Canon EOS 80D Review
Upon completing the Canon EOS 70D review, I declared that, if I had to pick a do-everything-well APS-C format camera that does not cost a fortune, the Canon EOS 70D would have been my recommendation. The Canon EOS 80D now takes this camera's place in Canon's lineup. Like the 70D, the 80D is feature-packed, including great image quality with high resolution, a very capable AF system, a large and information-filled viewfinder, a fast/responsive shutter combined with a very nice frame rate, a great LCD and compatibility with an incredible range of lenses, flashes and other accessories. And if video is on your bucket list, this camera will give you incredible 1080p high def video quality along with unprecedented Movie Servo AF performance.
The EOS **D DSLR camera line has long represented Canon's midrange model, very successfully targeting the advanced amateur and semi-pro markets. The price point of these cameras along with their pro-grade features have made them very appealing, especially to the wedding and portrait market.
The 80D, obviously, is the iteration of this camera model we are talking about here. Canon (usually) does not release a new camera model without a host of upgrades. While the 80D is not a complete overhaul, such is not needed as the 70D was already a well-rounded, great-performing model in a long-standing series of cameras. Still, I view the 80D's new AF system, upgraded sensor, Wi-Fi/NFC, Anti-Flicker mode and additional improvements as very worthy of a new model designation.
Following are the highlight-worthy 80D features in Canon's words.
While evaluating the 80D, I was able to make significant use of it in a very wide range of situations. The above example shows the Ben Franklin Bridge with the Philadelphia skyline framed beneath. The simultaneously introduced Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens was one of the lenses I used most on this camera and it was used to capture this image. Camera and lens settings were 50mm, 30 sec., f/16 and ISO 200. Yes, as the chart below indicates, f/16 is narrower than this camera's DLA and does not produce the sharpest image possible, but in this case, I was looking at the lens' ability to create stars from the point light sources in the frame. And, f/16 results can be sharpened slightly to be nice.
Quickly discernable from the above chart is that the 80D has received a sensor upgrade from the 70D, with 24.2 megapixel resolution now equivalent to Canon's previous highest megapixel APS-C camera, the Rebel T6i/T6s. Interesting is that Canon's only higher resolution DSLRs, at the time of the 80D introduction, are the ultra-high resolution full frame 5Ds and 5Ds R. The 80D, even though it is an APS-C sensor, has more resolution than the rest of the current EOS full frame DSLRs. I should mention that the APS-C sensor format, though much smaller than the full frame sensor format, is huge relative to mobile phone and point and shoot cameras. Image quality, especially in low light, is a huge advantage they bring.
Let's take a closer look at the resolution. With a higher pixel count on its sensor, the 80D is expected to out resolve the 70D, and it does. Here is the comparison: 80D vs. 70D resolution. Sharpness remains similarly good.
While the EOS Rebel T6i and T6s share the same megapixel count, the two Rebel bodies do not have Dual Pixel AF, so there is (unconfirmed) a difference in their sensors. Still, the results appear the same to me: 80D vs. Rebel T6i.
Build your own comparison. There are results for many other EOS DSLRs available in the image quality tool using the reference Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens and some older camera models are represented by the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens.
With a 3.7µm pixel pitch, diffraction begins impacting sharpness with apertures narrower than f/5.9.Results at f/8 begin to show very modest softening and at f/11, you are going to see the difference in your images. I'm not saying that you should not use f/11, but you should be aware of the penalty being paid for using it and be discerning with your exposure choices.
Another consideration for the use of cameras with pixel-dense sensors is the shutter speed required to stop camera or subject motion. Because the pixel density in camera sensors has been increasing over the years, blur and a loss of pixel-level sharpness are increasingly likely due to camera and subject motion causing subject details to cross over pixels at a faster rate on the more-dense sensors. Unless ... a faster minimum shutter speed is used for handholding (image stabilization also plays an important role) and for photographing fast-moving subjects.
The old 1/(focal length * 1.6) rule to determine one's shortest shutter speed for handholding an APS-C camera (without the aid of image stabilization) may not be adequate for everyone. While this formula uses the easy-to-use 1.6 factor that matches the APS-C sensor angle of view difference, the pixel density of the imaging sensor is the real reason the faster speed has been needed. You may prefer to use the 1/(focal length * 2) as a better base estimate for handholding the 80D.
A nice sharpness-aiding improvement in the 80D is the 5Ds-like motor-driven (vs. spring) mirror, resulting in less vibration when the mirror opens. Another consideration for getting the most from a high resolution camera is the quality of the lens placed in front of it, as increased resolution will magnify any lens aberrations present. As always, the better the lens, the better the image quality.
