What does this camera do best?
Picture quality, autofocus and reliability are its core strengths, and it is also well featured, good value and suitable for beginners. As a first DSLR or an upgrade from a compact camera it is a real step up, and it stays easy to adjust on the fly through long days of event shooting.
Is the autofocus good enough for a beginner shooting kids or pets?
Yes. The 45-point phase-detection system with Continuous-Servo AF is designed to follow a moving subject across the frame rather than asking you to place focus precisely by hand, and the autofocus is a clear strength. It can also focus well in dim conditions, which is usually the hardest situation for any autofocus system. With evaluative metering alongside, it is a beginner friendly setup for everyday action.
Is the screen a touchscreen, and is there a viewfinder?
Yes to both. The 3-inch capacitive touchscreen works much like a phone for tapping a focus point, reviewing photos and moving through menus, and the optical viewfinder at 0.82x magnification lets you compose at eye level, which is easier in bright sunlight.
What's actually included in the box with this camera?
Canon lists the EOS Rebel T7i body, the Ef eyecup, the R-F-3 camera body cover, the EW-400D wide strap, the LP-E17 battery pack with battery cover, the LC-E17 battery charger and printed documentation. The camera takes Canon EF mount lenses, so make sure your order includes one if you do not already own a compatible lens.
Are there any real complaints worth knowing about before buying?
They are few. A faulty unit can slip through, and a cheaper Rebel may suit a pure beginner just as well, so test yours thoroughly while it can still go back. Setting up Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control can be difficult at first, white balance with flash may need correcting afterwards, and it is not waterproof. Video is Full HD rather than 4K, which matters if you plan to film a lot.
What connectivity and sharing features does this camera offer?
The camera has built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth for pairing with a phone or tablet, so you can transfer images and shoot remotely without removing the memory card. It also works with Canon's EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software on Mac and Windows, which turns it into a high quality webcam for calls or streaming. On the wired side there is a 3.5mm audio input for an external microphone, USB and video output for playback on another screen.