Hands-on Canon 80D Review vs the 70D, a6300 and more

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I have been using the 80D for the last 30 days and I am now ready to share my opinion of Canon's successor to the popular 70D. You want to know - what’s changed, do I recommend upgrading from the 70D to the 80D and how does this camera hold up in a crowded field of DSLRS and mirrorless cameras like the a6300, D7200, D500, GH4 - etc. Link for more informationhttps://youtu.be/tLQI_Jba3pMQuick reminder of my opinion on the Canon 70D- I loved the dual pixel AF, it tracked so well - even without STM lenses - that coupled with the very nice articulating touchscreen made this camera super easy to use for video and that articulating touchscreen is useful for photos as well. 70D Image and video quality are very good and at the time of release very similar to other cameras on the market.Buy the Canon 80D from B&H Photo and support this website.  Your use of these links allows me to continue to review gear (and have health insurance) Thanks!

What has changed with the Canon 80D vs the 70D

  • 24MP sensor vs 20MP in the 70D
  • 45 Cross type points vs 19 in the 70D, 27 of those AF points work at f/8 - this is important and helpful to photographers working with longer telephoto lenses and teleconverters and makes it even better than the 7D Mark II when using longer lenses with teleconverters.
  • Improved low light focusing capabilities
  • 100% viewfinder coverage vs 98%
  • A deeper buffer (70d buffer already was decent)
  • Flicker detection like the 7D mark II and D500 for more consistent exposures in gyms/arena etc
  • 1080p 60fps!!! The 70D only offered 60fps at 720 and you have Mp4 format now too
  • The ability to control the speed of auto focus in movies.
  • Intervalometer AND time lapse movie mode!
  • A headphone jack!! And it is positioned to not block the rotating screen
  • NFC AND WIFI while the 70D only had Wifi and the 80D wifi allows control during video - something not possible with the 70D - you also have the option of adding
  • Two custom modes on the dial

No other camera provides this level of performance while remaining so easy to use.

So what does all that translate to in real world use? The Canon 80D is a very good camera that is incredibly user friendly with an approachable menu system. No other camera provides this level of performance while remaining so easy to use. I am talking about really using the camera - not just leaving it on auto. Any camera is easy to use on auto. This sounds great? Right?  Frustratingly Canon sensor tech is still behind the competitors, despite all the buzz from the increased dynamic range. Yes it is better but still behind the competitors in dynamic range, high iso and overall image quality. The 80D just does not match up against the current Nikons (or even last years d7200) or the Sony a6300. And it lacks many of the more pro level video features you find in the Sony a6300 and Panasonic Gh4 like focus peaking, slog format and 4k video.  About 4k - some of you will be angry that it isn’t included in a camera that clearly is proud of it’s video features and some of you are angry that people are angry it wasn’t included, a few of you just don't care. Just recognize that not everyone uses cameras these days for just photos and despite the fact that you might not know anyone with a 4K TV - it can still be useful to have a camera that shoots 4K and many do mid-2016.

Who cares about 4k Video?

So I set you up - a great camera that is really easy to use BUT doesn't match the competition in image quality or features.  Just keep in mind that for the most part that quality difference isn’t huge and for the vast majority of us - the image or video quality provided by the Canon 80D isn’t going to hold us back. You can make fantastic images and video with this camera.  Another advantage of the 80D is the Canon ecosystem - your lens selection is HUGE with loads of affordable options. This is something Sony hasn’t matched yet and even Nikon doesn’t have quite the same affordable selection. Though at the pro level I will call them tied. I do want to give a special shoutout to the 55-250 STM, this really is such a nice lens and an awesome value. Not only a good telephoto, also useable as a macro!  I would recommend you pick up the Canon 80D with the 18-55 and 55-250 STM unless you want power zooming that the new 18-135 nano USM lens provides when paired with the PZ-E1 adapter and you can even zoom via the canon app.  And remember that vs Nikon - Canon's dual pixel AF provides smooth and silent autofocus during video.  Nikon has introduced some new lenses to try and match but the underlying tech still makes nikon DSLR focus slow and distracting when used during filming.

The perfect camera for...

I see the 80D really appealing to 

  • Wildlife photographers on a budget - if offers excellent AF performance with longer lenses - pair it with the 55-250 STM and you do have one of the best all around performers (see below for additional lens recommendations)
  • Youtubers/Amature videographers looking for good quality in an exceptionally easy to use package - Youtubers especially, this camera combined with the wifi app makes recording talking head videos like most of what is on my channel, extremely easy.
  • Photographers looking for a decent all around camera that offers plenty of room to grow as a photographer and cover a variety of photographic needs.