Increase resolution without any other technological improvements and noise increase is to be expected. Fortunately, gains continue to be made in RAW image noise reduction and the 80D results are not only as good as the lower resolution 70D, but very slightly improved.
The Kodak Color Control Patches shown in the standard ISO noise test results are generated from RAW images with (this is a key) no noise reduction (unless specifically indicated by the result set). These evenly-colored patches are brutal on sensor noise, making it readily apparent when it exists. Keep in mind that many real world subjects are more detailed and better hide noise – these samples represent a worst-case scenario.
Ctrl-click on the previous link to open the 80D vs. 70D comparison in a new tab. Just as we saw with the Rebel T6i upgrade from the Rebel T5i, while taking on a nice increase in resolution over the 70D, the 80D appears to pay no noise penalty for doing so. Not only does the 80D match the 70D's pixel-level noise, it slightly exceeds it, showing very slightly less noise over the entire ISO setting range.
Here are some additional comparisons worth viewing, all initialized at ISO 3200 as differences are more readily seen at high ISO settings:
The next model down: EOS 80D vs. Rebel T6i/T6s
The predecessor: EOS 80D vs. 70D
The next APS-C model up: EOS 80D vs. 7D Mark II
To my eyes, the 80D is the new APS-C EOS class leader, or very close to it, in regards to noise levels, though the differences alone are not likely to generate an urge to upgrade from any of the above-compared models. The difference from some older models will make upgrading very attractive.
As the ISO setting increases, noise becomes more apparent. This is and always has been the rule. How apparent is the difference between camera models is the big question. If you can't see the difference, you will not likely discern it in your images either.
The 80D's ISO 100 results are very clean – this is the norm for EOS DSLRs. Noise levels steadily increase as higher ISO settings are used until I reach my personal tolerance for noise at ISO 3200. Results at ISO 6400 are noisy, but can be usable. More of a last resort is ISO 12800 and a significant percentage of the details get lost in the noise at ISO 25600.
In addition to the standard 80D test results, you will find 7 additional sets of results provided in the noise tool. The RAW-captured standard results utilize Canon's Digital Photo Professional Standard Picture Style with a sharpness setting of 1 (very low) and no noise reduction – a very real-world example for me. I use the Neutral Picture Style in-camera with RAW capture because it applies a lower contrast tone curve to images, providing a better picture of the camera's available dynamic range on the histogram shown on the LCD. Neutral Picture Style results appear somewhat dull. There is a time to use the Neutral Picture Style in production, but I usually change my RAW images to the Standard PS immediately after importing them and then adjust sharpness to a lower-than-default level.
The next two noise result sets utilize the default Standard Picture Style settings selected in-camera with standard noise reduction also selected, showing RAW vs JPG capture. These two sets utilize Canon's default USM sharpness settings that are too strong for my taste (though the increased default sharpness will make softer lenses appear sharp). Look for the bright borders to the black lines when comparing the noise-reduced images to the "Standard" results – the color blocks should not have halos around them. On the positive side, this sharpening appears more advantageous at higher ISO settings, with image details remaining sharp while noise is significantly removed.
The MSNR results show the capability of Multi Shot Noise Reduction, also with the default Standard Picture Style and settings selected (JPG capture required). MSNR merges information from multiple exposures taken in an automatic max-frame-rate burst into a reduced noise image. While MSNR shows great improvement (roughly 2 stops), it has limited usefulness in real world shooting.
The downsides to Multi-Shot Noise Reduction include: MSNR is currently available only with JPG output (I would like to see this feature added to Canon's Digital Photo Pro software for RAW capture processing – perhaps as another HDR preset). Multi-Shot Noise Reduction is not so useful with moving subjects (or with a moving camera). Long exposure NR, Dust Delete Data, Multiple Exposure and HDR Mode must be set to off to enable MSNR. The 80D reverts back to Standard NR in Auto/Basic zone modes, during video recording and in Bulb mode. Flash is not supported in MSNR mode.
After the multi-shot burst is captured, the camera remains "busy" for a period of time while processing the merged image. So, while this feature is a nice idea, its limitations make it less useful in real-world applications. I am far more likely to use a low ISO setting with a longer exposure when shooting stationary subject from a tripod.
The next two result sets are labeled "Pushed". These images were created from the same baseline "Standard" results (no noise reduction, very light sharpening), but the brightness was pushed by 1 and 2 stops during post processing, simulating correction of a severe underexposure situation. Similar results were added to the Canon EOS Rebel T6i and Canon EOS 70D tests for comparison purposes.
