In the enthusiast-level DSLR range offered by Canon, the Canon EOS 80D was succeeded by the Canon EOS 90D not long after it was first introduced in 2016. Those individuals who want an all-rounder but don’t necessarily have the need – or possibly the cash – for the most up-to-date technology will find that this product is a strong performer.
Because it is a camera aimed at enthusiasts, it has to be appealing to those who enjoy taking pictures of a wide variety of topics under a variety of lighting circumstances. This indicates that they require a product with a large number of features, but they do not necessarily require anything that is headed into a professional area.
We continue to believe that the 80D is one of the greatest DSLR cameras available, particularly if you are looking for a good deal on a camera.
Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR Kit with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is STM...
Features
A sensor with 24 million individual pixels and a Digic 6 processing engine are both included in the Canon 80D. This may seem comparable to the 24-megapixel 750D and 760D, however, these entry-level cameras are equipped with Hybrid AF III devices rather than the Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor found in the 80D.
The combination of the 80D sensor and CPU results in a native sensitivity range that extends from ISO 100 to 16,000 (this is an increase of a third of a stop in comparison to its predecessor, the 70D), and a maximum expansion value of ISO 25,600. (the same as the 70D).
And while the maximum continuous shooting rate is the same as the 70D’s at 7 frames per second, the burst depth has been increased to 110 JPEGs or 25 raw files when a UHS-1 SD card is used. This represents a significant improvement from the 70D, which only allowed for a maximum of 65 JPEGs or 16 raw files during continuous shooting.
One autofocus system is used when the camera is being used traditionally and photographs are being composed in the viewfinder (also known as being in reflex mode), while the other autofocus system is used when the camera is being used in Live View and video mode. In comparison to its predecessor, the 70D, the 80D has revised versions of both of these camera technologies from Canon.
For example, the reflex mode system contains 45 autofocus points, all of which are of the cross-type variety, while the 70D only has 19 points. This indicates that the new camera has a stronger AF point coverage, which gives it a greater ability to locate targets and track them as they move across the frame.
In addition to this, each of the points is a cross-type with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or more, and the central 27 operate at f/8, with nine of them being cross-type at this setting. Those who use the telephoto lenses and teleconverter combos, which limit the maximum aperture to f/8, may be pleased to hear this piece of information.
Turning our attention to the Live View and video autofocus mechanism, the 80D has the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology as the 70D. This indicates that it possesses phase detection points on the image sensor itself.
According to Canon, the new technology is more sensitive and faster than the one in the 70D. However, because fast autofocusing isn’t always ideal while shooting video, the speed of the system in the 80D camera may be varied across seven stages for slower focus shifts.
Although the 80D does not have one of the most sought-after video features—namely, the ability to record in 4K—it does improve upon the 70D’s video capabilities by adding a headphone port for audio monitoring and the capability to record Full HD (1980 x 1020) footage at 50 frames per second for two times the normal speed of playback.
The 80D includes an external mic connection, much like the 70D does (the volume may be changed manually in-camera), along with HDMI Mini and A/V Digital out terminals. However, the 80D can record in either the MOV or MP4 format, whereas the 70D can only shoot in the MOV format. The dynamic short films you produce in-camera may be helped along by Canon’s superb Video snapshot capability, which is also available.
The EOS 80D includes Near Field Communication, as shown by the NFC logo that is located on the side of the camera. This allows for wireless connections to be made to devices such as smartphones, tablets, and Canon’s CS100 Connect Station.
Wi-Fi connection was added to Canon cameras at a reasonably early stage, and the company also incorporates NFC (near field communication) technology into several of its models, such as the 80D. Simply tap the camera on an NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet, the Canon Connect Station CS100, or one of Canon’s other cameras is all it takes to establish a connection between them.
This connectivity not only makes it possible to swiftly upload photographs to the internet, but it also makes it possible to manage the camera from a distance using a free app that is offered by Canon. In addition, if the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens is mounted and used with the Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1 that was announced at the same time, the app can be used to zoom the lens from one focal length to another. This is only possible if the lens is mounted and used with the Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1.
