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Now reading: User experience: In-depth look at Canon EOS 70D's Dual Pixel AF system 723 comments

723

User experience: In-depth look at Canon EOS 70D's Dual Pixel AF system

Published Aug 15, 2013 | dpreview staff

Following our update last week to the Canon EOS 70D preview, we've been spending a little more time with the camera, to get a feel for its new Dual Pixel CMOS phase-detect autofocus system. What we've seen so far has been impressive - in live view the camera offers very responsive AF, eliminating the annoying focus seek we’ve seen in past models. We have a whole run down, with samples, on how the Dual Pixel AF performs in both live view and movie mode, as well as a brief studio and low light analysis. Click the links below to read our review-in-progress.

Canon's 20.2MP EOS 70D has a new autofocus system for live view that dedicates 80% of its pixels to phase-detect autofocus.

Click to read our Canon 70D User Experience page - part of our full updated preview

Tags: preview, canon, dual-pixel-af, eos

Comments

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Most popular (15)

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DPR staff (14)

Oldest first

omegaman1

The Canon 70D is a wonderful, capable digital SLR camera, and at a reasonable price since I intend on buying the body only; I have lens that fit Canon mounts. However, I wonder if Canon is ever going to make a digital camera that is weather and dust-proof such the Pentax K-70. Myself I have a Canon Rebel XS that I bought in 2009, and it serves me well. However, I am thinking of getting another Canon camera, but I am not yet certain of the 70D; if there are now digital cameras such as the new Pentax K-70. What outdoor photographers need is photo equipment that can withstand the elements of weather; to a reasonable, practical degree.

3 weeks ago*permalink

Krishna137

How to do time lapse using the pc ! Without a seperate intervalometer?

2 months agopermalink

benbjr

Is the EOS 70D a full frame camera?

4 months agopermalink

CARinROK

No, it's a crop sensor with Canon's 1.6x crop factor, like all other Canon Prosumer DSLRs with two-digit numbers. The 7D and 7D Mark II also use crop sensors, but with more professional features. Succeeded by the recently released EOS 80D.

3 months ago*permalink

mountainBill

Can the camera be operated with manual controls or is it all touch screen?
How does the touch screen hold up in below zero temperatures?
How does the battery hold up below zero? I am guessing the added grip battery handle is a necessity in cold weather?
I have always used a Sony VX1000 for video (rebuild twice) and am still shooting slides (with an F-1n) for some photos and have been using a pocket Canon S90 (handy and always with me) and ready to add a 70D for both video and still digital frames.
It appears there are adapters to use F series Canon lenses on the 70D manually. I was a professional and have an arsenal of L series Canon lenses I would also like to use, but will be buying the STM lenses for the 70D. Any advice much appreciated as this is basically a new realm of untested waters for me.

10 months agopermalink

Thermidor

The touchscreen complements the controls, but there's nothing it does that you can't do with the buttons and dials. I personally like it very much, but if you don't, you can disable it.

I live in a warm climate country, so I can't help you with the low temeperatures questions, sorry.

But yes, there are adapters to mount old Canon FD, or even Nikon manual lenses over to the Canon mount, as long as you're fine with manual focusing. If you have existing L lenses, you should have no problems using them on the 70D, though for video work I imagine you'd want to manual focus.

The STM kit lens for the 70D is very good, and there's an option to upgrade to a longer 18-135mm distance.

10 months agopermalink

mountainBill

Many thanks for your reply, much appreciated.
Bill

9 months agopermalink

mulestick

Hello mB, yes you can use the camera in manual mode and never touch the screen.
I believe you have an arsenal of Canon L series lenses because at that time the glass was the most important part of photography. It's still the most important part but now in conjunction with the sensor. In this evolution of sensors, you must consider the what and how of your photography and then decide the sensor. You've already decided on the glass (L). Because you are considering the use of adapters you're not limited to Canon cameras. You have so many things to consider; should you sell your arsenal and get into medium format digital. I was taught to buy the best glass I could afford and then get any POS camera with the money I had left.
Good luck on all your possibilities. I don't envy you.
My Best, mulestick

7 months agopermalink

RachelCM

I've read through the reviews here and elsewhere and I'm more taken by the 70d than 7D Mk II, especially considering the price difference. I picked up a Canon D400 on ebay a while back and it's been a nice, if limited entry experience into DSLR photography. I like my Canon, yes I'm sure that they're a little behind Nikon in terms of absolute image quality at this level of camera but my biggest gripe with my current camera isn't the photos I've achieved with it but the poor viewfinder. I really want to be able to manually focus at times and the poor viewfinder on the 400D, plus the total lack of any form of live view really makes manual shooting a nightmare. The D400 is now so long in the tooth but I have bought some nice Canon IS lenses and the 50mm f/1.8 II which I just love for portraits and I really don't want to change to a different system now. Would you say that this is the best value for money Canon DSLR for an upgrade?

Sep 14, 2015permalink

Donnie AI

Hi RachelCM

If you are not really into sports / wildlife and just wanted an all around camera, Between the 2 The 70D would be the better choice. The Touchscreen really helps in portraits as you can preview if things are in focus quickly. Navigating / Previewing the images also is a breeze. Not to mention the flippy screen being useful for self portraits / videos should you ever consider doing one. And not to mention being a decent video camera.

The 7D mark II on the other hand has better build, burst rate, buffer, Dual Card slots, focusing and viewfinder. If you plan to do sports and wildlife in the future, this is the better option.

IMO. Since you are able to afford the 7D Mark II, You may as well just consider upgrading to FF. The 6D or 5D Mark II is a good value for the money and the image quality is far more better than the 2 cameras you mentioned especially if you do a lot of low light shooting.

Sep 18, 2015*permalink

peanutz

Go for the 70D. Goes well for fast shooting (@7fps; good for sports and wildlife), manual lenses (because of Live View magnification), high native ISO, responsive Touchscreen, and Dual Pixel AF, nice video capability (especially when using STM lenses), but do invest on EF lenses if ever you want to upgrade to full frame later on.

