Canon EOS-70D

amazon Canon EOS-70D reviews

Taking pictures, filming is as easy as smartphone

Getting familiar with the 70D is not difficult, especially for people who have used Canon’s new DSLR. The design of the 60D is almost entirely up to the 70D with some technical changes, and both the battery and the charger are still in common use. Some people may be unhappy with the design of an SD memory card slot, do not support backup cards, so sometimes lose pictures due to card error that can not be restored. The controls on the camera are mainly focused on the right hand to help the left hand to manipulate the screen and lens.

But the most friendly thing on this camera is the capacitive touch technology that Canon applied to the rotating screen of this camera. The 70D’s customizable interface was slightly altered, mostly in the Info section for more convenient touch, becoming the same software used on many smartphones today. Surfing on this screen, we can zoom photos, select focus points or change shooting parameters … so easy that even beginners do not have trouble. DSLR has become so friendly to confront smartphones.

Focusing when filming is no longer difficult

The touch screen is even more powerful during filming, making it easier to select one of the 19 crosspoints (compared to just 9 points previously). The second major upgrade to the 70D is the Dual-Pixel CMOS AF technology, which also enhances the ability of the camcorder to use more focus in smooth, fast and accurate Live View. It is in phase focusing when shooting a regular image. Especially, when combined with STM technology such as KIT 18-135mm, 70D smooth operation is not much different than a camera system. In terms of film efficiency, this technology is no different than the Sony SLTs that came out a few years ago.

On the other hand, the 70D’s ability to focus in all modes is not perfect in all cases. Trying with a plain cardboard box or white wall, or simply a black computer keyboard, the 70D controls the retracted lens and the success rate is quite low. However, we recorded a front / back focus when selecting focus points in consecutive shooting mode as previous generations no longer appear over 70D.

For many people, taking pictures of everyday life or events, the stage is a pleasure not to be missed when holding the camera. But in this 70D, the Canon has not survived the unmoderated camera. The new Silent Shutter mode only reduces the shutter noise to lighter but still sounds clear. Our advice is to switch to Live View mode to reduce mirror noise.

where can you get a Canon EOS-70D online

Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR Camera (Body Only): Buy it now

Canon EOS 70D 20.2 MP AF Full HD 1080p DSLR Camera Bundle with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens, 55-250mm Image Stabilizer Zoom Lens and Accessory Kit (20 Items): Buy it now

Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera Bundle with 18-55mm IS STM Lens and Accessories (17 Items): Buy it now

Canon EOS 70D 20.2 MP SLR Camera Bundle with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 mm STM Lens, 55-250 mm f/4-5.6 Image Stabilizer Zoom Lens, Wide Angle Telephoto Lens and Accessories: Buy it now

Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm STM Lens: Buy it now

Shoot better night

With daylight, the 70D’s new sensor with higher resolution (20MP compared to 18MP of 60D) does not deliver superior performance in terms of both detail and color. The 70D’s JPG image is slightly increased by Canon. The appearance of the Digic 5+ processor is 17 times faster than the Digit 4 over the 60D, which is noticeably focused on delivering faster capture speed, up from 5.3 to 7 frames per second. In continuous shooting mode. With fast shutter speeds and good tracking AF, the 70D can partially assist with shooting sport, animals at a basic level.

Until the light in the room or the light, the advantage of the new 70D gradually revealed. With the Full Frame sensor, the 70D’s noise-canceling capability is almost equivalent to the Full Frame Nikon D600, but it’s hard to reach the Canon 6D’s ability in this paragraph. Even at ISO as high as 6,400, the whole image is still pretty clean. Up to the higher, the image is still clean but quite a lot of details are lost. Therefore, we are happy to let the machine automatically select ISO in the 100-6400.

One of the highlights of the 70D is the automatic white balance under the incandescent light. This style is maintained by Canon on some popular and semi-professional DSLRs with the reason of “feeling natural, genuine.” In some cases, purple blood is slightly darker than reality, but human skin tone in good light is very good looking. Perhaps this is the bottom line for Canon to attract the majority of amateurs who like to take portrait photo.

Start with confidence

With a price tag of just under $ 1000 for the camera itself, the 70D would be a serious investment for newcomers to photography. But with the ability to meet most of the needs of users, this price is also quite worthy. Even professionals can use the 70D as a backup for filming, and if you are afraid to shoot more with a main camera, it will damage the image sensor.

Sensor and Image Quality

At the heart of the Canon EOS 70D is a 20.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor coupled with the DIGIC 5+ image processor. This combination delivers excellent image quality with a good balance of detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. The native ISO range of 100-12800, expandable to 25600, allows the 70D to perform well in various lighting conditions.

Performance in Different Lighting Conditions

In good lighting, the 70D produces sharp, detailed images with accurate colors. The camera’s metering system is reliable, providing consistent exposures across a variety of scenes. In low-light conditions, the 70D performs admirably up to ISO 3200, with noise becoming more noticeable at higher ISO settings. The noise reduction capabilities of the DIGIC 5+ processor help to maintain image quality, making the camera suitable for indoor and night photography.

