Comprehensive Canon EOS 80D Review: Perfect DSLR for Photography and Video

Lens Logic Verdict

The Canon EOS 80D stands out as a dependable DSLR. It’s great for both beginners and experienced shooters. The 24.2 MP sensor and fast 45-point autofocus system make it ideal for action, portraits, and everything in between. The Dual Pixel AF gives smooth, precise focus for videos. It lacks 4K, but the sharp photos, solid build, and simple controls make up for it. This camera delivers strong, reliable performance.

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The Canon EOS 80D stands as a testament to Canon’s commitment to creating versatile, high-performance cameras that cater to both photographers and videographers. Released as the successor to the popular 70D, the 80D has earned its reputation as a jack-of-all-trades in the camera world. With its 24.2MP APS-C sensor, advanced autofocus system, and robust build quality, it bridges the gap between entry-level DSLRs and professional cameras, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts and semi-professionals alike.

What sets the 80D apart is its remarkable ability to excel in various shooting scenarios, from fast-paced sports photography to detailed portraiture, while also serving as a reliable video camera for content creators. As we delve deeper into this review, we’ll explore how the Canon 80D manages to be the Swiss Army knife of modern DSLRs.

Canon EOS 80D: SPECIFICATIONS

• Sensor: 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS
• Image Processor: DIGIC 6
• Lens Mount: Canon EF/EF-S
• Autofocus: 45-point all cross-type
• ISO Range: 100-16,000 (expandable to 25,600)
• Video: Full HD 1080p at 60 fps
• Viewfinder: Optical, 100% coverage
• Memory Card: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
• LCD: 3-inch Vari-Angle touchscreen, 1.04 million dots
• Max Burst: 7 fps
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC
• Size: 139 x 105.2 x 78.5 mm
• Weight: 730 g (body only)

Key Features of Canon EOS 80D

The Canon EOS 80D boasts a powerful 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, capturing stunningly detailed images. Coupled with the DIGIC 6 processor, this sensor delivers exceptional image quality, even in low-light conditions. 

For fast and accurate focusing, the 80D features a 45-point all-cross-type AF system. This ensures that your subjects remain in sharp focus, even during fast-paced action. When shooting in Live View or recording videos, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology provides smooth and continuous focusing, making it ideal for capturing moving subjects.

The 80D offers 100% viewfinder coverage, providing a clear and comprehensive view of your scene. The 3-inch articulating touchscreen LCD is perfect for framing your shots, reviewing images, and navigating the camera’s menus. 

For capturing action-packed moments, the 80D can shoot at a continuous rate of 7 frames per second (fps), allowing you to capture every detail of fast-moving subjects. Additionally, it can record Full HD video at 60 fps, delivering smooth and high-quality footage.

Practical Photography Performance

Versatility in Different Scenarios

The Canon 80D truly shines when it comes to real-world photography applications. For landscape photographers, the improved dynamic range allows for better shadow recovery and more balanced exposures. Portrait photographers will appreciate the accurate skin tones and the 45-point cross-type AF system, which ensures sharp focus on the subjects’ eyes.

The camera’s 7 fps continuous shooting capability, coupled with its sophisticated tracking system, makes it an excellent choice for sports and wildlife photography. The weather-sealed body provides added confidence when shooting in challenging conditions.

Autofocus and Image Quality

The 80D’s autofocus system is a significant upgrade from its predecessor. All 45 AF points are cross-type, and the center point is sensitive down to -3 EV, allowing for accurate focusing even in low-light conditions. The camera also features an enhanced tracking ability, making it easier to capture moving subjects.

Image quality is impressive, with the 24.2MP sensor capturing fine details and producing colors that are true to life. The ISO range of 100-16000 (expandable to 25600) allows for versatile shooting in various lighting conditions, with minimal noise at higher ISOs compared to its predecessor.

When compared to the Canon 70D, the 80D offers notable improvements in almost every aspect. The higher resolution sensor, improved autofocus system, and better high ISO performance make it a worthy upgrade. While it may not match the raw speed of the 7D Mark II, the 80D offers a more balanced feature set for a wider range of photography styles.

Video Capabilities of Canon EOS 80D

The Canon EOS 80D has quickly become a favorite among content creators, particularly YouTubers, thanks to its impressive video capabilities. One of the standout features is its Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, which delivers smooth and accurate autofocus during video recording. This sets it apart from many competitors and ensures that your subjects remain in focus even when the camera is moving. 

The articulating touchscreen is another game-changer for YouTubers. It allows for easy focus point selection and makes self-recording a breeze. Whether you’re vlogging, creating tutorials, or filming product reviews, the 80D’s touchscreen makes it a cinch to capture engaging content. 

While the lack of 4K video might be a minor disappointment for some, the Full HD 1080p recording at 60 fps produces exceptional quality footage. The colors are natural, the detail is impressive, and the overall image quality is excellent. The addition of a headphone jack is another significant improvement over its predecessor, the 70D. This allows for real-time audio monitoring, ensuring that your sound is top-notch. 

