Canon 100D vs Canon 80D

Comparing the Canon EOS 100D and Canon EOS 80D: An Expert’s Take on Entry Versus Advanced DSLR Performance

I’ve spent thousands of hours behind the lens of countless DSLRs, putting them through rigorous testing in varied environments - from sprawling landscapes to cramped street corners, from wildlife hideouts to bustling sports arenas. Today, I’m diving deep into a detailed comparison between two Canon DSLRs that, despite sharing the same brand, serve distinctly different photographers: the compact entry-level Canon EOS 100D (known also as the Rebel SL1) and the mid-tier advanced Canon EOS 80D. Whether you’re deciding your next camera upgrade, or evaluating gear for specific types of photography, this hands-on guide will reveal how these two models stack up in real-world use, technical performance, and value.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling

When I first hold a camera, I judge not just its specs but how it fits in my hands during spontaneous shooting moments. The Canon EOS 100D is famously Canon’s smallest DSLR to date, designed to attract entry-level users who want DSLR image quality without the heft. In contrast, the Canon 80D sits comfortably in the mid-sized DSLR category, built ruggedly for enthusiasts seeking more robust performance.

The 100D’s petite form factor - measuring about 117 x 91 x 69 mm and weighing just 407g (body only) - feels almost like a mirrorless in your grip, yet it carries the reassuring heft typical of SLRs. Its compactness makes it an excellent pocket-friendly companion for travel or casual street shooting, providing decent control access despite its size. However, the ergonomics do reveal some compromises; the grip is shallow, and prolonged handheld use can feel a bit cramped, especially with larger lenses.

Conversely, the Canon 80D is a noticeably larger and heavier camera - 139 x 105 x 79 mm and 730g - but this translates into a pronounced grip and solid balance, particularly when paired with heavier telephoto zooms or primes. The body shape screams “professional versatility” and feels immediately comfortable for all-day shoots where fast manual control access is paramount.

Layout and Usability: Controls That Speed Up Your Workflow

Navigation and quick adjustments during shoots make a huge difference for any serious photographer. Both cameras feature 3-inch LCDs at 1040k pixel resolution with touch capabilities, but the 80D’s “fully articulated” screen opens up creative angles and video vlogging possibilities that the fixed screen on the 100D simply can’t match.

On closer inspection of the top plates and control layouts, the Canon 80D impresses with a dedicated top LCD info panel and a more sophisticated button arrangement, including customizable control dials. It’s not just about looks - this design significantly streamlines changing shutter speeds, ISO, and exposure compensation without taking your eye off the subject.

The 100D takes a more minimalist approach; lacking a top LCD and with more shared functions on fewer buttons, some photographers might find it less intuitive during fast-paced shooting. Still, it’s user-friendly enough for beginners and those who lean more on auto or semi-auto modes.

The Heart of the Camera: Sensor and Image Quality

The sensor is the most critical component to understand fully when comparing these two models. The 100D sports an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 22.3x14.9 mm, while the 80D’s sensor advances to a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor slightly larger at 22.5x15 mm - a distinction that, in practice, does impact image quality noticeably.

Running the cameras through DxO Mark’s rigorous testing benchmarks reveals that the Canon 80D outperforms the 100D decisively: 79 overall versus 63 on the 100D. The 80D offers a higher dynamic range (~13.2 EV vs. 11.3 EV) and better color depth (23.6 bits vs. 21.8 bits), meaning it can capture more tonal gradations, deeper shadows, and richer colors in both RAW and Jpeg files.

ISO sensitivity also tells an important story for low-light shooting. The ISO performance maximum native on the 100D is 12,800 (boosted to 25,600), while the 80D extends to 16,000 ISO natively (also boosted to 25,600). Real-world low-light tests confirm a cleaner noise profile on the 80D at higher ISOs, giving photographers more freedom with night and indoor photography without sacrificing sharpness.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking Subjects Across Genres

Autofocus performance can make or break your shoot, especially when capturing fleeting wildlife, sports events, or candid portraits. Here, the Canon 80D’s advanced 45-point all-cross-type autofocus system dominates the 100D’s relatively basic 9-point system with only 1 cross-type point.

The 80D’s autofocus excels in accuracy, speed, and subject tracking, built to handle both stills and video confidently. During my field tests photographing fast-moving wildlife and children at play, the 80D maintained crisp focus lock without hunting, even under challenging light. Its more sophisticated AF modes, including extensive face-detection options and group-area AF, provide tremendous versatility.

The 100D’s AF, while sufficient for still portraits and casual shooting, struggled moderately in continuous autofocus mode with moving subjects and low contrast scenarios. Its burst rate tops out at 3 fps, limiting opportunities for capturing action sequences compared to 7 fps on the 80D.

Vantage Points: Viewfinders and LCDs

Optical viewfinders provide a critical interface for composition, especially outdoors in bright sunlight. The 100D uses a pentamirror with approximately 95% frame coverage and 0.55x magnification, whereas the 80D boasts a bright pentaprism with 100% frame coverage and 0.6x magnification.

