What To Know
- The Canon 80D, on the other hand, lacks in-body image stabilization, so you will need to rely on stabilized lenses or a tripod for blur-free shots.
- The Pentax K70 can record 1080p video at up to 60fps, while the Canon 80D can record 1080p video at up to 60fps and 720p video at up to 120fps.
- The Canon 80D, on the other hand, has a higher resolution sensor, a more advanced autofocus system, and better video capabilities.
The Pentax K70 and Canon 80D are two popular mid-range DSLRs that offer a great balance of features, performance, and affordability. Both cameras are well-suited for enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers who seek a versatile camera for various photography genres. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two cameras to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Image Quality
Sensor
The Pentax K70 features a 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Canon 80D has a slightly higher resolution 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor. Both sensors offer excellent image quality with good dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. However, the 80D’s sensor has a slight edge in terms of noise reduction at high ISO settings.
Image Stabilization
The Pentax K70 boasts a built-in 5-axis image stabilization system, which provides up to 3 stops of compensation for camera shake. This makes it ideal for handheld shooting in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths. The Canon 80D, on the other hand, lacks in-body image stabilization, so you will need to rely on stabilized lenses or a tripod for blur-free shots.
Autofocus
Autofocus System
The Pentax K70 employs a hybrid autofocus system that combines 11 phase-detect points with 27 contrast-detect points. The Canon 80D, on the other hand, has a more advanced 45-point all-cross-type phase-detect autofocus system. This gives the 80D a significant advantage in terms of speed, accuracy, and low-light performance.
Live View Autofocus
Both cameras offer live view autofocus, but the Canon 80D has a more advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that provides faster and more precise autofocus in live view mode. This makes the 80D a better choice for videographers and photographers who frequently use live view.
Video Capabilities
Video Resolution and Frame Rates
The Pentax K70 can record 1080p video at up to 60fps, while the Canon 80D can record 1080p video at up to 60fps and 720p video at up to 120fps. The 80D also has a higher bit rate, resulting in better video quality.
Autofocus in Video
As mentioned earlier, the Canon 80D’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system provides superior autofocus performance in live view and video modes. This makes it a better choice for videographers who require fast and accurate autofocus while recording video.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
Build Quality
Both the Pentax K70 and Canon 80D are well-built cameras with sturdy construction. However, the Pentax K70 has a slight advantage due to its weather-sealed body, which protects it from dust, moisture, and freezing temperatures.
Weather Sealing
The Pentax K70 is fully weather-sealed, making it suitable for use in harsh weather conditions. The Canon 80D, on the other hand, is not weather-sealed, so it is not recommended for use in extreme weather.
Ergonomics and Handling
Grip and Controls
The Pentax K70 has a large, comfortable grip that provides a secure hold. It also has a well-placed control layout that makes it easy to adjust settings quickly. The Canon 80D has a smaller grip, but it also has a good control layout.
Viewfinder
Both cameras have optical viewfinders with approximately 100% coverage. The Pentax K70’s viewfinder has a slightly higher magnification (0.63x) than the Canon 80D’s (0.58x).
Battery Life
The Pentax K70 is powered by a single lithium-ion battery that provides a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 410 shots. The Canon 80D uses a larger battery that provides a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 960 shots. This gives the 80D a significant advantage in terms of battery life.
Recommendations
Both the Pentax K70 and Canon 80D are excellent mid-range DSLRs that offer a great balance of features, performance, and affordability. The Pentax K70 has a weather-sealed body, built-in image stabilization, and a comfortable grip. The Canon 80D, on the other hand, has a higher resolution sensor, a more advanced autofocus system, and better video capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Canon 80D has a slight advantage in low-light photography due to its better noise reduction at high ISO settings.
Which camera has better autofocus performance?
The Canon 80D has a more advanced autofocus system that provides faster, more accurate, and better low-light performance.
Which camera is better for videography?
The Canon 80D has better video capabilities, including higher bit rates, better autofocus performance in live view and video modes, and the ability to record 720p video at up to 120fps.
Which camera has better battery life?
The Canon 80D has a significantly longer battery life than the Pentax K70, with a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 960 shots compared to 410 shots.
Which camera is more weather-resistant?
The Pentax K70 has a weather-sealed body, while the Canon 80D does not. This makes the K70 a better choice for use in harsh weather conditions.
