-in WiFi
- It is compact enough to fit in medium-sized totes and handbags
- It has an easy-to-use menu setup with a 700-shot battery life
- It includes an 18-55mm lens for portraits and landscapes, and a wide-angle lens for more expansive shots
- The bundle comes with a memory card, tripod, storage bag, neck strap, cleaning pen, and more
What I Like About the Canon EOS Rebel T7
Admittedly, carrying around an actual camera without a background in photography felt very intimidating before I owned the Canon EOS Rebel T7. I imagined that having a camera strapped around my neck would suggest I’m a professional photographer, when in reality, I have no idea what I’m doing. But shortly after unboxing the Canon bundle, I realized it wasn’t going to be daunting at all.
I was happy to get through the concise quick-guide rather swiftly, and after a couple of hours dedicated to charging the battery and setting up the time and language, I was ready to use the camera. The Canon is comfortable to use thanks to the ergonomic design, with simple controls tailored toward beginner photographers. It’s compact and lightweight, easily fitting into my work tote and handbags, which makes it easy to take when I’m on the go.
Mostly, the intuitive interface and guided user mode make navigation on the Canon EOS Rebel T7 a seamless process, even for those with zero photography experience. The creative auto mode is particularly helpful, as it suggests the perfect settings for each shot and provides real-time insights about the settings being used. This feature has enabled me to take great photos right away, while learning what each setting allows me to capture.
Plus, the camera has built-in WiFi and can send my stills and videos directly to my phone, computer, or social media where I can incorporate them into my reels or edit them further.
How to Use the Canon EOS Rebel T7
Each time I use the camera, I start by setting it in auto mode. This enables me to learn how the camera captures images naturally. My goal is to transition to manual settings eventually, but for now, I appreciate how the camera serves as a teacher, helping me understand key concepts like depth, focus, and shutter speed before advancing.
What to Consider Before Trying the Canon EOS Rebel T7
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a great gift for beginners. However, if you’re shopping for someone who’s more advanced, they may not enjoy the camera as much as I have. With a slower burst rate than more robust models, it isn’t the best option for sports or wildlife photography. And while the HD recording is great for novices like me, the direction of the lens is fixed — meaning there is no selfie mode — a potential deal-breaker for those interested in vlogging or selfie-style videos.
However, the Rebel T7 is budget-friendly and easy to use. It takes great photos and the bundle is the perfect entry point for my current skill level as a photographer.
Where Is the Canon EOS Rebel T7 Available?
You can get the Canon EOS Rebel T7 at Walmart.
Rating:
★★★★★
Natasha Marsh is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Prior to freelancing, she held styling staff positions at The Wall Street Journal, Burberry, Cosmopolitan, British GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar.