Unveiled: Canon’s 80D Upgrade and PowerShot Updates

With CP+ just around the corner, Canon is getting the news out with a range of camera releases. In the interchangeable lens segment is the mid-range EOS 80D DSLR Camera along with a versatile EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens, which come alongside the DM-E1 Directional Microphone and the unique PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter. And, for those looking for a more pocket-friendly option, there are two new point-and-shoots: the svelte and powerful PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera and the compact long-zoom PowerShot SX720 HS Digital Camera.

EOS Upgrades

Leading the pack in this announcement is the EOS 80D which sees improvements almost across the board. This begins with the use of a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 6 image processor, both major advancements over its predecessor, the 70D. This combines with the 45-point all-cross-type AF system for phenomenal speed when shooting stills using the optical viewfinder, which itself has improved to about 100% coverage of the scene. Not to be outdone, Dual Pixel CMOS AF has received a boost for improved focusing accuracy and speed when recording video or working in live view.

Image quality is upped not just in resolution but in low light as well with a native sensitivity range up to ISO 16000, which can be expanded to ISO 25600. There is also a 7560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor which enables Color Tracking to detect skin color and can contribute to quick autofocus performance as well. The system enables anti-flicker functions to compensate for flickering light sources and provides consistent exposures during continuous 7 fps shooting. The 80D is great for video, with Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps in the MP4 format, headphone and microphone jacks, and a 3.0” vari-angle touchscreen Clear View II LCD monitor which offers flexible positioning. Additionally, the camera has Wi-Fi with NFC, HDR Movie, Time-Lapse Movie, and Creative Filter options, as well as a shutter rated for 100,000 actuations. The 80D will be available as a body only, in a kit with an 18-55mm lens or bundled with the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens.

This versatile EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens is a new option for users looking for a convenient, all-in-one lens. Dedicated to APS-C cameras like the 80D, it offers a 28.8-216mm equivalent focal length range and provides much faster autofocusing than previous models. This is due to the use of NANO USM technology, which blends the features of ring-type USM and STM mechanisms for smooth, high-speed operation during both stills and video. Another advancement with this lens is the ability to work with the PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter, allowing users to perform more controlled zooms and making it ideal for video use.

Further benefitting operation, the lens has an Optical Image Stabilizer that is rated for up to 4 stops and a Dynamic IS system that optimizes performance during video. Image quality is improved through the use of one Ultra Low-Dispersion element and one PMo aspherical element that reduces chromatic and spherical aberrations for crisp, clear imagery. Additionally, its body has a satin finish with a metallic mount for durability and is compatible with the optional EW-73D Lens Hood.

Rounding out the EOS equipment announcement is a first for Canon EOS, the DM-E1 Directional Microphone. It offers shotgun and stereo directional controls of 90 and 120° respectively and can be adjusted using a simple switch while connecting via a standard 3.5mm jack for wide compatibility. It also comes with a Windjammer to reduce wind noise and has a shock mount to lessen handling noise. Finally, it has a frequency response of 50 Hz to 16 kHz and runs off a single button-type lithium cell battery.

A Pair of PowerShots

A member of the esteemed G-series, the PowerShot G7 X Mark II improves upon its predecessor by featuring the latest DIGIC 7 image processor which powers a high-speed continuous shooting rate of 8 fps with raw or JPEG. It maintains the 20.1MP 1” CMOS sensor and 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens combination of its predecessor which is designed to deliver high-resolution, low-noise images in a variety of situations. The lens also has image stabilization for minimizing the effects of camera shake and it has a 9-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh with selective focus imagery.

The camera’s design has changed slightly, adding a more robust grip to the svelte exterior though retaining the numerous tactile controls, including a control ring on the lens. It has a multi-angle 3.0” 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD that can flip 180° for selfies. In addition to stills, the G7 X Mark II can record Full HD 1080p video and offers built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for connecting to a mobile device. Other features packed into the pocket-sized unit include Picture Styles, in-camera raw file conversion, panning-specific IS, and Time-Lapse Movies. Alongside the camera, Canon is releasing a couple of dedicated cases: the PSC-550 Deluxe Leather Case which is a handsome, form-fitting case, and the WP-DC55 Waterproof Case, which lets users go diving while still allowing for control over the camera’s functions.

Finishing up Canon’s jam-packed announcement is the PowerShot SX720 HS with an expanded 40x optical zoom range and a relatively compact body. It features a 20.3MP CMOS sensor along with the DIGIC 6 image processor to create high-resolution, low-noise images and Full HD 1080p60 video. Benefitting the long range zoom is Intelligent IS, which is able to optimize the stabilization system for a variety of conditions. It also comes equipped with a large 3.0” 922k-dot LCD for easy viewing and has a Zoom Framing Assist function that will automatically zoom in or out while focusing on a moving subject in order to help you keep it in the frame and in focus. Other features of this model include built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, a Story Highlights function, and a Creative Shot mode.