The last pair of results were acquired by underexposing and overexposing the original capture by 2 stops and then adjusting the results in Canon DPP by the same amount. The result is more noise andless noise respectively. The bright colors become muted in the overexposed capture due to blown color channels being darkened; but otherwise, these results show a benefit of ETTR (Exposing to the Right). I would like to see a native ETTR exposure mode added.
EOS 80D ISO settings are available in 1/3 stop settings from 100 through 16000 with extended H (25600) available. Having 1/3 stop ISO increments is an advantage over the current Rebel line, which offers only full stop ISO adjustments.
While the lower ISO settings should be favored, the higher settings are there when needed and sometimes ... I need them. The following image was captured at ISO 10000, the setting required to get a 1/640 sec. shutter speed (marginally adequate for stopping motion) at f/2 with the widest aperture 200mm lens currently available, the EF 200mm f/2L IS Lens.
With a moderate amount of noise reduction (DPP 4, 11 luminance, 10 chrominance), this image looks rough when viewed at 100%, but downsized/down-sampled to what you see on your monitor (perhaps 4 x 6" or 102 x 152mm), it looks very clean. At small reproduction sizes, high ISO settings can create nice images.
Increasing resolution to 24 megapixels while keeping noise at bay (or even slightly improving performance), the 80D provides the image quality that DSLRs are so desired for.
The EOS **D DSLR camera line has long represented Canon's midrange model, very successfully targeting the advanced amateur and semi-pro markets. The price point of these cameras along with their pro-grade features have made them very appealing, especially to the wedding and portrait market.
The 80D, obviously, is the iteration of this camera model we are talking about here. Canon (usually) does not release a new camera model without a host of upgrades. While the 80D is not a complete overhaul, such is not needed as the 70D was already a well-rounded, great-performing model in a long-standing series of cameras. Still, I view the 80D's new AF system, upgraded sensor, Wi-Fi/NFC, Anti-Flicker mode and additional improvements as very worthy of a new model designation.
Summary of Canon EOS 80D Features
- New 45-point all cross-type AF system
- Newly Developed 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS sensor
- Intelligent Viewfinder with approximately 100% viewfinder coverage
- DIGIC 6 image processor for enhanced image quality
- Improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth, fast and accurate autofocus with video and stills
- Flicker Mode adjusts shutter release timing to avoid flickering light issues
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capability for easy transfer of images and movies to compatible mobile devices
- 1080/60p Full HD video to capture brilliant results in MP4 format (for easy movie sharing on select social networking sites)
- Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch, 1 million dot, Clear View LCD II monitor enables flexible positioning and clear viewing even outdoors
Sensor and Image Quality
Following is a chart that shows several sensor specifications for the bulk of Canon's recent DSLR offerings.| Model | FOVCF | Sensor | Pixel Size | Pixels/Megapixels | Viewfinder | DLA* | ||
| Canon EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D | 1.6x | 22.3 x 14.9mm | 4.3µm | 5184 x 3456 | 18.0 | .87x | 95% | f/6.8 |
| Canon EOS Rebel T6i,T6s / 750,760D | 1.6x | 22.3 x 14.9mm | 3.7µm | 6000 x 4000 | 24.2 | .82x | 95% | f/5.9 |
| Canon EOS Rebel T5 / 1200D | 1.6x | 22.3 x 14.9mm | 4.3µm | 5184 x 3456 | 18.0 | .80x | 95% | f/6.8 |
| Canon EOS 80D | 1.6x | 22.5 x 15.0mm | 3.7µm | 6000 x 4000 | 24.2 | .95x | 100% | f/5.9 |
| Canon EOS 70D | 1.6x | 22.5 x 15.0mm | 4.1µm | 5472 x 3648 | 20.2 | .95x | 98% | f/6.6 |
| Canon EOS 60D | 1.6x | 22.3 x 14.9mm | 4.3µm | 5184 x 3456 | 18.0 | .95x | 96% | f/6.9 |
| Canon EOS 50D | 1.6x | 22.3 x 14.9mm | 4.7µm | 4752 x 3168 | 15.1 | .95x | 95% | f/7.5 |
| Canon EOS 7D Mark II | 1.6x | 22.4 x 15.0mm | 4.1µm | 5472 x 3648 | 20.2 | 1.0x | 100% | f/6.6 |
| Canon EOS 6D | 1.0x | 35.8 x 23.9mm | 6.54µm | 5472 x 3648 | 20.2 | .71x | 97% | f/10.5 |
| Canon EOS 5Ds / 5Ds R | 1.0x | 36.0 x 24.0mm | 4.14µm | 8688 x 5792 | 50.6 | .71x | 100% | f/6.7 |
| Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 1.0x | 36.0 x 24.0mm | 6.25µm | 5760 x 3840 | 22.3 | .71x | 100% | f/10.1 |
* Learn more about DLA (Diffraction Limited Aperture)
View the full Canon EOS 80D specifications to compare additional cameras.
