Canon 80D Vs 90D: Which Upgrade Is Worth It In 2026
Both are excellent, but 90D wins on speed and 4K; 80D saves cash.
If you’re torn between the canon 80d vs 90d, I’ve been there. I shoot events, family trips, and the odd client video. Both cameras feel reliable and familiar, but they solve different problems. The 80D is a safe, budget-friendly workhorse. The 90D is faster, sharper, and better for video. I’ve used both in real shoots and will share what actually matters so you can choose with confidence.
Is Canon 80D Good?
Yes—especially if you want dependable image quality on a budget. The Canon 80D is a proven APS-C DSLR that still holds up. It’s ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and hybrid shooters who prioritize solid photos and reliable autofocus in live view. It lacks 4K video, but its colors, battery life, and ergonomics are excellent. If you shoot portraits, travel, or casual video, the 80D delivers without fuss.
I used the 80D at a dim indoor reception where light flickered. Anti-flicker saved the set, and Dual Pixel AF held focus as people moved toward me. On a hiking weekend, the flip screen helped me frame low-angle shots without lying in the dirt. It isn’t flashy, but it quietly gets the job done.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 24.2MP APS-C sensor with pleasing color and solid dynamic range
- 45-point all cross-type AF through the viewfinder
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast, smooth focus in live view/video
- 7 fps continuous shooting for action and candid moments
- Fully articulating touchscreen; mic and headphone jacks; weather sealing
What I Like
- Natural Canon color right out of camera for portraits and skin
- Touchscreen is responsive and makes focus pulls easy
- Excellent battery life for full-day shoots
- Comfortable grip and intuitive controls for small hands and big hands
- Anti-flicker mode reduces exposure banding under bad lights
What Could Be Better
- No 4K video; limited to 1080/60p
- Older processor, slower burst than newer bodies
- Single UHS-I card slot; buffer drains slower with RAW bursts
- No Bluetooth for easy always-on phone connection
My Recommendation
If you want a dependable, affordable DSLR for photos and simple video, get the 80D. It’s widely available used and offers great value.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Portraits and travel | Lovely color, accurate AF, versatile flip screen |
| Students and beginners | Easy to learn; forgiving files; strong battery life |
| Budget hybrid shooters | Quality 1080p video with headphone/mic support |
Is Canon 90D Good?
Yes—the Canon 90D is a big step up if you want speed, detail, and 4K. It’s great for wildlife, sports, and creators who need crisp video and fast bursts. Autofocus feels smarter in live view with eye detection, and the 32.5MP sensor gives you more crop room without killing sharpness.
On a sunrise birding session, the 10 fps burst helped me nail wing positions I’d often miss with the 80D. Later, I shot a short travel vlog in 4K. The footage looked clean, and Dual Pixel AF tracked my face as I walked. Files are bigger, but the extra detail and flexibility were worth it for me.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 32.5MP APS-C sensor for higher detail and tighter crops
- 10 fps burst shooting with continuous AF; improved tracking
- Uncropped 4K up to 30p; 1080 up to 120p
- Dual Pixel AF with Face/Eye Detection in live view
- Better connectivity with Wi‑Fi + Bluetooth; weather-sealed body
What I Like
- Real 4K video that looks sharp without heavy crop
- Eye-detect AF in live view locks on people reliably
- Faster bursts help with wildlife and sports
- Extra pixels give more room to crop
- Bluetooth keeps my phone connected for quick transfers
What Could Be Better
- Large files require fast cards and more storage
- No in-body stabilization; you rely on lens IS
- Single SD slot; no backup slot for critical work
- Low light noise can show sooner at pixel level
My Recommendation
If you shoot action, wildlife, or care about 4K, choose the 90D. It’s the stronger long-term pick.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Wildlife and sports | 10 fps, better tracking, extra reach via cropping |
| YouTube and travel video | Uncropped 4K, 1080/120p, reliable Dual Pixel AF |
| Detail-focused shooters | 32.5MP sensor preserves fine textures |
canon 80d vs 90d: Side-by-Side Test
I shot the same scenes with both bodies to see the real gaps. Below are the results that mattered most to me in day-to-day work. Use these to decide which fits how you shoot.
Sensor & Image Quality: Detail, Noise, Flexibility
Both deliver lovely color. The 90D adds more pixels, which helps with cropping and fine detail.
| Feature | Canon 80D | Canon 90D |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 32.5MP |
| Low-ISO detail | Very good | Excellent; more micro-detail |
| High-ISO noise | Clean to moderate ISO | Similar at same output size |
| Crop flexibility | Good | Better for wildlife/sports |
Rating: 80D – 8/10 | 90D – 9/10
Edge: 90D for higher resolution and crop power without a major noise penalty.