When photographing subjects against a light source that is prone to flickering, Canon launched its Anti-flicker technology with the 7D Mark II to assist in producing exposures and colors that are more predictable (for example fluorescent light). This ingenious technology, which detects the frequency of the flicker and timings of the images so that they are taken when the influence on exposure and color is low, can also be found on the Canon EOS 80D.
Another important aspect to take into consideration is that the 80D, much like the 5DS/R and the 1DX Mark II, is equipped with an automated white balancing system that gives users the choice to prioritize either the white or the ambient light source. Photos produced by using the Ambience priority option keep some of the colors that was created by the lighting, in contrast to images produced using the White priority setting which is meant to eliminate the color cast.
Design And Handling
Even though the EOS 80D is not nearly as large as the 5D Mark III, there is sufficient room on the grip of the 80D for the rest of the fingers on my right hand even when my index finger is poised over the shutter release. This is because the 80D has a smaller body. Those who have very large hands, on the other hand, might discover that sliding their little finger beneath the grip is more comfortable.
The vast majority of the camera’s control buttons are clustered on the right-hand side of the device, either on the top plate or the rear, and they are positioned to be within comfortable reach when the device is held in use.
Some of the buttons, such as the AF, Drive, and Metering buttons, are intended to be used in conjunction with the camera’s Main Dial or Quick Control Dial when the user is looking at the secondary LCD screen located on the top plate of the camera rather than via the viewfinder.
It is a method that has been tried and proven and has been shown to be effective; but, many people will find that the touch control given by the primary screen on the back of the camera is easier to use.
Canon, in contrast to some other manufacturers, provides touch control over both the main and Quick Menus, which can significantly increase the speed at which the camera can be used. In Live View mode, browsing through photographs, adjusting the AF point, and pressing the shutter release button are all a breeze thanks to this feature.
The Quick Menu is a very helpful tool since it provides a direct path to some of the functions that are utilized most frequently. However, it would be wonderful if this was as customizable as it is on the 1DX Mark II so that it just featured the things that you use on a regular basis. This would be similar to how the main menu on the 1DX Mark II works.
For instance, it’s possible that some photographers will never have the need (or want) to switch the file type that they shoot in. It would be even more convenient if there were two Quick Menus that could be personalized; one for still images, and another for video.
The touch-control feature, which works quite well, is also present in Canon’s other digital single-lens reflex cameras. You can choose menu items with a single tap, and choices may be picked with either a second tap or the navigation keys, the mini-joystick, or a control dial, depending on which method is most convenient for you.
The view that can be seen on the 3-inch, 1,040,000-dot Clear View II screen that is located on the rear of the 80D is very clear and detailed. When in Live View mode, the target area may be enlarged on-screen, which makes it much simpler to manually focus the camera than when using the viewfinder.
You won’t need to go down on all fours or crawl about on the ground to obtain a worm’s eye perspective thanks to the screen’s variable-angle hinge, which makes it highly helpful for filming from unusual angles in either landscape or portrait configurations. When situations like this arise, the advantage of being able to adjust the autofocus point and trigger the shutter with a tap on the screen becomes clear.
In order to get a good view of the display, however, you will need to adjust the brightness of the screen so that it is at its highest possible level. It was helpful for me to attach the LCD Brightness control to one of the six customizable My Menu screens so that I could rapidly reach it in the event that it was required of me. If it were possible, I would love to have it assigned to the Quick Menu but I doubt that would ever happen.
Even though the screen on the 80D is rather nice, most photographers find it easier to compose their shots through the viewfinder, particularly when the subject is moving. This is especially true while taking stills. In addition to this, the view is pleasant and bright, and, in contrast to the viewfinder of the 70D, which covers just 98% of the lens’s field of vision, this one covers 100%. When you analyze your photographs, you will see that there are fewer surprises occurring outside the perimeter of the frame.
