How to choose the right camera for you?

One of the most common questions I get asked on the daily is:

Hey Gemma, I’m a beginner photographer/photography enthusiast/[insert what you are here] which camera should I buy? Help!

 

I hear ya! Shopping for a camera can feel like you’re circumnavigating a mirrored maze. All the cameras look the same but you know there has to be differences between them.

There are so many options, features and extras… Which ones will I actually use??

Luckily I’m that geek who loves to read up on all things camera related so Canon sent me 3 of their finest new DSLRs (Canon EOS 800D, EOS 77D, EOS 80D) to help you decide which camera is the best one for you. There are some serious improvements you’re going to want to hear about.

So I’ve done the homework for you, road tested them and packaged it up into a neat little summary for you below!

 

I’M LOVING THE NEW USER-FRIENDLY INTERFACE

(Available on the EOS 800D + EOS 77D)

The two newest models, the EOS 77D and EOS 800D, share the most similarities. In addition to being super light weight, what I  LOVE about these cameras is their brand spankin’ new user interface. Canon have eliminated the technical mumbo jumbo and have added a load of “human speak” terms to help you achieve the photos you’ve always dreamed of.

For example, you can literally choose if you want your photo to have a blurred background or a sharp background. Or you can choose between a flowing or frozen effect, perfect for capturing moving objects or those beautiful blurry water shots everyone loves!

Blurred background VS and sharper background, taken with a Canon EOS 800D

Flowing water, taken with a Canon EOS 77D

 

EOS 800D VS 77D : LET’S BREAKDOWN WHAT SETS THEM APART

These cameras are actually exactly the same on the inside. The differences lie on the OUTSIDE.

The EOS 800D is the easiest to use and deliberately has fewer controls. Perfect if you’re not technically inclined but still want to take great photos.

The EOS 77D has more fancy controls including the:

• Top LCD screen for a quick snapshot of your settings
• AF focus button, which allows you to focus quickly on your subject and shift focus
• Control dial on the back, allowing for easier navigation.

So if you want more creative control over your photos, the EOS 77D is the camera for you.

 

THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ALL 3 CAMERAS (EOS 800D, EOS 77D + EOS 80D)

Rotating LCD touch screen

You can tilt the camera to shoot at capture the action at all angles without becoming a back bending contortionist yourself.

In-built Wi-Fi

Shoot on your camera, view your shots on your phone then post to social media. BAM!

Quick and easy and taking out the middle man (the blasted computer). Bye bye cables!

Added bonus: the EOS 800D and EOS 77D also have a consistent Bluetooth connection with your phone so you don’t have to keep reconnecting.

Improved ISO

For the non tech-heads, ISO allows you to shoot in low light situations. This is valuable to everyone because it means you can keep on shooting well into sunset and still get clear shots.

45-point auto cross type 

Wondering what the heck this means?! Well, you know when you photograph a subject and you don’t necessarily want it right in the middle of the frame? With this function, you can easily frame your subject to the side and still have it in crisp focus.

Teacup framed to the side, taken with a Canon EOS 80D

Auto-Focus 

All three cameras have new technology which makes it easier for you to track your subject accurately whilst shooting in Live View. Great for objects on the go that won’t sit still!

What’s Live View? When you shoot using the LCD screen on the back of the camera instead of the eye piece.

 

THE BELLS & WHISTLES OF THE CANON EOS 80D

Now on to the crème de la crème of these three cameras – the trusty EOS 80D!

This is the camera for you if you like shooting moving subjects and creating video content.

Why?

Because it has a faster shutter speed and captures more frames per second (it can keep up with an energetic toddler).

The EOS 80D also allows you to save your videos in a better format for editing, it has a headphone jack for you to check the audio and a bigger + brighter viewfinder for a better shooting experience.

My favourite feature? It has a 60% long-lasting battery compared to the EOS 77D and EOS 800D. What’s not to love right?

Little girl, taken with a Canon EOS 80D

 

So, which camera is for you? (The even more summarized summary!)

Canon EOS 800D – If you’re NOT a tech-head and want to keep things simple but still take beautiful shots.

Canon EOS 77D – If you want more creative control with your shots, an auto focus button and a dial for easier menu navigation.

Canon EOS 80D – And if you want a faster shutter speed for capturing movement, a bigger + brighter viewfinder for a better user experience and creating kick ass video content!