Canon Announces the New EOS 70D Equipped with a Dual Pixel Sensor

Canon Announces the New EOS 70D Equipped with a Dual Pixel Sensor

In recent months Fstoppers has shied away from churning the rumor mill, but you no doubt have read about the expected announcement of the new Canon 70D from other blogs. We've been eagerly waiting for its announcement because of what we understand to be a totally new sensor housed within the successor to the 60D: the Dual Pixel CMOS. Canon's newly announced 70D comes with this sensor, which focuses more accurately and faster when shooting video.


canon 70d information

 
Information is still coming in, but this is what we know so far:
 
    20.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
    Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Live View
    3.0 inch 1,040k-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
    Full HD 1080p Video with Move Servo AF
    Built-In Wireless Connectivity
    19-Point All Cross-Type AF System
    Continuous Shooting Rate Up to 7 fps
    ISO 100-12800 (Expandable to ISO 25600, 6400 ISO for video

 
All this is packed in a body that's shaped just slightly differently than the 60D, but comes in weighing basically the same.


986389

IMG_324724

IMG_324725


 

"Canon's newly-developed Dual Pixel CMOS AF is an innovative new image-plane phase-detection AF technology that employs a CMOS sensor on which all of the effective pixels are able to perform both imaging and phase-detection AF simultaneously. Each individual pixel (the smallest structural unit capable of outputting an image signal) on the CMOS sensor incorporates two independent photodiodes (elements that transform light into electrical signals) which output signals that can be used for both imaging and the phase-detection AF. When using the EOS 70D Digital SLR camera's Live View function, the technology enables autofocusing with ease, flexibility, speed and accuracy similar to shooting through the viewfinder, enabling sharp focus to be obtained across a wide shooting area1 through phase-detection AF2 until final focus is achieved. Compared with earlier generations of Canon's image-plane phase-detection AF3, Dual Pixel CMOS AF realizes shorter focusing times, outstanding tracking performance and smoother autofocusing during video shooting. And, because Live View shooting can be used in a manner similar to using the camera's viewfinder, the fast and smooth AF performance allows users to concentrate more attention on the subject and composing the photo when shooting."


20130702_dafTech_feature1

20130702_dafTech_feature2


 

Phase-detection AF
With conventional phase-detection AF, the light that enters through the photographic lens is divided into two images. The difference in the focus point position between the two images is measured on a dedicated AF sensor rather than the image sensor itself, enabling the camera to determine the direction and amount of lens adjustment required to obtain proper focus. Because phase-detection AF enables fast focusing performance compared with contrast-detection AF, the technology is widely employed in digital SLR cameras, mainly for viewfinder shooting.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF employs the same measurement principle as a dedicated AF sensor, except that it is carried out directly with the image sensor. Its large coverage area enables smooth and reliable image-plane phase-detection AF for both still images and video with no reliance on dedicated AF sensors or contrast-detection AF.

Contrast AF
Contrast AF is an autofocus method employed in compact digital cameras and video camcorders, as well as conventional digital SLR cameras for Live View shooting. Because contrast is highest when an image is in proper focus, the camera analyzes the contrast information from the image on the image sensor, adjusting the lens until the maximum contrast value is reached. While contrast AF offers high focusing accuracy, it tends to require more time compared with phase-detection AF because the focusing components of the lens must be driven during AF measurement to find the point of peak contrast.

Hybrid CMOS AF and Hybrid CMOS AF II
Hybrid CMOS AF is an AF method employed in the EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR camera and the EOS M digital camera that delivers enhanced focusing speed during Live View shooting and when shooting video. Combining fast phase-detection AF and high-accuracy contrast AF, Hybrid CMOS AF makes possible faster focusing performance than contrast AF alone, quickly measuring the subject distance using a dedicated phase-detection AF image element embedded in the CMOS image sensor and completing the process with extreme accuracy using contrast AF. The EOS Rebel SL1 camera features Hybrid CMOS AF II, which makes use of an imaging sensor that supports AF across a wide area spanning approximately 80 percent of the shooting area measured vertically and horizontally.

So when can you get it and what will it cost you? The EOS 70D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be available in September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $1199.00 for the body alone and $1349.00 bundled with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens or $1549.00 bundled with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. Also available will be a new Battery Grip BG-E14 that conveniently accepts up to two LP-E6 battery packs or a set of six AA batteries for an estimated retail price of $270.00.