Autofocus & Tracking: Keeping Subjects Sharp
I tested face tracking, eye AF, and fast movement in mixed light.
| Feature | Canon 80D | Canon 90D |
|---|---|---|
| Viewfinder AF | 45-point cross-type | 45-point cross-type with improved tracking logic |
| Live View AF | Dual Pixel AF | Dual Pixel AF with Face/Eye Detection |
| Low-light AF feel | Confident | More assured with faces |
| Subject tracking | Good | Better, sticks longer |
Rating: 80D – 8/10 | 90D – 9/10
Edge: 90D for eye-detect AF and smarter subject tracking in live view.
Speed & Buffer: Action and Bursts
I shot cyclists and birds to check keeper rates.
| Feature | Canon 80D | Canon 90D |
|---|---|---|
| Max burst rate | 7 fps | Up to 10 fps |
| Buffer experience | Moderate; slows with RAW | Good; holds bursts longer |
| Card support | UHS-I | Faster write speeds (UHS-II support) |
| Shutter response | Snappy | Snappier; better for action |
Rating: 80D – 7.5/10 | 90D – 9/10
Edge: 90D, thanks to higher fps and faster card performance.
Video Capabilities: For YouTube and Client Work
I evaluated quality, frame rates, and ease of use.
| Feature | Canon 80D | Canon 90D |
|---|---|---|
| Max resolution | 1080p up to 60p | 4K up to 30p (full width) |
| Slow motion | None beyond 60p | 1080p up to 120p |
| AF in video | Dual Pixel AF (smooth) | Dual Pixel AF with Face/Eye detect |
| Audio | Mic + headphone | Mic + headphone |
Rating: 80D – 7/10 | 90D – 9/10
Edge: 90D for real 4K, 120p Full HD, and better face/eye tracking.
Build, Handling & Controls: Comfort and Operation
Both feel classic Canon. The 90D adds refinement.
| Feature | Canon 80D | Canon 90D |
|---|---|---|
| Body & sealing | Weather-sealed, solid | Weather-sealed, slightly refined grip |
| Viewfinder | Bright pentaprism | Bright pentaprism with better info display |
| Controls | Logical Canon layout | More customization; snappier feel |
| LCD | Vari-angle touchscreen | Vari-angle touchscreen |
Rating: 80D – 8/10 | 90D – 8.5/10
Edge: 90D, slightly, for refined handling and customization.
Connectivity & Battery Life: All-Day and Always-On
I synced to phone and tracked battery across events.
| Feature | Canon 80D | Canon 90D |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | Wi‑Fi (NFC) | Wi‑Fi + Bluetooth (always-on pairing) |
| Battery life | Strong for a day’s shoot | Even better; fewer swaps |
| Remote control | Works via app | More stable connection via Bluetooth |
| Tethering | USB tether support | USB tether support |
Rating: 80D – 8/10 | 90D – 9/10
Edge: 90D for Bluetooth convenience and longer life in my tests.
Lenses & System Fit: Your EF/EF‑S Glass
Both use the same mount and play nice with the same lenses.
| Feature | Canon 80D | Canon 90D |
|---|---|---|
| Lens mount | EF/EF‑S | EF/EF‑S |
| Stabilization | Lens IS only | Lens IS only |
| Telephoto use | Good | Better with extra pixels to crop |
| Adaptability | Adapts EF glass well | Adapts EF glass well |
Rating: 80D – 8/10 | 90D – 8.5/10
Edge: 90D, thanks to resolution that pairs nicely with telephoto lenses.
Value for Money: Price vs Performance
I balanced cost, features, and longevity for canon 80d vs 90d buyers.
| Factor | Canon 80D | Canon 90D |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | Lower (great used deals) | Higher |
| Feature set | Strong basics | Speed + 4K + more detail |
| Resale/long-term | Good | Better longevity |
| Overall value | Excellent for tight budgets | Excellent if you need the upgrades |
Rating: 80D – 9/10 | 90D – 8.5/10
Edge: 80D for pure savings; 90D if you’ll use speed and 4K often.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The canon 80d vs 90d decision is simple: choose the 80D if you want great photos, dependable AF, and strong value without paying for features you may not use. It is an easy, affordable win.
Pick the 90D if you shoot action, wildlife, or video. The extra resolution, 10 fps, eye-detect AF, and real 4K make a clear difference. If you will grow into these features, the 90D is worth it.
FAQs Of canon 80d vs 90d
What is the biggest difference in the canon 80d vs 90d?
The 90D adds a 32.5MP sensor, 10 fps bursts, eye-detect AF in live view, and uncropped 4K video. The 80D is 24.2MP and tops out at 1080/60p.
Is the 90D worth it over the 80D for wildlife?
Yes. The 90D’s 10 fps, higher resolution, and improved tracking help you crop tighter and capture peak action more often.
Does the 80D’s lack of 4K matter?
If you only deliver in 1080p, not much. For YouTube or future-proof client work, the 90D’s 4K is a real advantage.
Which has better battery life in canon 80d vs 90d?
Both are strong, but the 90D lasted longer for me across all-day shoots, helped by Bluetooth convenience and efficiency.
Do they use the same lenses?
Yes. Both support Canon EF and EF‑S lenses. Your existing glass will work on either body, which simplifies upgrading from the 80D to the 90D.
