Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Canon EOS 80D, a highly popular and versatile DSLR camera that has gained a loyal following among photography enthusiasts. With its advanced features and impressive performance, the EOS 80D has solidified its position as a go-to camera for both professionals and hobbyists.

When it comes to capturing stunning images and videos, the Canon EOS 80D truly excels. Whether you are a landscape photographer, a portrait artist, or an action sports enthusiast, this camera offers a wide range of features and capabilities to meet your creative needs.

Equipped with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 6 image processor, the EOS 80D delivers excellent image quality with rich colors and sharp details. The camera’s ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 16,000, expandable up to 25,600, allowing for high-quality shots even in low-light conditions.

One of the standout features of the Canon EOS 80D is its impressive autofocus system. With 45 cross-type focus points and a Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus technology, the camera ensures quick and accurate focusing, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects and achieving sharp images.

Additionally, the EOS 80D offers an impressive burst shooting rate of 7 frames per second, allowing you to capture the perfect moment during dynamic action sequences. Its buffer capacity can handle up to 25 RAW or 110 JPEG images, ensuring that you never miss a shot.

In terms of video recording, the Canon EOS 80D doesn’t disappoint either. It is capable of recording high-definition videos at up to 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, providing smooth and cinematic footage. The camera also features an external microphone input, giving you the option to capture professional-grade audio.

The Canon EOS 80D also boasts a durable and ergonomic design, with a magnesium alloy body that is both weather-sealed and resistant to dust. This makes it suitable for outdoor photography, even in challenging weather conditions.

Connectivity features such as built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make it easy to transfer images and videos to your smartphone or tablet for quick sharing on social media. The camera also has a built-in GPS, allowing you to geotag your photos and keep track of the locations where they were taken.

With its versatile features, exceptional image quality, and robust performance, the Canon EOS 80D is undoubtedly a powerhouse in the world of DSLR cameras. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional photographer, this camera is sure to meet and exceed your expectations.

 

Design and Build Quality

The Canon EOS 80D features a well-crafted design that strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The camera body is made of a sturdy magnesium alloy material that not only adds durability but also offers a comfortable grip for extended shooting sessions.

With its smooth rounded edges and intuitive layout of buttons and dials, the EOS 80D provides a user-friendly experience. The buttons are well-placed and easily accessible, allowing for quick adjustments to settings while shooting. The camera also features a convenient articulating touchscreen, which can be tilted and rotated to accommodate various shooting angles.

When it comes to the overall build quality, the EOS 80D is built to withstand the rigors of daily use. It features weather sealing, protecting the camera against dust and moisture, making it suitable for outdoor photography in challenging environments.

The camera’s optical viewfinder offers a clear and bright view of the scene, allowing for precise composition and framing. Additionally, the EOS 80D has a built-in pop-up flash that provides fill lighting in low-light situations.

In terms of size and weight, the Canon EOS 80D strikes a good balance. It is compact enough to be easily carried around but substantial enough to feel solid and well-built in the hand. The camera weighs approximately 730 grams (including the battery and memory card), making it comfortable to hold for long periods of time.

One of the notable design features of the EOS 80D is the presence of a top LCD panel. This panel displays crucial shooting information such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, battery level, and more. Having this additional display is beneficial as it allows for quick and easy access to important settings without the need to rely solely on the rear LCD screen.

In summary, the Canon EOS 80D is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. Its magnesium alloy body, weather sealing, and comfortable grip make it a reliable companion for photographers. The thoughtful placement of buttons and dials, along with the articulating touchscreen and top LCD panel, further enhances the camera’s usability. Overall, the design and build quality of the EOS 80D contribute to its appeal and make it a pleasure to use in various shooting conditions.

 

Image Quality

The Canon EOS 80D boasts a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that delivers outstanding image quality. With its high resolution, the camera captures images with stunning detail and clarity, allowing for ample cropping and enlargement without compromising on quality.

The sensor’s size, combined with Canon’s DIGIC 6 image processor, enables the EOS 80D to produce vibrant and accurate colors, even in challenging lighting situations. The camera’s dynamic range is also impressive, allowing for well-exposed shots in both high-contrast and low-light conditions.

Thanks to its extensive ISO range of 100 to 16,000 (expandable up to 25,600), the EOS 80D performs exceptionally well in low-light situations. Even at higher ISO settings, the camera maintains relatively low levels of noise, ensuring clean and detailed images.