See below for recommended lenses and accessories forThose who want the absolute best performance in low light and image/video quality should consider the a6300 (my review of the a6300) or Nikon D7200 or Nikon D500 (My Review - current king of APS-C cameras in terms of performance and focusing power)Those that want more serious video options should choose the a6300 or GH4Should Canon 70D users upgrade? While there are certainly improvements, better dynamic range at lower ISOs and less noise at higher ISOs - the differences are not massive and your money is better spent on a nice lens, especially a prime lens or saving for a future model or full frame. Exceptions to this, if you want to start using teleconverters with longer focal lengths or want the better video features and wifi app control over video.The best Canon 80D Package - 18-55 + 55-250 STM | Buy from B&H PhotoCanon 80D best value Wildlife Photographers on a BudgetCanon 80D with 18-55 and 55-250 STM Or For massively more reach - Canon 80D with 18-55, Sigma 1.4x Converter and Sigma 150-600 C - Total potential zoom here is over 1300mm! YoutubersCanon 80D with Canon 10-18 for handheld, stabilized selfie video and a nice prime lens like the 40mm f/2.8 for pro looking videoGeneral PhotographyCanon 80D with 18-55 and 50mm f/1.8 STMRecommended Canon 80D Accessories

Would you like to have a detailed discussion about what gear is going to work best for you? I provide that in my support group.  Join for just $5/month - your contribution supports the work we do here and you get access to all the Lightroom videos, the support group and more. 

Nikon D500 Review

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D500 - The briefest review!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnZ3OeIoVLAAs I often like to do I will give you the summary of my review up front. This is now the king of APS-C cameras. There is NOTHING better- but does that mean it is the best camera for you?  Let’s discuss what I love and what I less than love about the D500.  But before we do let's mention the previous champ of APS-C - the Canon 7D Mark II. The 7DM2 was the king in this class and I loved the AF peroformance and ergonmics but even when it was released I was frustrated with lack of articulating touchscreen and wifi, I feel like Nikon looked at what was missing there and said here you go - oh and we have stuck an excellent sensor in there with files that while not noise free are certainly clean enough to deliver to clients at 12,800The D500 Offers

  • No AA filter for noticeable sharper images vs Canon 7D Mark II
  • 10 FPS
  • The BEST AF system of any APS-C camera to date
    • FAST
    • Aaccuratelyy tracks moving subjects (in low light on the dance floor IT WORKS)
    • Excellent AF customization options
    • AF Point Coverage across the frame.   
    • The little thumb joystick for moving the AF point is perfectly placed
  • 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
  • Rugged articulating touchscreen
  • Wifi with smart bluetooth NFC system that once set up automatically transfers the images

In the hand this is the nicest feeling Nikon camera I have ever held.  Typically I have found the grips to be a little too narrow on Nikon cameras and with the D500 they have rounded that out nicely.  And typical of most Nikon prosumers the physical control buttons are excellent with little need to spend time in the menu - which is good because although the camera has a touchscreen you can only use it to select focus in live view and navigate playback, it does not work for menu navigation.  If you consider that a downside the only other downside I can come up with is the focus in video -Nikon still does not off dual pixel AF system like canon so we very much have that womp womp effect while it searches for focus (demonstrated in the video above)  - if you don’t need autofocus while filming you can ignore this issue.  Overall the 4K video quality is VERY good. Now lots of people made a big deal about the 2x crop factor when shooting 4k  Just go buy a slightly wider lens and you will be fine. I think many people watching this video and reading this post will be trying to figure out if they should go with the Nikon D7200, The D500 or a full frame camera like the Nikon D750.    That full frame sensor on the D750 is still going to give you slightly better results in low light, The D7200s strength is saving you $1,000 and still providing an excellent all around camera capable of shooting sports and wildlife as well as being slightly more travel friendly.  As much as I love the D500 it is more camera than most of us need and you could put that $1000 toward a nice lens or TWO that will do more for your photography than buying the more expensive body UNLESS you Really that AF system for FAST subjects - FAST action sports, birds in flight or maybe you do want to record in 4K video too.  Benefit of the D7200 vs the D500/D750

  • Smaller and Lighter - almost 1/2 lb lighter than the D500.
  • Cheaper - Buy the Nikon D7200 from B&H Photo (Body only $1046)
  • Vs the D750 you only need DX lenses which are cheaper and lighter too.

