Before CP+ kicks off next week, Canon just announced the successor to the 70D, the Canon 80D. Featuring multiple improvements, especially in areas surrounding autofocus, the 80D provides a more professional standing for Canon's representation in the advanced APS-C DSLR segment. Additionally, Canon introduced a new PZ-E1 power zoom adapter for a new lens, the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. Finally, the PowerShot G7 X was updated with a Mark II version along with a new compact superzoom, the PowerShot SX720 HS.
Canon 80D
Along with a 24-megapixel sensor that handles ISO 100-16,000 (or up to 12,800 for video with high settings of 25,600 in any mode), Canon's 80D features impressive autofocus improvements starting with an expanded autofocus point coverage granted in part by 45 cross-type AF points that can focus at -3EV. Additionally, a new 7,560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor utilizes color data in addition to skin-tone-specific colors with the help of the dedicated IR sensors to accurately track subjects.
The 80D also features dual-pixel CMOS autofocus that allow the pixels on its sensor to perform still image and phase-detection autofocus functions with greater accuracy and performance in Live View and video recording. To top this off, a new "Intelligent Viewfinder" provides 100% viewfinder coverage for easier and more accurate framing. Coupling these features with seven-frames-per-second shooting should make the 80D a respectable performer for sports and other fast-action shooting.
Landscape photographers will also be pleased by the convenience of the 80D's time-lapse and HDR features if they prefer ease of use over post-process options. Video shooters will enjoy 1080p60 capabilities in a variety of compressed file types.
The Canon 80D is available to order as a kit or body-only starting at $1,199. While some will appreciate the savings, others might still find it easy to part with a little extra cash for the added feature set of the 7D Mark II. If you aren't loyal to Canon I would suggest considering the full frame Nikon D610 or the Nikon D750 which we crowned camera of the year.
If you don't necessarily want a mirror, check out what Sony has to offer as well.
Canon EF-S 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter, and DM-E1 Directional Microphone
More exciting, perhaps, than the in-camera video features are the new kit lens for the 80D and its companion PZ-E1 power zoom adapter. The new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM features image stabilization in addition to an all-new technology that combines both a standard, speedy "nano" USM for still photography as well as an additional stepping motor for smoother and faster (by 2.5-4.3x) silent autofocusing while recording video -- all contained within the lens itself.
In addition to the dual AF motors, the lens' outer design is built for compatibility with Canon's new PZ-E1, which is an additional power zoom adapter for zooming even more smoothly with ten levels of adjustment for zoom speed.
Canon's introduction of the compact DM-E1 Directional Microphone rounds out hints that the 80D is geared for video in this new era of portable, well-featured, take-it-everywhere recording devices.
The new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, PZ-E1, and DM-E1 are now available for pre-order for $599, $149, and $249, respectively.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and SX720 HS
Canon's PowerShot G7 X Mark II replaces the original G7 X, featuring a one-inch, 20-megapixel sensor capable of shooting stills at eight frames per second and 1080p video at 60 frames per second all at an expanded ISO range up to 25,600. A bright f/1.8-2.8 4.2x optical zoom lens with a range equivalent to a 24-100mm 35mm lens features image stabilization, a nine-bladed aperture, and Spectra Coating for ghosting and flare reduction. Finally, the G7 X Mark II includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology.
Meanwhile, Canon's SX720HS, which is available for pre-order at $379, features a 40x zoom lens (with a range equivalent to 24-960mm) in addition to the same wireless technologies as the G7 X Mark II, which will soon be available for pre-order at $699 (and will possibly ship around March 15th).
I like the idea of the PZ-E1... but that lens isn't parfocal (Canon says it's close), so you'll have to use continuous AF. This sucks because I'd imagine focus-hunting will be an issue.
That's an excellent point. Of course, I didn't expect a lens with those features and at that price to be parfocal. And items such as parfocal lenses for the price-point of this kit/these latest announcements in general are a bit out of the general, basic use that I'm sure this set of products was intended for. But still, you make an excellent point in that, at some point, it's a bummer to have all these fantastic video-centric features and products, but then have to continuously focus when pushing in or out with the zoom... Hopefully those new AF pixels do a damn good job ;-)
Wow they are really holding off on the 5D Mark IV. But I'm sure it will be a home run.
Looks like the biggest advancement here is the AF system, which certainly is good. Not sure what that ISO ceiling says about the sensor's noise and dynamic range tho. For Canon crop frame users who shoot sports this will be a good option.
It looks like it's using pdaf and adc like the 1dxmkII. This should equal lower noise and greater dynamic range. Nothing can be confirmed until sample arrive though.
Holding out for a 6D MKII, just don't know what I would expect from it.
1080p max in 2016....
Could Canon be waiting till 2017 to announce the 5D Mark4?
Sorry Canon but I'm not a fan of the all in one thumbwheel thing. They are sooo much easier to use separated. Hope the 5dIV still has them separated.