Furthermore, the EOS 80D offers a variety of picture styles and creative filters, allowing photographers to add their personal touch to their images. The camera provides options for choosing custom color settings, monochrome presets, and creative effects, giving photographers the freedom to unleash their creativity.

When it comes to capturing fast-moving subjects, the Canon EOS 80D excels with its high-speed continuous shooting mode. With a burst rate of 7 frames per second and a buffer capacity of up to 25 RAW or 110 JPEG images, photographers can capture a series of moments in rapid succession, ensuring that they never miss the perfect shot.

The camera’s autofocus system also contributes to the overall image quality. The EOS 80D features a 45-point all-cross type autofocus system, which ensures accurate and precise focusing on the subject. Additionally, the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus technology enhances the camera’s performance in Live View mode, allowing for quick and smooth focus tracking during video recording.

Overall, the Canon EOS 80D delivers impressive image quality, with sharp details, accurate colors, and excellent performance in various lighting conditions. Whether you are capturing landscapes, portraits, or action shots, this camera consistently produces outstanding results that will satisfy the demands of both professional photographers and enthusiasts.

 

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus performance of the Canon EOS 80D is one of its standout features. With a 45-point all-cross type autofocus system, this camera provides quick and accurate focusing, allowing photographers to capture sharp and well-focused images.

The autofocus system of the EOS 80D covers a wide area of the frame, providing excellent coverage and flexibility when composing shots. The cross-type focus points ensure accurate focus, even in low-light situations or when the subject has low contrast.

In addition to the traditional viewfinder autofocus, the EOS 80D also features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus technology. This technology allows for smooth and quick autofocus during Live View and video recording. It utilizes the camera’s image sensor to detect phase-difference autofocus, resulting in fast and accurate focus tracking.

When shooting still images, the autofocus system of the EOS 80D is highly responsive and reliable. It locks onto the subject quickly, capturing sharp images with ease. The camera also offers various autofocus modes, including single-point AF, zone AF, and auto-area AF, allowing photographers to choose the best option for their specific shooting needs.

In continuous autofocus mode, the EOS 80D performs exceptionally well, especially when capturing moving subjects. The camera’s AI Servo AF tracking ensures that the subject remains in focus, even when it is in motion. This makes the EOS 80D ideal for photographing fast-paced action, such as sports or wildlife.

When shooting video, the autofocus performance of the Canon EOS 80D is impressive. The Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus technology provides smooth and accurate focus transitions, resulting in professional-looking footage. The camera also offers the option to adjust the autofocus speed and sensitivity, giving videographers full control over the focusing process.

Overall, the autofocus performance of the Canon EOS 80D is exceptional. The combination of a 45-point all-cross type autofocus system and Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus technology ensures quick, accurate, and reliable focusing in a wide range of shooting scenarios. Whether you are capturing still images or shooting videos, the autofocus capabilities of the EOS 80D will help you achieve sharp and well-focused results.

 

ISO Performance

The ISO performance of the Canon EOS 80D is impressive, allowing photographers to capture high-quality images in various lighting conditions. With a native ISO range of 100 to 16,000, expandable up to 25,600, the camera performs well in both low-light situations and brightly lit environments.

At lower ISO settings, such as ISO 100 to 400, the EOS 80D produces clean and noise-free images with excellent detail and sharpness. This makes it ideal for shooting in well-lit conditions or when using a tripod for longer exposures.

As the ISO is increased to higher values, the EOS 80D performs admirably by maintaining low levels of noise and preserving image quality. Even at ISO 1600 and 3200, the camera produces images with minimal noise, allowing photographers to push the boundaries of low-light photography without compromising on quality.

For situations that demand higher sensitivity, such as concert photography or indoor sports events, the EOS 80D’s ability to extend its ISO range up to 25,600 proves to be beneficial. While noise becomes more prominent at these extreme high ISO levels, the camera still manages to retain a decent level of detail and color accuracy.

Furthermore, the EOS 80D offers customizable noise reduction settings, allowing photographers to fine-tune the balance between noise reduction and image sharpness according to their preferences. This flexibility ensures that photographers can achieve the desired balance between noise suppression and preserving fine details in their images.

The Canon EOS 80D also delivers impressive performance in terms of dynamic range. The camera effectively preserves highlight and shadow details, allowing for well-exposed images with a wide tonal range. This enables photographers to retrieve details from both bright and dark areas of an image during post-processing.

In summary, the ISO performance of the Canon EOS 80D is highly commendable. With its native ISO range of 100 to 16,000, expandable up to 25,600, the camera produces high-quality images with minimal noise across a wide range of lighting conditions. Whether you are shooting in well-lit environments or challenging low-light situations, the EOS 80D delivers excellent ISO performance, ensuring that you can capture stunning images with remarkable detail and clarity.

