It's always fascinating to look back at how our favorite tools evolve, isn't it? For photographers, especially those who started with DSLRs, Canon's xxD series has been a reliable companion. Today, let's have a relaxed chat about two popular models: the Canon 70D and its successor, the 80D. Think of it as catching up with old friends and seeing what's new.
When the 70D first arrived back in 2013, it was quite the step up. It brought us a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which was a game-changer for live view focusing. This meant smoother, more accurate autofocus during video recording and when using the LCD screen – a big deal for many.
Fast forward to 2016, and the 80D made its debut. On the surface, it looks like a natural progression, but Canon packed in some thoughtful upgrades. The megapixel count nudged up to 24.2 megapixels, offering a bit more detail to play with. But where the 80D really shines is in its autofocus system. While the 70D had a respectable 19 cross-type points, the 80D boasts a much more advanced 45-point all cross-type AF system. This translates to better subject tracking and more flexibility when composing your shots, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Another area where the 80D pulls ahead is in its continuous shooting speed. Both cameras offer a respectable 7 frames per second, but the 80D seems to handle buffer depth a bit better, allowing for longer bursts of action before slowing down. For sports or wildlife photographers, this can be a crucial difference.
Video capabilities also saw improvements. While both shoot Full HD, the 80D offers more frame rate options and slightly higher bitrates for its video files, which can be beneficial for those who integrate video into their workflow. The touch screen functionality, a feature introduced with the 70D, is also refined on the 80D, making menu navigation and touch-to-focus even more intuitive.
Internally, the 80D sports the newer DIGIC 6 image processor, compared to the 70D's DIGIC 5+, which generally means better noise handling, improved image processing, and potentially faster overall performance. ISO performance sees a slight bump too, with the 80D reaching up to ISO 16000 natively (expandable to 25600), while the 70D topped out at ISO 12800 (expandable to 25600).
Looking at the build and handling, both cameras feel solid and well-constructed, typical of Canon's mid-range DSLRs. They both feature weather sealing, which is a great reassurance when shooting in less-than-ideal conditions. The articulating touch screens are a joy to use on both, offering great flexibility for high or low-angle shots.
So, who is each camera for? The 70D, even today, is a fantastic camera for someone looking to step up from a point-and-shoot or entry-level DSLR. It offers excellent image quality and the groundbreaking Dual Pixel AF that still holds up well. The 80D, on the other hand, is for the enthusiast or semi-professional who needs that extra edge in autofocus performance, slightly better image quality, and more robust video features. It's the evolution that refines the experience, making it smoother and more capable for a wider range of photographic pursuits.
Ultimately, the choice between the two often comes down to budget and specific needs. But it's clear that Canon put a lot of thought into making the 80D a worthy successor, building upon the solid foundation laid by the 70D. It’s a testament to how technology marches on, always offering us new ways to capture the world around us.
