Canon is rumored to be running the EOS for more than 90 days for some time, and now that the marketing materials for the model have been released ahead of its announcement, we're starting to get a better idea of exactly how the model is better than the previous series. EOS 80D.
We're saying 'starting' as this information hasn't been confirmed by Canon, so we'll have to wait for the official launch to know for sure - although judging by the leaked specs and teaser trailer for the model, we're putting our money on these original parts that's in store.
So what can we say right now, here are all the major improvements in the new model getting over three years old EOS 80D.
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Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Series: Resolution
This is the first time we've seen Canon use a 32.5MP APS-C sensor inside such a camera.
As has been rumored for some time, the EOS 90D appears to use a fresh 32.5 MP APS-C format sensor, which is a big step up from the 24.2 MP camera sensor of the EOS 80D.
This gives the new model the potential to capture noticeably more detail, although one thing we don't know is whether the sensor will have an anti-aliasing filter. This was what was installed on the sensor of the EOS 80D, although we won't talk about it in the EOS 90D specifications now.
Once again, the sensor is sized to a standard 3:2 aspect ratio, and it has a standard Bayer RGB color filter array in front of it.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Series: Processor
Just like other recent Canon models, the 90D EOS uses a digit 8 engine
The EOS 90D uses a DIGIC 8 processor, the same that stars in Canon's latest range of models like the EOS and R, the PowerShot G7 X Mark III and the EOS Rebel Model SL3/EOS 250D. This gives the camera a handful of performance boosts over the EOS 80D cameras that ran the old DIGIC 6 engine, and we'll run through it individually below.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D series: 4K video
4K video comes to EOS in double digits for the first time on EOS 90D cameras
Canon has only blessed three of its DSLRs with 4K video recording to date, namely the EOS 5D Mark IV, the EOS 1D Mark II, and the most recent EOS Rebel Model SL3/EOS 250D, although it has also included it in its mirrorless models as M50 EOS and Eos RP.
The EOS 80D camera has full HD capture at 60p, so although now that we have models as affordable as the EOS Rebel Model SL3/250D has been towing 4K capabilities, it's no surprise to see 4K enabled here.
On the 90D, the EOS can output 4K UHD footage up to 30/25p, and a leaked spec sheet says full HD recording at 120p is also on hand.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Series: Peak Speed
The EOS 80D's camera captures images at a respectable 7 frames per second, but the extra muscle processing inside the EOS 90D means the new model ramps things up by 10 frames per second when using the viewfinder.
From the promo video, it looks like this 10fps mode will also allow the user to track subjects, or keep focus locked on the first frame.
The spec sheet states that when using live view the maximum peak speed can reach 11 fps, again no shots or AI servo mode.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Series: Multifunctional Controller
It looks like the multifunctional controller that is featured on many other EOS bodies will find its way to the EOS 90D
Manufacturers release new cameras without such joystick-type controls at their own risk, and as autofocus systems have become more advanced it has become expected on cameras of all kinds, with its capabilities now going beyond simple focus-point adjustment. The EOS 80D missed this feature - but the EOS 90D seems to be right next to it.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Series: Metering Sensor
New 220,000K metering sensor upgrade from previous 7,560-pixel alternative
The EOS 90D appears to be the first Canon EOS DSLR series to take advantage of the 220,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor. The spec sheet goes into more detail on this, stating that it takes readings from 216 zones to calculate proper exposure, and to help with things like tracking autofocus.
This may very well be more accurate than the sensor inside the EOS 80D, which uses 7,560 pixels and breaks the scene into 63 segments to do the same. By the way, it's not quite as cool as it gets for Canon: the EOS-1D Mark II X uses a 360,000 pixel RGB+IR sensor to do the same.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Series: Face Detection
Face recognition... through the viewfinder?
Will the EOS 90D allow for recognition when using the viewfinder? This isn't possible on the EOS 80D, but the above frame from the video certainly seems to suggest a new metering sensor makes it possible on the EOS 90D.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D series: AF detection by eye
While the 45-point 90D EOS all cross-type autofocus system is the same as on the 80D, continuous focus eye detection is similar to the 90D EOS. This is one area where manufacturers are putting a lot of effort into now, so it's not a big surprise to see it mentioned in a video too.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Series: Wireless
The EOS 80D camera arrived with Wi-Fi and NFC built in, and it allows you to control the camera remotely as well as upload images and videos wirelessly.
It turns out that as we expected Wi-Fi was saved for the new model, and now connected via Bluetooth, the EOS 80D does not. We can't be sure, but it appears that NFC has been dropped from the EOS 90D since it's nowhere to be seen on the leaked specs. Such a move is in line with moves by other manufacturers such as Panasonic, who also dropped it with later models.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D series: battery life
1,300 shots as standard is very good for a class 90D EOS camera
Even though both EOS cameras are the EOS 80D and 90D cameras and use the same battery in the LP-E6N, there has been a significant jump in battery life from the newer model.
While the EOS 80D camera can fire around 960 frames per charge, the infomercial states that the EOS 90D can manage 1,300 frames per charge, which is potentially at least partially down to more efficient engine processing.
How can this be compared? The camera's closest rival will probably be the Nikon D7500, which promises 950 frames per charge. Even the Nikon D500, which is likely to be a far price calculator than the 90D EOS, can only manage 1,240 shots.
There is, however, some confusion here, as the data sheet says that the EOS 90D is actually capable of 1,860 frames per charge. The video makes it clear that 1300 is a CIPA rating, so it's entirely possible that 1,860 can only be achieved using some kind of power saving mode.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Series: Build Quality
The 90D EOS seems to have been designed with a water- and dust-tight housing.
The only thing that might not be so easily appreciated is the build quality, and specifically changes Canon seems to have made to the new model to provide durability and better protection from the elements.
The EOS 80D camera was designed with a shroud that mixes polycarbonate resin and glass fibers, while the EOS 90D appears to use aluminum alloy to complement these. This is often used in models of this kind, and may provide better protection.
The EOS 80D already offers dust and moisture resistance, and this seems to continue in the EOS 90D, partly by sealing around areas such as the battery, lens, and viewfinder, and by using precision parts to minimize any gaps. between components.
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D series: UHS-II support
That was one detail we noticed on the web leaked specifications, not videos. Both EOS 80D and EOS 90D cameras accept the same types of SD cards, from the older vanilla SD types to the current SDHC and SDXC for examples.
One of the key benefits of EOS over 90 days, however, is that it supports UHS-I and UHS-II in SDHC and SDXC formats, not just with UHS-I cards supported by EOS 80D cameras. This gives it a theoretical advantage in terms of data transfer speed.
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Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Series: Weight
The EOS 80D appears to be about the same size but slightly heavier than the EOS 90D
There is hardly a difference in size between the two models, with the EOS 80D measuring 139.0 x 105.2 x 78.5mm, and the Eos 90D, according to the leak, measuring 140.7 x 104.8 x 76.8mm.
However, the 90D EOS is a touch lighter. With battery and memory card, the camera weighs about 701g, compared to the 730g of the EOS 80D.
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