Canon EOS 80D vs Sony A6300 Camera Comparison

This is going to be a comparison for the Ages: Traditional DSLR vs Mirrorless. Does the Sony A6300 have what it takes to compete against the Canon EOS 80D? These two cameras are fairly equal in terms of overall specs and pricing with each offering advantages over the other. Which one you decide on will likely come down to how you plan to use the camera or special features that will benefit your photographic style. Read my Canon EOS 80D vs Sony A6300 comparison to decide for yourself.

The Canon EOS 80D builds on the dual pixel technology introduced in the 70D, but ups the ante with an all new 24mp imaging sensor. This give the 80D excellent autofocus performance using the live view LCD display. It also provides the advantage when recording video – especially with the touch screen LCD.

The Sony A6300 builds on the success of the A6000 with refinements to the autofocus system in a very small package.

Canon EOS 80D Pricing*

  • Canon EOS 80D Body Only - $1199.99
  • Canon EOS 80D w/ Ef-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens - $1399.99
  • Canon EOS 80D w/ EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens - $1799.99

Check current pricing from these affiliates

Sony A6300 Pricing*

  • Sony A6300 body only - $999.99
  • Sony A6300 w/ 16-50mm lens - $1149.99

Check current pricing from these affiliates

*Pricing from Manufacturer's website - Current selling price may be different. Be sure to visit the links below for current pricing.

Canon EOS 80D Advantages

  • Fully articulated LCD – I really prefer this to the tilting LCD on the Sony A6300. The biggest advantage is the option to close the LCD when the camera is not in use and protect it from scratches and other damage.
  • Touchscreen – This not only makes accessing camera settings and menus easier, but is also very useful for taking pictures and videos with the touch focus.
  • Battery Life (2-3 times longer than the Sony A6300) – This is one area where Mirrorless has a long ways to go before it catches up to the traditional DSLR cameras.
  • Start-up Time (Instantaneous vs about 1 second on the A6300) – the Sony A6xxx series start up time can also be affected by additional apps installed on the camera, making it even slower.
  • Low Light and Tracking autofocus – this is another stand out benefit of the traditional DSLR camera, but to Sony’s credit they are making improvements.
  • Lens and Accessory Options – Canon offers around 100 lenses, plus all the third party options as well.

Sony A6300 Advantages

  • Size & Weight – the Sony is nearly HALF the weight of the Canon and significantly smaller!
  • Faster Burst rate (11fps on the Sony vs 7fps on the Canon)
  • Electronic Viewfinder – this a great advantage when using the camera since you can access menu and other settings while looking through the viewfinder. It is also helpful for reviewing images, especially in bright sunlight.

Conclusion

Both of these cameras are just flat out excellent. Pick one and you have selected a great camera. The biggest difference will come down to the size and weight where the Sony wins hand down. For Hiking and traveling I definitely prefer the Sony for this reason alone! When it comes to sports and action photography the Canon wins hands down due to it’s better AF performance and lens options. For general photography I see both cameras as equal

Canon EOS 80D Overall User Rating

4.67 out of 5

based on 353 user reviews online.

: 80% (281)
: 14% (51)
: 2% (6)
: 2% (7)
: 2% (8)

Sony A6300 Overall User Rating

4.55 out of 5

based on 182 user reviews online.

: 71% (130)
: 19% (34)
: 6% (11)
: 1% (2)
: 3% (5)

Shop

Specs

Spec Canon EOS 80D Sony A6300
Sensor Size APS-C (1.6x) APS-C (1.5x)
Megapixels 24 24
Body Construction Magnesium Alloy Magnesium Alloy
Dimensions (WxHxD) 5.47 x 4.14 x 3.09 in. 4.7 x 2.6 x 1.9 in.
Weight 1.61 lbs. w/ Battery & Card 0.89 lbs.
Weather Sealed Yes Yes
Memory Card SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory stick Duo
Dual Command Wheels Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Pentaprism Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage 100 100
ISO Range 100-25,600 100-51200
Mirror Lock Up Yes Not Applicable
Burst Rate 7 fps 11 fps
LCD Size 3 in. 3 in.
LCD Resolution 1,040,000 pixels 921600 pixels
Articulated LCD Screen Tilt & Swivel Tilt Only
Touchscreen Yes No
Image Stabilization No No
Remote Shutter Release Wired & Wireless (InfraRed) Wireless (InfraRed) only
WiFi Yes Yes
GPS Optional No
AF Points 45 (all cross type) 425 Phase Detect / 179 Contrast Detect
AF Sensitivity -3ev -2ev to +20ev
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 second 30 second
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Flash Sync Speed second 1/160 second
Built In Flash Yes Yes
Wireless TTL Flash Yes No
Video Specs 1920 x 1080 @ 60fps UltraHD
XAVC S
3840 x 2160p / 30 fps (100 Mbps) / 30 fps (60 Mbps) / 25 fps (100 Mbps)
/ 25 fps (60 Mbps) / 24 fps (100 Mbps) / 24 fps (60 Mbps)
High Definition
XAVC S
1920 x 1080p / 120 fps (100 Mbps) / 120 fps (60 Mbps) / 100 fps (100 Mbps)
/ 100 fps (100 Mbps) / 60 fps (50 Mbps) / 50 fps (50 Mbps)
/ 30 fps (50 Mbps) / 25 fps (50 Mbps) / 24 fps (50 Mbps)
High Definition
AVCHD
1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (28 Mbps) / 50 fps (28 Mbps) / 25 fps (24 Mbps)
/ 25 fps (17 Mbps) / 24 fps (24 Mbps) / 24 fps (17 Mbps)
High Definition
AVCHD
1920 x 1080i / 60 fps (24 Mbps) / 60 fps (17 Mbps) / 50 fps (24 Mbps)
/ 50 fps (17 Mbps)
High Definition
MP4
1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (28 Mbps) / 50 fps (28 Mbps) / 30 fps (16 Mbps)
/ 25 fps (16 Mbps)
High Definition
MP4
1280 x 720p / 30 fps (6 Mbps) / 25 fps (6 Mbps)
Mic In Yes Yes
Headphone Out Yes No
Built In Mic Stereo Stereo