T2i (550) ----> 70D - Opinions?

DanCee wrote:

ragmanjin wrote:

Myer wrote:

I've had a T2i (550) for 3 1/2 years. The upgrade from my previous 350xt was major. Much better high ISO performance, better screen, much more pixels for cropping and a few other things that I've become used to. Video hasn't been an issue but maybe that could change.

It's now getting close to the time I would upgrade and along comes the 70D. I'm a little concerned about the extra weight but I guess I could handle that.

My main interests are still higher ISO performance and better viewfinder focusing. I may become more interested in Live View focusing (though not now) with the articulating screen. Now, I'm not comparing the 70D to the 7D or the possibility of a new 7D Mk II.

I'm comparing the 70D to what I now have.

Based on what I now have and what my priorities are, does anybody have a feel for the 550 (I guess it could go for the 600 or 650 as well) versus the new 70D?

I actually followed exactly the same product path as you with Canon, starting with the XT and sticking with the T2i until now. I've been watching for more 70D sample photos, but none have come up. It's obviously an upgrade to the T2i in almost every way, which is a nice thing to finally be able to say about a Canon SLR. But my only concern is that the new split-pixel CMOS AF basically means this is a 40 megapixel APS-C sensor, binned down to 20MP. I'm a bit concerned about how that might affect high-ISO noise.

Then again, if they've managed to keep that in check, you're getting the 7D's autofocus system, the 5DIII's processor, the T4i's touchscreen and the first truly NEW APS-C sensor since the T2i. I'd say it's a very worthwhile upgrade.

Just a thought.
-Raj

It's not 40MP into 20MP. It's still 20MP sensor where when focusing they split the signal from 2 diodes but when taking picture that 2 diodes work as 1 regular pixel...

Denny, a quick quote from the last section of the "Technology Explained" page on DPR's 70D preview:

"The big unknown right now is image quality - the 70D uses a 20.2MP sensor but the image is formed from 40.3M photodiodes, which is a lot to fit onto an APS-C chip. We're assuming that much of the work Canon has been doing over the past few years has been directed towards keeping noise as low as possible, and the company is confident enough to offer the same ISO range as its latest 18MP APS-C cameras (100 - 12800, with 25600 as an extended option). But ultimately the proof can only come from the images themselves."

In other words, it's essentially been built as a 40mp sensor with the output binned to 20mp before processing — could have sworn Phase One and Dalsa still had that sort of thing patented, but I guess it's a different enough implementation of the same physical technology. Either way, even on a 35mm sensor, that's a lot of resolution (very small actual pixel pitch) if you want noise-free images even at base ISO. I stand by everything I said earlier, my only concern about this new camera and new sensor is its high-ISO quality.

That said, my medium format setup covers me for super-high-res and shallow DOF work, so I like having an APS-C around for location shoots where more DOF is needed; since I use flash setups for 95% of my work, I don't generally go higher than ISO 400 for any reason anyways. I'll be upgrading from my T2i to the 70D for sure. I'm not trying to bash it, not trying to spread fear and doubt or whatever. Just trying to give an opinion and a heads up in case anyone overlooked that part of the preview. Looks like a great camera, will be great for video, and I look forward to seeing what it can do.