Benefits of the D750 vs the D500/D7200

  • Full frame sensor better in low light - 24MP full frame vs 20MP crop in D500 and 24MP crop in D7200
  • Lighter than the D500
  • Offers articulating screen vs the Nikon D7200
  • That full frame look (do you hate me for saying this? )
  • The best value Full Frame camera on the market (regardless of manufacturer) Buy from B&H Photo (Body only $1996.95)

Benefits of the D500 vs the D750/D7200

  • The BEST AF speed, coverage and accuracy
  • 10 FPS vs 6ish in the D750/D7200
  • No AA filter for increased detail.
  • Rugged Articulating touchscreen
  • Pro body form and function with manual control for just about everything
  • Wifi with Snapbridge for easy auto transfer of your photos
  • Vs the D750 you only need DX lenses which are cheaper and lighter too and you have additional "reach" because of the crop factor.
  • Buy the Nikon D500 from B&H Photo (body only $1996.95)

For me - If you are a general photographer including travel get the D7200.  If you want better quality in low light get the D750 and if you are photographing action, FAST action the D500 makes the most sense.  Or if you want 4K video with Nikon.I want to know which of the three you would pick and why? And what feature of the D500 is your favorite. Leave a comment below. I will be collecting the best to share in a future video.  Support our work - Buy the Nikon D500: http://bhpho.to/1Ujv6vwBuy the Nikon D7200: http://bhpho.to/1r5CS4qBuy the Nikon D750: http://bhpho.to/24mGXyh

Nikon D7200 Announced & My Thoughts

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Nikon has announced the Nikon D7200 mid-level APS-C sensor camera.  

Nikon D7200What you need to know about the Nikon D7200:

  • Body is nearly identical to the D7100, slight grip redesign similar to D750 and D5500
  • 24MP sensor (probably the same as in the D5500 - See my review of the D5500)
  • No Optical Low-Pass Filter (OLPF)
  • 51 AF Points, 15 cross type and Improved low light focusing capabilities
  • 6 FPS
  • Better/deeper buffer (allows more continuous shots before you see a slowdown. D7100 had a significantly smaller buffer.
  • Higher ISO range, 102,400 capable of B&W photos ONLY due to large amount of chroma noise.
  • 1080/60p ONLY in 1.3x crop mode
  • WiFi and NFC (NFC is a first for Nikon)
  • Better battery life, 160 more shots per charge vs D7100
  • Body only price: $1,196.95 - Preorder from B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon
  • Body with 18-140 lens price: $1,496.95 $1,696.95 Preorder from B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon (UPDATE: D7200 has been added to instant rebate list $200 savings)
  • Available/Shipping in MID MARCH

Rumors about articulating touch screen are FALSE.Nikon D7200Nikon D7200Nikon D7200 My quick thoughts on the Nikon D7200I was a fan of the D7100, it provides excellent manual controls and very good quality at a solid price. The value of the camera was high. I, like many photographers, were frustrated with the tiny buffer that really kept this camera from shining, it certainly made sports and wildlife photographers look for alternatives. It looks like they have addressed that issue and I expect this camera to perform well and sell well.Nikon D7100 and D7200 - Can you tell the difference?[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"]D7200 Back[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"]D7100 Back[/vc_column][/vc_row] 

Nikon D7200 Preview

Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D7200 - Differences Explained Simply

They both offer 24MP sensors - likely the SAME sensorThe D7200 offers/Advantages over the D5500:

  • Full Manual Control and additional function buttons for customizing
  • larger more ergonomically designed camera (comfortable to hold for long stretches)
  • Auto focus compatibility with more lenses (in body focus motor, lacking in the D5500)
  • Faster AF system with 51 focus points (39 focus points in the D5500)
  • 6 FPS vs 5FPS in the D5500. D7200 can do 7fps in crop mode.
  • D7200 has a pentaprism viewfinder providing a brighter view and covers a full 100% of the image area. D5500 uses a pentamirror design which covers 95% of the image area.
  • Weather Sealing against dust/moisture
  • Increased top shutter speed 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec in the D5500.
  • Increased flash sync speed 1/250 vs 1/200 in D5500

The D5500 offers/Advantages over the D7200:

  • Much lighter and smaller
    • D5500 weighs: 420 g (0.93 lb / 14.82 oz)
    • D7200 weighs: 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz)
  • More user friendly for beginners
  • Cheaper. Buying the D5500 saves you several hundred dollars

Who should buy the D7200?Photographers looking to seriously grow and/or will need to be shooting in all weather conditions.  And photographers will access to older lenses that will work with the D7100.Who should buy the D5500?Photographers looking for an excellent quality DSLR (currently the best at this price point) where size and weight is important.Watch my D5500 Review 

Now Shipping - Nikon D5500 - Touchscreen DSLR

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Screenshot 2015-02-05 20.53.19The Nikon D5500 is now available and shipping (with expedited shipping) fromBuy from B&H Photo Video | Adorama | Amazon $896.95 (Body only) $996.95 (with 18-55 lens) $1396.95 (with 18-140 lens)B&H Photo Video includes extra spare battery, 16GB SD Card and Shoulderbag ($64 value)

D5500 Specs

  • 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 4 Image Processor
  • No Optical Low-Pass Filter
  • 3.2" 1,037k-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
  • Built-In Wi-Fi
  • Continuous Shooting up to 5 fps
  • 39-Point Multi-CAM 4800DX AF Sensor
  • Native Sensitivity to ISO 25600

This is basically the same camera as the D5300 minus the GPS and adding in a touch screen.  Nikon has done well with some of the touchscreen features allowing you to setup and control certain aspects of the camera by touching the screen even when your eye is up to the viewfinder.  The best option may be picking your focus point by moving your finger across the screen.