 

Video Recording

The Canon EOS 80D offers impressive video recording capabilities, making it a versatile tool for videographers. With its ability to shoot high-definition videos at up to 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, the camera delivers smooth and detailed footage.

One of the standout features of the EOS 80D is its Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus technology, which greatly enhances the camera’s video autofocus performance. The technology allows for quick and accurate focus tracking during video recording, ensuring that your subject remains sharp and in focus.

The EOS 80D also provides manual control options for videographers, allowing them to adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO while recording. This level of control enables creative freedom and the ability to achieve the desired look and feel for video projects.

Furthermore, the camera supports external microphone connectivity, enabling users to capture high-quality audio. By utilizing an external microphone, videographers can achieve professional-grade audio, eliminating unnecessary ambient noise and ensuring clear and crisp sound in their videos.

The Canon EOS 80D’s articulating touchscreen is also a valuable asset for video recording. Its ability to tilt and rotate allows for flexible shooting angles, making it easier to compose shots from different perspectives. The touchscreen functionality makes it convenient to navigate through menus and adjust settings during video recording.

In addition, the EOS 80D provides a range of video recording features, including interval timer shooting and time-lapse movies. These features allow for creative video projects, capturing scenes over an extended period and creating captivating time-lapse sequences.

When it comes to video output, the EOS 80D has an HDMI output port that enables users to connect the camera directly to a compatible monitor or display for real-time monitoring or playback.

With its impressive video recording capabilities, autofocus performance, manual control options, and external microphone connectivity, the Canon EOS 80D is a reliable choice for videographers. Whether you are shooting YouTube videos, short films, or documentaries, the EOS 80D delivers high-quality video footage with flexibility, creative control, and professional-grade audio, making it an excellent tool for capturing stunning visuals and engaging storytelling.

 

Connectivity and Other Features

The Canon EOS 80D is equipped with a range of connectivity options and other features that enhance the overall user experience. These features provide convenience and flexibility in sharing, transferring, and controlling the camera remotely.

One of the notable connectivity features of the EOS 80D is built-in Wi-Fi. This allows users to wirelessly transfer photos and videos from the camera to their smartphones or tablets for immediate sharing on social media platforms or for backup purposes. The Canon Camera Connect app makes the process seamless and user-friendly, enabling easy pairing and transfer of files.

Additionally, the camera features built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, allowing compatible devices to establish a quick and secure connection with a simple tap. This feature streamlines the pairing process, making it effortless to transfer images and videos between the camera and compatible devices.

Another useful feature of the EOS 80D is its built-in GPS (Global Positioning System). This allows photographers to geotag their images, automatically embedding location data into each photo. This feature is particularly beneficial for travel, landscape, and documentary photographers who want to keep a record of the places they have visited.

Moreover, the Canon EOS 80D has an external microphone input, which provides videographers with the ability to capture professional-grade audio. By connecting an external microphone, users can ensure high-quality sound in their videos, eliminating unwanted background noise and enhancing the overall audio experience.

For users who prefer to control the camera remotely, the EOS 80D is compatible with the Canon Camera Connect app. This app enables users to remotely control the camera from their smartphones or tablets, making it easy to capture self-portraits, group shots, or challenging angles without physically touching the camera. The app also provides access to various camera settings and shooting modes for added flexibility and convenience.

Finally, the Canon EOS 80D features a variety of shooting modes and creative filters, allowing users to explore their creativity and add artistic touches to their photos. These modes include scene intelligent auto, HDR (High Dynamic Range), multiple exposure, and creative filters such as grainy black and white, toy camera effect, and miniature effect.

In summary, the connectivity and other features of the Canon EOS 80D greatly enhance its usability and flexibility. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities make it easy to transfer files to compatible devices, while the built-in GPS adds a geotagging functionality. The external microphone input ensures high-quality audio, and the Canon Camera Connect app allows for remote control and easy access to camera settings. Combined with various shooting modes and creative filters, these features make the EOS 80D a versatile tool for photographers and videographers alike.

 

Battery Life

The Canon EOS 80D is equipped with a powerful LP-E6N rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides impressive battery life for extended shooting sessions. The camera’s efficient power management system allows users to capture a large number of photos and videos on a single charge.

On average, the EOS 80D is rated for approximately 960 shots per charge when using the optical viewfinder. This is a significant number and ensures that photographers can shoot all day without worrying about running out of battery power. However, it’s important to note that actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and settings.

