A large number of travel photographs feature scenic landscapes and natural surroundings as perceived by the photographer. The EOS 80D is one such camera model that captures images exactly as the user wants to capture them . Here, I present various New Zealand landscapes captured by the newly-released EOS 80D. These photos depict portions of sprawling landscapes—fragments of nature as beautiful as they are true to life. (Photos & Text by: Ryosuke Takahashi)

EOS 80D/ EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/ FL: 18mm (29mm equivalent)/ Aperture-priority AE (f/8, 1/640 sec, EV±0)/ ISO 200/ WB: Auto/ Location: Wellington

 

EOS 80D – the best companion for travel photography

EOS 80D/ EF-S10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM/ FL: 10mm(16mm equivalent)/ Aperture-priority AE (f/8, 1/2,000 sec, EV±0)/ ISO 400/ WB: Auto/ Location: New Brighton

 

This visit to New Zealand was my first in 5 years—which is also a significant span of time in the history of the EOS Series. In fact, the EOS 80D is equipped with special features that did not even exist just 5 years ago.
 
The Dual Pixel CMOS AF, in combination with the image plane phase difference detection AF  technology, almost solves the weakness of Live View shooting. As it is, Live View mode no longer plays second fiddle to  viewfinder shooting.  Precisely because you can choose a shooting style with no worries about limitations, there is great potential for a much wider variety of travel photographs to be taken with this camera.

By using the Picture Style [Fine Detail] feature that allows the user to take photographs that depict beyond what the camera’s pixel count suggests it can, I enjoyed an image quality well beyond that offered by traditional middle-tier cameras. In addition, in the past 5 years, the EF-S lens has also been significantly enhanced. As a professional photographer, I find the APS-C format a natural choice of primary equipment, as its angle of view has no blind spots.

EOS 80D/ EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/ FL: 62mm (99mm equivalent)/ Aperture-priority AE  (f/8, 3 sec, EV-1.7)/ ISO 100/ WB: Auto/ Location: Devonport

 

What stood out to me after traveling with the EOS 80D for 10 days was the lightness and responsiveness of the camera system, which produces extremely clear photographs. As an example of the lens, the latest EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is the best match as an EOS 80D kit lens in terms of size, and it performs well above its price point.  Furthermore, the range of the Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1  (sold separately) surprised me, performing well in both videos and still images. The camera’s internal distortion correction feature was very effective in capturing a straight horizon line in beach or seaside photographs.  The use of the   Large Zone AF greatly increased shutter opportunities, expanding my options to document my travels.

EOS 80D/ EF-S24mm f/2.8 STM/ FL: 24mm (38mm equivalent)/Aperture-priority AE (f/4.5, 1/80 sec, EV±0)/ ISO 100/ WB: Auto/ Location: Devonport

 

In travel photographs where the focus is on is capturing casual moments, a camera with high mobility is desired. The size of the EOS 80D is optimal, and it feels like there is no useless weight. In addition to the sense of stability of the optical viewfinder, which allows about 100% of the field of view to be captured, there is something indescribably wonderful about it. The camera is quiet with minimal machine noise, ideal for indoor shooting in places such as famous buildings.   I also want to add that the Creative filter and HDR mode provide many possibilities for unique photographs.

When photographing the landscapes and scenery of New Zealand, I recommend embracing the feeling of a relaxing flow of time to capture the serene beauty of the surroundings. If I were to go on a personal trip to New Zealand someday, I would like to do a long stay in Auckland and Wellington. At such a time, the EOS 80D would be an obvious choice of companion on my travels.

EOS 80D/ EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/ FL: 74mm (118mm equivalent)/ Aperture-priority AE (f/5.6, 1/400 sec, EV±0)/ ISO 100/ WB: Auto/ Location: Lyttelton

 

EOS 80D/ EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/ FL: 74mm (118mm equivalent)/ Aperture-priority AE (f/5, 1/100 sec, EV-0.7)/ ISO 500/ WB: Auto/ Location: Wellington

 

EOS 80D/ EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/ FL: 18mm(29mm equivalent)/ Aperture-priority AE(f/5.6, 1/40 sec, EV±0)/ ISO 2500/ WB: Auto/ Location: Christchurch

 

EOS 80D/ EF70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM/ FL: 244mm (390mm equivalent)/ Aperture-priority AE (f/8, 1/800 sec, EV-0.3)/ ISO 200/ WB: Auto/ Location: Auckland

 

EOS 80D/ EF70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM/ FL: 300mm (480mm equivalent)/ Aperture-priority AE (f/5.6, 1/800 sec, EV±0)/ ISO 100/ WB: Auto/ Location: Devonport

 

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