The Canon that can: Canon EOS 80D Review

 

The Canon EOS 80D is an enthusiast-level DSLR, and the successor to the 70D. It sports a new 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor which, like the 70D, offers Canon's Dual Pixel on-sensor phase-detection autofocus system. The 80D also gains a new 45-point hybrid AF system with all of the points being cross-type. This is a step up from the 19-point AF system in the 70D, though not quite at the same level as the 65-point coverage offered by the more professionally-oriented 7D Mark II.

Featuring a body sealed against dust and moisture, the 80D has a polycarbonate exterior and magnesium alloy chassis. It is nearly identical in design to its predecessor, with the majority of controls accessible via the articulating rear touchscreen, as well as via physical control points. Video is a major part of the 80D's total package. While it cannot shoot 4K, it does offer 1080/60p capture and continuous autofocus during video. A headphone socket has been added to compliment its microphone port.

Canon EOS 80D key features:

• 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF
• 45-point AF system with all cross-type points
• 3" 1.04M-dot articulating touchscreen
• 1080/60p video capture
• 7 fps continuous shooting with AF
• Weather-resistant body
• 7560-pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor
• Wi-Fi + NFC

Other improvements come in the form of a new mirror vibration control system (similar to the 5DS and 7D Mark II), which should help reduce the blur-inducing effects of shutter shock. The 80D also gains the same 7560 pixel RGB+IR metering sensor found in the Rebel T6s and T6i, a serious improvement over the 63-zone dual layer sensor found in the 70D. This new sensor gives the camera some degree of human subject awareness for subject tracking through the viewfinder. However, unlike the 7D Mark II, the 80D does not have Canon's 'Intelligent Tracking and Recognition' (iTR) system, which uses the metering sensor along with distance info to subject track.

The new sensor

It's no secret that some Canon shooters have been frustrated as of late, as Sony's sensor technology marches ahead in terms of dynamic range. Fortunately, the 80D marks a significant step forward in Canon's sensor development, offering much better DR than the 70D or 7D Mark II. But the new sensor isn't interesting just because of the pictures it can capture. Dual Pixel AF not only allows for continuous focus during video capture, but during still capture (in live view mode) as well. We first saw this feature in the Rebel T6s and it is exciting to see it now making its way up Canon's food chain to enthusiast-level cameras.

Compared to its siblings

	Canon EOS 80D	Canon EOS 7D Mark II	Canon EOS 70D	Canon EOS 6D
Sensor	24MP APS-C	20.2MP APS-C	20.2MP APS-C	20.2MP full-frame
ISO range	100-16000 (expands to 25600)	100-16000 (expands to 25600)	100-12800 (expands to 25600)	100-25600 (expands to 50-102800)
AF (viewfinder)	45 all cross-type points	65 all cross-type points	19 all cross-type points	11 point, center point is cross-type
AF (Live view/video)	Dual pixel AF	Dual pixel AF	Dual pixel AF	Contrast Detect, Phase Detect (in 'Quick' mode)
Intelligent Tracking and Recognition	No	Yes	No	No
C-AF in live view during still shooting	Yes	No	No	No
AF joystick	No	Yes	No	No
Video capabilities	1080/60p	1080/60p	1080/30p	1080/30p
Burst rate	7 fps	10 fps	7 fps	4.5 fps
LCD spec	3" 1.04M-dot articulating touch LCD	3" 1.04M-dot fixed LCD	3" 1.04M-dot articulating touch LCD	3" 1.04M-dot fixed LCD
Weight	730 g (1.61 lb)	910g (2.0 lb)	755g (1.7 lb)	770 g (1.70 lb)

Aside from the 70D, the closest sibling to the 80D is the more professionally-oriented Canon EOS 7D Mark II. It uses a slightly lower resolution chip and offers less dynamic range than the 80D. While the two share the same basic video specs, the 7D Mark II is better equipped for fast action, thanks to greater AF point coverage, a dedicated AF joystick and the inclusion of Canon iTR, as well as a faster shooting rate. On the other hand, the 80D's touch focus capabilities make it a more appealing choice for video.

Of course the full frame Canon 6D now falls into a similar price class to the both the 80D and 7D Mark II, making it worthy of consideration. Although it's far from new the 6D remains a solid and popular camera despite its comparatively simplistic AF system.

Accessories

The 80D shown with PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter connected to the EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM kit zoom. This adapter allows for smooth zooming at variable speeds.

Along with the announcement of the 80D, Canon announced the DM-E1 shotgun microphone (compatible with any camera that has a 1/8" socket). Canon also announced the PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter. It can clip onto the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM kit lens and control the zoom, with two speed options. The DM-E1 will sell for $250, while the PZ-E1 will run you $150. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get hold of either new accessory in time for this review, but we'll be updating our impressions as soon as we can. 

Pricing and availability

The Canon EOS 80D is available now for a body-only price of $1199/£999/€1199. Kitted with Canon's new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, the 80D will run you $1799. Kitted with the EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, the 80D will run $1349/£1089.