Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR Camera Review

Product Description

The Canon 8469B009 EOS 70D 20.2MP Digital SLR Camera Body plus EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Standard Zoom Lens features an APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+ image processor to ensure high-resolution images and excellent low-light sensitivity. Both the sensor and processor work together to produce well-detailed, clear imagery that exhibits natural tonality and color gradations with minimal noise when working in difficult lighting conditions. The processor also provides notable speed throughout the camera system, including the ability to record up to 7 fps in full-resolution, quickened AF speeds, and full HD 1080p video recording. The 3.0-inch Clear View II touchscreen LCD monitor profits greatly from the advent Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and its ability to utilize Touch AF focusing for finely controlled selection of the point of focus. The monitor's vari-angle design also enables more efficient shooting and viewing from both high and low angles and an anti-reflective, smudge-resistant coating allows for clear well-detailed viewing. The included 18-55mm IS STM standard zoom lens features the optics, AF and image stabilization necessary for shooting in any number of situations.

From the Manufacturer

Meet the New Game-Changer

Changing the way users capture still images and video with a DSLR camera, Canon proudly introduces the EOS 70D – a trailblazing powerhouse featuring a revolutionary autofocus technology that unlocks the potential of Live View: Dual Pixel CMOS AF. This game-changing technology allows the EOS 70D to capture video in Live View with smooth and precise autofocus similar to that of a camcorder, complete with the superb image quality that is a hallmark of EOS cameras. Additionally, Dual Pixel CMOS AF provides fast and accurate autofocus during Live View still image capture, enabling you to fully benefit from the freedom of angle allowed by the Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II. Compositional options are now nearly limitless with the two real-world choices of Live View and viewfinder shooting. To further empower the photographer, Canon engineers spent months ensuring that the cutting-edge Dual Pixel CMOS AF on the EOS 70D is compatible with 103^◊ Canon EF lenses, greatly expanding creative possibilities. Built-in wireless technology and the EOS Remote app* further enhance shooting versatility, as well as enable easy sharing. Brilliant image quality is provided by the EOS 70D’s 20.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, a first for an EOS camera with an APS-C sized sensor. A powerful DIGIC 5+ Image Processor supports continuous shooting up to 7.0 frames per second, as well as an extended ISO range of 100–12800 (H: 25600) that allows shooting in a wide variety of lighting conditions. Stunning photos can be accomplished using the remarkable 19-point all cross-type AF system with a high precision dual cross f/2.8 center point, and advanced display options available on the Intelligent Viewfinder supply exceptional control. In-camera imaging features like HDR, HDR Backlight Control, Multiple Exposure, Handheld Night Scene, and Creative Filters available in real time help turn even simple images into spectacular photos. Elevating the possibilities of creative expression to extraordinary new heights, the powerful EOS 70D with Dual Pixel CMOS AF places the ability to capture both amazing stills and video right in your hands.

^◊ As of July 2, 2013.
* This software enables you to upload images to social network services. Before uploading images, please be aware that image files may contain privacy related information such as people and places. If necessary, please delete such information. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this software.

The Next Generation in Live View AF.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF

The EOS 70D features Canon’s all-new Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a revolutionary leap forward in speed and accuracy that unlocks the potential of Live View shooting. This game-changing technology will forever change what is possible with a DSLR camera.

Shoot Video Like a Camcorder

The benefits of the groundbreaking Dual Pixel CMOS AF are clearly evident in video shooting, where bringing scenes and subjects into focus is a critical element of the final composition. On the EOS 70D, Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps ensure focus is achieved naturally and precisely, even when switching between subjects. And, combined with the predictive power of Movie Servo AF, subjects in motion are smoothly and consistently tracked – once the EOS 70D locks focus, it doesn’t let go. Plus, with the shallow depth-of-field afforded by EOS optics, your video gains a cinematic ambience.