Jaron Schneider's picture

Jaron Schneider is an Fstoppers Contributor and an internationally published writer and cinematographer from San Francisco, California. His clients include Maurice Lacroix, HD Supply, SmugMug, the USAF Thunderbirds and a host of industry professionals.

Log in or register to post comments
61 Comments

me wants full frame! or bigger!

buy a 5d mark 2...

already have one ;-).. starting to shoot with 6x12 format 120 film ;-) down with digital!

I've recently been in the process of scanning all of my 6x7
Kodachrome and Ektachrome,...and it's just beautiful !

what are you shooting with? ya just cant beat film.. its the old new school...

why are your braging so much. go do your film stuff.

what are you guys using to scan? I'm finding these cheap scanners online and they just kinda suck. I'd love to scan all my negatives. thanks!

Do you have a camera that has more than 18 mpx? do you have access to a macro lens?

You should be able to figure out the rest of the riddle!

ALOT cheaper than buying a cheap scanner, but not as good as the real deal either...

Liking the AF improvements. What about headphone jack?

Yes please!!!

If this is the 70D... I cannot wait for the 7D Mark II
I know specs aren't everything, but I am a megapixel lover, I shoot in daylight so night/ISO Performance isn't a huge deal for me. But the 7D Mark II no matter what will out-do any Crop-Sensored DSLR out there. The Mark II will most definitely blow every APS-C DSLR out off the water.
P.S - I praise Canon for finally moving forward! New sensor, more MP, more FPS... They're actually... WORKING!
--
http://www.facebook.com/JacksonHenneyPhotography

that will be a big challenge, nikon(sony) and sony are in advantage with the sensors. But i hope Canon will be a competitor again when it goes to sensors.

Oh I don't think they will disappoint. They didn't for the 5D Mark III, and the 7D is a huge cash flow for them. Not that I will be getting it, I will be going for a 5D in my next purchase since I am still on my first camera, a 500D, but the 7D is still an amazing camera.
I do agree though, Sensor technology goes to Sony. They are lightyears ahead, itll be hard for Canon to beat - if they can match it then they will make lots of photographers happy :)

The Mark III sensor is not really all that great, certainly an improvement over the Mark II, but the 6D actually has a better sensor than the Mark III. The rest of it is crippleware of course, but it does have a better sensor.

as if you would see a difference you moron.
all this idiot pixelpeeper and internet noobs.. annoying
go print your stuff you won´t see any difference printing a2 or a1.
not even form a medium format digital back with 50mp.

A bit of sand in our lady part, have we...?

I see you shoot with a D30...

agree. 6d has better latitude, crisper image

If you like megapixels then wouldn't you prefer them to split the diodes to give twice the MP on the sensor rather than waste them on AF? In fact, why are they not doing that? Something doesn't add up here, and it feels like its this: 'only a number of the diodes have the split sensor, and its not that many because they are not trumpeting that number'.

I would indeed! If I was given the option to split it for AF or Megapixel count, I would always choose the MP Count. As I said I'm not gonna get the 70D, I think its interesting how they did things and all, I am just excited they finally have a new sensor with more than 18mp.

I have the 500D, and 15mp for me is plenty, but I always crave more. I love detail, being able to crop in more and all those things you just can't get from a sensor which is optimized for low-light performance.

7D is crop sensor APS-C. 7D MK2 will be also.

You have to wonder why they're introducing this technology in a crop frame body.

Is it me, or are battery packs comical?...

Maybe people are willing to pay for it? ...or maybe Canon are using this as a sandbox, so they can later/soon put these features in their (already) feature-packed full frame cameras, without the risk of blundering in the pro- segment.

Battery packs are essential to video. Having shot both photo and video I can definitely say I go through batteries at least 10x faster with video running rather then I can make one battery last an entire wedding with photo.

Maybe because they need a sensor with exceptionally fast AF to gain ground with the upcoming next EOS-M?

This sensor cries to be put into a mirrorless camera.

I use a battery pack on my 60D. Without it, my battery life lasts 3/4ths to one full day, but I swear with the battery pack, I can use it for days without having to recharge. It helps.

not comical when they're extremely useful and allow for easy vertical shooting - not to mention they make a camera a lot more comfortable to hold, my 5DII is ok without the battery grip but it feels unstable with a medium/large lens on it with and a speedlight in the hotshoe, with the battery grip it all feels a lot safer in my hands - cameras are not made for people with medium to large hands, battery grips make everything better =D

They're obviously prepping for the EOS-M version 2. Otherwise they totally would have done it on full frame instead...