The 80D, like the 70D and all of the **D models before it, features an ASP-C (1.6x) sized sensor. This means that all of Canon's EF-S, EF, TS-E and MP-E series lenses are compatible, but the outer portion of the image circle projected by full frame compatible lenses (EF, TS-E and MP-E) is not utilized. It also means that the selected focal length will frame a scene similar to a 1.6x longer focal length mounted on a full frame sensor camera (this includes when using APS-C-only lenses such as the EF-S series).Quickly discernable from the above chart is that the 80D has received a sensor upgrade from the 70D, with 24.2 megapixel resolution now equivalent to Canon's previous highest megapixel APS-C camera, the Rebel T6i/T6s. Interesting is that Canon's only higher resolution DSLRs, at the time of the 80D introduction, are the ultra-high resolution full frame 5Ds and 5Ds R. The 80D, even though it is an APS-C sensor, has more resolution than the rest of the current EOS full frame DSLRs. I should mention that the APS-C sensor format, though much smaller than the full frame sensor format, is huge relative to mobile phone and point and shoot cameras. Image quality, especially in low light, is a huge advantage they bring.
Let's take a closer look at the resolution. With a higher pixel count on its sensor, the 80D is expected to out resolve the 70D, and it does. Here is the comparison: 80D vs. 70D resolution. Sharpness remains similarly good.
While the EOS Rebel T6i and T6s share the same megapixel count, the two Rebel bodies do not have Dual Pixel AF, so there is (unconfirmed) a difference in their sensors. Still, the results appear the same to me: 80D vs. Rebel T6i.
Build your own comparison. There are results for many other EOS DSLRs available in the image quality tool using the reference Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens and some older camera models are represented by the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens.
With a 3.7µm pixel pitch, diffraction begins impacting sharpness with apertures narrower than f/5.9.Results at f/8 begin to show very modest softening and at f/11, you are going to see the difference in your images. I'm not saying that you should not use f/11, but you should be aware of the penalty being paid for using it and be discerning with your exposure choices.
Another consideration for the use of cameras with pixel-dense sensors is the shutter speed required to stop camera or subject motion. Because the pixel density in camera sensors has been increasing over the years, blur and a loss of pixel-level sharpness are increasingly likely due to camera and subject motion causing subject details to cross over pixels at a faster rate on the more-dense sensors. Unless ... a faster minimum shutter speed is used for handholding (image stabilization also plays an important role) and for photographing fast-moving subjects.
The old 1/(focal length * 1.6) rule to determine one's shortest shutter speed for handholding an APS-C camera (without the aid of image stabilization) may not be adequate for everyone. While this formula uses the easy-to-use 1.6 factor that matches the APS-C sensor angle of view difference, the pixel density of the imaging sensor is the real reason the faster speed has been needed. You may prefer to use the 1/(focal length * 2) as a better base estimate for handholding the 80D.
A nice sharpness-aiding improvement in the 80D is the 5Ds-like motor-driven (vs. spring) mirror, resulting in less vibration when the mirror opens. Another consideration for getting the most from a high resolution camera is the quality of the lens placed in front of it, as increased resolution will magnify any lens aberrations present. As always, the better the lens, the better the image quality.
Increase resolution without any other technological improvements and noise increase is to be expected. Fortunately, gains continue to be made in RAW image noise reduction and the 80D results are not only as good as the lower resolution 70D, but very slightly improved.
Ctrl-click on the previous link to open the 80D vs. 70D comparison in a new tab. Just as we saw with the Rebel T6i upgrade from the Rebel T5i, while taking on a nice increase in resolution over the 70D, the 80D appears to pay no noise penalty for doing so. Not only does the 80D match the 70D's pixel-level noise, it slightly exceeds it, showing very slightly less noise over the entire ISO setting range.
