About the Camera
The Canon 80D is a prosumer-level DSLR. It followed the 70D and has since been succeeded by the new 90D. The Canon 80D boasts 45 AF points along with Canon’s Dual Pixel on-sensor phase-detection autofocus system. The Canon 80D supports both EF and EF-S lenses and is listed as being dust and splash-resistant. Although I have shot several times in torrential downpours with the 300mm F/4L and have yet to receive any damage as a result of this. All this together would make the canon 80D a solid choice for people shooting from a hobbyist’s perspective, however, in 2021 the Canon 80D does show its age in some aspects. Including touchy AF, limited Af points, and video features that leave something to be desired in 2021.
Pros
I’ll start with the things that the 80D Does great. The Canon 80D is built tough. It is comparable to many of Canon’s more robust models. I have dropped it onto hard surfaces numerous times and each time it gets up dusts itself off and continues working. The only damage that my 80D has sustained was a broken eye cup that after 2 years I have yet to replace.
Along with being incredibly durable is the weight. While being heavier than any sony or mirrorless offering the Canon 80D doesn’t suffer from the full magnesium alloy construction weight that is afforded on the 5D and 1D series cameras. The Canon 80D without a battery grip comes in at 730 grams. For comparison, the 5D Mark IV comes in at 890 grams without a battery grip.
This weight isn’t the only thing saved. The Canon 80D is also quite good on storage. Given in a single weekend I can shoot over 150 Gb worth of photos. But that is in full raw and for at least 6 hours each day. For anyone looking to get into photography, you can get a total of 960 shots out of one battery which is more than enough for most non-working photographers.
The 80D has one feature that makes it stand out above many of its competitors. That being it’s 3 inch rotating touch screen. This rotating touch screen is Perfect for vlogs and filmmaking; allowing you to get the angle you want without having to compromise your hold on the camera.
Cons
Now onto the things that the 80D doesn’t do so well. Firstly, the Canon 80D suffers from a severe case of slow AF. Now, this assessment should be taken with a grain of salt. I am primarily a motorsport and sports photographer meaning that this issue applies to only the most high-speed situations. I have never had a focus problem on things that are visible for long amounts of time. The problem occurs when objects are popping in and out of sight. For example, when a car comes over the crest of a hill the 80D takes just long enough to focus that you are unable to get the shot as the car comes over the hill. If you try and take the picture you will get an image that is not yet in focus with the focus being behind the car in the distance.
Secondly, AF. If you are someone that allows your camera to do the majority of the focus or just want the ability to fine-tune the location of the focus point you are going to struggle with the 80D. The 45 AF point number that the 80D holds wasn’t fantastic in 2016 when it launched and when compared to the massive numbers put up by mirrorless offerings in the modern-day 45 simply falls flat. The final area that I see the 80D falling behind its competition is video. The 80D lacks 4K video and doesn’t get the super crisp video that many of the new Canons and other competitors are capable of bringing us at a similar price point in 2021.
Closing
In summary, the Canon 80D can still make a good camera for beginners or advanced hobbyists looking to get into the photography hobby in 2021. However, if you are a more advanced photographer looking to make money or shoot for clients in 2021 I would choose a higher-end camera from the same timer period or choose a newer camera. The same assessment applies to video. In closing, I will also provide a list below of alternative cameras for video and photo depending on your needs.
Photo samples
Below is download to 5 Raw Files from an 80D
Video Sample
Competition
Sony A7R II
The Sony A7R II is Priced right around what the 80D was priced when it launched making it a good camera to consider if you would have considered the 80D in 2016. Now it comes without saying that that is an almost $1200 commitment making it a true prosumer option. It also is not a canon so if you are a Canon shooter you will have to purchase an adapter to bring over your valuable Canon glass to use on the Sony. This is a viable option reported by many people who have tried to switch from Canon to Sony
Canon EOS R
Like the last option, the EOS R requires a lens mount change and adapter. Along with it, the EOS R brings a hefty price tag if you look for new ones. However, if you consider the used market you can find cameras in excellent condition for the same price as an A7R II. The EOS R is a popular Camera amongst video shooters due in part to its good pricepoint and performance for video.
Nikon D7500
Last, but not least is the Nikon offering in the prosumer battle. The Nikon D7500 comes is with almost identical specs to the Canon 80D. However, the D7500 does offer 4K video and the removal of the Anti-Aliasing filter that allows the D7500 to have slightly sharper images. The D7500 is a Nikon option making it a slightly harder sell for people already invested in the Canon or Sony Ranges.