I bet they'll hammer down the firmware after a bit of having the 70D out and getting feedback via reviews then they'll push the EOS-M v2 out as a really appealing option for mirrorless along with a few nice new lenses.

So If each photodiode can capture light independently HDR should be as simple as capturing one frame, first photodiode with lest say iso 100 and second one with iso 800. Using simple algorithm and combining those images should give nice results (similar to ML video HDR) but with no hassle :)

They should upgrade 5DIII ;E

i have a 1D X but i wait for the 7D Mk2 as backup body.
can´t wait to see what they have in mind for the 7D MK2. :)

Well I am glad I snagged a 60D 7 months ago as my next camera body. I was thinking about just waiting it out for the 70D but with these minimal spec bumps and price of 1199 for body only I am glad I snagged an older camera that does just as well for sooo much less

Yeah, I can't decide if making an upgrade from a 60D to a 70D would be worth it. Maybe I can hold out for 7D mk2 for a little longer.

When I was looking 8 months ago there were rumors of both a 70D and the 7D ii "just around the corner". I was back and forth on both of those mythical cameras, and they werent even out yet! I was tired of waiting and I snagged the 60D which has been a fantastic camera for what I am using it for. I thought ahead and said to myself that since the 6D is out I could get that as a primary camera and still use the 60D as a very capable backup. If I were you I would snag a 6D now and use the 60 as a backup. Waiting is dumb as the 7D ii has been rumored for 2 years and still nothing. Who knows if it will be another 2 years. Thats my opinion though and you can take it or leave it but I know that I snagged up what I knew would work best that was released at the time and am VERY happy seeing that the 70D was just a small upgrade with things I dont see needed in a next level camera from the 60. Chances are the 7Dii will be for sports shooters and the price will be quite large compared to this 70D. The 6D is a beautfiul camera and for the price its a crazy good deal! So if it was me I would go 6D now and stop waiting, no hope in choosing a camera that isnt out when there are perfectly capable machines out now to choose from.

Also only reason I bring you towards the 6D instead of a new/old 5Dii is that its got wifi and GPS along with a few internal differences. Then the fact that you are using a 60D and I have heard the change from the 60D and the 6D are fairly easy compared to jumping into a 5Diii or a 1Dx or something of that nature.

Oh yeah. If I go full frame, it's going to be the 6D. I got my hands on one and I love the look, feel, and the quality/performance. Everywhere I read says the 6D trumps mk2 and even compares to the mk3 in quality/performance.

For sure, I have a buddy that has one and he said he loves it! He upgraded from the 60D as well and said the transition was just flawless. Not sure what the price differences are on the mark ii and the 6D but I have a feeling the bumps in features and range would be greatly different from eachother (point to the 6D of course). That and I have heard there are just so many different quirky issues with the mark ii that most of my friends didnt like.

"minimal spec bumps" ..... I guess that new sensor doesn't do anything for you? Digic 5? no? ok then. That tired old 18mp sensor in the 60D is way passed it's sell-by date. I would be kicking myself if I bought the 60D only to have the 70D come out months later. The 70D is the true successor to the 50D, 60D was such a step back that only the 7D was a worthy upgrade until now.

I am assuming you are one of those that idolizes over the specs and the megapixel count of a camera? So no the new sensor does nothing for me. The 60D is still a VERY capable camera and when compared side by side I guarantee these two cameras would be so close to comparison it wouldn't even matter in 95% of cases its used. I will gladly stand by my word in saying that the 70D is (outside the video capabilities) just a feature heavy update from the 60D. I also stated in my first post above this one that I am a photographer and NOT a videographer so what I will be doing with this camera will not have anything to do with the new "dual pixel" sensor that is primarily for helping focus for live view mode in video work. 8 Months is along time to wait and sit on an even older camera that had been used and abused that I was using so yes getting a 60D brand new for $500 with a full warranty was the right move and hell I still think its the right move and will stand by it until they start making real changes to that old sensor model and pull it together with better low light capabilities and beefing it up with dual chips. So $500 vs $1199 is a huge deal at the current market as you want to get the best bang for your buck and also make sure to get what you will use. Sure some of those features are nice but I would rarely use them and it would kill one of the top functions of a camera, battery life! I will have to see some DRAMATIC examples of images being edited to see how well the low light (as I can see the ISO max is still the exact same as the 2.5 year old 60D) and also see how well the range is in colors and tones.

idolizes? not really - specifications are just good to know, and no I'm not really into megapixel counts. But still, everyone knows high MP count doesn't always mean better and is only really important if you're going to print something the size of a building or if you want to create one of those Gigapixel panoramas. - I simply stated about the new sensor in the 70D because it is finally a new APS-C sensor (I didn't mention the MP count), Canon have been riding that old APS-C sensor for a long time, the maximum ISO you talk about doesn't really mean anything when that sensor struggles with noise issues when it goes over ISO800 (I almost never used my old 7D above ISO800 because of noise).

