Canon EOS 70D review

After the presentation of the EOS 100D and the EOS 700D earlier this year , Canon introduced the new double-digit EOS camera – the new Canon EOS 70D DSLR. The Canon EOS 70D replaces the EOS 60D and has a combination of features that were previously incorporated in other models.

The built-in Wi-Fi feature was first introduced , for example in the EOS 6D enabling  the user  not only to transfer the image data wirelessly to other devices , but also for a camera to save the photos on your computer at home. The wireless feature also enables the camera to be remotely controlled ( available for iOS and Android system ) by an app via smartphone or tablet using EOS remote .

The camera is equipped with a DIGIC 5 + processor that is also used in the professional EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 1D X models. Canon indicates that this sensor is 17 times faster than the processor DIGIC 4 that was installed in the 60D . The 70D is equipped with an APS sensor , it offers 20.2 megapixels and ISO range between 100-12,800 (expandable to 25,600 ).

Although the image sensor has already experienced an improvement in pixels compared to the EOS 60D , Canon was able to increase the burst mode of 5.3 frames per second to 7 frames per second. In addition, an impressive RAW shooting mode buffer when using a UHS -1 SDHC / SDXC memory card can hold 16 images and in JPG shooting mode it can save from 58 to 65 images.

Other features of the Canon EOS 70D are the Multiple Exposure, HDR mode and Canon’s Creative Filters , such as Toy camera or miniature effect. Full HD video footage can also be recorded at different frame rates .

The camera is powered by the battery LP-E6 battery, which is already used in the EOS 5D Mark II, Mark III and EOS 7D and it uses a SD card slot for a memory card.

 

Canon EOS 70D new AF technology

However, the most interesting new feature is the dual pixel CMOS AF system. It’s a phase-difference AF technology on the image sensor plane that employs a CMOS sensor on which all of the effective pixels are able to perform both imaging and phase-difference AF to achieve dramatically improved AF performance during Live View shooting and when shooting movies.

But that’s not all: When using the camera with a STM lens – such as the Canon EF-S 18-55 mm f3 0.5 to 5 , 6 IS STM lens or the Canon EF-S 18-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens STM , which are available as a set with the 70D, the focus seems almost silent.

The camera has also all cross-type sensors  for improved sensitivity , with the focus system of the EOS 7D with 19 points. This is an impressive improvement compared to the 60D focus system , which had only 9 cross-type sensors in the famous diamond formation. The new dual pixel AF system is by far the highlight of the camera.

The speed in live view and video have been improved rapidly. It is possible that this system will vary with different lenses and it remains to be seen how smoothly and quickly it would react with particularly heavy lenses. Canon is the only manufacturer to offer combined fast AF performance with  a responsive touch screen while the performance of some of the latest compact system cameras has proven to be extremely impressive. It is good to see that the EOS 70D can compete in this field.

 

Canon EOS 70D Improved viewfinder

Another feature that the EOS 70D has received from the 7D , is the intelligent viewfinder that overlays a transparent LCD which is displays shooting information on the optical viewfinder. However, the user can now view an choose a focus mode without having to read from the display on the top or back . As before, you can display an electronic level indicator in the viewfinder. The EOS 70D, like the EOS 60D has a pentaprism viewfinder with a magnification of 0.95. However, Canon has expanded the field from 96% to 98%, so the user can see more from the area accommodated without the need for the integrated Live View system.

On the back the Canon EOS 70D has the same 3- inch ( 7.7 cm ) rotating and swiveling touchscreen as the EOS 700D. Screen has a high resolution of approximately 1,040,000 pixels and Canon has provided it with an anti – reflection and anti – dirt surface.

 

Canon EOS 70D – Specifications

• 20.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Live View
• 3.0″ 1,040k-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
• Full HD 1080p Video with Move Servo AF
• Built-In Wireless Connectivity
• 19-Point All Cross-Type AF System
• Continuous Shooting Rate Up to 7 fps
• ISO 100-12800 (Expandable to ISO 25600)
• Scene Intelligent Auto Mode

Official specifications: here.

dpreview important spec here.

 

Conclusion

With its relatively light body and comfortable rubber grip , the EOS 70D makes a positive impression from the start. The mode dial has a central lock button that must be pressed so that the wheel can be turned which is good cause it prevents the mode dial to turn randomly by itself. The screen can be easily folded down from the case and it remains in the position in which it was placed . The touch screen is more suitable for the touch focusing and browsing of images then for navigating through the menus. But if you still prefer to use the touch screen for option selection , you will be pleasantly surprised with a new layout of a Q menu button:  all main capture options are characterized by large symbols , simplifying finger operation .

Although the new 70D looks like just another 2-digit EOS, it has received a quality upgrade “under the hood ” and it’s an excellent blend between the EOS 60D , 7D and EOS 700D models. Canon has managed to produce a camera that is attractive because of the high resolution and fast continuous shooting mode for a wide target audience. Improvements such as the Intelligent dual viewfinders, the pixel AF system, faster and more precise focusing and the user-friendliness made it a worthy challenger for the recently announced Nikon D7100.

You can read other reviews here:

Canon EOS 70D Hands-on Preview – dpreview

Buy Canon EOS 70D