Sep 20, 2015*permalink

Chris JC

I love everything I've read here except for one thing: without a headphone jack the camera is useless to me for video recording as we always need to mic a presenter or interviewee, therefore we absolutely must be able to monitor the quality of the incoming audio signal. It's a shame too as a certain warehouse box store has a great price on these now.

Aug 18, 2015permalink

lsmith1977

Which warehouse bx store??

Aug 19, 2015permalink

deskbound

Costco has it in VA for 1200 or so with 2 lenses, bag and card.

Sep 27, 2015permalink

webmiser

With a Boya SM80 stereo mic mounted on the camera and being fed into the mic socket, you have the headphone output on the Boya mic and they give you an earbud to listen with. It has a flexible mount and the audio quality is excellent. High pass filter, 10db pad and level control combined with 70D manual audio control gives very good results. The Boya mike is less than £30 :o)

11 months agopermalink

FiveManDown

I thought this initially but forget the headphone jack the audio on all DLSR's is not great. You want a separate audio system which plugs in to the camera and then you can have full control and monitoring. Something like TASCAM DR-60D would be high end and around $200.

11 months agopermalink

Chris JC

@webmiser, I understand that you can use the headphone output of the Boya, but I'd rather monitor what is actually going into the camera. What if the connector between the mic and the camera is faulty? You'd be hearing good audio coming out of the mic's headphone output, but you wouldn't know that you didn't actually record anything until you reviewed later.

11 months agopermalink

Gedyk04

Replaced my trusty Nikon D90 for the Canon D70. What a fantastic choice to make. Firstly I stuck a 70-200 L series Lens on & did some outdoor portrait. The colours were simply beautifully such creamy bokah such naturally beautiful shots all way found.
Simple settings aperture anywhere between f4/f11. Daylight white balance. ISO 100/400.
Even used my Galaxy s5 with app to set up the cam & shoot away.
Why did I choose the Canon D70? Well I read up as much as I could on the D70 & at that time the D7100 & the Canon felt more of a grown up camera, the WiFi is just fantastic. I have had the pull out screens & they are great for low or high shooting.
I just love this camera the battery is great. I don't do cam just photo work. Oh 1 thing to mention is the burst rate??? Click click click away boy it's fast.

Aug 12, 2015permalink

Pantelei

Just to add to my previous post, whilst I'll stick with the Sony a6000 for now, I think the 70D looks like a camera I'd be happy to go for if i needed another camera. I do astro photography and I'm sure that Canon is still the leader in that field of use (within dSLR cameras...), however as I'm just waiting for a Moravian Instruments G2-8300 astro imaging CCD camera that will serve me better than any dSLR, therefore there is no other real advantage I can see, especially if I consider the weight and size of the 70D camera and the lenses that I would need to come with it...
If Canon reads this, this might be a good feedback for them to see why they lost a Canon dSLR user this time...

Aug 11, 2015permalink

Pantelei

I've been using a sony a6000 for half a year. I cannot agree with Tuan. The Sony a6000 is a sturdy piece of equipment, comfortable to hold and it realy does everything you throw at it, except touchscreen & GPS. I used to have a Canon 40D then a 7D, but the weight & size really bothered me. With the sony I can have both the wide & tele lenses with me in my pocket. It also amazed me when it could autofocus on some bright stars at night, and I did that from inside the house from my samsung S5 phone, whilst the camera was setup in the garden. I guess something similar could be achieved with the 70D.
Regarding image quality, I think Canon can produce cleaner, smoother images at the same ISO. If I was a professional photographer, I would probably stick with Canon, but as I'm not and mostly I would use the images on a computer screen, those 24MP images look just as good as any Canon image would... Once again, my experience is based on the latest 7D, not 70D...

Aug 11, 2015permalink

Tuan NG

I also held the A6000 for a day and my comment about this little monster is as following:

Sony A6000 + good lens: for travel. However, I feel most of the body made from plastic and I could easily break it to pieces. When holding the 70D, you feel like holding a hi-tech device while the A6000 brings to you 'PnS-like' feeling!

Love the touch screen on 70D. And you know what: I saw a guy at camera store who tried to touch the A6000 when navigating the menu all the time even he knew that it can not be!

I feel bad about the screen ratio of the A6000: 16:9 or 3:2, both look weird!

Then, the color from Canon is exactly my taste: smooth and creamy!

If you concern about the image quality between Canon vs. Sony, something like: 60 vs. 80, I would say: Canon's image quality is better in real life!

GO FOR 70D and you have nothing to worry about but shooting!

Aug 4, 2015permalink

jacobeattie

You're right, I just sold my A6000 kit and am keen to get my hands on one of these!

Aug 5, 2015permalink

newuser1

I plan to buy a semi-pro camera (with the kit lens) in the next month or so. I have a budget of about Rs. 100000 (approx $1500).
I am torn between mirrorless and Canon 70D.
I am leaning towards the traditional DSLR more. Can someone please suggest which way I should go? I am hearing good things about the sony A6000 but I will not be able to upgrade beyond that soon.
Canon 70D or a mirrorless Camera.

Jul 26, 2015permalink

Tuan NG

Semi-pro camera: go for Canon EOS 70D + 18-135 STM
Mirrorless: consider Sony A7 + 28-70 OSS

I owned both for a while and decided to keep the 70D. I feel more confident when holding DSLR cameras rather than mirorless ones

Aug 4, 2015permalink

Amir Shayani

Hey everyone,
I've decided to upgrade from EOS 1000D to 70D but reading all the reviews and everything is changing my mind. could you suggest me something(a new camera with 70D price range or if you think there is no problem with the camera)? I'd appreciate it.

Jun 25, 2015permalink

Silent Assassin

I personally would suggest you to go with Canon EOS 70D. It is best in the business. Having seeked expert advice before buying my first DSLR, I am happy that I could get the same opinion from all of them. Yes, Canon EOS 70D is the best option before you if you are interested in PRO PHOTOGRAPHY. (prefer a 18-135 mm STM lens).