I just think overall, the 70D is a much, much better camera than the 60D (heck, even the 50D is still better), even without the upgraded sensor, without the Digic 5+ processor, without the re-inclusion of AF micro-adjustment from the 50D, without the addition of 7 frame exposure bracketing (3 in the 60D), without the return to a higher FPS continuous shooting like the 50D, without all of that it looks to have the same 19 point all cross-type AF system as the 7D, which is really quite excellent.

Personally, all of these upgrades are worth the extra money, in my personal opinion. If you wanted to save even more money by buying an older camera, and are only interested in the end result instead of camera features, you could've gone for the 550D instead of the 60D

I agree they have been riding that APS-C sensor to DEATH! I was just hoping for much more out of this camera than what it is I think like maybe an entire overhaul to the sensor and something worthy of an 'upgrade'. They are taking the Apple points here and updating small things here and there each upgrade to maximize profit rather than really revolutionizing the camera.

And from my point of view I wasnt about to wait 8 months for something thatw as a rumor when I needed a solid camera now. The 70D is a nice camera but seems I will be skipping it and most likely using this 60 as a backup and eventually grabbing a 6D or maybe a mark iii if I have the money to throw at it.

If someone is looking to upgrade now on a budget I would say the 60D hands down as its a very capable camera for anything you can throw at it. If someone has the money go for the 70D but that is a huge price difference for a few features. Maybe I was just expecting a really large update in this camera. More than it is now.

Correction, does look like the ISO is higher on the 70D but let me know how the side by side shots look past 4000 ISO.

I currently use a 60D and have been dying to upgrade. I was waiting to hear firm facts about the 70D or the 7D mk2. However, I recently got a hold of the 6D and really liked it. Seemed to be a great transition from a 60D. But, now I'm torn haha. Should I hold out for the 70D--or even the 7D mk2--or just go ahead and move on to full frame and swipe up a 6D? I mostly shoot portraits, so I don't NEED the speed, but it is nice to have. Having high iso capabilities (without noticeable noise) would be a huge plus. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

I do shoot video quite often. If that helps!

I've seen some serious issues with moire on the 6D in video. Has made me hesitant to invest in it.

Thats a little disappointing to hear. I remember reading your post about it awhile back with Gizmodos findings on that issue but didnt think much of it. I am not much of a video guy and to be honest has never used it on my 60D since I got it. Thought I like the idea that I have it available if need be. Especially if I plan to spend that type of money on another body I would hope its top notch.

a lot of people see the 6d as a bare bones way of letting you go full frame but the 60d and now 70d may have the better focusing system.

Is the 70D capable of shooting images at 300dpi (or better) like Nikon and Olympus dSLRs and a number of mirrorless cameras? The 60D and 7D are not capable of this and that is the reason I have started dumping my Canon equipment in favor of Nikon and Olympus dSLRs!

300dpi is a spec used for print only (300 dots per inch). It has nothing to do with the sensor. Natively all sensors (Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Sony etc.) will read as 72dpi in Photoshop. To get 300dpi you can either convert while maintaining it's current size using interpolation (some details may be a little fuzzy) or you can shrink it down to get the denser pixel count (the best possible print). How large it ends up being depends on how many megapixels the sensor has. Here's a quick chart that will help with sizes. Hopefully this clarifies things for you.

http://www.design215.com/toolbox/megapixels.php

There is no such thing as DPI in a DIGITAL file..this is b/c DPI stands for Dots Per Inch, and there is no such thing as INCHES until a file has been printed....ANY camera can output a printed photo at 300dpi.....if you have a 6000 x 4000 file (24mp) and you print it at 300dpi, you're looking at a 20" x 13" print.....if you have a 3000 x 2000 file (6mp), and you make a print at 300dpi, you're looking at 10" x 6.5" ......it's ALWAYS about pixels.

6000 pixels wide, is 6000 pixels wide, only the print size will change from 72dpi to 300dpi.....as the DPI goes down, the print size goes up.....and as the print size goes up, the DPI goes down....

Then explain why the images show up in post processing as 72 dpi and has to be changed to 300 dpi to send to the printer?

More comments