Canon EOS 70D: The Expanded Guide

This mid-range SLR for enthusiast photographers is an upgrade to the EOS 60D. It borrows many of the best elements from Canon's existing SLRs, including the autofocus sensor from the EOS 7D, the articulated touchscreen from the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i), and built-in Wi-Fi from the EOS 6D. Inside, however, is a new sensor that offers 20.2MP resolution, but uses a Dual Pixel CMOS AF design in which each pixel is split into two separately-readable photodiodes, capable of phase detection autofocus in Live View and movie mode, working across 80% of the frame in very low light levels and apertures down to F11. The camera functions as a conventional SLR, too, using a 19-point AF sensor for viewfinder shooting. Capable of firing off shots at 7 frames per second for up to 65 frames in JPEG or 16 in RAW, its standard ISO range covers 100-12800, with ISO 25600 as an expanded option. Image processing is via a DIGIC 5+ processor. It has a full set of external controls to operate most key functions, with the Quick Control screen covering most other functions. It features an excellent touchscreen interface.

David Taylor is an award-winning landscape and travel photographer.