Used Canon EOS 80D vs. Canon EOS R50: is a used DSLR or a new mirrorless the best buy in 2026?

If you’re just starting to get more serious about your photography, a lightweight APS-C camera is a logical next step. Capable of capturing images with significantly more depth and detail than a smartphone or a small-sensor compact, and offering the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, APS-C DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are ideal for photo hobbyists.

But you might have spotted a choice there – DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. These are the two main types of interchangeable-lens cameras. Mirrorless cameras are newer, and benefit from the latest tech, but DSLRs tend to be more affordable, particularly second-hand. 

Truthfully, there’s no right or wrong choice. I’ll use an example to illustrate how either a new mirrorless or a used DSLR could be right for you, depending on your priorities. Let’s look at two capable mid-range Canon cameras, a DSLR and a mirrorless – a used Canon EOS 80D vs a new Canon EOS R50.

The EOS R50 is one of Canon’s most popular entry-level mirrorless cameras – Canon EOS R50 reviews have called it an ideal stepping stone into serious photography, with a high-quality 24.2MP APS-C sensor and an action-ready Dual Pixel CMOS II autofocus system that delivers pin-sharp shots of moving subjects. In a kit with the RF-S 18-45mm lens, it costs £829 new. That’s a great price for a do-it-all setup.

The EOS 80D, meanwhile, is just over ten years old – but I think it’s one of the best mid-range Canon cameras to buy second-hand. A lightweight, action-oriented DSLR, it offers the same resolution and sensor size as the EOS R50, meaning image quality will be similar, and it uses an earlier version of the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system, which is still reliably fast and accurate. On the used market, it costs about £370 in “Good” or better condition; you can pair it with a used Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS for around £120, making the total cost about £490. 

That’s quite a saving! And for a camera offering a pretty similar feature-set as the more expensive option. What, you may ask, is the catch?

Don’t I need to buy mirrorless?

Indeed, you might wonder – isn’t mirrorless the way the wind is blowing? Don’t I need a more modern camera? Won’t I lock myself into an outdated system if I opt for DSLRs that use EF lenses, rather than mirrorless RF lenses?

There’s truth to this for sure. Almost all major manufacturers, Canon included, are all-in on mirrorless. Canon is producing EOS R mirrorless cameras and RF-mount lenses by the truckload, and has no plans to develop new EOS DSLRs or EF-mount lenses. 

However, if you’re worried about EF compatibility with Canon mirrorless, I can reassure you that it’s incredibly simple. All you need is the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, which costs just £98. I know some photographers recoil from the idea of adapting lenses between systems, feeling it’s too complicated, but trust me – this one couldn’t be easier. Simply slot this tiny accessory between your EF lens and your RF camera, and the lens will work seamlessly, with full functionality of autofocus and stabilisation. 

If you buy a DSLR, and keep growing in your photography, in my view you will ultimately end up using mirrorless. But that doesn’t mean buying a DSLR is a mistake. The Canon EOS 80D is a speedy and highly capable camera, a great platform for learning that’s more affordable than its mirrorless equivalent. And if you do jump to the newer system, you can simply trade in your DSLR and keep all your lenses!

Take a look at our extensive range of second-hand products here!

About the Author

Jon Stapley is a London-based freelance writer and journalist who covers photography, art and technology. When not writing about cameras, Jon is a keen photographer who captures the world using his Olympus XA2. His creativity extends to works of fiction and other creative writing, all of which can be found on his website www.jonstapley.com

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