Canon EOS 80D review

The Canon EOS 80D is a good mid-level DSLR for those who don't need the latest tech

Canon EOS 80D

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

We put the Canon EOS 80D through our usual set of lab tests to check its performance. We've also compared its results with those from three of its key rivals in our comparison charts. The cameras we've chosen are:

Nikon D7200: The closest thing to a direct rival from Nikon, the D7200 has a 24-megapixel non-anti-aliased sensor and comparable specs and target user, though with a fixed, non-articulating screen.

Pentax K-S2: Pentax's rugged all-rounder is good value for money and has features likely to appeal to enthusiast photographers. It's an interesting alternative to the usual Canon/Nikon debate.

Sony A77 II: Sony's top APS-C format SLT camera looks like a DSLR but uses a fixed, translucent mirror to offer full-time phase-detection autofocus, even in live view.

We tested all four cameras for resolution using an industry-standard ISO test chart photographed in controlled laboratory conditions. The resolution figures are quoted as line widths/picture height, a new standard measurement which works irrespective of sensor size. All our tests are carried out across a wide ISO range and for both JPEG and raw files.

Canon EOS 80D lab tests

JPEG resolution analysis: Despite a good performance the 80D lags behind the Nikon D7200 at several sensitivity values perhaps indicating the benefit of omitting the optical low pass filter (OLPF).

Canon EOS 80D lab tests

Raw (converted to TIFF) resolution analysis: Apart from at ISO 12,800 the 80D captures more detail than the 70D. There's an impressive difference at the lower sensitivity settings. Again the Nikon D7200, with its OPLF-less sensor leads the way.

TOPICS
Read more
Canon EOS R1 mirrorless camera with red brick background
Canon EOS R1 review: a five star high-speed powerhouse for pros, with a sky-high price
Lead image for TechRadar's round-up of the best DSLR cameras, featuring the Nikon D850
The best DSLR camera for 2025: top choices for photography and video
Panasonic Lumix G97 product shot
Panasonic Lumix G97 review: enthusiast-level camera, beginner-level price
Nikon Z50 II camera on a wooden surface in front of white tiled wall
Nikon Z50 II review: a pocket rocket at a competitive price
Nikon D7500 on a cyan background with radar graphic
Best beginner DSLR cameras for 2025: top entry-level choices for new photographers
OM System OM-3 mirrorless camera in the hand, 12-45mm F4 Pro lens attached
OM System’s OM-3 isn’t just pretty, it's made photography fun for me again in a way that Canon, Sony and Nikon fail to
Latest in DSLRs
Nikon Df DSLR camera on a wooden surface by large window, with dusk light
Forget Fujifilm, I've retested 2013's Nikon Df DSLR and it's the ultimate retro camera for these 6 reasons
Monochrome image of a distant wind farm alongside a Canon DSLR camera in the hand with black background
You don't really need a new camera – a $200,000 photo prize was just won with this old Canon DSLR
Photographer holding the Nikon D800 DSLR camera up to their eye while leaning on a tree trunk surrounded by bluebells
I used my DSLR for the first time in years since switching to mirrorless – here are four things I learned
Two cameras sitting next to each other on a wooden table
If DSLR cameras are dead, why are they still so popular? Here are 5 reasons
Prouct photo of the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome with a 16-50mm f/2.8 attached
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome review: one love
Canon EOS 4000D with 18-55mm lens attached on red background beside a lowest ever price text
This Canon beginner DSLR is so cheap right now it might even tempt you away from mirrorless
Latest in Reviews
The Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap being worn by Hamish
I test VR headsets for a living, and this affordable headstrap is the first Meta Quest 3 accessory you should buy
Both Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
I thought VR controller grips were pointless until this Meta Quest 3 accessory proved me wrong
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
Want to upgrade your VR headset? Look no further than my new favorite Meta Quest 3 headstrap
WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR main image
I tested the WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR - read how I rated this Endpoint Protection for small business
The RIG M2 Streamstar.
I wanted to love the new RIG M2 Streamstar, but this pricey gaming microphone fails to deliver
Bambu Lab H2D Vs X1C
I've been reviewing the hotly anticipated Bambu Lab H2D for a month, and it's the most versatile machine I've ever used