Jul 19, 2015*permalink

wedel

Hey there! I need your guys advice. My Sony NEX-7 with a 18-200 got just stolen. I'm a travel photographer, means most of my pics cover landscapes, people, wildlife and sometimes sports. My preferences lay on a single lense with a big range, for that I was thinking about the Tamron 16-300 in combination with the here discussed EOS 70D. Due to the fact of being in Costa Rica, my chances to buy the lense are pretty small. Any alternatives that are more comon? Thanks a lot in advance.

Jun 25, 2015permalink

lbuclk=

I used a Tamron 28-300mm as my work horse lens on one of my cameras just to avoid changing lens constantly. IQ was good.

Jul 12, 2015permalink

webmiser

The new Sigma 18-300mm OS lens gives pretty good IQ using their 'FLD' glass in several elements. It's not too big, either.

11 months agopermalink

e4jmd

Good afternoon a bit of help please I'm having issues with the 70D autofocus and have read elsewhere this is/was a issue with the first batch of Camera's has anyone else found this problem of what is generally an excellent user friendly camera

Jun 14, 2015permalink

Rolf_S

Hi Everybody,
in the specs of the EOS 70D it says that AEB can be done within ±3 with 2,3,5,or 7 Frames at 1/3EV or 1/2 EV.
I only found means to do 3 Frames.
Can somebody explain to me how to do more than 3 Frames or is it just a typo in the spec sheet ? (copy and paste from a Nikon Camera?

thanks in advance

Rolf

Jun 9, 2015*permalink

User7673929503

Hello,

I am planning to buy Canon 70D, with Canon EF-S 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. My intention behind buying this lens is just to make sure that I need not carry multiple lenses, and this should help me learn DSLR techniques. Please advise if this is a good combination.

Thank you.

May 25, 2015permalink

princewolf

Hi User :)
You can also try the Tamron 16-300mm it's a great travel lens.

May 25, 2015permalink

Xentinus

I'd go for an 18-135 STM...it is sharp,cheap and quiet for video mode.
Despite Canon's sensors are behind Sony's,I am seriously thinking about switching to Canon.

Jun 26, 2015permalink

CanonShottaaja

Hi Steve70Dreinhardt
If "the same issues as everyone else is reporting" means focusing problems, read this.
I have EOS70D + Sigma 18-35 1.8 lens and this combination has been difficult to focus right by using OVF. The reason is maybe fast lens & Focus Schift.
I have solved the problem as following:
In menu I put the focus point illumination on (red squares in VF activate themselves, when focusing is ok). Then I changed AF from one point focusing to 9 point focusing. Makeing this allowes the camera body to deside, which point are the best ones for focusing. Then I look at, that at least 3 points will be activated and if not, I make a new focusing untill it will happen. This way the body can choose best points for focusing (suitable amount light, contrast, details and colours). If I use one point focusing and choose the situation of the point by myself, it is maybe not good enough for the camera and then focusing is not ok.
By this way I can shoot sharp pictures and misses are very few.

Apr 28, 2015permalink

TonyCu

Thanks for posting the tip Steve.

May 1, 2015permalink

Steve70Dreinhardt

Hi All,
I recently purchased the sigma 18-35 1.8 lens to suit my canon 70D (purchased in Dec 2013), and found that the same issues as everyone else is reporting. I took my camera to the local camera store and tried it with a brand new out the box 70D (yesterday & sigma 18-35 1.8 lens) we did the exact same testing (granted it was hand held) and experienced the same problem. I have tried resetting the camera back to default but no difference was noted.

I was advised by the shop to send the body and lens to Sigma (in Australia where we are located) for the lens to be calibrated to my camera body, however, my concern lies that the issue is a body issue not lens issue, can anyone confirm this?

For those of you that have sent away your bodies to canon what was the outcome?

I am about to go on a safari in Africa and was intending on taking a 70-200 f2.8 and am now very aware of the fact that the camera may not be able to handle the lens when shot in view finder.

Any ideas?

Apr 27, 2015permalink

TonyCu

I was thinking of purchasing this combination. Can you be a bit more specific about the problem please? A quick search on this camera/body combination does not reveal much negative info.

I am aware that focusing wide open can be difficult, but in a lens of this focal length range I would normally focus manually anyhow.

Apr 29, 2015permalink

Hugobay

Hello, when I shoot with my 70 D and then upload my footage to final cut, The start time of each shot is different. So for instance the 1st shot is from 0s to 12s well then the start time of 2nd shot will be 12s and so on and isn't zero...... It doest do this with my other cameras or the iPhone. You can reset the time code to 0 in the menu but it never does it automatically. I read the manual but i didn't understand anything. Anybody has a clue? The start time of each shot should be zero!

Apr 18, 2015permalink

a777

:) But if timecode always starts with zero, what's the difference with record time? Timecode is needed to syncronize your movies between each other...Either counting overall record time of your shots, or indicating where it was started. So reset of timecode is needed, for example, if your starting new project. Use record time, it always starts with zero.

Apr 25, 2015permalink

Hugobay

I never got a notification of your comment! my bad for answering late!!

I now see the purpose of a timecode! I thought you just sinked with the audio waves but i guess it can help with timecode too. thx but even on record time, only the first clip starts from 0, if you want you can reset the starting time manually in the settings but there is no way of doing it automatically... But never mind it's okay ;)

May 9, 2015permalink

mabdelaa

will, I need to know if the body of the 70D made from a magnesium alloy or plastic or mix between both

Mar 23, 2015permalink

rapidraider

I have a canon 70D, while taking photos a shaft of light appeared in the photo , I changed lens but it is still there. Can you tell me why this would happen?

