The Canon EOS 70D ($1,199 direct, body only)($1,277.00 at Amazon) 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. That gives it the ability to deliver quick, smooth autofocus when recording video, but there's still some room for improvement in dim lighting. The 20-megapixel camera is a solid option for Canon shooters looking to move up from a Rebel body, but don't want to go full-frame. Despite its video prowess, it doesn't manage to oust our Editors' Choice for midrange D-SLRs, the Nikon D7100($899.00 at Amazon). The Nikon may not focus as quickly in Live View mode as the Canon, but we liked it slightly better overall. Design and Features The 70D is a bit bigger than the next camera down in the Canon's APS-C SLR lineup, the Rebel T5i($799.00 at Amazon). The 70D measures 4.1 by 5.5 by 3.1 inches and weighs 1.7 pounds, compared with the 3.9-by-5.2-by-3.1-inch, 1.1...
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.
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