dc3legs Loc: Tucson

As a beginner and 3 year Canon T5 user I'm considering upgrading to an 80D and wonder if it would be be beneficial. I've taken about 5000 shots in the 3 years, mostly landscapes, small animals, birds, cacti, but not a lot of indoor. Recent UHH comments seem to imply that the Canon Rebel cameras are capable of taking excellent images and upgrading gets you better build and more features but not necessarily better quality images. The thing I'd most like to improve is sharpness and clarity. In the last year I've gone more to manual and away from auto settings. The T5 is a good teacher and I've gotten good results but no where near the excellence seen on UHH every day. The reason for the 80D is that it's an APS-C (lens compatibility) and built well. It's said to be heavy but not overly so.
Below are images of my lenses and a few other misc. shots, none modified if this would help. They aren't great pictures but that's why I'm posting. Comments welcome and thanks. Dan

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CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your EOS T5 is an 18MP cropped-sensor body. Although you'll gain more pixel resolution from a new EOS body, the benefits will be more related to your ability to crop into the details and will not contribute to your stated goal: The thing I'd most like to improve is sharpness and clarity. New cameras improve in the ISO performance, and of late, the newer EOS bodies provide more capable AF systems.

Comparing your work to the better examples shared in UHH is a difference primarily in a) shooting technique, b) lens quality and c) extensive digital editing. You have an excellent set of sharp lenses. Changing the sensor behind these lenses will have much less impact than:

1. Shooting and processing your RAW files with market-leading tools and best practices for technique & method.
2. Working on your shooting technique to maximize the image quality of your RAW files coming out of the camera.

Regarding 'technique', you should consider posting specific images and asking for analysis and suggestions. When I look at the the motor image, I note you used AI Focus AF. This is the worst AF mode of all EOS bodies. Canon has even removed this type of AF from the new mirrorless bodies. If you were to continue to use this AF mode on a new EOS DSLR, you can expect continued problematic results. This level of detailed analysis is readily and freely available, you just need to seek feedback and provide examples as the basis of the discussion.

dc3legs Loc: Tucson

Thanks very much CHG, especially the AI Focus observation. Have not gotten into RAW yet but maybe it is time to do that rather than spend $ on more equipment. Appreciate it.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The 80D will be a tremendous upgrade for you - I recommend it. You will need GOOD lenses and technique to optimize/maximize it's potential.

I do not shoot raw nor recommend it with the latest cameras.....or people on a budget.
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CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Changing over to RAW will require software. Canon's DPPv4 is free. You can download from the Canon site, just have your EOS body handy as it prompts for a serial number to enable the download. You can be a 'serious' RAW shooter with just DPP, but the for-purchase software is much more powerful, capable and easier to use as compared to DPP.

Selecting your RAW processor, beyond DPP, can be accomplished by listening to the 1000 voices on UHH and / or download individual packages for their 1-week to 1-month free trial. Your time and a modest investment in software will be long-lasting and can apply to any new cameras. Assure you have the diskspace and the computer requirements of the candidate packages. You may find the cost of a new camera is better spent on computer equipment, depending on your current situation.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

A more advanced body will provide a better focus system and perhaps easier access to controls through buttons rather than menus. The type of shooting that you do doesn’t require the fastest focusing system like sports or fast moving subjects. You can use one shot or AI Servo and get good results. My daughter has a T3i and I sometimes shoot with it just for fun and a change. I still use my best lenses on it. It can take good images but the focus tracking is a limitation in shooting faster moving subjects.

I will suggest you think about shooting some in RAW plus JPEG and learning more about post processing. Canon DPP is a free starting point. I use that but mostly Lightroom. I would also suggest you look at a ColorChecker Passport if you are going to shoot RAW. This $100 tool is among the best money I have ever spent on photography. There are YouTube videos explaining its use you can view before deciding to buy.

Bodies come and go but good glass is a better investment for the long term. Good luck on your journey.

mikedent Loc: Florida

I love San Xavier Mission- when we visit there my wife always starts to cry, she is very in tune to spiritual feelings. Beautiful area.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Why not look at the canon 77D. Just was whole thread on 80D vs 77D. I chose the 77D. Newer processor lighter. I'm serious amateur and love it. Go find that recent thread. Dm if you like

Zooman 1

Why not go to the Canon 90D as it is the newest body in this line. Nothing wrong with the 80D, have one but don't use it as much since getting the R.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I recognized the San Xavier Mission right away. What a desert gem!

MountainDave

Since you are now getting away from auto, I'd consider the 77D at a minimum since it has advanced controls, top lcd screen and back button focus. Moving up the price range will get you more features but not necessarily better images. Google reviews on the various models. If you are considering spending around 1000., also look at the RP. Full frame does have some advantages. Lenses will have a bigger impact on sharpness. The 50mm in your photo should be very sharp.

Dave

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

You should be able to get more out of your current equipment. You have some decent glass well matched to your body.
Have you calibrated your lenses? You could be experiencing focus issues from issues other than technique.

Littlewheel

None of the Rebel series bodies allow user lens calibration. I have found that I get sharper images by using live view, even though I prefer to use the viewfinder. I'll never buy another Rebel series because of this. Magic lantern I believe can provide this on some Rebel models.

williejoha

The first thing I think you should do is read up on how to take sharp pictures. There are a lot of techniques used in pictures posted here. It starts with how you hold your camera to tripod, mirror lock up and on and on. Once you are satisfied with your technique, then you can look at the hardware options. iMHO
WJH

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Well, there you go. One of the advantages of the 80D is you can calibrate your lenses. Or check out Magic lantern.

The other thing, still on the T5, is have yo adjusted your diopter?