Since Nikon released the D90 in 2010, the promise of a do-everything, video-capable DSLR for consumers has largely gone unrealized. While practically every DSLR can shoot full HD video these days, none have made capturing everyday clips the accessible, convenient experience that it is on camcorders...

It seems such a long time since this camera's predecessor - Canon EOS 60D - was launched. And it was. About this time, three years ago and lots has happened in the interval. MILCs are here for one thing but there are still plenty of DSLR-coholics craving for an optical view of the world.

a DSLR that won't break your bank or bend your shoulders

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Offering most of what an enthusiast looks for in a digital SLR, the Canon 70D takes it a step further with excellent live view and movie mode autofocus. Good continuous shooting performance and Wi-Fi simply serve to sweeten the deal.

Dual Pixel AF makes movie and live view modes more usable; Good heft without being too large to hold; High ISO shots are quite usable; even above ISO 6400; Excellent LCD and responsive touchscreen; Special coating minimizes fingerprint smudges from touchscreen use; Articulated LCD for shooting from...

Dual Pixel AF does not allow tracking autofocus while shooting continuously; Relatively small viewfinder; LCD blacks out completely during continuous shooting in live view; AF illuminator integrated into flash (must have flash engaged to use it; Complicated Wi-Fi setup; Movie mode disabled when...

Competent ‘Prosumer' digital SLR for those looking for a mid to high end shooter Adjustable LCD with touch screen plus rugged build and body integral Wi-Fi, not to mention 20MP pictures, add up to a classy if pricey contender If you're in the market for a digital SLR to take your photography to a

Swift and accurate auto focus; semi professional body construction with chunky handgrip and top plate LCD; angle adjustable rear screen with touch panel operation; built-in Wi-Fi connectivity

Heavier than most consumer DSLRs; particularly with kit zoom attached; expensive for an APS-C DSLR; awkward to tweak settings using small top plate buttons encircling the smallest LCD

I received my 70D about a week ago. I had read all the reviews and seen You-Tube video's talking about the camera. But until you can have one in your hand, you cannot experience the true wonder of this Camera. I own a 60D [a wonderful camera], but this one is head and shoulders above the 60D.

The Canon EOS 70D ($1,199 direct, body only) is the first traditional D-SLR we've seen with an on-chip phase detect autofocus system that doesn't have to hand off to contrast detection in order to confirm focus.

The Canon EOS 70D ($1,199 direct, body only) is the first traditional D-SLR we've seen with an on-chip phase detect autofocus system that doesn't have to hand off to contrast detection in order to confirm focus.

Smooth video autofocus; Articulating touch-screen LCD; Pentaprism optical viewfinder; Quick focus in most situations; 7fps continuous drive shooting; Lots of physical controls; Vertical grip add-on available; 1/250-second flash sync speed; Integrated Wi-Fi

Live View autofocus struggles in low light; Only one SD card slot; Lacks built-in GPS; No PC Sync socket; 1080p video is limited to 30fps; Cannot record video when Wi-Fi is enabled

The Canon EOS 70D delivers the smoothest Live View focus we've seen in a traditional D-SLR, but it can struggle to lock that focus in dim light. (4 out of 5) Pros Smooth video autofocus Articulating touch-screen LCD Pentaprism optical viewfinder Quick focus in most situations 7fps continuous drive...

Smooth video autofocus; Articulating touch-screen LCD; Pentaprism optical viewfinder; Quick focus in most situations; 7fps continuous drive shooting; Lots of physical controls; Vertical grip add-on available; 1/250-second flash sync speed; Integrated Wi-Fi

Live View autofocus struggles in low light; Only one SD card slot; Lacks built-in GPS; No PC Sync socket; 1080p video is limited to 30fps; Cannot record video when Wi-Fi is enabled

If you're in the market for the very best consumer level DSLR you can get then the 20.2 megapixel APS-C sensor incorporating EOS 70D has got to be high on your wish list. But then again, at this top-end price there's always the temptation to spend a little more and go for a full-frame sensor model...

Built to last construction; Fast response times; Full HD video

Bulky and heavy; Not full-frame resolution; Top-plate short cuts

The development of the APS sensor digital single-lens reflex has reached the point where further improvement comes in small steps. In the 70D it is the arrangement of the light receptors on the sensor that is different, the benefits of which might not be immediately apparent to users.

Image quality is excellent, with brilliant resolution, colour and dynamic range; The image-stabilised lens, although made down to a price, performs well mechanically and optically

The kit lens; as good as it is; does display marked distortion at both the wide and telephoto extremes