In addition to its long battery life, the EOS 80D also features an intelligent battery information system that provides users with accurate and real-time battery level information. This helps photographers plan their shoots accordingly and make sure they have enough power to complete their projects without interruption.

If you’re planning to be away from power sources for an extended period or shooting intensively, it’s always a good idea to have spare batteries on hand. Carrying extra batteries ensures that you won’t miss out on any crucial moments due to a drained battery.

In terms of charging, the Canon EOS 80D comes with a dedicated battery charger that allows for convenient and fast recharging of the LP-E6N battery. This charger is compact and portable, making it easy to carry for on-the-go photographers.

Additionally, for extended shooting sessions or when using the camera in a studio setup, the EOS 80D can be powered directly through the AC power adapter, which is sold separately. This eliminates the need to rely solely on battery power and provides continuous shooting capabilities without interruption.

Overall, the Canon EOS 80D offers excellent battery life, allowing for prolonged shooting sessions without the need for frequent recharging. The long-lasting battery performance, combined with the ability to carry spare batteries, ensures that photographers can confidently tackle their projects and capture all the moments they desire without worrying about battery life.

 

Pros and Cons

Like any camera, the Canon EOS 80D has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of this popular DSLR camera:

Pros:

• Impressive image quality with rich colors and sharp details.
• Excellent autofocus performance with 45 cross-type focus points and Dual Pixel CMOS technology.
• High-speed continuous shooting at 7 frames per second for capturing fast-paced action.
• Good ISO performance, with minimal noise even at higher ISO settings.
• Full HD video recording at up to 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, with smooth autofocus tracking.
• Durable and weather-sealed magnesium alloy body for outdoor photography.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy file transfer and remote control via the Canon Camera Connect app.
• Built-in GPS for geotagging photos and keeping track of shooting locations.
• Articulating touchscreen for flexible shooting angles and easy navigation through menus.

Cons:

• Lacks 4K video recording, which may be a drawback for those seeking ultra-high-definition video capabilities.
• Relatively larger and heavier compared to some mirrorless cameras, making it less ideal for travel or casual shooting.
• No in-body image stabilization, so you may need to rely on lenses with built-in stabilization for smoother handheld shots.
• The buffer capacity could be better, especially for burst shooting in RAW format.
• Only one card slot, which may limit storage options for photographers who require backup or simultaneous recording.

It’s important to note that while the EOS 80D has some limitations, its pros outweigh the cons for many photographers. Its excellent image quality, advanced autofocus system, and robust performance make it a reliable and versatile camera for a wide range of photography needs.

 

Conclusion

The Canon EOS 80D is a highly capable DSLR camera that offers a plethora of features and impressive performance across various shooting situations. With its exceptional image quality, advanced autofocus system, and versatile range of shooting options, the EOS 80D has gained a loyal following among photography enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the EOS 80D is its image quality, thanks to its 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and DIGIC 6 image processor. It captures stunningly detailed and vibrant images with excellent color reproduction and wide dynamic range. The camera’s ISO performance is also commendable, delivering clean and noise-free shots even in low-light conditions.

The EOS 80D’s autofocus performance is another highlight, with its 45-point all-cross type autofocus system and Dual Pixel CMOS technology. It ensures quick and accurate focusing for both still images and video recording, making it well-suited for capturing fast-moving subjects and achieving sharp results.

Speaking of video recording, the EOS 80D offers impressive capabilities, allowing users to shoot high-definition videos at up to 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second. The Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus technology greatly enhances video autofocus performance, ensuring smooth and accurate focus tracking. The camera also provides manual control options, external microphone connectivity, and a tilting touchscreen, making it a versatile tool for videographers.

The EOS 80D’s connectivity features, including built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS, make it easy to transfer files, remotely control the camera, and geotag photos. These features add convenience and flexibility to the overall shooting experience.

While the EOS 80D has its limitations, such as the absence of 4K video recording and a relatively larger and heavier body compared to some mirrorless alternatives, its impressive image quality, autofocus performance, and robust feature set make it an excellent choice for photographers and videographers looking for a reliable and versatile DSLR camera.

In conclusion, the Canon EOS 80D is a powerhouse in the world of DSLR cameras, offering exceptional image quality, advanced autofocus capabilities, and a range of features that cater to the needs of both professionals and enthusiasts. With its versatility and reliability, the EOS 80D proves to be a solid investment for those seeking to take their photography and videography to the next level.