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.

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.

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.

This camera is not specifically "the best" at very much. Cameras like the Nikon D7500 outmuscle it in terms of autofocus and ISO performance, while mirrorless cameras are ahead in features, and Canon's own Rebel lineup wins for price.

Canon delivers a decent update to its popular prosumer action-capable camera, the EOS 70D. The 80D gets a new version of the company's Dual Pixel CMOS sensor with a faster on-sensor autofocus system, plus some minor additions. It has some notable improvements over the 70D, including much better Live View performance; it's not as fast as a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, but it's finally usable for subjects in motion. And the generally improved performance will resonate with the typical action-shooting enthusiast who buys this class of dSLR. But if you're persnickety about color, you'll have to do some tweaking.

With better performance and photo quality than the 70D, the Canon EOS 80D is worth the upgrade, but it's got a lot of competition for the money.

The Canon EOS 80D is fast; and if you play with the settings can produce excellent photo and video quality.

The automatic white balance isn't very good; and it doesn't have a terribly broad set of features.

One of the best decisions I've ever made buying this camera! I researched this product and could find nothing but positive reviews. When I received it and was able to hold it you can feel and see the great quality. So far it has exceeded all my expectations!

Wifi Nice big touch screen

None

cNet posted pricing from various sources, but didn't check whether they are quoting pricing of the model reviewed. 42nd Street, was using an older model lens, neither STM or USM.

Good Review

Bad Pricing

Canon's midrange SLR family, including cameras like the previous-generation 70D and the current 80D ($1,199, body only), has long been a solid choice for photographers who feel that the consumer-friendly Rebel line is lacking, but don't need to move up to the pro-grade 7D Mark II or any of the...

45-point autofocus system; 7fps capture with focus tracking; Vari-angle touch-screen display; Pentaprism viewfinder; Smooth video autofocus; 1/8,000-sec shutter and 1/250-sec flash sync; Wi-Fi with NFC

No 4K video support; Single SD card slot; Omits PC sync connection

The EOS 80D makes a number of key improvements over its predecessor, but its core appeal remains unchanged: the speed and confidence of a traditional mid-range DSLR coupled with one of the best movie and live view autofocus systems on the market.

Good quality 24 Megapixel stills and 1080p movies; Large viewfinder with 100% coverage and on-demand grid lines; Broad and dense 45-point viewfinder AF system; Superb continuous AF during Live View and movies; Fully-articulated touchscreen; Built-in Wifi / NFC with smartphone or computer remote...

No 4k video or 1080p above 60p for slow motion; Still photos a little less crisp than those from the D7200; Doesn't have twin memory card slots; No GPS / location logging on smartphone app; No focus peaking