The Evolution of Canon’s Mid-Range DSLR: What Replaced the Canon 80D?

The Canon 80D, released in 2016, was a highly popular mid-range DSLR camera that offered a great balance of features, performance, and price. It was a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike, and its 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor, Dual Pixel AF, and 1080p video capabilities made it an excellent choice for a wide range of photography applications. However, as technology continues to advance, camera manufacturers must innovate and improve their products to stay competitive. So, what replaced the Canon 80D?

The Canon 90D: A Worthy Successor

In August 2019, Canon announced the release of the EOS 90D, the latest addition to their mid-range DSLR lineup. The 90D represents a significant upgrade over the 80D, with a range of new features, improved performance, and enhanced video capabilities.

New Sensor and Image Processing

The Canon 90D boasts a new 32.5 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which is a significant upgrade over the 24.2 megapixel sensor found in the 80D. This new sensor, combined with Canon’s DIGIC 8 image processing engine, provides improved image quality, increased resolution, and enhanced low-light performance. The 90D also features a native ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded to 51200, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting conditions.

Fast Autofocus and Subject Tracking

The Canon 90D inherits the excellent Dual Pixel AF technology from the 80D, which provides fast and accurate phase-detection autofocus. Additionally, the 90D features an advanced subject tracking system, which uses machine learning algorithms to track and focus on subjects as they move across the frame. This feature is particularly useful for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as wildlife or sports.

4K Video and Slow-Motion Capabilities

The Canon 90D takes a significant leap forward in video capabilities, offering 4K resolution at 30fps, as well as slow-motion recording in 1080p at 120fps. The camera also features a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, making it easier to shoot from high or low angles, and a microphone input for improved audio quality.

Other Notable Features

The Canon 90D also features a number of other notable upgrades, including:

  • A 45-point all-cross-type autofocus system
  • A 1.2x crop mode, which allows for extended telephoto reach
  • A built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • A vari-angle touchscreen LCD with touchscreen AF and menu navigation
  • A weather-sealed body, making it suitable for shooting in challenging environmental conditions

The Canon EOS M6 Mark II: A Mirrorless Alternative

While the Canon 90D is a worthy successor to the 80D, some photographers may be looking for a mirrorless alternative. In this case, the Canon EOS M6 Mark II is an excellent option.

New Sensor and Image Processing

The Canon M6 Mark II features the same 32.5 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor as the 90D, combined with Canon’s DIGIC 8 image processing engine. This provides improved image quality, increased resolution, and enhanced low-light performance.

Fast Autofocus and Eye AF

The M6 Mark II inherits the excellent Dual Pixel AF technology from the 80D, which provides fast and accurate phase-detection autofocus. Additionally, the camera features an advanced Eye AF system, which can detect and focus on eyes, even in challenging lighting conditions.

4K Video and Slow-Motion Capabilities

The M6 Mark II also offers 4K video recording at 30fps, as well as slow-motion recording in 1080p at 120fps. The camera features a 3-inch touchscreen LCD, making it easy to shoot from high or low angles, and a microphone input for improved audio quality.

Other Notable Features

The Canon M6 Mark II also features a number of other notable upgrades, including:

  • A 143-point phase-detection autofocus system
  • A 1.2x crop mode, which allows for extended telephoto reach
  • A built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • A compact and lightweight body, making it easy to carry around
  • A vari-angle touchscreen LCD with touchscreen AF and menu navigation

Conclusion

The Canon 80D was a highly popular mid-range DSLR camera, and its successors, the 90D and M6 Mark II, offer a range of significant upgrades and improvements. Whether you’re a photographer looking for a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, Canon has an excellent option to suit your needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Canon 90D is a worthy successor to the 80D, offering improved image quality, fast autofocus, and enhanced video capabilities.
  • The Canon M6 Mark II is a mirrorless alternative to the 90D, offering many of the same features and capabilities in a more compact and lightweight body.
  • Both cameras feature a 32.5 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Dual Pixel AF, and 4K video recording capabilities.
  • The 90D is ideal for photographers who prefer a DSLR form factor, while the M6 Mark II is perfect for those who want a more compact and lightweight mirrorless camera.

By choosing either the Canon 90D or the M6 Mark II, photographers can be confident that they’re getting a high-quality camera that will meet their needs for years to come.

What is the Canon 80D and why was it popular?

