It's always interesting to see how camera technology evolves, isn't it? We often get caught up in the latest releases, but sometimes, looking back at slightly older, yet still incredibly capable, cameras can offer a fresh perspective. Today, let's chat about two popular Canon DSLRs that have served many photographers well: the EOS 70D and its successor, the EOS 80D.
When the Canon EOS 70D first arrived on the scene in July 2013, it was quite a step forward. It brought with it a solid 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Canon's innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which was a game-changer for live view shooting and video. This made focusing smoother and more natural, almost like a camcorder, which was a big deal back then. It also boasted a fully articulating touchscreen, a robust build, and a decent burst rate of about 7 frames per second. For its time, it was a fantastic all-rounder, appealing to both enthusiasts and those looking to step up their photography game.
Fast forward to 2016, and Canon introduced the EOS 80D. Building on the strengths of the 70D, the 80D offered a bump in resolution to 24.2 megapixels, a more advanced autofocus system with 45 all cross-type points (compared to the 70D's 19), and an improved Digic 6 image processor. This meant better low-light performance, sharper images, and even faster, more reliable focusing, especially when tracking moving subjects. The video capabilities also saw enhancements, with better frame rate options and improved audio recording. It retained the beloved articulating touchscreen and the robust build, making it feel like a natural evolution rather than a complete overhaul.
Comparing them directly, the 80D generally scores higher in overall performance metrics, as indicated by comparative scores where the 80D often edges out the 70D. For instance, in third-party benchmarks, the 80D tends to show a slight advantage. The sensor differences are noticeable, with the 80D's higher resolution and improved processing leading to finer detail and better dynamic range. The autofocus system is another key differentiator; the 80D's 45-point system is significantly more sophisticated than the 70D's 19-point setup, offering more precise control and better coverage across the frame. This is particularly beneficial for action photography or when working with fast-moving subjects.
However, it's important to remember that the 70D is still a very capable camera. For many everyday shooting scenarios, the differences might not be immediately apparent to the casual observer. The core experience of using a Canon DSLR – the familiar ergonomics, the excellent color science, and the vast ecosystem of Canon EF lenses – remains consistent across both models. The 70D's Dual Pixel AF was revolutionary, and even today, it holds up remarkably well for its intended purpose.
So, who were these cameras for? The 70D was a brilliant choice for anyone wanting to dive deeper into photography, especially those interested in video. It offered a taste of professional features without the professional price tag. The 80D, on the other hand, was for the enthusiast who needed that extra edge in autofocus performance, image quality, and low-light capability. It was a more refined tool for those pushing their creative boundaries.
Looking back, both the Canon EOS 70D and 80D represent excellent value and performance. While the 80D is technically superior in most aspects, the 70D remains a fondly remembered camera that introduced many to the joys of advanced DSLR photography. It's a testament to Canon's engineering that even cameras released years apart can still offer so much to photographers.