RAW vs. JPEG

The 70D offers both RAW and JPEG shooting options. JPEG images straight out of the camera are vibrant and well-processed, suitable for immediate use without much editing. However, shooting in RAW provides greater flexibility for post-processing, allowing photographers to adjust exposure, white balance, and other parameters with minimal loss of quality.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF

One of the most significant innovations introduced with the Canon EOS 70D is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. This technology allows for fast and accurate phase-detection autofocus across 80% of the image sensor, making it highly effective in both live view and video modes.

Live View Performance

In live view mode, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF provides quick and precise focusing, rivaling the performance of traditional viewfinder-based phase-detection systems. This makes the 70D an excellent choice for shooting stills from unconventional angles where using the viewfinder might be impractical. The touchscreen further enhances this experience by allowing users to simply tap to focus.

Video Performance

For videographers, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a game-changer. It ensures smooth and reliable autofocus tracking during video recording, significantly reducing the hunting effect often seen with contrast-detection systems. The 70D can record Full HD 1080p video at up to 30 frames per second, with options for 24 and 25 fps as well. The combination of continuous autofocus and the fully articulated screen makes the 70D a versatile tool for vlogging, interviews, and other types of video work.

Shooting Performance

The Canon EOS 70D offers a range of shooting modes and features that cater to various photographic needs. It can shoot continuously at up to 7 frames per second, which is impressive for a camera in this class. This makes it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports and wildlife.

Autofocus System

Apart from the Dual Pixel CMOS AF, the 70D features a 19-point all cross-type AF system for viewfinder shooting. This system is fast and accurate, providing reliable focus in a variety of situations. The central AF point is extra sensitive with f/2.8 and faster lenses, enhancing performance in low-light conditions.

Metering and Exposure

The 70D’s iFCL (intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance) 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor provides accurate exposure readings. The camera offers various metering modes, including evaluative, partial, spot, and center-weighted average, allowing photographers to choose the best option for their shooting scenario. Exposure compensation of +/- 5 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments provides ample flexibility for adjusting exposure.

Customization and Connectivity

Customization options are abundant with the 70D, allowing photographers to tailor the camera to their specific needs. The camera features customizable buttons and user-defined settings, which can be stored in the C1 and C2 positions on the mode dial for quick access.

Built-in Wi-Fi

The Canon EOS 70D includes built-in Wi-Fi, a first for Canon’s DSLR lineup at the time of its release. This feature enables wireless transfer of images and videos to compatible devices, as well as remote control of the camera via the Canon Camera Connect app. The app allows for live view shooting, adjusting settings, and even triggering the shutter remotely, making it a useful tool for studio work and group shots.

Video Capabilities

The video capabilities of the Canon EOS 70D are impressive, especially considering its age. The camera supports Full HD 1080p recording at 30, 25, and 24 frames per second, and HD 720p at 60 and 50 frames per second. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system ensures smooth and accurate focus transitions, which is particularly beneficial for professional-looking video production.

Audio Features

The 70D features a built-in stereo microphone with manual audio level control, providing decent audio quality for casual video recording. For better sound quality, the camera includes a 3.5mm microphone jack, allowing users to connect external microphones. This is a significant advantage for serious videographers who require higher audio fidelity.

Battery Life

The Canon EOS 70D uses the LP-E6 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the same model used in higher-end Canon DSLRs like the 5D Mark III. According to CIPA standards, the battery life is rated at approximately 920 shots per charge when using the optical viewfinder, and around 230 shots when using live view. In real-world use, this translates to a full day of shooting for most photographers. For extended shoots or video recording, carrying a spare battery is advisable.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Canon has long been praised for its user-friendly interfaces, and the EOS 70D is no exception. The menu system is logically organized and easy to navigate, whether using the touchscreen or physical controls. The Quick Control menu provides rapid access to frequently adjusted settings, and the customizable My Menu section allows users to group their most-used options for even faster access.

Touchscreen Functionality

The 3-inch Vari-angle touchscreen is one of the highlights of the 70D. It offers a high resolution and excellent color accuracy, making it easy to compose shots and review images. The touch functionality extends to all aspects of the camera’s operation, including menu navigation, playback, and focusing. The ability to touch to focus and shoot enhances the overall shooting experience, especially in live view mode.

Lenses and Accessories

The Canon EOS 70D is compatible with the extensive range of Canon EF and EF-S lenses, giving photographers a vast selection of glass to choose from. Whether you need wide-angle, telephoto, macro, or specialized lenses, the Canon lens ecosystem has you covered. Additionally, the 70D supports various accessories, including external flashes, battery grips, and remote controls, further expanding its versatility.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

1. Dual Pixel CMOS AF: The standout feature of the Canon 70D, providing fast and accurate autofocus during live view and video recording. This makes the camera highly versatile and capable of professional-quality video production.
2. Image Quality: The 20.2 MP APS-C sensor delivers excellent image quality with good detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range. The ability to shoot in RAW offers extensive post-processing flexibility.
3. Articulated Touchscreen: The fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD is a boon for creative shooting angles and ease of use. It enhances the overall user experience by providing touch functionality for focus and menu navigation.
4. Build Quality and Ergonomics: The camera is robustly built with a comfortable grip and intuitive control layout. It feels solid in hand and can withstand regular use in various conditions.
5. Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi enables easy sharing of images and remote control of the camera via the Canon Camera Connect app, enhancing convenience and workflow efficiency.
6. Continuous Shooting: The 7 frames per second continuous shooting speed makes the 70D suitable for capturing fast action, such as sports and wildlife photography.
7. Compatibility: The extensive range of Canon EF and EF-S lenses and accessories makes the 70D a versatile tool for different types of photography.