Mar 8, 2015permalink

lightandday

Hi
Place this question on the Canon SLR forum and hopefully someone will give you a definitive answer ! I have some thoughs but they may cloud the correct answer !
Regards

Mar 21, 2015permalink

drhollett

Similar thing happened to a friends 70D. If I remember correctly it was a horizontal bar would be lighter then the rest of the picture. He ended up having to get his shutter fixed due to a detached blade.

Mar 28, 2015permalink

Astrid A

Just a thought. How come nothing in the testing procedure is the same when you look up the "auto focus" sections of the 70D and the 7D mk II. Would be interesting to see the 70D:s tests beeing performed on the 7D II, especially since the conventional AF of the 70D seems to be surprisingly inaccutate, and inconsistent.

Dec 27, 2014permalink

Pritzl

All standard phase detect systems show this same inaccuracy/inconsistency you lament. If the body and lens are matched perfectly, or you micro-adjust to match them, then the inconsistency goes away. It's just that this is the first DSLR with phase detect on the sensor that illustrates just how much better phase detect AF calculations on the sensor are.

Every DSLR ever produced will have this same problem.

Feb 3, 2015permalink

MarketingSpark

Quick question: One of the features listed in this review is "silent shutter mode" which I found on the camera but it is not quiet at all. It's the loudest of any camera I've owned. Am I doing something incorrectly?

Dec 14, 2014permalink

Lew K

I can't directly answer you question as I don't have a 70D, but I do have a 5D MkIII and the silent shutter modes on it are significantly quieter than the regular shutter modes. And both silent and regular are much quieter than most of the Nikons I've heard.

I take a lot of theater pics and I have found the silent mode to be great. It is generally inaudible from more than about 10' away if the room isn't dead quiet.

Your milage may vary.

LewK

Mar 5, 2015permalink

MarketingSpark

This review says, "In addition to capturing video at 1920 x 1080 at 30, 25, and 24fps, the 70D can also capture a still image, or multiple still images at full resolution..." Here's my question: if you try to take a picture while shooting a video, it pauses the video for a second (and you hear the shutter sound) in your video before the video continues on. Is there a way to create a still from a video frame after the fact so my video isn't all goofed up?

Dec 14, 2014permalink

kelleym

You can create any still from any video using your video editor program -- that would be the preferred method of doing so.

Feb 17, 2015permalink

jacobeattie

I know this message is late but on the 70D it "Slower" rather then silent

Aug 5, 2015permalink

Allen Yang

Its focus accuracy is worse than that of 60D, really?

Dec 3, 2014permalink

PoltarGeyst

Its has micro adjast AF for up to 40 lenses... (diff by S/N)

Dec 12, 2014permalink

mishma

Hi Allen, which camera do you feel performs the best in the 60D 70D price range? Not trying to debate was looking for your professional opinion.

Mar 16, 2015permalink

arcruz

I just sold my EOS 400D but still keep my lens kit; a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and a Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. I'm interested in these two cameras: the 70D and the old 7D What would you guys recommend? I usually do some landscape photography, portraits but in the near future I expect to learn about the timelapse technique. Video isn't really important for me so far. I would appreciate your opinions.

Regards,

Antonio.

Dec 2, 2014permalink

Chronis

Buy a Sony or Nikon

Dec 12, 2014permalink

Johnny420

Don't listen to the Nikon fanboy. For your needs, and given the age of the 7D, I'd go for the 70D. It's updated in virtually all respects and represents a good value.

Dec 13, 2014permalink

Chronis

ohhhh but I'm a Canon customer... from the past 20 years or so...

but I'm fed up with their complecentcy, lack of innovation but mostly fed up waiting for a decent body that would stand up to competition...

buy anything but Canon... their current line up is second best at least...

Dec 14, 2014permalink

arcruz

Thank you guys for your advices I really appreciate it. I just sold one of my two lenses that I mentioned before, therefore I discarded any Canon DSLR. Now I'm between these two cameras:
*Sony A77II
*Nikon D7100

The Nikon is winning the battle so far :)

Regards.

Dec 30, 2014*permalink

M Navneeth Krishna

I shoot sports. I'd like to know the best combination of eos 70d with the telephoto lenses. Please comment.

Oct 22, 2014permalink

Gabe GDL

Wow, just finished watching the 70D vs the 7100. I did have the 7100 at one time and sold it. Guess I should have spent more time with it. However, a friend of mine is using his 70D for video and I like how the 70D has that pull out LCD touch monitor and can chose different focus points instantly where the 7100 you have to arrow your focus box to that location. End up getting the D800E because I shoot more photos but its still a Nikon and the video is the same setup. Image quality is great though but I like how the video is setup on the canon. Looks easier to work with. Should I just get the 70D or the new 7D to do video. I don't think the new 7D has a flip out Lcd touch screen which i think is really cool. Himm. But I shoot more photos than I do video. What do I do.

Oct 4, 2014*permalink

Whiz Bang

Both 70D and 7D2 has better video due to dual pixel phase detection technology. Eos 70D better with touch screen so that we can change focus during movie shooting (focus pull), but lack of headphone, whilst EOS 7D mark2 has headphone output, but lack of flip and touch screen. I guess wait for EOS 6d mk2 that has both and also full-frame?

Nov 2, 2014permalink

oll27

A dream come true. My first DSLR camera.

Sep 30, 2014permalink

Fourcents

Maybe ??? LOL

Things you can imagine will be coming in the years ahead..............

Oct 30, 2014permalink

carmeld

Hi,
I am about to buy a new camera to replace my recently stolen 500D.
I am tossing up between the Canon 700D and the 70D and would appreciate advice regarding which direction to go.
I take a variety of subject matter from portraits to landscapes, but not usually sports.
I don't usually take video either, but I am thinking it could be something useful to consider in the near future, for family events etc.

Sep 27, 2014permalink

cberry

Just tried the 650D (Basically a 700D in disguise) and the 70D - hands down the 70D wins.
Best features: Wifi+live-view remote shooting for portraits where you can change your focus point and shoot from where the lighting is, mirror lockup + wifi remote for macro shooting and damn good critical focus in live-view for portraits with STM lenses - v. good with USM lenses.

