The Canon EOS 70D is a mid-range digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera that was announced by Canon Inc. on July 2, 2013. It was a significant upgrade to its predecessor, the Canon EOS 60D, and featured several innovative technologies that set it apart from other cameras in its class. In this article, we will delve into the features, specifications, and release date of the Canon EOS 70D, as well as its impact on the photography industry.
Design and Build
The Canon EOS 70D has a sturdy and weather-sealed body made of aluminum alloy and polycarbonate resin. It weighs approximately 755 grams (26.6 ounces) and measures 139 x 104 x 79 mm (5.47 x 4.09 x 3.11 inches). The camera features a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1,040,000 dots, allowing for easy navigation and image review.
Ergonomics and Controls
The Canon EOS 70D has a comfortable and intuitive design, with a contoured grip and a well-placed shutter button. The camera features a mode dial on the top plate, which allows for quick access to various shooting modes, including manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program modes. The camera also has a dedicated ISO button and a white balance button, making it easy to adjust these settings on the fly.
Viewfinder and Autofocus
The Canon EOS 70D features a pentaprism viewfinder with a 98% coverage and a 0.95x magnification. The camera also has a 19-point all-cross-type autofocus system, which provides fast and accurate focusing in a variety of lighting conditions.
Image Sensor and Processor
The Canon EOS 70D is equipped with a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor, which provides excellent image quality and low noise levels. The camera also features a DIGIC 5+ image processor, which enables fast image processing and advanced noise reduction.
ISO Range and Noise Performance
The Canon EOS 70D has an ISO range of 100-12800, which can be expanded to 25600. The camera’s noise performance is excellent, with minimal noise visible at ISOs up to 6400.
Image Quality and Color Accuracy
The Canon EOS 70D produces excellent image quality, with good color accuracy and a wide dynamic range. The camera’s images are sharp and detailed, with minimal artifacts and moiré.
Video Capabilities
The Canon EOS 70D is capable of recording full HD video at 1080p resolution, with a maximum frame rate of 30fps. The camera also features a built-in stereo microphone and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing for high-quality audio recording.
Autofocus and Tracking
The Canon EOS 70D features a advanced autofocus system, which provides fast and accurate focusing during video recording. The camera also has a subject tracking mode, which allows for smooth and continuous focusing on moving subjects.
Video Modes and Features
The Canon EOS 70D has several video modes, including manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes. The camera also features a built-in time-lapse mode, which allows for the creation of stunning time-lapse videos.
Release Date and Price
The Canon EOS 70D was announced on July 2, 2013, and was available for purchase in late August 2013. The camera’s body-only price was around $1,200, while the kit with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens was priced at around $1,500.
Impact on the Photography Industry
The Canon EOS 70D was a significant camera release in 2013, offering a unique combination of advanced autofocus, excellent image quality, and robust video capabilities. The camera’s innovative features, such as its dual-pixel autofocus system, set a new standard for DSLR cameras and influenced the development of future camera models.
Comparison to Other Cameras
The Canon EOS 70D was compared to other mid-range DSLR cameras, such as the Nikon D7100 and the Pentax K-3. While these cameras offered similar features and image quality, the Canon EOS 70D’s advanced autofocus system and robust video capabilities set it apart from the competition.
Conclusion
The Canon EOS 70D is a highly capable DSLR camera that was released in 2013. Its advanced autofocus system, excellent image quality, and robust video capabilities make it an excellent choice for photographers and videographers. While the camera may not be the latest model, it remains a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Final Thoughts
The Canon EOS 70D is a testament to Canon’s commitment to innovation and excellence in camera design. Its release in 2013 marked a significant milestone in the development of DSLR cameras, and its influence can still be seen in modern camera models. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the Canon EOS 70D is definitely worth considering.
Recommendation
If you’re in the market for a mid-range DSLR camera with advanced autofocus and excellent image quality, the Canon EOS 70D is an excellent choice. While it may not be the latest model, it remains a highly capable camera that can deliver stunning results in a variety of shooting situations.