Compositional Freedom, Quick and Accurate Live View Focus

For stills, Dual Pixel CMOS AF makes Live View AF precise and faster than ever, freeing the photographer to take advantage of the freedom of angle afforded by the camera’s Vari-angle LCD monitor. Whether capturing images of athletes on the field or kids in the park – with a tripod or handheld and operated from a number of angles and positions – crisp focus can be obtained nearly instantly across a wide shooting area, especially useful for those spontaneous or fleeting shots. And, when composing and shooting in Live View mode, the image, exposure and chosen effects can be previewed before shooting, ensuring better accuracy, increased comfort, and more control from the start.

Compatible with 103^◊ Canon EF Lenses

103^◊ Canon EF lenses are able to fully realize the benefits of Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Compatible lenses greatly expand creative and compositional possibilities so users can enjoy a wide range of endeavors made possible through various lenses whether shooting still images or video.

The Genius of Pixel Based AF

Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a cutting-edge Canon technology, made possible by a sophisticated redesigning of the CMOS sensor. Traditionally, image sensors have one photodiode per pixel, but the CMOS sensor on the EOS 70D has two photodiodes per pixel, enabling each pixel on the sensor to both perform phase-difference detection autofocus and capture light – a first for EOS cameras. With phase-difference detection AF, autofocus is achieved quickly and easily on the camera. This unique AF system enables autofocus on 80% of the image plane, vertically and horizontally, and helps ensure virtually no loss in image quality.

Sophisticated Wireless System.

The simplicity and convenience of wireless technology, built-in

The new EOS 70D incorporates cutting edge wireless technology right into its compact design. The camera’s exposure settings, such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO, focus, and shutter can be operated wirelessly using an iOS or Android smartphone* with the free Canon EOS Remote app**. Using a smartphone with the EOS Remote app** installed, you can shoot remotely from a distance, even in Live View mode, for those difficult-to-capture shots; you can also review images on the EOS 70D without having to take it out of the bag, and easily transfer and save images directly from the camera to a smartphone. Full DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatibility means easy sharing between the EOS 70D and other DLNA products, like HDTVs, smartphones and more. Still images can even be transferred between two wireless-enabled Canon cameras over a Local Area Network (LAN). Images and video can be uploaded instantly to CANON iMAGE GATEWAY^# for easy sharing on social networking sites, and photos can even be printed on a wireless PictBridge certified printer without the need for a PC. Remarkably, the EOS 70D has all of these wireless features without the need for any additional accessories; they’re built right in!

* Compatible with iOS version 5.0 or later and Android devices version 2.3/4.0 or later. Data charges may apply.
** This software enables you to upload images to social network services. Before uploading images, please be aware that image files may contain privacy related information such as people and places. If necessary, please delete such information. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this software.
^# One-time registration required on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY online photo album.

Amazing Capture and Processing Power.

20.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor

Offering the highest pixel count of any APS-C sized sensor in EOS history, the EOS 70D camera’s 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor records a massive 5472 x 3648 pixels, perfect for even the biggest enlargements and offering enough resolution for significant cropping while maintaining the detail and essence of the particular scene. 14-bit signal processing ensures excellent tonal gradation and a wide ISO range of 100–12800 (H: 25600) ensures excellent image capture even in dim lighting situations. The EOS 70D camera’s image sensor combines with Canon’s powerful DIGIC 5+ Image Processor for improved data processing speeds, greater noise reduction, and even real-time compensation for chromatic aberration.

14-bit A/D conversion

With 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion, the EOS 70D captures and records images with remarkable gradations and detail in subtle tones and colors, resulting in more realistic and detailed images. By recording up to 16,384 colors per channel, the EOS 70D ensures that the fine detail found in subjects like foliage, sky and water are preserved and recorded with a tremendous level of accuracy, ensuring gorgeous results.

ISO 100–12800 and expandable to 25600 in H mode

Thanks to its DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, the EOS 70D features an expanded ISO range of ISO 100–12800 (expandable to 25600 in H mode) that makes shooting possible in situations previously unthinkable without flash. The EOS 70D, with the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor’s remarkable noise-reduction technology, performs brilliantly in low-light shooting. Used with one of Canon’s EF or EF-S lenses with Optical Image Stabilizer, the EOS 70D can record beautiful images even when light sources are scarce.

