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

Photo Mish Mash 83

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Nikon Announcements - D5 and D500

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Nikon announced two new cameras at CES - The D5 and the D500. The D5 is Nikon's flagship, replacing the still excellent D4s.  Full Frame 20MP, awesome focusing powerNikon D5Headline features of the D5

  • 20.8MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
  • 3.2" 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor (review functions only)
  • 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps (limited to 3 minutes internally)
  • Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System
  • Dedicated AF processor and 99/153 focus points are cross-type. (first to offer dedicated AF processor)
  • Native ISO 102400, Extend to ISO 3280000  (Yes, that's 3 million ISO)
  • 12 fps Shooting for 200 Shots with AE/AF - Huge Buffer for full raw
  • 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF
  • 14-Bit Raw Files and 12-Bit Raw S Format
  • Two versions of the D5 a dual XQD card slot version and a dual CF card slot (same price)

Available in Mid March for $6500 - Preorder from B&H Photo or AmazonThis is a beast of a camera - suited for professional sports photographers and others that need amazing speed, focusing power and excellent low light capabilities.  Interesting that it does allow 4K recording but limits that to just 3 minutes.  If you record to an external device like an Atomos Shogun you can record for much longer.    I am not sure what else to say about this camera- it's heavy, expensive and powerful. Offering a nice step forward in the evolution. You can purchase a model with dual CF cards (they are still way faster than SD of the even fast XQD memory slots- they are similar in size and shape to compact flash but offer speeds up to 1 Gbit/s read and write speed. Nikon Also announced the D500 Nikon D500- Crop Sensor BeastHeadline Features of the Nikon D500

  • 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor (crop sensor)
  • 3.2" 2,539k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD - complete touchscreen control- set focus point, menu navigation etc.
  • 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps (also limited to 3 minutes internally)
  • Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System (same focusing system as D5- this means coverage across frame from focus points is excellent - cross type points all the way to edge of frame)
  • Native ISO 51200, Extend to ISO 1640000
  • 10 fps Shooting for Up to 200 Frames
  • Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC  (Low Power Bluetooth is used to keep a constant connection to smartphone, like Samsung NX1 - can push images to phone automatically)
  • In-Camera Time Lapse, Up to 9999 Frames
  • SD and XQD memory card slots.
  • Pentaprism optical viewfinder offers 100% frame coverage

Sold Body only or with DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR Lens

  • Preorder Nikon D500 DSLR Camera with 16-80mm Lens from B&H Photo | Amazon $3,066.95
  • Preorder Nikon D500 Body Only from B&H Photo from B&H Photo | Amazon $1,996.95

Nikon D500 Top ViewThis camera is going to be very interesting to do a Canon 7D Mark II vs Nikon D500. I feel like Nikon looked at the complaints about the 7D Mark II and said - yea, we can give you a camera like that and fix ALL of your complaints and then some!    This also shows that Nikon is committed to the crop sensor format.     Taking the same focusing system from the $6500 D5 and putting it in a crop sensor like the D500 is impressive - this gives you coverage out to the very edge of the frame with the higher accuracy cross type points! And I am sure this camera will be excellent at tracking fast moving subjects.Nikon D500 Tilting TouchscreenNikon has introduced a tilting touchscreen that provides full control of the camera -menu navigation and settings control, and is usable while shooting, giving you the ability to choose a focus point or an area to set the white balance from. The screen can also be used as a keyboard for quickly entering notes, copyright info, or IPTC information.  4K capable, though limited to just 3 minutes internally - if you need longer pickup an external device like an Atomos Shogun. And Nikon has introduced a wifi/bluetooth connectivity system similar to the excellent system in the Samsung NX1. You have the ability to have a low power constant connection to your smartphone pushing images as you take them.  No more fiddling with connections each time you want to grab an image.  I loved the NX1 version of this and I am happy to see it adopted by Nikon.  Hopefully canon will follow suit.I'd love to know what you think about these two cameras?  Leave a comment below.Also announced is a new Flash System with radio, the Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight, similar to the Canon 600RT system we use at weddings and love.  See the complete list of new gear from Nikon. Canon shooters feeling jealous? We should know more about the 1DX Mark II later this month and the 5D Mark IV in early March - if not sooner.   As far as crop sensor cameras go we will not see any updates on the 7D Mark II for at least a year- it is a fantastic camera, I just wish they had added some connectivity options and a touchscreen.