The mode dial on the 80D enables users to make a selection for the Creative Filter mode. JPEG photos can have one of ten different filter effects added to them while they are being shot if this option is chosen. The camera will switch to shooting just JPEGs if you are shooting raw files, raw and JPEG files, or raw and JPEG files simultaneously. Although it is possible to utilize the Creative Filters when creating photographs in the viewfinder, the effect of these filters can only be displayed on the main screen when the camera is set to Live View mode.
The number of different Custom Mode settings that may be accessed via the mode dial has been expanded from one on the 70D to two on the 80D by Canon. This implies that you may shoot with one set of settings and instantly swap between two other options while you are shooting.
For example, you could set one Custom mode to shutter priority with a shutter speed of 1/500 second, auto sensitivity, Natural Picture Style, continuous AF, and Continuous Shooting so that if you happen to see some wildlife while you’re out taking pictures of landscapes, you can change all of the settings with just a turn of the mode dial. This would allow you to take pictures of the wildlife without having to stop shooting landscapes.
It is also possible to designate up to six menu items to each of as many as six different tabs that make up your My Menu. This makes it simpler to access some of the functions that are buried deeper inside the game, such as the Mirror Lock-up function. I found that assigning important still elements to one tab and essential video features to another was a beneficial organizational strategy.
In addition, Custom Function III 4 gives you the ability to personalize as many as nine controls (buttons and dials) that allow you to access particular functionalities. Setting the navigation control such that it provides a straightforward way to choose an AF point, for example, is something that I find to be beneficial.
Performance
In its APS-C format cameras, Canon had been employing 18-megapixel sensors for quite some time, but with the release of the 750D and 760D, the company made the transition to 24-megapixel devices. A camera with a higher pixel count has the ability to capture more detail than a comparable model with a lower resolution. This is one of the reasons why higher pixel count cameras are so appealing.
The potential pitfall, on the other hand, is that because the photoreceptors typically have to be made smaller, they produce a weaker image signal, which necessitates the application of more gain, which can result in more image noise. This is a necessary trade-off in order to achieve the smaller size.
The autofocus technology of the 80D proved to be capable of handling the challenge of photographing the skateboarders as they moved quickly. To view the image in its full size, click here. Canon EOS 80D example image To view the image in its full size, click here. Canon EOS 80D example image Canon EOS 80D example image
When you want to shoot from low angles like this, the articulating screen is a tremendously helpful tool to have. To view the image in its full size, click here.
The autofocus technology of the 80D proved to be capable of handling the challenge of photographing the skateboarders as they moved quickly. To view the image in its full size, click here. Canon EOS 80D example image To view the image in its full size, click here. Canon EOS 80D example image Canon EOS 80D example image
The use of Landscape Picture Style has allowed for the vibrant green of the sunlight grass in this image to be more accurately captured. To view the image in its full size, click here.
The autofocus technology of the 80D proved to be capable of handling the challenge of photographing the skateboarders as they moved quickly. To view the image in its full size, click here. Canon EOS 80D example image To view the image in its full size, click here. Canon EOS 80D example image Canon EOS 80D example image
The camera was able to focus even though there was very little light, and the level of noise is nicely controlled for ISO 16000. To view the image in its full size, click here.
Thankfully, Canon has been successful in moving the custard pie from the face to the plate where it belongs. The pixel count of the sensor in the Canon EOS 80D has been increased to 24.2 million, which is a 25% improvement over the pixel count of the sensor in the Canon EOS 70D. As a result of this improvement, the level of noise has not increased over the bulk of the sensitivity range.
However, it is notable that the 80D achieves poorer marks in our resolution testing at ISO 12,800 compared to the 70D. Images captured at this sensitivity setting and ISO 16,000 appear to have acceptable levels of noise when the default amounts of noise reduction are applied to them. Noise is well suppressed, and while some detail is lost, there is no discernible smearing in the image.
When photographs are around A4 size, there are certain regions that have a small haze and loss of resolution. Because of this, I would advise exercising prudence with the highest possible setting of ISO 25,600. Nonetheless, because of this, this value is considered an expansion setting by Canon. This means that Canon makes it accessible for usage if it is truly required; however, they do not believe the image quality to be completely sufficient.
