Photography enthusiasts will soon have a brand-new Canon DSLR to get pumped about, especially those who like to shoot video and have it be, you know, in focus. The company has announced the EOS 70D, a replacement for the 60D model, and it’s crammed with features for the video-centric, socially connected, advanced amateur set.
This new model, with its 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, uses Canon’s Digic 5+ processor, and bundles all the goodies users are coming to expect in a shooter, such as updated technology, wireless sharing, full HD video, and an ISO range that hits 12800 with a high of 25600.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF
In addition, Canon has introduced something new: Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. This new autofocus feature stands out, especially when shooting in Live View mode, and promises smooth, accurate focus for shooting full HD (1920 x 1080p) video. The camera is specifically designed to keep moving subjects in sharp focus with an expansive phase-detection focusing system, similar to how camcorders operate.
It achieves this feat with an advanced CMOS architecture that has two photodiodes mounted on each and every pixel. These can be read independently for autofocus, or together for image capture, at maximum image quality. Thanks to this new Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Movie Servo AF mode tracks subjects as they move, as shots are recomposed, for pinpointed focus. You can also select different focus areas over 80 percent of the frame by tapping the touchscreen, even while recording.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF is also supported by over 100 current and former EF and EF-S lenses, offering a range of compatibility for still and video shooting.
Video shooters get a choice of frame rates, including 30, 25, or 24fps, and 60 and 50fps at 720p, as well as a range of compression options. Video Snapshot mode can also be used to record short video clips, in 2, 4, or 8-second segments. That’s in addition to continuous shooting of up to 7 frames per second. Let’s not forget about audio. The new EOS 70D gives filmmakers stereo sound via the camera’s internal mic, or the opportunity to enhance audio via the built-in external mic input.
When shooting with the optical viewfinder, the camera’s customizable AF system includes 19 cross-type AF points spread across the frame—helpful for tracking sports and wildlife subjects as they move. AF points can be used individually, together in small groups, or as a wide active area for dynamic subjects. A dedicated AF area selection button, positioned next to the shutter release, enables between-mode switching without removing the camera from the eye.
Sharing and LCD touch
The EOS 70D also uses Wi-Fi and NFC to share images to iOS or Android mobile devices, for posting online. Add Canon’s EOS Remote app (for iOS and Android) and you also get wireless remote control over shutter release, exposure, focusing, and other settings.
Touch capability has now arrived on the EOS 70D’s 3-inch, 1040K-dot Vari-Angle LCD display. The adjustable touchscreen is designed to facilitate better shooting and viewing from high and low angles, while an anti-reflective, smudge-resistant coating offers the clearest view.
The Canon EOS 70D will be available in late August in body only for $1199, with the 18-55 STM lens for $1349, or with the 18-135 STM lens for $1549.