Dec 5, 2014permalink

aipshah

Can any one help me choosing a better camera between Nikon D7100 and Canon EOS 70D other suggestions are also welcomed in same range.

Sep 9, 2014permalink

dan341

Well, it's kind of like buying a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. They're comparable and either will get the job done. Both Nikon and Canon have have their followings. Look for features that you think you'll use: wireless, gps, video autofocus... (because image quality and lens selection are pretty much the same) Right now the most interesting lenses are being made by sigma, and the only camera body that stands out as being different is the sony a7.

Sep 11, 2014permalink

YukonRed

Do you mean the forthcoming 70D, or the original one? Just as there are other cars besides Camrys and accords, there are other worthy camera brands and I think they are worth talking about. You don't specify what you want you want your camera for (landscapes? Sports? Children? Studio shots?) but there are other cameras that have garnered excellent response--the Fuji XT-1 or the Pentax K3, which is weather-sealed. You don't specify that you want full-frame … but if you're looking at the original 70D versus a Nikon D7100 I would go for the latter; if it's the *new* 70D, pending the official review, I'll go for that.

Sep 28, 2014permalink

tbcass

"New" 70D???

Oct 2, 2014permalink

sjp711

What I'm wanting is a nice but non-expensive everyday lens that will allow me to take pictures of my active 1yr old, indoor events, outdoor adventures, candids and family portraits. A second lens to give me that "bokeh" effect that I love shooting and the 3rd lens to have some fun with, like the fisheye effect.

Aug 25, 2014permalink

vlab

get 15-85 Canon

Aug 31, 2014permalink

sjp711

Other than the lens that comes in the kit, what is a good walk-around lens for the 70D? Something I will use during everyday life and during photo shoots? I have a 1yr old daughter who I also love taking candids of. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

Aug 25, 2014permalink

vlab

Canon 15-85, spend two weeks in Thailand, carried all fancy stuff befind my back, gues what? 100% saved shots - 15-85!

Aug 31, 2014permalink

mquinn64

Hi vlab - the photos you took with your 15-85 lens were they good quality lens quiet and focus quick. I am heading off on a trip to NYC, Washington, LA, Vegas, San Fran and Whistler - do you think I would just use this one. Photos of sights and family

Sep 9, 2014permalink

Iwan33

I use 70d with EF-S 17-55 IS USM, this is a natural match (good size and balance and very good IQ), especially for people photography. You can use the lens also for video since it has IS, although in quite places you can hear the USM a bit.

Sep 17, 2014permalink

Tonycaselle

Get the 50mm f1.8 lens, very cheap for a lens but it comes with outstanding performance, people call it the plastic fantastic for a reason!

Nov 10, 2014permalink

davidfmunn

Would Canon like to respond to WHY there is no GPS functionality in such a quality mid-range camera? How disappointing to find that they have omitted, what should be a simple inclusion, in this camera. Makes the Map function in Lightroom 5 obsolete!!

Aug 25, 2014*permalink

karl46

Upgraded from 350d and probably expecting too much of that ?
Because , after using it for a couple of months, I have more than one problem with this camera:
- some lenses I have give very poor results, the 28-135 f3.5-5.6 IS is the best example, sometimes I have to put the IS OFF to get a decent result
- red eyes all over when using the internal flash
- burst rate slows down after use of the camera for some time, so much that for about 15 seconds, taking another pîcture is impossible, awful when shooting a show
- in auto mode: flash sync jumps to 1/30 most of the time, there really was nothing wrong with the 1/60 on the 350d
- also in auto mode: focusing & metering was better in the 350d, I've started using that camera again for some things

I also found out that:
- the bulk lens 18-55 that came with the 350d performs well and shows the potential of the 70d
- tested the Canon 18-135 bulk lens of a friend, clearly better results than the 28-135 (price is about the same)

Aug 23, 2014*permalink

dan341

Just wanted to point out a couple things that you might not be considering. #1 your resolution more than doubled so you're going to see the imperfections in your lenses a lot more on the 70D. The 28-135mm is honestly a terrible lens. Pick a focal length that you like and buy a more specialized lens with a larger maximum aperture. For example the canon 50mm 1.8 costs around $100 and will blow your mind with image quality compared that terrible lens. #2 99.9% of the time when you're having write speed issues it's because of your memory cards. Look up the manufacturers max write speed for a card in MB/S. Then check your file sizes x frame rate and you'll have an idea how much data you need to write per second not to fill your buffer.

Sep 11, 2014permalink

lakel4444

Hello. I'm a teenager looking to upgrade from my samsung nx300. Would the Canon EOS 70d be a good option for a first-dslr? Or should I go with another camera/brand.

Thanks

Jul 6, 2014permalink

andrehk

you can pick sony a6000.. a better camera overall than 70d

Aug 3, 2014permalink

1611KJB

Hello lake4444, I'm not sure why "camera people" talk so much, say so little, fight so much and never answer a question. In any event, the 70D is an excellent mid-level DLSR camera. It is certainly not an entry level model and it certainly is not a professional model, so it sits nicely in the middle of the range. I beginner can take spectacular shots using it, there is a huge amount of learning you can do with this camera and anything less than a career in photography will see you never require another camera - it make take you quite awhile to learn everything it does, and many years beyond that to master the controls, but you can take excellent pictures right out of the box. This is Canon's premiere video DSLR and you won't find better video capabilities anywhere. Don't let all the talk about "models" and waiting for the "next" one throw you off - there is no end to the models. When I first entered into DSLR photography, I went to buy a Rebel Ti, found a 2Ti and 3Ti was out in 1 week

Aug 11, 2014permalink

tbcass

Any brand you buy will suit you fine because they are all good. Do your research and see which model camera suits your needs best. It's not the brand but the model within the brand.

Oct 2, 2014permalink

dsquirrel

listen to the man, he knows what he's talking about.