Since Canon has equipped the 80D with an autofocus (AF) system that is substantially more advanced than the one found in the 70D for use with the viewfinder, you can imagine how eager I was to put it to the test. It lived up to expectations, quickly rendering stable things crisp and maintaining the sharpness of rapidly moving images even in dim light.
When I was photographing skateboarders in the dim conditions of London’s Undercroft, I did some experimenting with the various AF point selection modes and found that the 45-point Automatic Selection option is pretty capable. This is probably helped by the new color detection system that is included in the camera. In most instances, it was able to accurately identify the target and track it as it moved across the screen, either coming closer to or farther away from the camera. This was accomplished despite the presence of a distracting background consisting of walls covered in graffiti.
Additionally, the Single-point AF (Manual selection) option worked really well for me as long as I was able to maintain the active point above the subject. When photographing skateboarders, who frequently hop, twist, and spin, achieving this effect can be challenging, but I’ve found that utilizing the Zone AF option gives me the best results.
In this mode, the 45 AF points are divided up into nine different zones, and before you begin shooting, you will need to pick the zone that has the autofocus points that will be most useful to you. The camera will then track the subject using the AF points inside that zone. This is an excellent choice for shooting moving subjects, and the fact that you can see the points light up as they activate provides you with the assurance that the resulting shots will be crisp. Although it is not completely infallible, I was able to get a high hit rate with it, and it is more trustworthy than the 45-point Automatic Selection option.
Those who are interested in delving deeper into the 80D’s autofocus capabilities will discover a total of 16 different customization choices within the menu. These options include the capability to alter tracking sensitivity, acceleration/deceleration tracking, and the speed of AF point change. These are choices that can be helpful, but they need the photographer to have a solid awareness of the subject, the shooting conditions, and the ability to keep the active AF point over the subject at all times. If you regularly photograph the same things, it is worthwhile to investigate the various settings to determine whether or not any of them can improve your hit rate or make your life simpler.
Additionally, the autofocus (AF) technology works well in both Live View and Video mode. The viewfinder system is more dependable, yet the shutter speed is rapid enough to allow for shooting stills of moving subjects in some scenarios. The focus change of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is smooth enough to be useable for taking video, although the degree to which it is seamless depends on the shooting environment as well as the pace of both the subject and the camera. Additionally, the movie is of great quality, characterised by favorable exposure and appealing coloration (depending upon the selected Picture Style).
In reflex mode, the Canon 80D makes use of the same metering system as the Canon 750D and the Canon 760D. This means that there is a 63-zone Evaluative, Partial, Centre-weighted, and Spot metering option and that the sensor has 7560 RGB+IR (infrared) pixels.
The evaluative system is excellent; but, because to the weighting that is given to the active AF point, it is possible that you may need to make use of the exposure compensation adjustment in scenes with a lot of contrast. There is nothing particularly strange about that at all. When photographing backlit subjects, the Centre-Weighted, Partial, and Spot choices demonstrate their value.
The autofocus technology of the 80D proved to be capable of handling the challenge of photographing the skateboarders as they moved quickly. To view the image in its full size, click here. Canon EOS 80D example image To view the image in its full size, click here. Canon EOS 80D example image Canon EOS 80D example image
The camera utilizes the image sensor to measure exposure whether shooting in Live View or video mode, and it does a fantastic job doing it. However, if you have cranked up the brightness of the screen in order to compensate for bright ambient light, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the histogram view. This is because images may appear brighter than they actually are if you have turned up the screen’s brightness.
The white balance mechanism of the 80D functions in the same manner that we have come to anticipate from Canon, but it also has the newly added White and Ambience priority settings for the Auto setting.
The White Priority option proved to be highly capable, generating photographs that were neutral while being exposed to artificial illumination, which is a common source of issues. Because the Ambient priority option keeps part of the color cast, it is often desirable to use it in certain circumstances.
