Canon EOS 800D

Canon EOS 800D: full review

Even if many consider Canon EOS 800D an entry level camera, truth is that it is absolutely not a camera for rookies. It must be said that the sensor alone is not enough to define a camera as an entry level one: you must also consider the processor, the build quality, the autofocus, the controls, the sps. And then there’s the price, which comes from all these features.

Being very equipped in many respects, Canon EOS 800D costs more than one of the most successful Canon entry level cameras, 1300D. Its fiercest rivals are Nikon D5600 and D7200, not exactly for beginners.

However, the reverse is not true: also a beginner can approach Canon EOS 800D as a first reflex camera. It is a high quality product in which you’ll find features hard to make the most of. But don’t worry, because you know… there is no technical gap that can’t be filled by the interest in something.

Camera body and design

The camera body of Canon EOS 800D weighs 532 grams, battery and memory card included, its size is 131 × 99.9 × 76.2mm. It is a very acceptable weight that proves the effort of Canon to reduce weight and size to contrast the success of mirrorless cameras.

The design is typical of Canon, frozen in time for years; the look and the touch are a little… plasticky. There’s a feeling of solidity, even if it’s not a tropicalized camera. Let’s say it’s average in this market segment. The grip, instead, is definitely above average in the entry level range.

Seeing it from above, you can notice the lack of the mini-screen present in EOS 77D, the most similar Canon to 800D.

On the back, there are almost all the controls and the jointed LCD display, which is uncommon for reflex cameras in this price range.

Technical features

Canon EOS 800D has a 24.2 megapixels APS-C DX format sensor, which is more evolved than the one of its “almost” sister, 750D. Such a high number of megapixels in an entry level camera means… digital noise and high ISO. In general, anyway, the quality of this product is definitely high.

Canon EOS 800D processor is Digic 7, the same of the flagship from Nikon: this means 6 shots per second burst mode with buffering for 25 RAW files: that’s why talking of entry level for the 800D is quite limiting.

Indeed, Canon EOS 800D autofocus has AF 45 points, all cross-shaped, which is a fundamental feature in case of moving subjects and when it’s getting dark.

The 7.5 cm adjustable LCD display is touchscreen and has 1040K dots definition. For many purists it is some kind of aberration, but personally I find it very useful to avoid ridiculous contortions for certain shots, for example those with very stretched arms.

Finally, the video: for a camera launched in 2017, the lack of 4K is disappointing. If you’re looking for excellent video performance without spending crazy amounts of money, maybe it’s better to buy a bridge camera like Sony A6300.

In short, these are the other technical features of Canon EOS 800D

Range ISO between 100 and 25,600: here, the previous 750D is outdated

Number of shots of the battery: around 600 (they could have done more)

Minimum time of shot: 1/4,000s

95% coverage viewfinder

Maximum time of shot: 30 seconds

Connectivity: WiFi and NFC

To be short, many lights and a few shadows in the technical features of Canon EOS 800D.

Taking pictures with Canon EOS 800D

Saturated colors, typically Canon, excellent noise definition and control, customizable direct drives and buttons: we’re on a practically professional level.

Beside completely manual shot mode, aperture priority, automatic mode and shutter priority, there are two other very useful modes for beginners, always missing in the most advanced reflex cameras:

Guide Mode: a kind of tutor on basics, such as exposure compensation, focus point, aperture setting. It includes 4 situations: sports, close up, portrait and landscape.

Scene Mode: manual night shot, group photo, food, night portrait, candlelight, HDR backlight control.

Canon EOS 800D: price and suggested kit

Canon EOS 800D + EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS kit

With the camera body there’s a lens with wide focal lengths, for any need. The downside is the not cheap price (more than 1,200€) and a not really excellent lens.

Canon EOS 800D + EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS kit

The most classic basic kit makes you spare more than 400 euros, but it will probably make you want to try wider lengths later. The lens is better than the previous one.

My opinion on Canon EOS 800D 

For a rookie, buying a Canon EOS 800D means entering the Reflex universe big time. Of course, if your budget is smaller, you could opt for the entry level cameras as such: EOS 1300D if you want to stay with Canon, or Nikon D3400 (slightly more expensive).

To the most experienced photographers, I can definitely say that EOS 800D gave me a good feeling, at least during the time I had for testing it. It is the classic camera that a professional could use as a second camera body.

To me, other good alternatives to this use are:

Nikon D5600, a little technically inferior, but also with jointed display and cheaper.

Nikon D7200, more professional controls, but more expensive and with fixed display.

Canon 77D, which is almost a twin of 800D, but superior in level and price.

And now, it’s your turn to decide if Canon EOS 800D really suits you! Bye!