Oct 3, 2014permalink

drdee

There are an awful lot of things that you probably need to think about. For example, if you plan on out door, all weather use, then a sealed camera is a very good idea. Canon added the dust and moisture seals back with the 70D. You don't want to dunk it a pond, or drag by the strap through a dune, but it won't die in a light rain or start making grinding noises when the shutter moves on a dusty day. DSLR results have more to do with the lens than the body, so one thing that you will discover is that what ever camera you chose, the lenses will tend to increasingly tie you to that brand. So, think carefully. What kind of photography do you want to do? What kind of money do you have/can you stand to spend on it? The 70D is an excellent camera body. So are most others.

Oct 16, 2014permalink

ConnieE

Hello, just my two cents worth. I own a 5dMarkII but wanted a cheaper alternative for distance so I bought the 70d. I was waiting on the 7D replacement but there was a special deal of no tax (plus I had a trade in). Anyway, I bought the 70d.

Pros- I love the touch screen! The number of focus points over my 5DMarkII are wonderful.

Cons- I feel the noise at higher ISO is much more prevalent than in my MarKII.

I wish I had waiting on the 7D replacement. I must say I am a bit disappointed.

Jun 25, 2014*permalink

Sir Canon

cut the 70d some slack, the 5dII is full frame.

Jul 28, 2014permalink

andrehk

full frame is mile better than dx / cropped sensor camera

Aug 3, 2014permalink

Scorehound

Andrehk,

Why would you say it is better?

1. You can buy ultra wide lenses to counter the crop factor with FF lenses like the 16-35 (The Tokina 11-16 is a great piece of glass for Crop cameras)

2. They are good for wildlife and sports photography because of the crop factor of the bodies.

3. They are the most manufactured cameras and most popular.

4. Image quality is not that far off compared to a FF.

5. They are more affordable.

I have owned crops and FF cameras and I struggle to find a major difference between the quality of the images when a good lens is attached and the photo is taken properly. I will say the high ISO noise of crops isn't as good as FF, but the difference isn't that noticeable in most situations.

So a little better maybe for some things such as High ISO performance, but a mile? I doubt that.

Sep 22, 2014permalink

tbcass

The 7Dii would have the same amount of high iso noise because it uses the same sensor. If you hate noise that much either

1) stop viewing at 100%

2) Buy another Full Frame camera.

Oct 2, 2014permalink

Scorehound

The 7DII does not use the same sensor as the 70D. Just because it is 20MP doesn't mean its the same.

Oct 3, 2014permalink

dsquirrel

it's also not a full frame camera...so by ''buy another full frame camera" he presumably means, 'buy a full frame camera'..

Oct 3, 2014permalink

tbcass

So tell me. How is the 7Dii sensor different? What proof do you have? The Imaging Resource comparometer reveals identical IQ between the 2 cameras. Do you really think that Canon would waste resources on a new sensor so soon after the 70D sensor was introduced. There is nothing wrong with the 70D sensor. Why come out with a new one.

Oct 3, 2014permalink

tbcass

dsquirrel; He owns a 5D mkii which is a FF camera. That is what I was referencing.

Oct 3, 2014permalink

Le Kilt

Scorehound : where did you get that info from, pure guessing ?
The flip out screen is also great for close to ground and macro work.
The FF sensors do have slightly better quality (less noise, even at low ISO) but the APS-C sensors have better reach for distant subject (eg birds).

Oct 9, 2014permalink

tbcass

The better quality of FF sensors below iso3200 is apparent only at 100% viewing or when producing gigantic prints and even then you need a side by side comparison.

Oct 9, 2014permalink

tbcass

Andrehk

Exaggerated superlatives are a common problem on these forums. If you had two cars and one had a top speed of 150mph and another 145mph they would say the slightly faster car is way faster or far faster etc. It's a hold over from childhood.

Oct 9, 2014permalink

Le Kilt

I have a 5D2 and a 7D, have used both extensively and see the differences. I'll most likely upgrade the 7D to a 7DII when it's available, particularly for distant stuff including birds and boats, but wish it had the swivel screen. If I had too much money I'd get a 70D too...

Oct 10, 2014permalink

Donie

Help...
Is this video telling the truth?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA6JnzYSDJE

has anyone tried it comparing the center af point OVF vs liveview on a fast lens?

Jun 6, 2014permalink

Cowboy59

Hi Donnie. Yes he is. I ordered a new Canon 70D the first week of May, prior to seeing this video. Once I saw the video I was concerned and decided to run my own test using my 16-35 f2.8 canon lens. I mounted the camera on a tripod and took a picture using the center focus through the viewfinder and 1 using the LCD. The results were noticeably different. In truth my understanding is that in everyday use most folks would never have an issue. I did not want to deal with the issue and decided to spend more money and get a full frame 6D, which has had the price reduced. So I was glad to be notified of the issue. Also, I rarely shoot video so the 6D ultimately was a better choice for me. You can see the difference in the two pictures I took at

https://plus.google.com/112234290451465240825/posts/BScy5CBkUB2

Jun 21, 2014permalink

Liomar Marques Jlio

The 6D was better for video??

Jul 8, 2014permalink

Liomar Marques Jlio

Well, this yes and no. He complains that microadjustment "should always work". In my experience, it varies a lot with focal distance.
And to focus on a thing on the same plane, well, that was the kind of scene were contrast detection would to better.
And honestly, I could not see a difference in most of the pictures.
but the best way to confirm: try it. As he said, it is not easy to reproduce, so will be hard to confirm, or meet on real life.
It's personal, but I wouldn't defer a purchase based on that video.
And as for most cameras, takin' it in your hands is way better to choose than read all reviews.

