Canon 5d Mark Iii Vs 80d: Breaking Down The Specs And Features

The Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 80D are two of the most popular DSLRs on the market, and for good reason. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features. However, there are also some key differences between the two cameras that make one a better choice for certain photographers than the other.

In this blog post, we will compare the Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 80D in detail, and help you decide which camera is the right one for you.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Canon 5D Mark III has a full-frame sensor, while the Canon 80D has an APS-C sensor. A full-frame sensor is larger than an APS-C sensor, which gives it a number of advantages.

• Higher resolution: The 5D Mark III’s full-frame sensor has a resolution of 22.3 megapixels, while the 80D’s APS-C sensor has a resolution of 24.2 megapixels. This means that the 5D Mark III can capture images with more detail.
• Better low-light performance: The 5D Mark III’s full-frame sensor has larger pixels than the 80D’s APS-C sensor, which makes it more sensitive to light. This means that the 5D Mark III can capture images with less noise in low-light conditions.
• Wider dynamic range: The 5D Mark III’s full-frame sensor has a wider dynamic range than the 80D’s APS-C sensor, which means that it can capture a greater range of tones from bright highlights to dark shadows.

Autofocus

The Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 80D both have excellent autofocus systems, but there are some key differences between the two.

• Number of autofocus points: The 5D Mark III has 61 autofocus points, while the 80D has 45 autofocus points. This gives the 5D Mark III a slight advantage in terms of autofocus accuracy and speed.
• Autofocus coverage: The 5D Mark III’s autofocus points cover a wider area of the frame than the 80D’s autofocus points. This makes the 5D Mark III a better choice for photographers who need to focus on subjects that are off-center.
• Autofocus sensitivity: The 5D Mark III’s autofocus system is more sensitive than the 80D’s autofocus system, which means that it can focus on subjects in low-light conditions.

Burst Shooting

The Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 80D both have fast burst shooting capabilities, but the 5D Mark III has a slight edge.

• Burst shooting speed: The 5D Mark III can shoot up to 6 frames per second (fps), while the 80D can shoot up to 7 fps. This means that the 5D Mark III is a better choice for photographers who need to capture fast-moving subjects.
• Buffer depth: The 5D Mark III has a larger buffer depth than the 80D, which means that it can capture more images in a row before the buffer fills up. This makes the 5D Mark III a better choice for photographers who need to shoot long bursts of images.

Video

The Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 80D both offer excellent video capabilities, but the 5D Mark III has a slight edge.

• Video resolution: The 5D Mark III can record video at up to 1080p60, while the 80D can record video at up to 1080p30. This means that the 5D Mark III can capture smoother, more detailed video.
• Video autofocus: The 5D Mark III’s video autofocus system is more advanced than the 80D’s video autofocus system, which makes it easier to focus on moving subjects while recording video.
• External microphone input: The 5D Mark III has an external microphone input, while the 80D does not. This allows the 5D Mark III to be used with an external microphone for better audio quality.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

The Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 80D are both well-built cameras, but the 5D Mark III has a slight edge in terms of build quality.

• Body material: The 5D Mark III has a magnesium alloy body, while the 80D has a polycarbonate body. Magnesium alloy is a stronger and more durable material than polycarbonate, which makes the 5D Mark III more resistant to damage.
• Weather sealing: The 5D Mark III is weather-sealed, while the 80D is not. This means that the 5D Mark III can be used in wet or dusty conditions without fear of damage.
• Ergonomics: The 5D Mark III has a larger and more comfortable grip than the 80D, which makes it easier to hold and operate for long periods of time.

Price

The Canon 5D Mark III is more expensive than the Canon 80D. The 5D Mark III currently retails for around $3,500, while the 80D retails for around $1,200.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 80D are both excellent DSLRs, but they are not right for everyone. The 5D Mark III is a better choice for photographers who need the best possible image quality, low-light performance, and autofocus capabilities. The 80D is a better choice for photographers who are on a budget or who do not need the most advanced features.

Final Thoughts

The Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 80D are two of the best DSLRs on the market. They both offer excellent image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that make one a better choice for certain photographers than the other.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which camera is right for you is to try them both out and see which one feels better in your hands and meets your needs.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Canon 5D Mark III or the Canon 80D?
A: The Canon 5D Mark III has better image quality than the Canon 80D due to its larger full-frame sensor.

Q: Which camera has faster autofocus, the Canon 5D Mark III or the Canon 80D?
A: The Canon 5D Mark III has faster autofocus than the Canon 80D due to its more advanced autofocus system.

Q: Which camera is better for video, the Canon 5D Mark III or the Canon 80D?
A: The Canon 5D Mark III is better for video than the Canon 80D due to its higher video resolution, more advanced video autofocus system, and external microphone input.