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What To Upgrade (and Downsize) From Canon 80D?

by Steve
(CT, USA)

Canon 80D

Canon 80D

I have an 80D with 4 varied lenses. I am happy with it, but I really want something smaller. Some things I am considering:

1 - Purchasing the SL3 as a second camera, so I can use all my lenses
2 - Getting a mirrorless for about the same $, with an adapter
3 - Trading in the 80D for a full frame mirrorless, like the EOS RP

I want the ability to shoot HD video as well.

Thank you!

Wow! What a great question, Steve.

You do have several options when considering upgrading and downsizing your Canon 80D to either mirrorless or a super small DSLR.


Downsizing from 80D to SL 3

I'll start by recommending that you eliminate the Canon SL3 from your options. You'll only save about 10 oz. in weight by downsizing from a 80D to a Canon SL3, so that's not a big deal. Even though you're talking about it as a backup, I don't think you'd be happy with its performance if you're used to your Canon 80D. I'm assuming you're a guy with an average sized hand-I don't think you'd like the grip on the SL3 either.

Upgrading to Mirrorless From Canon 80D

Unfortunately, the size advantage when switching to mirrorless is reduced somewhat when you add an adapter and a full frame lens. Some photographers would rather go for a smaller APS-C camera and the smallish EF-S lenses that will keep the size and weight down. It does depend somewhat on the mix of EF Vs EF-S Lenses you have. (I went from a 70D to a 90D because of the higher megapixel count, the updated Digic processor, and the dramatically improved video capabilities. I'm not sure that upgrading from your 80D to a 90D is enough of an upgrade to justify the investment.)


Replacing Canon 80D With EOS RP

I like the EOS RP a lot and seriously considered it myself when I was upgrading from my 70D. It's about the same weight reduction as the SL3, BUT it's also an upgrade to a full frame sensor. Canon has been behind in their mirrorless offerings (especially compared to Sony) but the EOS RP release in early 2019 changed the game a bit. It's definitely a great opportunity to enter into full frame and mirrorless at an attractive price point, although the RP is a mid-level performance camera.

Canon 80D vs EOS RP Size Comparison


A big part of going from an APS-C camera like the 80D to a full frame DSLR or mirrorless is the lenses you have and the lenses you're willing to purchase. I don't know what you like to shoot or the specific Canon lenses you have, so it's hard for me to get real detailed with my answer on an 80D replacement, but I hope this helped give you some ideas, Steve.

Please let me (and other readers) know what direction you take. Just curious if you'd consider a high end compact like the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III as your backup to your 80D. It does have some limitations for sure, but it's got an APS-C sensor, a viewfinder, shoots raw, and its size is amazingly small-it fits in your pocket-compared to your 80D.

Thanks so much,
Bruce



Comments for What To Upgrade (and Downsize) From Canon 80D?

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starstarstarstarstar 		What about low-light performance?
by: Anonymous

I don't know how old this article is, but it's helpful. I've been thinking about the same thing, one reason being that the 80D is great, but not performing as well as I'd like in low light. I do outdoor/nature shots and a teacher once told me that I should get a full-frame someday. Also, curious about the lenses. I have several: nifty 50, wide angle, a telephoto that came with the camera, two others. Will some of those not work with a full-frame mirrorless.

When you jam millions and millions of pixels onto an APS-C crop sensor they have to be tiny and they don't collect light as efficiently as larger pixels on full frame cameras.

Ef lenses can be used on the "R" series of Canon mirrorless. You need one of the 3 different adapters that Canon makes. Here's a post that will explain the compatibility of the different Canon lens mounts: Canon Lens Mount Compatibility.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		If it’s not broken don’t change or buy anything!
by: Anonymous

I will start of saying that the 80d is a remarkable camera and that it can do everything you want it to do, within the specs. It gives you a whopping large battery life foremost and outstanding photos. If you switch to something else think of this , you will probably need to get a new computer to use the higher megapixels , expensive glass, and yes expensive batteries. So why put yourself out there for no reason. Yes also no overheating issues this model. Technically you only need 8 megapixels to print or put things online. So rethink you have to have the latest and greatest. Unless you are making money doing it. I have to say this once and for all it’s not the camera but the person behind the camera that creates beautiful photos.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same situation!
by: Matt

I’m stuck in the exact same predicament what was your final decision?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Upgrading From Canon 80D to EOS RP
by: Steve

Thanks for the detailed answer! The RP looks like a great possibility, and moving to a full frame would be a big step up from the 80D. I do realize the limitations with the lenses and adding the adapter, but it is worth a try.

My only concern with the RP is the video - I have read that there are issues in HD when recording on 24 fps.

I think I am going to try out the RP however and see what it is like.

Thanks!

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Author Bruce Lovelace
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Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram  and Flickr.   Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

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