Thursday 26 / December / 2024
Amidst the ever going DSLR wars — a new one popping up every other day with almost similar name and game, comes finally after a long time which could really excite the shutterbugs.
After refreshing its EOS for professionals line-up with the launch of the new EOS — 1D X Mark II, Canon now brings a solid offering for enthusiasts with the EOS 80D. A potent successor to the much popular 70D, the semi-professional range 80D is ideal for enthusiasts who love experimenting with photography.
The camera is highly customisable and shoots with exceptional speed and ease. Combining leading imaging technologies, the most notable change on the 80D is its sensor — employing a new 24 megapixel CMOS sensor, pairing up with Canon’s latest DIGIC 6 image processor to provide an ISO range of 100-16,000 (expandable to ISO 25,600).
The new 45 all cross-type Auto-focus is another of the 80D’s main attractions. Canon’s auto-focus technology (dubbed “Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus” or DPAF for short) is undoubtedly one of the best in the industry. The feature enables the camera to automatically track multiple moving subjects in the frame like car, animal, or a moving person; otherwise it is impossible to keep in focus.
The Live View and video AF system speeds are also 7-step adjustable, enabling slower rates to in- videos for a smoother transition, and crispy sharp focus for stills. The DIGIC 6 processor also significantly enhances the 80D’s buffer depth, shooting up to 110 JPEGs or 25 RAW files at up to 7fps – much better than the 70D’s 65 JPEGs and 16 raw files.
The 80D shoots Full HD (1920×1080) movies at up to 60fps for a maximum duration of 29 minutes 59 seconds. Other available frame rates are: 50, 25 and 24fps. Much to the delight of video buffs, the EOS 80D also features both headphone and microphone inputs, along with the 3.5mm mic. socket, at the side of the body for full audio control; the headphone feature felt quite wanted for on the previous 70D.
The headphone port is located below the microphone port on the side. Creative filters and a second custom setting (C2) could also be accessed and managed direct from the mode dial. The remote port has been moved downward, and the stereo microphones have been relocated from the top of the camera to the front, with wider separation (the four small holes just left of the EOS 80D logo).
The 80D also features the anti flicker system (mirror vibration control) similar to the 5DS and 7D Mark II. The system helps produce predictable exposure and colour when shooting under a light source that is prone to flickering, like fluorescent light or a house bulb. The clever technology detects the frequency of the flicker and times shots accordingly to minimise the impact on exposure and colour is minimal.
Construction-wise, the sturdy 80D remains quite identical to the 70D, with aluminium and polycarbonate resin construction incorporated with glass and conductive fibre, and featuring water and dust resistance. A commonplace now, the 80D too comes with built in Wi-fi and NFC connectivity offering photographers the freedom to control and connect with the camera remotely via smartphone or tablet through the Canon’s Camera Connect app.
The only ones to be disappointed in the 80D will be the 4K lovers: No 4K videos yet. But that said, the maximum frame rate of Full HD recording has been substantially increased to 50fps, along with 2x slow motion playback. And not to forget the new headphone port for in-camera audio monitoring making for a more enriched video shooting experience.
All in all, the EOS 80D a nice new camera with some really fresh features that actually make a difference. Go shoot.
Tech Specs
24.2-million-pixel
APS-C sensor
DIGIC 6 image processor
EF/EF-S lens mount
ISO 100-16,000
(extendable to
ISO 25,600)
7fps continuous shooting
3.5mm headphone input
Price: TBA (to be priced around OMR450 approx)
Authorised Retailer
General Electric & Trading Co. LLC (Genetco),
CBD, Ruwi +968 2483 0570 – 8007 0003