Here are some additional comparisons worth viewing, all initialized at ISO 3200 as differences are more readily seen at high ISO settings:
The next model down: EOS 80D vs. Rebel T6i/T6s
The predecessor: EOS 80D vs. 70D
The next APS-C model up: EOS 80D vs. 7D Mark II
To my eyes, the 80D is the new APS-C EOS class leader, or very close to it, in regards to noise levels, though the differences alone are not likely to generate an urge to upgrade from any of the above-compared models. The difference from some older models will make upgrading very attractive.
As the ISO setting increases, noise becomes more apparent. This is and always has been the rule. How apparent is the difference between camera models is the big question. If you can't see the difference, you will not likely discern it in your images either.
The 80D's ISO 100 results are very clean – this is the norm for EOS DSLRs. Noise levels steadily increase as higher ISO settings are used until I reach my personal tolerance for noise at ISO 3200. Results at ISO 6400 are noisy, but can be usable. More of a last resort is ISO 12800 and a significant percentage of the details get lost in the noise at ISO 25600.
In addition to the standard 80D test results, you will find 7 additional sets of results provided in the noise tool. The RAW-captured standard results utilize Canon's Digital Photo Professional Standard Picture Style with a sharpness setting of 1 (very low) and no noise reduction – a very real-world example for me. I use the Neutral Picture Style in-camera with RAW capture because it applies a lower contrast tone curve to images, providing a better picture of the camera's available dynamic range on the histogram shown on the LCD. Neutral Picture Style results appear somewhat dull. There is a time to use the Neutral Picture Style in production, but I usually change my RAW images to the Standard PS immediately after importing them and then adjust sharpness to a lower-than-default level.
The next two noise result sets utilize the default Standard Picture Style settings selected in-camera with standard noise reduction also selected, showing RAW vs JPG capture. These two sets utilize Canon's default USM sharpness settings that are too strong for my taste (though the increased default sharpness will make softer lenses appear sharp). Look for the bright borders to the black lines when comparing the noise-reduced images to the "Standard" results – the color blocks should not have halos around them. On the positive side, this sharpening appears more advantageous at higher ISO settings, with image details remaining sharp while noise is significantly removed.
The MSNR results show the capability of Multi Shot Noise Reduction, also with the default Standard Picture Style and settings selected (JPG capture required). MSNR merges information from multiple exposures taken in an automatic max-frame-rate burst into a reduced noise image. While MSNR shows great improvement (roughly 2 stops), it has limited usefulness in real world shooting.
The downsides to Multi-Shot Noise Reduction include: MSNR is currently available only with JPG output (I would like to see this feature added to Canon's Digital Photo Pro software for RAW capture processing – perhaps as another HDR preset). Multi-Shot Noise Reduction is not so useful with moving subjects (or with a moving camera). Long exposure NR, Dust Delete Data, Multiple Exposure and HDR Mode must be set to off to enable MSNR. The 80D reverts back to Standard NR in Auto/Basic zone modes, during video recording and in Bulb mode. Flash is not supported in MSNR mode.
After the multi-shot burst is captured, the camera remains "busy" for a period of time while processing the merged image. So, while this feature is a nice idea, its limitations make it less useful in real-world applications. I am far more likely to use a low ISO setting with a longer exposure when shooting stationary subject from a tripod.
The next two result sets are labeled "Pushed". These images were created from the same baseline "Standard" results (no noise reduction, very light sharpening), but the brightness was pushed by 1 and 2 stops during post processing, simulating correction of a severe underexposure situation. Similar results were added to the Canon EOS Rebel T6i and Canon EOS 70D tests for comparison purposes.
The last pair of results were acquired by underexposing and overexposing the original capture by 2 stops and then adjusting the results in Canon DPP by the same amount. The result is more noise andless noise respectively. The bright colors become muted in the overexposed capture due to blown color channels being darkened; but otherwise, these results show a benefit of ETTR (Exposing to the Right). I would like to see a native ETTR exposure mode added.
EOS 80D ISO settings are available in 1/3 stop settings from 100 through 16000 with extended H (25600) available. Having 1/3 stop ISO increments is an advantage over the current Rebel line, which offers only full stop ISO adjustments.
While the lower ISO settings should be favored, the higher settings are there when needed and sometimes ... I need them. The following image was captured at ISO 10000, the setting required to get a 1/640 sec. shutter speed (marginally adequate for stopping motion) at f/2 with the widest aperture 200mm lens currently available, the EF 200mm f/2L IS Lens.
Increasing resolution to 24 megapixels while keeping noise at bay (or even slightly improving performance), the 80D provides the image quality that DSLRs are so desired for.
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