DIGIC 5+ Image Processor

For a whole new level of performance, the EOS 70D uses a DIGIC 5+ Image Processor. Working with two 4-channel A/D converter front-end processing circuits, and delivering speeds of up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting, the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor improves data processing performance and features algorithms that promote greater noise reduction at higher ISOs. In addition to conventional image processing functions, the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor offers real-time compensation for chromatic aberration in both still and motion images. With the power of this processor, speed improvements are noticeable from the instant the camera is turned on. The stunning results speak for themselves.

The Speed You Need.

High speed continuous shooting up to 7.0 fps

Capable of shooting up to 7.0 fps during continuous shooting, the EOS 70D is a perfect camera for quick action. Canon’s remarkable shutter, combined with speedy, sophisticated electronics, ensures instant response and performance. A rapidly occurring scene can be captured moment by moment, second by second, so that even the briefest of opportunities are captured in perfect clarity.

True HD Performance in Your Hands.

EOS Full HD Movie mode with Movie Servo AF and 3–10x Digital Zoom at Full HD resolution

The EOS 70D captures HD video with an impressive level of sophistication, offering phenomenal performance on a DSLR camera. It offers both All-I (UHS-I memory card is required) and IPB compression, supports H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile, and automatically splits files greater than 4GB (FAT specifications) for extended recording without interruption. It offers the option of time coding during recording only (Rec Run) or at all times (Free Run), which is useful for multi-camera shoots. It also features improved sound recording adjustment capabilities; the EOS 70D has an internal stereo microphone for enhanced audio capture and a wind filter feature to reduce wind noise when shooting outdoors. Sound recording levels can be manually (up to 64 different levels) or automatically controlled, while a built-in attenuator is also provided to reduce audio clipping. For more advanced audio recording, the EOS 70D is compatible with many third-party electret condenser microphones with a 3.5mm diameter plug. The EOS 70D also boasts the advanced Movie Digital Zoom, allowing you to magnify the center of the image by approximately 3x–10x when Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution is set.

The EOS 70D features Movie Servo AF for continuous autofocus tracking of moving subjects while recording video. Combined with the camera’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, even fast subjects remain crisply in focus. Autofocus is smooth and continuous, and quiet when recording video using one of Canon’s STM lenses. The revolutionary performance of Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF System, the predictive power of Movie Servo AF, and the pleasing depth-of-field provided by the EOS 70D’s optics make it possible to accomplish stunning, cinematic video capture, easily.

Video Snapshot

With the Video Snapshot feature, the EOS 70D can capture short video clips (of 2, 4 or 8 seconds) then combine them automatically into one video file as a snapshot or highlights "album." With no editing needed after shooting, the compiled video is perfect for sharing online or displaying directly on an HDTV via the camera’s HDMI port. Additionally, stills can be recorded during video shooting simply by pressing the camera’s shutter button. During playback, video clips in an album can be reordered or deleted.

Sharp and Clear, with Tactile Controls.

Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II with multi-touch operation and Touch AF

The EOS 70D comes with a Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II for shooting videos and stills at a variety of angles, high or low, with up to 180° of rotation. Using capacitive technology similar to today’s popular mobile devices, this screen is touch-sensitive and delivers intuitive touch panel operation. Two-finger touch gestures can be used for zooming or changing images. Menu and quick control settings can be accessed, and focus point and shutter release can be activated with the touch of a fingertip using Touch AF. Displaying fine detail (at approximately 1.04 million dots), this screen is perfect for composing and reviewing images. Thanks to a solid construction between the monitor’s resin-coated cover and the liquid crystal display, reflections are minimized, and the display can be viewed, without glare, from any number of angles. The LCD’s surface is treated with a smudge-resistant coating to minimize fingerprints and maintain a bright, clear image display.

Fast, Accurate, Phenomenal AF.

