There is no such thing as a camera that's perfect for everyone.
But that doesn't stop camera companies from trying to chase this ideal, and Canon's the latest to try. Adding the EOS 80D ($1,199 body-only) to its stable of mid-range DSLRs, Canon is finally offering an accessible and fairly complete solution for videographers and hobbyists alike.
The new 80D takes everything that was great about the EOS 70D and runs with it. The 70D was a big hit among students and videographers because — despite its lack of a headphone jack — it was a credible option for enthusiasts when it was released.
Fans of Canon's previous EOS 70D will love the 80D, if only because the camera doesn't really rock the boat all that much with wild design changes. Canon took as much as they could from the EOS 70D and brought it back for the 80D—the weathersealing, the deep grip, the familiar interface, all of it.
However, a new 24-megapixel sensor and a brand-new autofocus system belie the appearance that everything is the same. With that said, a lack of 4K video and some performance quirks may sour some buyers on the camera.
Canon definitely listened to the gripes of its customers and re-tooled this powerhouse to meet the needs of videographers. Namely, you no longer have to shell out for an EOS 6D if you want a headphone jack—it's right near the microphone jack on the EOS 80D.
The control scheme of the 80D is remarkably straightforward, and very easy to pick up even if you've never shot with a Canon camera before. With several shooting modes available with the twist of the mode dial, the EOS 80D meets its users at just about any skill level. The menu system can be a little daunting, but it's not as Byzantine as other camera menus out there.
Regarding features like touch-to-focus and the articulating screen, I was pleasantly surprised at how often I used them. Taking photos at extreme angles was much easier as a result.
Aside from the lack of 4K video, the rest of the performance points for the 80D are top-notch. Despite the quirks of the camera's hardware, it's buoyed by strong performance in pretty much any area that isn't resolution related.
Color performance is decent, and most accurate when used with the "Fine Detail" preset. If you really want finer control of your shots, shooting in RAW affords you extreme flexibility in post-production.
Action shooters will appreciate the EOS 80D's 6.67fps continuous shooting speed, as the camera has all the right hardware behind it to handle long periods of burst shooting—even if you use RAW+JPG.
Taken on its own merit, the EOS 80D is great for sports photographers, videographers, and anyone looking for a step-up from a Rebel DSLR. It's a good camera: it performs well, it's got all of Canon's best features, and is compatible with Canon's more professional accessories.
However, this isn't the camera for everyone. There are plenty of options out there to satisfy diverse needs, and this isn't the one you want for 4K or professional video. That's not exactly a dealbreaker for most, but it's something to consider.
If you're not already invested in the Canon lens system, other mirrorless cameras — like the Panasonic Lumix GX85 or Sony A6300 — typically have somewhat less expensive lenses and offer 4K capabilities. There's lot of options to consider, but if you're looking for a video camera, we like the Panasonic Lumix GH4 better than the 80D.
However, if you do go with Canon, you'll never find yourself wanting for solid glass, and your main hindrance to getting an upgrade is your wallet.