Jul 8, 2014permalink

mntncougar

The best i can gather this is indeed true. However, it may not matter to you. When I was looking for a new body I looked long and hard at the 70D and discovered this issue early on. At first i passed over this camera because of it; I didn't want and expensive camera that had a defect out of the box.
However, the 70D seems to have everything else I want in spades, for my purposes is better than the 7D II (I have a T4i and love the articulated touch screen), and it's in what, for me, is a reasonable price range.
But here's the thing. I don't own a lens that is wider than f3.5. Someday I may, but even then, I doubt I would use the wider stops. And, THIS PROBLEM ONLY SHOWS UP AT f2.8 OR WIDER, according to every discussion of it I can find. I can live with that just fine, but maybe it's not for you.
Anyhow, my new 70D body just arrived at my door half an hour ago and the batteries are charging now. As perhaps you can imagine, I can't wait to try it out.

Jan 21, 2015*permalink

losifanatic

I went from the 60d to the 70d. Almost did not purchase the 70d because of reading about this issue. When I bought the 70d I borrowed a few lenses put it through its paces and tested against my 60d. After testing I found my 70d performed better than my 60d and had no issues with fast lenses with the centerpoint autofocus. I took over 500 shots testing this camera only to find that it works perfectly.

Feb 27, 2015permalink

Donie

it's been a while i use 70D and didn't even notice the difference. I dont want to test it myself to see the defect, lol.
But i enjoy using 70d.
one day i will upgrade to fullframe though.

May 13, 2015permalink

bidgee

Hi I am upgrading from a Canon EOS 550D and I was using a EYE-FI card with this camera, will the 16 Eye fi card work with EOS 70D

Jun 1, 2014permalink

HG South Africa

@sevoman
So far, the xxD line has consistently shown these advantages over the Rebel range (also known as the xxxD range):
- bigger build with better handling and weather sealing
- aluminium chassis, combined with plastic (a benefit often ignored because it's wrongly considered inferior to magnesium allow)
- expanded AF zones with more points being cross type
- faster burst rates for continuous shooting (70D = 7fps)
- top LCD control panel combined with greater number of external controls and switches
- and will usually sport features which the xxD range inherit from the xD range, in the case of the 70D it is built in WiFi as featured in the 6D.
In the case of the 70D, it offers all of the above vs the 700D and sports a new higher resolution sensor with improved AF performance in Live View and in Video.
You can also add in-camera aberration correction for 40 Canon lenses at a time (using EOS Utility) where the camera will correct for vignetting and colour fringing

May 27, 2014*permalink

sevoman

Thanks! Since the eventual t6i would be coming out after the current 70D, would the t6i have less AF points or possibly not have the dual pixel tech? I am assuming since it's coming out after the 70d they woiuld include the some of these essential features.

May 29, 2014permalink

tinpanalley

Essentially, imagewise in video, the 70D and 7D have the same sensor and image quality, right? So you don't gain anything other than a negligible amount of megapixels in photos?

May 27, 2014permalink

HG South Africa

How do you figure that the sensors on the 7D (18MP) and 70D (20MP) are the same for video? Especially since the 70D uses dual pixel technology, which is an inherent feature of the actual sensor?
That is why the 70D is so much better at AF in Live View and Video. As such, the image quality, if considered across the duration of a video clip, is better for the 70D because more of it is in focus...
The 7D would only be better all-round if it came down to handling, AF zones and ruggedness.

May 27, 2014*permalink

sevoman

Quick question regarding the 70D. I want to purchase this but I am wondering what the eventual T6i would offer over and above the 70D. I am not sure how the "Ti" line and the xxD lines compare and if the xxD models are always better than the Ti lines? I checked the 60D vs T5i and the 60D seemed to be better. Can anyone explain these different classes of Canon cameras? Thanks in advance!

May 24, 2014permalink

Banhmi

most critical issue will be whether the new t6i/750d will get the 70D's autofocus system.

Jun 3, 2014permalink

Jostian

for video 70D definitely, I recently got the 7D (I dont do video at all) and preferred the pro grade build and additional AF options.

May 19, 2014permalink

MAUROSHINE

Hey guys!, any advise? I'm more video fanatic than photography. Which one will be better for video, the 7D or the 70D?
I really appreciate your comments!!

Thanks!!!

May 17, 2014permalink

HG South Africa

70D, no doubt about that....

May 19, 2014permalink

HG South Africa

Also, unless you are already invested in Canon lenses, for video you should look at mirrorless options, especially the Olympus and Panasonic options.

May 19, 2014permalink

cshafiey

I have a Canon 40D, with sensor issues, which will cost around $250 to fix. I would also like to play around with video, even though stills are my bread and butter. Would you suggest upgrading to a 70D or what should I do?

I am a student (not in photography), so its a big decision in terms of the money.

May 17, 2014permalink

HG South Africa

If you're already invested in Canon lenses, the 70D would be the logical choice from a 40D.
You should also look at the 700D, which is not as fast as the 70D on AF in live view or video, and which is more compact, but which delivers great stills and has it's own relatively good hybrid AF system for video. It also boasts articulated LCD with touchscreen.
If you dont have any Canon lenses other than the kit lens you got with your 40D, you could afford to look really wide and could even consider the Nikon D5300...
Happy snapping!

May 19, 2014permalink

Vmo9

I owned this camera for a few months, then sold it. I was hoping for a higher burst rate, better time to write, and faster auto focus. Perhaps looking for the updated Canon 7D, which I now patiently wait for.

May 17, 2014permalink

HG South Africa

Faster than 7.5 fps in jpg...?
Only option is the 7D at 8 fps or you'll have to skip to 1Dx...
Similarly, this is as deep as it gets on burst shots in this category.
Unless you're referring to RAW, and even then you're out of options.
It may be that your AF experience is as a result of the glass you paired with the camera because the AF can not get any faster on my camera even if I wanted when I use any of my EF(L) lenses or even the kit lens (18-135 STM).
And that goes for the optical viewfinder as well as live view.
But, you have to trust your system and if it did not work for you, it's better to do what you did and change.
Happy snapping!

May 17, 2014permalink

JMKPHOTOGRAPHY

What were your settings...what mode were you shooting in and what card do you own???

