The Canon EOS 80D is a refinement of the popular enthusiast Canon EOS 70D. While the body largely remains unchanged compared to its predecessor, the 80D has received a new imaging sensor, a new metering sensor and a revamped AF system.

They're right, of course, but focus is pretty damn important too – and that's why Canon's new EOS 80D is one of the best cameras we've used in ages.

Moving images aren't entirely negated, of course, with the camera capable of handing Full HD 1080p capture, including both a microphone and headphones sockets for the videographers out there. It's only the lack of 4K capture which sees some competitors, Panasonic GH4 included, offer more.

In the 2.5 years between the EOS 70D and its successor, Canon has released seven DSLR cameras: four with APS-C sized sensors and three 'full frame' models. The most recent was the professional EOS-1D X Mark II, which was announced on 2 February.

Sporting a new, higher-resolution 24MP sensor, a faster processor and a beefed-up 45-point AF system, the Canon 80D builds upon foundation laid out by the 70D and its excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology.

Very good image quality; Better RAW high ISO performance than predecessor; Improved buffer depth; Very fast AF; Dual Pixel CMOS AF is excellent; f/8 AF support; 1080/60p video; Headphone jack; Very good battery life

New kit lens isn't very sharp; No 4K video; No clean HDMI out; 29:59 minute video recording limit; Phase detect AF not as sensitive in low-light as expected (Dual Pixel AF better in low-light)

The new Canon EOS 80D is an update to the 20.2 megapixel 70D DSLR, released back in 2013, and it features a new 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 processor, alongside a new 45 all cross-type point AF system and a 7fps shooting rate.

Excellent image quality; Improve noise performance; Excellent focus and shutter response speeds; Live view focus and shutter response is equally fast; Auto White Balance options; 3inch vari-angle touch-screen; Larger 100% view viewfinder; Excellent battery life; Electronic level; Wi-Fi / NFC...

No auto panoramic shooting mode; Some competitors at this price point offer quicker continuous shooting

The Canon EOS 80D is a prosumer APS-C digital SLR camera. Successor to the three year old 70D, the EOS 80D features a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, an updated Dual-Pixel CMOS AF system which now additionally offers continuous autofocus during live view stills shooting, an Intelligent Viewfinder which...

The new 80D, which replaces the 70D launched in July 2013, sits smack in the middle of Canon's SLR line-up, above the 760D and below the 7D Mark II. That puts it in prime enthusiast territory, which means it needs to appeal to people who want to shoot a range of subjects in a variety of conditions.

It's not revolutionary, but the 80D is still a fine DSLR for the right user.

The Canon EOS 80d is the perfect amateur professional camera which captures that perfect shot!