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

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

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

This 20 megapixel camera uses dual pixel technology, designed to improve auto-focus performance in live view mode. The idea is to incorporate phase detection – the focus method used by DSLRs – and contrast detection – the method in compact cameras – into the one camera.

When I tested the Canon EOS 60D three years ago in AP 23 August 2010, I thought it was quite a significant camera for the company. The market for middle to high-end enthusiast DSLRs has always been very competitive, so when Canon introduced the EOS 60D it had some small, but important changes.

Love this camera, I need to get a better lens.

Easy To Use; Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus; Fast Shutter Speed; Good Image Quality; Good Image Stabilization; High ISO Performance; Large Clear LCD; Quiet; Tilt /Swivel LCD

A few minor niggles but still a consummate all-rounder – our new favourite enthusiasts' SLR

I upgrade from à rebel 450D an 5 years old caméra. it is à big imprrovement. I like the faster autofocus. Vidéo quality and the flip back screen. I am verry happy for this new caméra.

If I had to pick a do-everything-well APS-C format camera that does not cost a fortune, the Canon EOS 70D would be my recommendation. This camera has it all - great image quality with high resolution, a great AF system, a moderately large viewfinder, a fast/responsive shutter release combined with a...