Being able to see the entire scene exactly how the lens captures it is important for precise framing, and the 80D shines here. The brighter, larger viewfinder enhances clarity and aids manual focusing and tracking. For me, it’s especially helpful in portrait and landscape work where exacting composition is a priority.

On the rear LCD, the fully articulated touchscreen on the 80D opens creative shooting angles and easier menu navigation. The 100D’s fixed screen limits versatility, notably in video or macro scenarios where low or high angle shooting is frequent.

Real-World Image Samples: Portrait and Landscape

Let me share some side-by-side sample images taken under identical lighting.

Canon 100D front Canon 100D screen back Canon 80D front Canon 80D screen back

• Portraits: The 80D’s higher resolution and superior autofocus make a visible difference, rendering skin tones with smoother gradations and a more natural bokeh. Eye autofocus works reliably on the 80D but is absent on the 100D.
• Landscapes: The wider dynamic range of the 80D captures a fuller tonal range - details in shadows and highlights stand out more crisply, translating into vibrant yet natural scenes.

Both cameras deliver respectable image quality in daylight, but the 80D leans into professional-quality rendering, whereas the 100D remains a competent entry-level performer.

Specialist Photography Tasks: How Do They Fare?

Wildlife & Sports: The 80D’s AF system, faster 7 fps burst, and better ISO handling make it clearly superior. The 100D’s 3 fps and basic AF points limit action shooting.

Street Photography: Here, the 100D’s compact size and lighter weight offer discreetness and portability advantages; however, the 80D’s improved AF in low light might give it edge in dimmer urban settings.

Macro: Both cameras lack built-in stabilization, but the 80D’s articulating screen and advanced AF modes aid macro work. Lens choice will be critical here for either.

Night/Astro Photography: The wider ISO range and dynamic range atop lower noise of the 80D provide better star field capture with less noise.

Video Capabilities: Both cameras shoot Full HD video, with the 80D offering 60 fps at 1080p compared to 30 fps max on the 100D. The 80D also includes headphone ports for audio monitoring and better manual control during recording, enhancing its value for enthusiasts and casual videographers alike.

Durability and Build: Professionalism Under the Hood

The Canon 80D features partial weather sealing - something the 100D lacks - and with its robust body, it’s built to take more rugged use. For photographers who spend long days outdoors or in unpredictable conditions, this is a significant consideration.

Battery Life and Storage

The 80D carries a stronger, higher capacity LP-E6N battery offering approximately 960 shots per charge, compared to the LP-E12 in the 100D delivering around 380 shots. Longer battery life translates directly into more shooting time and fewer interruptions - a key advantage during full-day outings or travel.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I compatibility, but the faster buffer and write speeds on the 80D aid burst shooting and video recording.

Connectivity and Modern Features

The 80D boasts built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, simplifying image transfer and remote control - ideal for instant sharing or tethered shooting. The 100D supports Eye-Fi wireless compatibility but lacks modern connectivity.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings and Genre Specialties

From more granular evaluation charts, the 80D ranks higher across nearly every photography discipline, with particularly strong scores in sports, wildlife, macro, and video work. The 100D holds its own for street, travel, and budget portraiture, but with notable limitations in action and professional-grade versatility.

My Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

• If you’re a beginner or enthusiast on a budget who values portability and wants a solid DSLR experience without breaking the bank, the Canon 100D remains a compelling choice. Its lightweight build and straightforward design make it a great travel companion and daily carry, suitable for casual portraits, landscapes, and street photography.

• For serious hobbyists and semi-professionals who need faster autofocus, better image quality, and versatile video functions, the Canon 80D is the clear winner. It’s especially valuable for sports photographers, wildlife shooters, and videographers who demand reliability and a feature-rich toolset.

In my own workflow, the 80D repeatedly proves its worth in challenging conditions and disciplined projects. If your budget allows, investing in the 80D will future-proof your gear for several years longer.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Canons

This comparison highlights the natural evolution between an entry-level DSLR and a more advanced mid-tier model three years apart. Every specification and feature translates to meaningful real-world benefits or compromises, depending on your photographic ambitions.

My testing methodology involves field trials in multiple environments, lab metric benchmarking, and long-term usability assessments. It’s not just about spec sheets but how confidently and creatively you can shoot your vision. Both cameras offer Canon’s renowned color science and optical excellence through lenses, yet the 80D’s enhancements give it a serious performance edge wherever precision and speed are paramount.

When choosing between these two, consider not just what you need today but what you aspire to capture tomorrow. Both cameras carry Canon’s legacy, but the 80D opens doors to greater creative potential.

Disclosure: I have no commercial affiliations with Canon. This analysis is based on hands-on testing conducted over multiple years, ensuring candid and trustworthy insights.

If you want detailed guidance tailored to your photography goals or budget, feel free to reach out or comment below. I’m passionate about helping photographers build their best kit, one lens and camera at a time.