Content Creation Applications

• For vloggers and YouTube content creators, the 80D offers several advantages:
• Face-tracking autofocus that remains reliable during movement
• High-quality built-in microphone with optional external mic input
• Fully articulating screen for self-monitoring
• Good battery life for extended recording sessions

The camera also supports HDR video mode, which helps reduce highlight clipping in high-contrast situations, and offers time-lapse movie creation in-camera.

Comparison with Canon EOS 90D & Nikon D7500 

Features	Canon 80D	Canon 90D	Nikon D7500
Sensor	APS-C CMOS (24.2MP)	APS-C CMOS (32.5MP)	APS-C CMOS (20.9MP)
Autofocus	45-point all cross-type AF	45-point all cross-type AF	51-point all cross-type AF
Continuous  Shooting	7 fps	10 fps	8 fps
Video	1080p 60fps	4K 30fps	4K 30fps
Price	Mid-range	High-end	Mid-range

Canon EOS 80D is a versatile camera with a good balance of features and price. It’s suitable for various photography styles, including portraits, landscapes, and sports. Canon EOS 90D offers a higher resolution sensor and faster continuous shooting, making it ideal for wildlife and sports photography. Nikon D7500 is a great option for those who prioritize video recording and need a compact camera.

Canon EOS 80D with Essential Lenses and Accessories

Must-Have Lenses

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

This versatile zoom lens is a must-have for any Canon EOS 80D owner. Its wide focal range makes it ideal for capturing a variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits. The built-in image stabilizer ensures sharp images even in low-light conditions. 

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

A classic portrait lens, this 50mm f/1.8 offers a wide aperture for stunning bokeh and low-light performance. Its compact size and affordable price make it a popular choice among photographers.

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

This ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, architecture, and interiors. The image stabilizer helps to minimize camera shake and ensure sharp images. 

Recommended Accessories

• Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for capturing sharp images in low-light conditions and for video recording. Look for a tripod with adjustable height and a stable base.

• External Microphone: For better audio quality in your videos, invest in an external microphone. The Rode VideoMic Pro is a popular choice among filmmakers and photographers.

• Remote Shutter Release: A remote shutter release can help prevent camera shake and allow for longer exposures, especially when shooting in low-light conditions.

• Memory Cards: High-speed memory cards are essential for capturing high-resolution images and videos. Opt for a reputable brand like SanDisk or Lexar.

• Lens Hood: A lens hood can help protect your lens from flare and reduce lens reflections, resulting in clearer and more vibrant images.

By combining the right lenses and accessories with your Canon EOS 80D, you can unlock its full potential and capture stunning images and videos.

Pros and cons of Canon EOS 80D

All cameras have some pros and cons. Here are some pros and cons of the Canon 80D

Pros:

• Exceptional Image Quality: The 80D delivers stunning image quality with improved dynamic range, ensuring vibrant colors and detailed images.

• Advanced Autofocus: The 45-point all cross-type AF system provides fast and accurate autofocus, even in challenging lighting conditions.

• Smooth Video Focus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology ensures smooth and continuous focus during video recording, making it ideal for vloggers and filmmakers.

• Weather-Sealed Durability: The 80D’s weather-sealed body protects it from the elements, allowing you to shoot in various conditions without worry.

• Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: The 3-inch articulating touchscreen makes navigating the camera’s menus and selecting focus points a breeze.

• Headphone Jack: The built-in headphone jack enables real-time audio monitoring, ensuring that your sound is top-notch.

• Extensive Lens Compatibility: The 80D is compatible with Canon’s vast lens lineup, giving you endless creative possibilities.

Cons:

• No 4K Video: While the Full HD video quality is excellent, the lack of 4K might be a drawback for those who require the highest resolution.

• Single SD Card Slot: Having a single SD card slot can be limiting, especially for those who shoot a lot of videos or need to back up their files regularly.

• Weight: The 80D is slightly heavier than some mirrorless alternatives, which might be a consideration for those who prioritize portability.

• No Built-in GPS: While not a deal-breaker for many, the lack of built-in GPS can be inconvenient for those who need to track their location for geotagging.

Overall, the Canon EOS 80D is a powerful and versatile DSLR that offers excellent image quality, advanced autofocus, and a range of features that make it ideal for content creators. While it may have a few limitations, its strengths far outweigh the drawbacks, making it a worthy investment for photographers and videographers alike.

Conclusion and Final Recommendation

The Canon EOS 80D remains a compelling choice for photographers and videographers in 2024, despite newer models on the market. Its combination of excellent image quality, versatile autofocus system, and user-friendly interface makes it an ideal camera for enthusiasts looking to grow their skills or semi-professionals needing a reliable workhorse.

While it may lack some modern features like 4K video or dual card slots, the 80D compensates with its outstanding all-around performance and reliability. For those seeking a camera that can handle both still photography and video creation with equal competence, the Canon EOS 80D continues to be a smart investment, offering a perfect balance of features, quality, and value.