Jun 19, 2014permalink

RickC452

Coudy. So why are you so concerned about wifi on you DSLR. If you want to send them to someone just take the pics with your phone. The picture quality will be about the same because the are compressed to be sent from you phone. Buying a camera with this option is a waste of money and the wifi rarely works well. Anytime you send something through wifi you lose data and therefore quality. Canon and nikon use the wifi thing as a sales gimic because they no longer build good cameras. Most amateurs don't understand this. Kind of like the megapixel thing. The human eye cannot tell the difference between 10 mp and 20 mp. Its a sales ploy. I use an older Nikon D90 ar 10 mp that will out perform any of the new cameras. Of course you need a good lense. Not one of the cheapies that come in a kit.

May 11, 2014permalink

garryjames

Dear RickC452: I find WiFi very useful for nature photography. I set up my Canon 6D camera on a tripod near a bird's nest. Retreat to a blind, watch the camera image on my iPad and activate the shuttle when the scene is right. I've got a few prizes for images taken in this way. As for the number of pixels, more pixels allows you to crop down while maintaining image quality. Also more pixels allows for larger prints. I find I can print larger sizes and get "image snap" that i couldn't get with my older 8 and 10 meg sensors. One wants to print images at 200 dpi if possible to maintain snap while viewing prints within a 3' to 5' range. a 20 megapixel sensor will allow prints up to 18" x 27" under these criteria.

May 11, 2014permalink

HG South Africa

Your opinion on this is factually incorrect.
The picture taken by the DSLR will have benefitted from zoom, image stabilisation, enhanced jpg processing, improved low light performance - things a cell phone camera cant do. And the picture is not as badly compressed as you make out when sent to a smartphone.
I think you are really missing the point.
Apparently you have a Pentax and a Nikon D90 which you consider adequate if not superior, really no need for you to troll the 70D page only to bash it.
The wifi option also gives you full remote control over the 70D so as to remotely adjust and actuate it - that's hardly a gimmick...

May 11, 2014permalink

PazinBoise

While Wi-Fi is not a necessity for everyone you act as if it is completely pointless. More and more pros (and amateurs too) are using the wi-fi features that cameras offer for quick uploads and remote shooting. Again it is not a feature everyone will need or use, but it is helpful. Just like having more megapixels. In most cases 10mp is adequate as but with 20mp (assuming the sensor is the same size) you have the ability to resolve more detail and crop photos a lot more while maintaining higher levels of detail. Again for most practical shooting this isn't really needed but for some shooters the extra MPs are worth it. Judging from your comments you don't seem to be one who embraces new technologies too often.

May 14, 2014permalink

Coudy

Just realized that EOS app transfer photos to smartphone stripping any EXIF information from the photo. Wanted to sync GPS with my camera's time (for GEOSetter) and I had to take the SD card out in to the computer to read exif date digitized instead of just check time difference using smartphone and EOS app. dont understand why would wifi transfer remove all EXIF information from a photo!!

Jun 1, 2014permalink

Coudy

Sharing photos using smartphone and EOS remote app issues.
Can anyone help me find the solution for this? Here is the deal.
I am out in the woods with only mobile network available for internet access.
I am connected to my smartphone using wifi with my Canon 70D.
Now everything works as long as I don't try to send the image directly or indirectly using apps like whatsapp, skype, email right away.

Android phones have priority for wifi over mobile networks, while in most cases that is desirable, it is not in the case of sharing photos while wifi is on but isn't connected to internet AND mobile data connection is.
So you are stuck with downloading your photos to your smartphone, disconnecting from the camera and sending using mobile data connection once wifi isnt connected. Why the heck is there the option for sharing in EOS remote app? For other scenarios??

Did I miss some option how to have canon 70D wifi connected and still be on the internet using mobile data (SIM card)??

May 8, 2014*permalink

HG South Africa

In essence, yes - you would have to download to your phone and then share.
The limitation of not being able to simultaneously run data on wifi and 3G/LTE (GSM), is a phone problem.
The Samsung S5 and Note3 can do so but not all Android devices can - a general rule of thumb is that phones with the ability to tether data from a GSM signal to a WiFi signal ('hotspot') should be able to run data side by side on GSM and WiFi.
I have no problem using my Note3 to share pictures directly from the EOS App on an internet based platform while being connected to the camera on WiFi.
PS, some Android devices will disconnect Mobile Data when you activate WiFi and you have to then manually switch Mobile Data back on while on WiFi - make sure your device is not doing this, especially if you are using certain Sony or LG devices.

May 11, 2014*permalink

white shadow

RickC452 is right. Unless you are a photojournalist one seldom send photos taken by a DSLR so much in a hurry. Just use a smartphone for casual shots. I almost never send any DSLR quality photos by wifi. Photos taken by a DSLR should be treated more seriously. They may need more post-processing and later down sizing before they qualify to be sent out by wifi or shared by other means.

May 12, 2014*permalink

drigomf

The characteristic of having more megapixels is more an advantage for those who need this resource. You should take into account the destination of the material beyond the digital medium. If a photographer clicks a scene destined to fill the space of the side of a building with an ad, it definitely has to be taken into account when shooting with more megapixels. Basic thing.

May 24, 2014permalink

RickC452

One more thing. The pentax has in camera stableization not in the lens like canon and Nikon. That's what makes it work so well with older lenses. Canon and Nikon don't want you using older lenses. They want you money.

May 8, 2014permalink

oysso

non stabilized lenses can work nicely on Canon. A lens without IS is not useless. A non IS lens does not become invalid when a new IS lens in same range shows up.
In some applications IS actually have no use.

May 18, 2014permalink

RickC452

The only thing the Pentax doesn't have is an external mic port. But no body in their right mind does pro video work with a DSLR anyway. And you can get it a wild assortment of colors. Check it out, use one and you will also dump canon and Nikon like I did.

May 8, 2014permalink

oysso

many pros are actually making film with dslr.

May 18, 2014permalink

Mohsensh

I'm a director and I have taken such great video shots with 5DII and 7D. Many pro people use this cameras for filming

May 18, 2014permalink


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