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.
Accessories
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.
Comments
Post a Comment