Practical Photography - May issue

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GetIntoGear 1 3 18-55mm lens This impressive kit lens was released at the same time as the 800D and 77D. It features continuous AF during video recording and a vastly improved manual focus ring. 2 Vari-angle touchscreen This is perfect for shooting at unusual angles, while the touchscreen works perfectly with the new menu system. Intuitive menu system The brand new User Guide Mode that comes as the default setting on the 800D makes it a true learn-as-you-go experience that’s perfect for beginners. 1 CANON 800D KIT PRICE £869 IMAGE RESOLUTION 24.2MP VIDEO FULL HD Perfect beginnings 2 3 Does the Canon 800D have everything an entry-level user needs to succeed? Louise Carey explores its impressive spec to find out what makes this camera tick. 4 IN 2015 CANON released the 750D and 760D, two upper entry-level cameras that were essentially identical in both internal spec and price. It was only when you looked at the bodies themselves that it became clear that the 750D, with simpler controls and fewer dials, was designed with a less experienced user in mind. Now Canon has replicated this template with the new 800D and 77D, and it’s the 800D that’s aimed at upper entry-level users who have never touched a DSLR. Main features While the new 800D has the same 24.2MP count as its previous version, the 750D, it actually boasts the same APS-C sensor as the 80D, released just under a year ago. However, the sensor has now been paired with a DIGIC 7 engine, which can process data at an impressive 14x faster than the 80D’s DIGIC 6. Like the 77D, the 800D has 45-point Duel Pixel AF, which is a noticeable step up from the 750D’s 19-point system. Not only does this give a refreshingly snappy autofocus – as fast as 0.03sec when using the viewfinder – but it also means that focusing in low light conditions is a breeze. This improved AF system makes a real difference when shooting fast-paced subjects like sports, wildlife, children and pets. Also great for fast-action 4 Simple design The 800D has a very uncomplicated design, with one mode dial at the top of the camera and a clean, uncluttered back. 136 PRACTICAL PHOTOGRAPHY
FIRST LOOK IMAGE QUALITY Low light quality Performing well in low light is a rigorous test of any camera’s mettle, but the 800D fares pleasantly well in dark conditions. This image was shot at ISO 3200 and the minimal amount of noise is more than respectable. If you’re in a bit of a pinch you could push the ISO up to 6400, but this is where image quality does start to suffer. There’s no frustration over an excruciatingly slow autofocus with the 800D, as the Duel Pixel AF works well even in very low light conditions. “THE 800D IS A STRONG CONTENDER FOR MILLENNIALS INTERESTED IN SHOOTING FOR YOUTUBE...” photography is the 800D’s 6fps continuous shooting speed, which is rated for 27 consecutive RAWs and unlimited JPEGs, although we found that it slowed after 95 JPEGs. This is a definite improvement from the 750D’s 5fps and puts it ahead of Nikon’s D5600 and on a par with the more advanced D7200. The optical viewfinder in the 800D uses a pentamirror design that allows you to view 95% of the scene when composing your shot, which means that you will have to be careful not to get any unwanted clutter at the sides of your frame. Handling & build One of the most unique aspects of the 800D is its User Guide Mode. With a cleanly-designed and intuitive interface, this is an interesting alternative to the traditional Canon menu found on its other DSLRs. The graphics give practical and easy-tounderstand instructions on the basic aspects of using the camera, such as aperture and shutter speed. You can switch to the normal menu as well, but the User Guide Mode is the default, cementing the 800D’s status as a camera designed to give beginners the extra support they may need. It does lack a secondary LCD screen at the top, which may feel jarring to more experienced camera users, but the simpler design would benefit a beginner who may feel overwhelmed by an overly cluttered body. Performance The vari-angle screen paired with Full HD video means that this camera is a strong contender for young millennials who are interested in experimenting with video or starting a YouTube channel. One unfortunate drawback is that there’s no 4K option, which is a shame considering that this is fast becoming an industry standard. To add to this, there’s also a mic port but no headphone port. So while a solid introductory camera for video, the 800D won’t suit serious videographers. The 800D retains Wi-Fi and NFC functionality, and adds to the mix a low energy Bluetooth connection. This enables you to remotely ‘wake’ the camera (so long as it’s not fully turned off), as well as operate it from your smart device and browse through your photos. Battery life has seen a massive improvement from the 750D’s 440 shots per charge, with the 800D offering a pleasing 600 shots. However, this does drop down to 270 if you’re solely working in Live View. Verdict With so little difference in the internal spec of the 800D and 77D, they’re separated only by handling. If you’re a slightly more experienced user after a more pro-looking DSLR with a similar button layout to the 80D, then it may be worth investing the extra £50 for the 77D. If you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes, then the 800D’s uncluttered design and intuitive default menu system will support you each step of the way. All in all, this is a great camera with a solid sensor, new processor and a freshly designed compact lens. Recommended. Tech Focus 18-55mm kit lens When Canon released the 800D and 77D, it also announced the brand new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. This nifty piece of kit is image stabilised and the smallest non-retractable DSLR lens on the market, so when paired with the 800D it feels pleasantly light in the hand. Canon has re-hauled the AF system by replacing the old AF motor with a stepping motor which is much quieter. It also boasts continuous AF during video recording with compatible cameras. PRACTICALPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 137
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Practical Photography - May issue

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