What are the key features of the Canon EOS 70D?
The Canon EOS 70D is a revolutionary DSLR camera released in 2013, boasting several key features that set it apart from its predecessors. One of its most notable features is the 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which provides exceptional image quality and low-light performance. Additionally, the camera features a DIGIC 5+ image processor, allowing for fast and efficient image processing.
Other notable features of the Canon EOS 70D include its 19-point all-cross-type AF system, which provides fast and accurate autofocus, as well as its 7 fps continuous shooting mode, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. The camera also features a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD, allowing for easy navigation and control.
What is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology in the Canon EOS 70D?
The Canon EOS 70D features a groundbreaking technology called Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which revolutionizes the way autofocus works in DSLR cameras. This technology allows for phase-detection autofocus during video recording and live view shooting, providing fast and accurate focusing. The sensor is split into two photodiodes per pixel, allowing for the measurement of the distance between the camera and the subject.
The Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology provides several benefits, including improved autofocus speed and accuracy, as well as reduced noise and improved low-light performance. This technology also enables advanced features such as Servo AF during video recording, allowing for smooth and continuous focusing on moving subjects.
What are the video recording capabilities of the Canon EOS 70D?
The Canon EOS 70D is capable of recording high-quality video in various formats, including Full HD 1080p at 30 fps and 720p at 60 fps. The camera also features a built-in stereo microphone, allowing for high-quality audio recording. Additionally, the camera has a headphone jack, allowing for real-time audio monitoring.
The Canon EOS 70D also features advanced video recording modes, including a Movie Servo AF mode, which allows for continuous focusing on moving subjects during video recording. The camera also has a Time-Lapse Movie mode, allowing for the creation of stunning time-lapse videos.
What are the ISO range and noise performance of the Canon EOS 70D?
The Canon EOS 70D has an ISO range of 100-12800, which can be expanded to 25600 in H mode. The camera’s noise performance is excellent, with minimal noise visible at low ISOs. At higher ISOs, the camera’s noise reduction algorithms help to minimize noise and preserve image detail.
The Canon EOS 70D’s noise performance is due in part to its DIGIC 5+ image processor, which provides advanced noise reduction capabilities. Additionally, the camera’s 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor helps to minimize noise and provide excellent image quality.
What are the connectivity options of the Canon EOS 70D?
The Canon EOS 70D has several connectivity options, including a USB 2.0 port, allowing for easy transfer of images to a computer. The camera also has a mini-HDMI port, allowing for connection to an HDTV or other HDMI device. Additionally, the camera has a wireless connectivity option, allowing for transfer of images to a smartphone or tablet using the Canon EOS Remote app.
The Canon EOS 70D also has a built-in GPS receiver, allowing for geotagging of images. The camera also has a remote control terminal, allowing for remote shutter release using a Canon RC-6 remote control.
What are the battery life and storage options of the Canon EOS 70D?
The Canon EOS 70D has a battery life of approximately 920 shots per charge, according to CIPA standards. The camera uses a LP-E6 battery pack, which can be easily replaced when depleted. Additionally, the camera has a battery grip option, allowing for extended battery life and improved ergonomics.
The Canon EOS 70D has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot, allowing for storage of images and video. The camera supports UHS-I memory cards, allowing for fast transfer of data. Additionally, the camera has an Eye-Fi card compatibility, allowing for wireless transfer of images to a computer or smartphone.
What are the accessories available for the Canon EOS 70D?
The Canon EOS 70D has a wide range of accessories available, including lenses, flashes, and other accessories. The camera is compatible with Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities. Additionally, the camera has a built-in flash, which can be used to add depth and dimension to images.
Other accessories available for the Canon EOS 70D include a battery grip, allowing for extended battery life and improved ergonomics. The camera also has a remote control option, allowing for remote shutter release using a Canon RC-6 remote control. Additionally, the camera has a range of cases and bags available, allowing for protection and transport of the camera.