19-point all cross-type AF system (including a high-precision f/2.8 dual cross-type AF center point)

The EOS 70D has a high-performance AF system that’s ready for anything. The camera features 19 high precision cross-type AF sensors, all of which can be selected automatically or manually. With cross-type AF points placed throughout a wide area, the EOS 70D’s AF system ensures amazing compositional flexibility whether shooting vertically or horizontally, and is superbly equipped to track the subject, even if movements are erratic or unpredictable. And with its high-precision f/2.8 dual cross-type AF center point, the EOS 70D delivers a whole new level of focus accuracy when shooting with lenses of f/2.8 or faster. The EOS 70D camera’s AF modes can be customized to suit the situation, helping ensure reliable focus.

Sophisticated Composition, Simply.

Intelligent Viewfinder with superimposed LCD display provides approximately 98% field of view

The EOS 70D camera’s Intelligent Viewfinder offers a sharp, bright, approximately 98% field of view with an approximate magnification of 0.95x, a viewing angle of 27.9° and a 22mm eyepoint. Featuring a new coating that reduces reflections and new construction that improves response in cold environments, the EOS 70D’s Intelligent Viewfinder makes it simple to adjust and confirm settings without the risk of missing a beat. The Intelligent Viewfinder uses a transparent LCD to superimpose a customizable combination of focus points and gridlines directly over the image: it displays AF mode, AF points, electronic level, grid, alerts informing when white balance is being corrected and when Spot metering is enabled, and much more. With the EOS 70D’s Intelligent Viewfinder, unlike with other cameras, the photographer has the choice of seeing shooting information or looking only at the scene in front of the camera. The ability to effectively erase all shooting data and turn it back on with the touch of a button gives the photographer the opportunity to concentrate simply on looking and composing the photograph without distraction, a great advantage in numerous shooting situations.

Amazing Effects for Dramatic and Gorgeous Results.

High Dynamic Range (HDR)

With its High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, the EOS 70D can merge three images of varying exposure in-camera and save them as one final image, capturing a broad range of shadow and highlight detail with stunning tonal range. Adjustable to cover a range of ±3 stops, HDR recording truly expands the parameters of the light and dark detail a camera can actually record, surprising viewers with the range of tones a photograph can accurately recreate.

Multiple Exposure Control

The EOS 70D offers a Multiple Exposure mode for film-like image creation with the convenience of in-camera processing. It offers two different compositing methods for proper exposure and composition: additive or average. Multiple exposure shots from 2 to 9 are stored as one final image and can be taken in both RAW and JPEG shooting modes. A RAW image previously captured by the EOS 70D (3:2 aspect ratio only) can be used as a starting point, and cumulative results can be observed and corrected in real time on the camera's LCD screen.

Handheld Night Scene mode

Handheld Night Scene mode captures nightscapes with bright highlights and detailed dark areas, delivering results previously difficult without the use of a tripod. By shooting and combining four consecutive shots at a shutter speed fast enough to avoid camera shake, the EOS 70D’s Handheld Night Scene mode makes dramatic nighttime photography simple.

HDR Backlight Control mode

The EOS 70D camera’s HDR Backlight Control mode ensures that backlit subjects are not recorded too darkly. By automatically shooting three consecutive shots at different exposures (underexposed, correctly exposed and overexposed) and combining the images, the final result maintains detail in both the shadow and highlight areas, ensuring the backlit subject is properly exposed.

Seven Creative Filters that can be displayed in real time

To add to the fun and creative possibilities available with the EOS 70D, the camera has seven different Creative Filters that can dramatically alter the mood and visual effect of any particular scene. Creative Filters include Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Fisheye Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect, Art Bold Effect and Water Painting Effect. Each effect can be applied in three different levels (low, standard and strong), and easily previewed on the LCD panel in Live View. Since the filters can be applied to the image after shooting, it's easy to try several effects on the same shot during post-process.

Complex Functions Made Simple.

