The Canon EOS 80D is the Inexpensive Mid-Range DSLR You Need
- Canon EOS 80D: Overview
- Canon EOS 80D: Design & Handling
- Canon EOS 80D: Imaging Capabilities
- Canon EOS 80D: Video Capabilities
- Recommended Lenses for the Canon EOS 80D
- Final Thoughts on the Canon EOS 80D
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 100 - 16,000 (expandable to 100 - 25,600)
- Lens Mount: Canon EF/EF-S Mount
- Speed: 7.0 fps
- Autofocus: 45 focus points
- Video: 1080p @ 24p, 30p, 60p
- Size/Weight: 139 x 105 x 79 mm / 730 grams
- Battery Life: 960 shots
- Stabilization: No
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Used Canon 80D Price: $449 - $599
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Whether you are a brand-new photographer looking for a mid-range first camera or an enthusiast looking to upgrade from your current entry-level camera, the Canon EOS 80D is a great option. Why, you ask? It's packed with impressive features, and its price is super affordable!
In this Canon EOS 80D review, we’ll start with a quick camera overview before breaking down its design and handling performance, photo and video capabilities, and sharing our favorite compatible Canon EF lenses. Additionally, thanks to websites like MPB, buying a used DSLR camera has never been cheaper and easier.
Who is MPB? It’s a trustworthy and innovative photography company offering high-quality used photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, every camera and lens it sells is hand-inspected by expert product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
We love MPB because of its one-of-a-kind online platform for photographers and videographers. It’s an incredible resource that has helped us save thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading camera equipment, and we firmly believe it can do the same for you. Now, let’s dive in and discover why the Canon EOS 80D is the inexpensive mid-range DSLR you need in 2024!
Check out the video above by Camera Explorations to learn more about the pros and cons of the Canon EOS 80D.
Table of Contents
Canon EOS 80D: Overview
The Canon EOS 80D is a mid-range DSLR that was released in 2018. At the time, it supplanted the 70D as Canon’s premiere APS-C DSLR for photography enthusiasts. However, the 90D now holds that title.
The 80D’s body houses a 24.2-megapixel sensor and a Digic 6 image processor. Compared to its predecessor, the camera boasts four additional megapixels and a faster Dual Pixel Autofocus system. The higher resolution increases image quality (particularly when printing photos), and the reliable AF makes it easier to consistently capture sharp, in-focus images.
Another noteworthy feature is the Canon EOS 80D battery life. It’s rated at 960 shots, which is two to three times higher than most of today’s most popular mirrorless cameras. The extended battery life makes it a good choice for landscape, street, and travel photographers with limited access to charging stations.
Now, here’s a closer look at the Canon 80D specs and key features:
Canon EOS 80D: Design & Handling
The Canon EOS 80D has the same classic look and feel as all Canon DSLR cameras. So, if you are switching from an older model, you will feel very comfortable working with the 80D. On the top of the camera are two control dials, a conveniently placed LCD that displays current camera settings, and a handful of buttons.
The back of the camera features a fully articulating touchscreen display, a large optical viewfinder, and more buttons (some of which are customizable). The 80D is easy to use in terms of handling, and you can quickly change between photo and video modes using a toggle switch.
Moreover, when working outdoors, the body’s robust weather coating enhances its durability and protects it from water, sand, snow, etc. This makes it a popular camera amongst nature and wildlife photographers.
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Canon EOS 80D: Imaging Capabilities
For decades, one of the primary reasons photographers have chosen Canon cameras is their gorgeous colors, and once again, that is a strength of the Canon EOS 80D. Whether you are shooting JPEGs or RAW files, the images have bold, bright colors that POP straight from the camera.
The dynamic range score of RAW images is also significantly higher than that of the 70D, giving you more control when editing in post-production. Other photography-related features we love are the new silent shooting modes and built-in Wi-Fi. Silent shooting is ideal for street, wildlife, and portrait photography, while the Wi-Fi lets you instantly share photos with your devices.
On the negative side, the 80D’s seven frames per second maximum continuous shooting speed is below average.
Canon EOS 80D: Video Capabilities
While the camera's video specs are respectable, the Canon EOS 80D won’t win any awards for its video performance any time soon. The main reason is that it doesn't have 4K video capabilities. In today’s video-obsessed world, 4K video is commonplace amongst newer cameras, and there’s no denying that the 80D's lack of 4K is disappointing.
That said, the camera's 1080p Full HD video quality is solid and is more than sufficient for creating content for social media and blogs. Full HD movies can be recorded at 24p, 30p, or 60p frame rates. If you want to create slow-motion video clips, you must manually slow them down in post-production.
Continuous AF does a fantastic job of recognizing and tracking moving subjects during video recording, leading to clearer footage. On the downside, the 80D does not have zebra stripes or focus peaking in video mode.
Recommended Lenses for the Canon EOS 80D
Here’s a quick list of some of the best Canon EF mount lenses for photos and video that can be used with the Canon EOS 80D.
Final Thoughts on the Canon EOS 80D
Overall, the Canon EOS 80D is an excellent camera for beginner and amateur photographers. Its admirable feature set leans more toward photography than videography, but you can use it as a video camera in a pinch. Finally, it’s perfect for photographers on a budget once you factor in its low price.
Do you want to browse some more mid-range DSLR options before deciding on your next camera? The links below compare the EOS 80D with a few other popular Canon and Nikon DSLRs currently available at MPB.
Disclaimer: Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don't sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!