Conclusion
Although most of the focus is currently on mirrorless models, the Canon 80D, with its robust feature set and high-performing sensor, is illustrative of the kind of appeal that these now very reasonably priced models can have for photography enthusiasts due to the fact that they are so much better than they used to be.
It is possible that it may not have the most recent innovations in cutting-edge technology, but it does include everything that you truly require. This includes a system for automatically focusing the camera that is both quick and accurate, as well as a screen that is touch-sensitive and adjustable in angle, and a secondary AF system that functions well while shooting in Live View and can adjust its speed to suit the needs of video mode.
The 80D has a sensor with 24 million pixels, which enables it to capture a great deal of detail over its sensitivity range while keeping noise under control. Even when there is very little light, the reflex autofocus system is able to perform extremely well. Additionally, the metering and white balance algorithms are both trustworthy. On top of that, the camera has superb handling, with a concentration on creative photography as well as an emphasis on making quick and easy modifications to the settings.
Photographic enthusiasts want a camera that works well for them, one that gives them easy access to the most essential functions and helps them make adjustments to the settings with little effort. The Canon EOS 80D enables a good degree of customization and gives an efficient path to the functions that are used the most frequently.
The touchscreen, which is also beautifully integrated, makes operating the camera more straightforward, as is the case with the majority of other Canon SLRs. The fact that the screen is mounted on a vari-angle hinge means that it can be articulated to offer a clear view regardless of the shooting position. As a result, it is much simpler to capture photographs from a variety of unique perspectives.
It is possible that amateur photographers would like to shoot images in the same settings as professional photographers; yet, very few amateur photographers are fortunate enough to be able to buy the big aperture telephoto lenses used by the professionals.
Because of this, it is perhaps more crucial that a camera marketed at enthusiasts has the ability to focus at apertures that are often seen when telephoto lenses are combined with teleconverters. This very mechanism may be found on the 80D.
Canon EOS 80D Specs
Body type | Mid-size SLR |
---|---|
Body material | Composite |
Sensor | |
Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
Sensor photo detectors | 26 megapixels |
Sensor size | APS-C (22.5 x 15 mm) |
Sensor type | CMOS |
Processor | DIGIC 6 |
Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
Color filter array | Primary color filter |
Image | |
ISO | Auto, 100-16000 (expands to 25600) |
Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
White balance presets | 6 |
Custom white balance | Yes |
Image stabilization | No |
Uncompressed format | RAW |
JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (Canon 14-bit CRW) |
Optics & Focus | |
Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
Manual focus | Yes |
Number of focus points | 45 |
Lens mount | Canon EF/EF-S |
Focal length multiplier | 1.6× |
Screen / viewfinder | |
Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
Screen size | 3″ |
Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
Touch screen | Yes |
Screen type | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes |
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.95× (0.59× 35mm equiv.) |
Photography features | |
Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
Exposure modes | ProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManualBulb |
Scene modes | FoodKidsCandlelightNight PortraitHandheld Night SceneHDR Backlight ControlPortraitLandscapeClose-upSports |
Built-in flash | Yes |
Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
Drive modes | SingleHigh speed continuousLow speed continuousSilent single shootingSilent continuous shooting10/2 sec self-timer/remote ctrl |
Continuous drive | 7.0 fps |
Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features | |
Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p) |
Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Videography notes | Choice of ALL-I or IPB codecs |
Microphone | Stereo |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage | |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I support) |
Connectivity | |
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
HDMI | Yes (mini-HDMI) |
Microphone port | Yes |
Headphone port | Yes |
Wireless | Built-In |
Wireless notes | 802.11/b/g/n with NFC |
Remote control | Yes (Wired, wireless, or via smartphone) |
Physical | |
Environmentally sealed | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack |
Battery description | LP-E6N lithium-ion battery & charger |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 960 |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 730 g (1.61 lb / 25.75 oz) |
Dimensions | 139 x 105 x 79 mm (5.47 x 4.13 x 3.11″) |
Other features | |
Orientation sensor | Yes |
Timelapse recording | Yes |
GPS | None |