Scene Intelligent Auto mode

The EOS 70D features Scene Intelligent Auto mode, which incorporates a number of Canon technologies to deliver the best possible exposure. Joining Picture Style Auto, Automatic Lighting Optimizer, Automatic White Balance, Autofocus, and Automatic Exposure, Scene Intelligent Auto mode analyzes the image, accounting for faces, colors, brightness, moving objects, contrast, even whether the camera is handheld or on a tripod, and then chooses the exposure and enhancements that bring out the best in any scene or situation.

More Features for Increased Versatility.

Compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses

The EOS 70D is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF lineup, including compact and lightweight EF-S lenses, ranging from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses and including the STM series optimized for video shooting. Canon lenses employ advanced optical expertise and micron-precision engineering to deliver outstanding performance and deliver beautiful results. Special technologies like Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer help to minimize the effect of camera shake, effectively adding up to four stops of light; STM lenses even feature a stepping motor for smooth and quiet continuous autofocus while capturing video. With an array of lenses perfect for travel, sports, still life and everything in between, photographers can truly maximize the quality and performance of their EOS 70D camera.

Multi Shot Noise Reduction

To enhance its already admirable high ISO shooting capabilities, the EOS 70D camera features an intelligent Multi Shot Noise Reduction tool that reduces noise even further than the camera’s sensor and the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor do. With Multi Shot Noise Reduction activated, the camera takes four consecutive shots, merges and aligns them. This eliminates more noise than the camera’s traditional Noise Reduction filter, with little or no apparent resolution loss. Moving subjects are even optimized to minimize subject blur! Thanks to this clever feature, high ISO shooting has never looked better.

Lens Aberration Correction

The EOS 70D features lens correction tools that compensate for lens characteristics that can affect overall image quality. The EOS 70D camera’s Peripheral Illumination Correction feature corrects light falloff in the corner of the image according to the characteristics of the lens being used. It even has correction data for a number of popular lenses stored in its memory. With the chromatic aberration correction tool, distracting color fringing can be corrected at the time of shooting.

Feature Guide

To help explain the specific function of features found on the EOS 70D, the Feature Guide displays a simple description helpful in determining the applicability for the situation at hand. It is displayed in each shooting mode, during mode dial operations, and for Quick Control screen functions. It appears automatically when a function is selected – a lifesaver when trying to determine the best mode or function for the next picture. The feature guide works automatically by default, and can be disabled easily through the camera’s menu.

GPS Compatible

With the optional GPS Receiver GP-E2 attached to the hot shoe or the digital terminal, the EOS 70D can record location, including latitude, longitude and altitude, and has the ability to track the trajectory of movement with its logging function, perfect for photographers on the go. An electric compass records the camera’s orientation during each shot, and world time information is recorded through GPS syncing.

Image Rating

To help organize images recorded to the camera’s storage, the EOS 70D makes it simple to rate individual images from one star to five. Therefore, image browsing, printing and slide shows can be based upon those ratings.

Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards

The EOS 70D uses popular SD, SDHC, SDXC, and is even compatible with Ultra High Speed (UHS-I), memory cards. Compact and available in large capacities, SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards are a perfect complement to the camera’s compact design.

User rating and reviews

This is going to be short, since I've not had the chance to do a whole lot of shooting as yet. Consider it a "just out of the box" impression. I already have a Canon 5D Mk III, and a number of L series lenses. I wanted a "backup camera" for video shooting, and I was intrigued by the new auto-focus system offered on the 70D.

So far, I'm extremely pleased with this camera. The 18-35 mm kit lens gives a lot of range, and I tested the camera out with my other lenses. The L series lenses work very well, and auto-focusing is fast, smooth, and doesn't search around much even in very low light. The camera is not as heavy as the 5D Mk III, but feels solid enough, and not all that different in the hands. Even with the 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM zoom - my heaviest lens at the moment - the camera feels surprisingly balanced.

The crop sensor obviously changes the effect of the lenses, but having a full sensor and a crop sensor both, it's like having 2 sets of lenses. My 70-300mm zoom now has an effective reach up to 480 mm (on the Canon 70D) due to the crop factor of 1.6. To me, this is kind of a bonus, though not in itself a reason to buy the camera. Smaller sized sensors result in an apparent increase in focal length, and a greater depth of field, but this is a generalization and each lens has its own properties that affect the image as well. Read the reviews of individual lenses when considering how each one reacts to different types of camera bodies.