The Canon EOS 80D is a digital single-lens reflex camera that was announced in February 2016. It is a mid-range DSLR camera that was popular among enthusiasts and professionals alike due to its excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and impressive video capabilities. The 80D was particularly popular among photographers who specialized in sports, wildlife, and portrait photography.

One of the key features that made the 80D stand out from its competitors was its 45-point autofocus system, which provided fast and accurate focusing. Additionally, the camera’s 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 image processor enabled it to capture high-quality images in a variety of lighting conditions. The 80D was also equipped with advanced video features, including the ability to shoot 1080p video at 60fps and a headphone jack for monitoring audio.

What replaced the Canon 80D?

The Canon EOS 90D replaced the 80D in 2019. The 90D is also a mid-range DSLR camera that builds upon the features and capabilities of the 80D. It features a 32.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 8 image processor, and a 45-point autofocus system. The 90D also has advanced video capabilities, including the ability to shoot 4K video at 30fps and slow-motion video at 1080p.

In addition to its improved image quality and video capabilities, the 90D also features a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a weather-sealed body. The camera also has a faster burst mode, allowing photographers to capture up to 10fps in continuous shooting mode. Overall, the 90D offers a number of significant upgrades over the 80D, making it an attractive option for photographers looking for a high-quality mid-range DSLR.

What are the key differences between the Canon 80D and 90D?

The Canon EOS 90D features a number of significant upgrades over the 80D. One of the main differences is the camera’s image sensor, which has been upgraded from 24.2 megapixels to 32.5 megapixels. The 90D also has a faster image processor, a DIGIC 8 processor compared to the DIGIC 6 processor in the 80D. Additionally, the 90D has faster continuous shooting capabilities, with a maximum burst mode of 10fps compared to 7fps on the 80D.

Another key difference is the 90D’s video capabilities. The 90D can shoot 4K video at 30fps, while the 80D is limited to 1080p video at 60fps. The 90D also has a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, which is not found on the 80D. Finally, the 90D has improved connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which make it easier to transfer images and control the camera remotely.

Is the Canon 80D still a good camera?

Despite being replaced by the 90D, the Canon EOS 80D is still a good camera that is capable of producing high-quality images and video. The camera’s 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 image processor provide excellent image quality, and its 45-point autofocus system is fast and accurate. Additionally, the camera’s advanced video features, including the ability to shoot 1080p video at 60fps, make it a great option for videographers.

The 80D is also a more affordable option than the 90D, making it a great choice for photographers on a budget. While it may not have all the latest features and specifications, the 80D is still a reliable and capable camera that can meet the needs of many photographers.

Should I upgrade from the Canon 80D to the 90D?

Whether or not you should upgrade from the Canon 80D to the 90D depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for improved image quality, faster continuous shooting, and advanced video features, the 90D may be worth considering. Additionally, if you want the latest and greatest features and technologies, the 90D is the better option.

On the other hand, if you’re happy with the performance and features of your 80D, there may be no need to upgrade. The 80D is still a capable camera that can produce high-quality images and video, and it’s likely to be more affordable than the 90D. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade will depend on your specific needs and budget.

What are some other mid-range DSLR cameras that I should consider?

If you’re in the market for a mid-range DSLR camera, there are several other options you may want to consider in addition to the Canon 80D and 90D. The Nikon D500 is a popular option that features a 20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a 153-point autofocus system, and advanced video capabilities. The Pentax K-70 is another option that features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a 33-point autofocus system, and weather-sealing.

Other options may include the Sony Alpha a77 II, which features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a 79-point autofocus system, and advanced video capabilities. The Fujifilm X-T3 is another option that features a 26.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a 425-point autofocus system, and advanced video capabilities. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What is the future of DSLR cameras?

The future of DSLR cameras is uncertain, as many manufacturers are shifting their focus to mirrorless cameras. Mirrorless cameras offer a number of advantages over DSLRs, including smaller size, faster autofocus, and advanced video capabilities. However, DSLRs still have a number of advantages, including better battery life and a wider range of lenses available.

It’s likely that DSLRs will continue to be popular among certain types of photographers, such as sports and wildlife photographers who require the fast autofocus and advanced tracking capabilities of DSLRs. However, it’s possible that we will see fewer new DSLR models introduced in the future, as manufacturers focus on developing mirrorless cameras. Ultimately, the future of DSLR cameras will depend on consumer demand and the direction of the photography industry.

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