Canon 60d Vs. 70d Vs. 80d: Which Dslr Camera Is The Best For You?
What To Know
- Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot camera or a professional seeking a backup body, these cameras deliver excellent image quality, versatility, and ease of use.
- The Canon 80D is the only camera among the three that features both a microphone input and a headphone jack, providing greater flexibility for audio recording and monitoring.
- The Canon 80D has the largest and most detailed viewfinder among the three cameras, with 100% coverage and a magnification of 0.
Canon’s mid-range DSLR cameras, including the 60D, 70D, and 80D, offer a combination of features and performance that appeals to a wide range of photographers. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot camera or a professional seeking a backup body, these cameras deliver excellent image quality, versatility, and ease of use. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Canon 60D, 70D, and 80D to help you determine which model best suits your needs and budget.
Image Quality: A Step-by-Step Comparison
1. Sensor Resolution and Size:
- Canon 60D: 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- Canon 70D: 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- Canon 80D: 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
The Canon 80D boasts the highest resolution among the three cameras, offering more detail and flexibility for cropping and enlarging images. However, the differences in image quality between the 60D, 70D, and 80D are relatively minor, and all three cameras produce sharp, detailed images in most situations.
2. ISO Performance:
- Canon 60D: ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 12800
- Canon 70D: ISO range of 100-12800, expandable to 25600
- Canon 80D: ISO range of 100-16000, expandable to 25600
The Canon 80D offers the best ISO performance, with a native ISO range that extends to 16000 and expandable to 25600. This makes it ideal for shooting in low-light conditions without compromising image quality. The 60D and 70D also perform well at high ISO settings, but they may exhibit slightly more noise in low-light situations.
Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy
3. Autofocus System:
- Canon 60D: 9-point autofocus system with all cross-type sensors
- Canon 70D: 19-point autofocus system with all cross-type sensors
- Canon 80D: 45-point autofocus system with all cross-type sensors
The Canon 80D has the most advanced autofocus system among the three cameras, with 45 autofocus points, all of which are cross-type sensors. This provides faster and more accurate focusing, especially when tracking moving subjects. The 70D’s 19-point autofocus system is also very capable, while the 60D’s 9-point system may struggle in certain situations.
Video Recording: Resolution and Features
4. Video Resolution and Frame Rates:
- Canon 60D: Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording at 30 fps
- Canon 70D: Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording at 60 fps
- Canon 80D: Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording at 60 fps, 4K (3840 x 2160) video recording at 30 fps
The Canon 80D is the clear winner in terms of video capabilities. It offers Full HD video recording at 60 fps, allowing for smooth and detailed slow-motion footage. Additionally, it’s the only camera among the three that can record 4K video, albeit at a lower frame rate of 30 fps. The 70D and 60D are limited to Full HD video recording at 30 fps.
5. Microphone Input and Headphone Jack:
- Canon 60D: No microphone input or headphone jack
- Canon 70D: Microphone input but no headphone jack
- Canon 80D: Microphone input and headphone jack
The Canon 80D is the only camera among the three that features both a microphone input and a headphone jack, providing greater flexibility for audio recording and monitoring. The 70D has a microphone input but lacks a headphone jack, while the 60D has neither.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
6. Body Construction and Weather Sealing:
- Canon 60D: Polycarbonate body with weather sealing
- Canon 70D: Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing
- Canon 80D: Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing
The Canon 70D and 80D feature magnesium alloy bodies, which are more durable and weather-resistant than the polycarbonate body of the 60D. Both the 70D and 80D are also weather-sealed, making them suitable for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
7. Viewfinder and LCD Screen:
- Canon 60D: Optical viewfinder with 95% coverage and a 3.0-inch LCD screen
- Canon 70D: Optical viewfinder with 98% coverage and a 3.0-inch LCD screen
- Canon 80D: Optical viewfinder with 100% coverage and a 3.2-inch LCD screen
The Canon 80D has the largest and most detailed viewfinder among the three cameras, with 100% coverage and a magnification of 0.62x. The 70D’s viewfinder is also very good, with 98% coverage and a magnification of 0.63x. The 60D’s viewfinder is slightly smaller, with 95% coverage and a magnification of 0.58x. All three cameras have 3.0-inch LCD screens, but the 80D’s screen is slightly larger at 3.2 inches.
Final Note: Finding the Ideal Canon Mid-Range DSLR
After comparing the Canon 60D, 70D, and 80D, it’s evident that each camera has its own strengths and weaknesses. The Canon 60D is a solid choice for beginners or those on a budget, offering good image quality, a capable autofocus system, and a durable build. The Canon 70D is a step up from the 60D, with improved image quality, a faster autofocus system, and better video capabilities. The Canon 80D is the most advanced of the three cameras, boasting the highest resolution sensor, the best autofocus system, and the most comprehensive video features.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable mid-range DSLR, the Canon 60D is a great option. If you need better image quality, faster autofocus, and more video capabilities, the Canon 70D or 80D are worth considering.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Q: What is the main difference between the Canon 60D, 70D, and 80D?
A: The primary differences lie in sensor resolution, autofocus system, video capabilities, and build quality. The 80D has the highest resolution sensor, the most advanced autofocus system, and the best video features. It also has a more durable magnesium alloy body compared to the polycarbonate body of the 60D.
2. Q: Which camera is best for beginners?
A: The Canon 60D is a great choice for beginners due to its affordability, ease of use, and solid image quality. It’s also relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
3. Q: Which camera is best for sports and action photography?
A: The Canon 80D is the best choice for sports and action photography due to its fast autofocus system and high-speed continuous shooting capabilities. It can capture up to 7 frames per second (fps) with autofocus tracking.
4. Q: Which camera is best for video recording?
A: The Canon 80D is the best choice for video recording, as it offers Full HD video at 60 fps and 4K video at 30 fps. It also has a microphone input and a headphone jack for better audio recording and monitoring.
5. Q: Which camera has the best battery life?
A: The Canon 80D has the best battery life among the three cameras, with a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 960 shots per charge. The 70D has a battery life of approximately 920 shots per charge, while the 60D has a battery life of approximately 1100 shots per charge.
