The new Canon EOS 90D DSLR camera is here. It shoots a faster than the EOS 80D and has a lot in common with the EOS 7D Mk II, but how do these DSLR cameras really compare in terms of specifications? The 80D offers high-resolution imaging and a tilting touch screen ideal for vlogging, whereas the 7D Mk II remains popular among enthusiast sports photographers with a more robust body and fast autofocus. Yet, the 90D includes and improves on many of its predecessor’s features – it stands out as a full-featured DSLR camera that combines a portable, user-friendly design with high-resolution imaging and fast shooting speeds, ideal for hobbyist wildlife and sports photographers.
Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera body viewed from the front.
Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera body viewed from the back. It features a tilting touch screen.
Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera body viewed from the front.
Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera body viewed from the back.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera body viewed from the front.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera body viewed from the back.

Design

Weight: The 90D is the lightest of the three cameras at only 701 g compared to the 80D’s 730 g and the 7D Mk II’s 910 g. Size-wise its comparable to the 80D, with the 7D Mk II remaining more rugged with a bigger and heavier camera body.

LCD Display: Where the 7D Mk II has a fixed screen, the 80D and 90D entertain with 3-inch variety-angle touch screens, which is a feature we have come to expect as it lets you effortlessly compose both horizontal and vertical photos.

Viewfinder: Interestingly, the 7D Mk II sports the best viewfinder, but only just by 1.0x magnification compared to the 0.95x magnification of the 80D and 90D cameras.

Performance

Sensor & Resolution: The 90D also excels at resolution. Thanks to a 32.5 MP APS-C sensor, it renders images detailed enough for creating larger prints. This gives you the freedom to crop, rotate and resize your images for the desired perspective. The 80D and 7D Mk II also have APS-C sensors, but with less impressive resolution at 24.2 MP and 20.2 MP, respectively. The 90D’s quality, high-res sensor also gives lenses 1.6x telephoto reach that lets you get close to nature.

Processor & ISO Maximum: Made possible by the new technology DIGIC 8 processor, the 90D offers higher ISO sensitivities of 100-25,600 (expandable to 51,200) than its predecessors: The 80D offers 100-16,000 (expandable to 25,600) and the 7D Mk II 100-16,000 (expandable to 51,200) ISO capabilities.

Continuous shooting: In terms of performance, the 90D has really stepped up the game featuring up to 10 fps shooting speeds for getting in on the action. The 80D peaks at 7 fps, which means that the 90D now matches the 7D Mk II in terms of speed, an area in which this camera previously excelled. The 80D remains more suited to the all-round rather than the sports photographer.

Autofocus: The 7D Mk II clearly outperforms the 90D and 80D cameras with 65-point all-cross type autofocus compared to 45-point. In turn, with the 90D’s most sophisticated Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, it will outperform the 80D which offers the same phase-detection capabilities.

Video: Even better, the 90D offers uncropped 4K UHD 3840×2160 video across the full width of its sensor, whereas the older models are restricted to 1080p Full HD resolution.

Use & Convenience

Memory: The 90D and 80D both take SD, SDHC and SDXS memory cards, yet the 90D supports the faster USH-II format. Like the 80D, the 7D Mk II takes the same cards in UHS-I format, but also the older CF (UDMA 7) format, which may be useful depending on your current kit bag.

Battery Power: Although all three cameras use the same LP-E6N Li-Ion battery, the 90D offers better power management with a reported 1300 shots on a single charge compared to the 80D’s 960 shots and the 7D Mk II’s mere 670 shots.

Conclusion

The 90D is a full-featured DSLR that takes you closer, lets you shoot faster and capture superb 32.5 MP images. For substantial newer technology and upgraded features, it costs about the same as the 80D or 7D Mk II; however, with the older models phasing out, you may find great camera-and-lens combo deals to suit your needs and pocket.