The main thing to take note of is that while the Canon 70D will accept all the EF and EF-L lenses, it is designed to use the EF-S series lenses as well. In fact, the EF-S series lenses are custom tailored specifically for the Canon 70D and (as far as I know) other APS-C crop sensor cameras made by Canon. These lenses - and the kit lens is one of them - will not work on a full frame camera like the Canon 5D mkIII; the rear element extends back into the camera body in a way that makes it impossible to attach lenses of this series to full frame sensor cameras. Even if they could be attached, I suspect the captured image might suffer from serious vignetting and other problems.

For a thorough understanding of how the APS-C, full frame and other types of sensors interact with various lenses, I highly recommend doing some research on the web. There's a lot of good information out there, and this is a fairly involved subject that I don't even want to attempt to dive into here :)

One thing I couldn't figure out before having the camera in my possession deserves a mention. This is my first experience with a fold-out LCD screen on a DSLR, and I had no idea how the display would deal with flipping around 180 degrees. Would it be upside down? This was the first thing I tried, and the screen auto-flips when it is rotated. Maybe everyone else already knows this - but I didn't! Anyway, the fold-out display is a great feature, and it also folds face-in to protect the display when not in use.

The ability to touch various points on the LCD display while in Live View or shooting video, and shift focus while shooting is - to me at least - worth the price of admission. If Canon eventually updates the 7D and/or the 5D Mk III, this functionality would be most welcome!

Purely as a "gut reaction" - I really like the 70D immensely. And it seems a very good value for the price. This may actually become my preferred "walk-around camera, though time will tell.

EDIT - 10/22/2013: I've spent a lot more time with the camera now, so I can add to my earlier comments.

While I purchased the 70D mainly for shooting video, I recently used it to shoot bracketed exposures for HDR (high dynamic range) panoramas. A friend of mine had a nodal camera head (The "Ninja" head) which allowed for precise rotation of the camera to cover a full 360 degree field-of-view. The Canon 70D allows for up to 7 bracketed exposures via the AEB controls. The plates were shot in the RAW (CR2) format, using the kit lens, and stitched together using PTGui software.

After some initial trial runs, where we ironed out the kinks in the whole process, the results were exceptional. For those who may be wondering "why do you want a 32 bit HDR 360 panorama at 10k-16k resolution?" it is used to create realistic lighting and reflections in a 3D/CG software (i.e. Modo or Maya, for example). The 3D scene can be lit entirely by the 360 panoramic image, producing a very convincing result.

At any rate, the Canon 70D delivered terrific results doing something I didn't even foresee when I bought the camera. I will try and upload some of the tests (where the photographic panorama serves as both background and light-source) if I can figure out how to do so on the Amazon site.

EDIT - 11/9/2013: A note to anyone who intends to shoot green screen (for color keyed composites) or do precise color grading in post production: The video output from the 70D is not YCbCr 4:2:2 compression. This is not apparent to the naked eye when viewing the video footage, but it becomes an issue when attempting to work with the footage in a post environment. The firmware update for the Canon 5D addressed this problem by enabling 4:2:2 color output via the HDMI port to an external recording device (I use the Atomos Ninja 2 for this) but currently uncompressed "clean" HDMI is not enabled on the Canon 70D. I have my fingers crossed this will be dealt with in an update to the firmware.

This is not a huge issue unless you intend to do extensive manipulation of your video footage in post production, but it is something to consider with this camera and DSLRs in general. There are workarounds, of course, but that can entail a fair amount of time & effort, particularly when extracting color key mattes (masks) involving fine edge detail or areas of transparency.

That being said, the footage is nevertheless beautiful. And I suspect this technical point should not be an issue for most people considering buying the Canon 70D. The CR2 (camera raw) files are not at all affected by this, it's a factor limited to the HD video.