D5500 or D5300?

You can save $200 and pickup the D5300 which will offer identical image quality, only real sacrifice is the touchscreen. With that savings you can buy the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 - a fantastic prime lens that will give you wonderful aperture control and excellent low light images. Why do you want a prime lens? I have 6 reasons you want a prime lens.Buy the D5300 from B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

D5500 or D7100 (D7200)

In just hours we should know much more about the D7200. It is rumored to have an articulating screen and will offer, like the D7100 a much more professional camera in both feel and operation. If you dream of professionally shooting the D7XX series gives you much more room to grow as a photographer you just need to pay more and carry around a bigger camera.  If you are just a parent or someone that wants to take nice photos and have your camera with you most of the time, the D5300/D5500 would be my pick.Buy the D7100 from B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon  

Recommended Lenses for Nikon D5300/D5500/D7200 (DX Cameras)

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Nikon Lenses for DX Cameras like the D5200 and D7100

Primes - Non-zooming lenses that offer excellent value and low light capabilities - these are the lenses you want for those lovely blurred background photos.  Why you should own a prime.Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DXGreat low-light walk-around lens, versatile focal length- Decent for portraits, street photography and general travel. If I was limited to just one lens this would be it. Amazing sharpness for the value.  Buy from Amazon | B&HNikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX MicroSacrifice some light/maximum aperture (just over a stop which is not insignificant) but gain an excellent value macro that does 1:1 lifesize. I was blown away that this was less the $300.  Full Nikon 40mm Review. Buy from Amazon | B&HNikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S FXThe 50mm focal length translates to 75mm on a DX sensor (D5200 and D7100 have DX sensors or crop sensors) 75mm is a lovely focal length for portraits. NOTE: D5200 users get the AF-S G version, linked here.  D7100 users have inbody focus motor and you can use the older D version without an issue.   Indie filmmakers with either camera may want to consider the D version with aperture control built into the lens.  Why Nikon movie makers want mechanical aperture control.   Buy from Amazon | B&HNikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR EDNikon 18-105 is not exciting but I mention it here as a decent value when purchased with a Nikon camera, better than the 18-55 which really holds back the potential of these newer Nikon cameras with excellent sensors. Buy from Amazon | B&HSigma 17-70 2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM for NikonNoticeably sharper than the kit and offers a nice f/4 at 70mm, this is great for portraits and the fact that you can be at 17mm and f/2.8 along with optical stabilization makes this an excellent low light zoom capable lens.  The Macro feature is not worth mentioning other than to say you can get as close as you can with the kit lens, but you do have those extra stops of light. Buy from Amazon | B&HTamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LDA little slow to focus, no image stabilization but SHARP and gives you f/2.8 across the range, 75mm and f/2.8 is beautiful for portraits and this lens is useable on full frame should you decide to upgrade cameras.  Buy from Amazon | B&HNikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DXGOOD Value, gets a little soft out at 300 but for under $400 you get a decent zoom lens.   Buy from Amazon | B&HA second option for Zoom, Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR, it is a sharper lens than the 55-300 and bought used from Amazon costs just $300.

Recommended Nikon Lenses for Video

I get lots of questions about shooting video with Nikon and the lenses I recommend for video work- personally it would be any of the lenses that offer mechanical aperture control, this gives you the ability to change the aperture without leaving live view, an annoying quirk of Nikon cameras. Watch this video on Manual Aperture Control in a Nikon D5200. Serious videographers are not worried about auto focus so the 50mm f/1.8D or the Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 offer excellent quality and complete control for video work. These recommendations apply to your indie film/videographer, if you are a parent capturing your child any of the lenses mentioned above are just fine.Buying used is an option for all of these lenses, you don't save much on the prime lenses as they often keep very high resale value but the zoom lenses (any lens I mentioned that is not a prime) you can save enough to make it worthwhile.  I buy all my lenses (new and used) on Amazon or B&H these.This was just a list of my value picks of DX appropriate lenses. There are other options too, leave a comment below with your favorite lens.  If you have questions about any of these lenses or another lens you are considering for your Nikon shoot me a message on Facebook, linked under the video.