Weaknesses:

1. No 4K Video: While the Full HD video quality is excellent, the absence of 4K recording might be a drawback for videographers looking for the highest resolution available.
2. Limited Battery Life in Live View: The battery life drops significantly when using live view extensively, making it advisable to carry spare batteries for extended shoots.
3. Single SD Card Slot: Professional photographers might miss having a dual card slot for instant backups or extended storage.
4. No Built-In GPS: The lack of built-in GPS might be a downside for travel photographers who want to geotag their images.
5. Weight: Although not overly heavy, the 70D is slightly bulkier compared to some newer mirrorless options, which might be a consideration for those prioritizing portability.

Real-World Performance

The Canon EOS 70D excels in a variety of real-world shooting scenarios, proving its versatility and reliability.

Portrait Photography:

With its excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and variety of compatible lenses, the 70D is well-suited for portrait photography. The ability to use shallow depth of field with prime lenses, combined with the accurate focus, ensures stunning portraits with beautifully blurred backgrounds. The fully articulated screen is useful for composing shots at different angles, especially for self-portraits or when using a tripod.

Landscape Photography:

The 70D’s high resolution and dynamic range make it a solid choice for landscape photography. The detail captured by the 20.2 MP sensor ensures that intricate textures and patterns in nature are well-rendered. The camera’s robust build and weather-resistant features allow for shooting in various outdoor conditions, although it’s not fully weather-sealed.

Street Photography:

The discreet design and fast, reliable autofocus of the 70D make it ideal for street photography. The articulated touchscreen allows for shooting from the hip or other unconventional angles without drawing attention. Its solid performance in low light conditions is an asset for capturing cityscapes and street scenes in the evening or at night.

Sports and Wildlife Photography:

The 7 fps continuous shooting speed and 19-point cross-type AF system make the 70D capable of capturing fast-moving subjects effectively. Whether shooting a sports event or wildlife in action, the camera’s fast autofocus and burst mode ensure that you don’t miss critical moments. Pairing the camera with telephoto lenses from Canon’s extensive range enhances its capability in these genres.

Videography:

For videographers, the Canon 70D is a versatile tool thanks to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. This feature provides smooth and accurate autofocus during video recording, significantly enhancing the production quality. The fully articulated screen allows for easy framing and monitoring, making it suitable for vlogging and professional video work alike. While it lacks 4K capability, the Full HD video produced by the 70D is sharp and detailed, and the option to use an external microphone improves audio quality.

Post-Processing and Workflow

The Canon EOS 70D’s ability to shoot in RAW format provides extensive flexibility for post-processing. Canon’s RAW files offer a good balance of detail and dynamic range, allowing photographers to make significant adjustments to exposure, color balance, and contrast without degrading image quality. The camera’s built-in Wi-Fi also streamlines the workflow by enabling quick transfers to a computer or mobile device for immediate editing and sharing.

Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software is a powerful tool for processing RAW files, offering comprehensive adjustments and batch processing capabilities. For those using Adobe Lightroom or other third-party software, the 70D’s RAW files are widely supported, ensuring a smooth integration into various editing workflows.

Longevity and Relevance

Despite being released in 2013, the Canon EOS 70D remains a relevant and capable camera for many photographers. Its innovative features, such as Dual Pixel CMOS AF, set a standard that continues to influence newer models. While technology has advanced, the core capabilities of the 70D still hold up, making it a valuable tool for both amateur and professional photographers.

The extensive range of compatible lenses and accessories ensures that the 70D can grow with the photographer, adapting to new genres and styles as needed. Its robust build quality means that with proper care, the camera can provide many years of reliable service.

Conclusion

The Canon EOS 70D is a landmark camera that brought significant innovations to the DSLR market, particularly with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. This feature alone makes it a standout choice for videographers and those who frequently shoot in live view mode. Combined with its excellent image quality, robust build, intuitive controls, and extensive customization options, the 70D offers a versatile and reliable solution for a wide range of photographic needs.

While it does have some limitations, such as the lack of 4K video and a single SD card slot, these are minor compared to the camera’s strengths. The Canon EOS 70D remains a strong contender in the mid-range DSLR market, offering a compelling blend of performance, features, and value. Whether you’re a beginner looking to step up your photography game or an experienced shooter in need of a versatile tool, the Canon EOS 70D is a camera that deserves serious consideration.