Canon EOS 70D

Last updated: Sunday, October 13th, 2013

Canon EOS 70D is announced in July 2013 to replace the previous model Canon EOS 60D. As the latest mid-range DSLR, EOS 70D features a 20.2 Megapixel APS-C sensor, Full HD video, a fully articulated touch-screen monitor, built-in Wifi and an innovative new autofocusing system which promises far superior performance during Live View and movies. It has been available on the market with price of $1,199.00 for body only.

Overall Rating:

Our Review

Features & Design

As the latest DSLR Mid-Range camera, the Canon EOS 70D features a 19-point AF cross-type as EOS 7D, built-in WiFi like EOS 6D, and a touch screen like the EOS T41/650D. Additionally, the EOS 70D also offers a 63-zone metering system and a selection of the latest movie quality core. When compared with the previous model EOS 60D which has a continuous shooting maximum speed of 5.3fps, EOS 70D can shoot at up to 7fps at full resolution up to 65 JPEG or 16 raw files, which is useful when shooting sports. It also use the 60D’s continuous focus capability.

Beside features the AF system that increase speed and tracking AF in Live View on the stills and for video recording, the EOS 70D also has a Vari-angle Touch Screen 3-inch LCD that offers a resolution of 1,040,000 dots are easily used to make adjustments to the camera settings. The LCD is easy to see from different angles, thanks to its ability to be articulated. While the WiFi feature ensures users will not be disappointed to easily transfer their files to compatible devices such as computers, Tablets, or Smartphones.

LCD Monitor of Canon EOS 70D (credit: Canon)

On the other hand, the EOS 70D has a design that does not undergo major changes from the previous model of the EOS 60D. And when compared to its competitors Nikon 7100D, EOS 70D has a design and size are not much different. But as the latest camera, the EOS 70D feels nice and solid while the seals ensures the camera is able to survive in some weather conditions. The buttons and dials are sensibly arranged and the deep grip has a textured coating that makes it feel secure in your hand.

Performance & Image Quality

Canon EOS 70D has dual pixel AF system that is only used in Live View and Movie modes. Meanwhile, when the picture drawn in the viewfinder, 19-point AF system on hand, along with manual focus. The AF system uses all cross-type points for greater sensitivity, and it was very good, very fast and accurate. When tested with the 18-135mm STM lens, this camera has the time to focus, expose, and shoot in good light just 0.2 seconds and in dim light very well just 0.3 seconds.

Sample Image of Canon EOS 70D (credit: Canon)

With an ISO range of 100 to 12,800 and can be expanded to 25600, the EOS 70D has a low noise at ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, but began to increase slightly at ISO 800. More noise increases when you shoot at ISO 1600 though detail remains good. At ISO 3200 there was a decrease in detail due to an increase in noise as well as noise reduction. Noise will increase again in ISO 6400 to 12800 which makes the image look softer. At ISO 25600 the noise reached in highest level which makes the image look soft and lack detail.

Speaking of video quality, the EOS 70D offers the same video quality as the previous model. You can choose to record video in 1080p at 24, 25 or 30p, or 50p or 60p at 720p, and can choose between intra-frame (All-i) or inter-frames (IPB) compression format. Whereas in the case of audio, there is a built-in stereo mic jack for external microphone and along with the opportunity to monitor and adjust the audio level.

Should I buy the camera?

Canon EOS 70D has designed with a very well for enthusiastic photographers that offer specifications required by the user. And also equipped with a few modern features in a body that feels good and comfortable in the hand. In addition, the Dual Pixel AF system is very impressive when used in Live View and Movie modes making the EOS 70D to be eligible to compete with the Nikon D7100.

With all things considered from design, new features, and the outstanding image quality results, the Canon EOS 70D is the camera that is worth paying for replace the previous model the EOS 60D.

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Specifications

Sensor

Camera Type: Digital SLR with Interchangeable lenses

Lens Mount: Canon EF
Canon EF-S

Camera Format: APS-C (1.6x Crop Factor)

Pixels: Actual: 20.9 Megapixel

Effective: 20.2 Megapixel

Max Resolution: 20MP: 5472 x 3648 @ 3:2

Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Sensor Type / Size: CMOS, 22.5 x 15 mm

File Formats: Still Images: JPEG, RAW

Movies: MOV, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

Audio: Linear PCM (Stereo)

Bit Depth 14-bit

Dust Reduction System: Yes

Noise Reduction: Yes

Memory Card Type: SD, SDHC, SDXC

Focus Control

Focus Type: Auto & Manual

Focus Mode: Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M)

Autofocus Points: 19

Viewfinder/ LCD Display

Viewfinder Type: Pentaprism

Viewfinder Coverage: 98%

Viewfinder Magnification: Approx. 0.95x

Diopter Adjustment: – 3.0 to +1.0 m

Display Screen: 3″ Rear Touchscreen Swivel LCD (1,040,000)

Screen Coverage: 100%

Live View: Yes

Exposure System

ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100-12800 (Extended Mode: 100-25600)

Shutter:
+ Type: Electronic & Mechanical
+ Speed: 30 – 1/8000 sec

Remote Control Not Specified By Manufacturer

Metering Method Average metering, Center-weighted average metering, Partial Metering, Spot metering

Exposure Modes
+ Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Bulb, Custom, Flash Off, Manual, Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority

+ Metering Range: EV 1.0 – EV 20.0

+ Compensation: -5 EV to +5 EV (in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps)

White Balance Modes:
Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature Filter, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (White), Shade, Sunset, Tungsten, Twilight

Flash

Flash Modes
+ Modes: FE Lock
+ TTL Auto
+ Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps)

Built-in Flash Yes

Effective Flash Range Not Specified By Manufacturer

Guide No. 39.4′ (12.01 m) ISO100

Max Sync Speed 1 / 250 sec

Flash Compensation -3 EV to +3 EV (in .1 or .5 EV steps)

Dedicated Flash System eTTL

External Flash Connection Hot Shoe

Recording

Video Recording: Yes, NTSC/PAL

File Size
+ 1920 x 1080p (Full HD)
+ 1280 x 720p (HD)
+ 640 x 480p (SD)

Frame Rate
@ 1920 x 1080: 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps
@ 1280 x 720: 60 fps, 50 fps
@ 640 x 480: 30 fps, 25 fps

Exposure Control
+ Auto: Shutter Speed
+ Manual: Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO

ISO Sensitivity Not Specified By Manufacturer

Exposure Compensation -3 EV to +3 EV (in .3 EV steps)

Focus Auto, Manual, Continuous Auto

Continuous Shooting Time
+ 1920 x 1080 (with 8GB memory card)
@ 30 fps IPB: 32 min. (235 MB / min.) / ALL-I: 11 min. (685 MB / min.)
@ 25 fps IPB: 32 min. (235 MB / min.) / ALL-I: 11 min. (385 MB / min.)
@ 24 fps IPB: 32 min. (235 MB / min.) / ALL-I: 11 min. (685 MB / min.)

+ 1280 x 720 (with 8GB memory card)
@ 60 fps IPB: 37 min. (205 MB / min.) / ALL-I: 12 min. (610 MB / min.)
@ 50 fps IPB: 37 min. (205 MB / min.) / ALL-I: 12 min. (610 MB / min.)

+ 640 x 480 (with 8GB memory card)
@ 30 fps IPB: 97 min. (78 MB / min.)
@ 25 fps IPB: 97 min. (78 MB / min.)

Audio Recording: Optional External Mic: With Video, Stereo,