The Pit

The New Canon EOS 70D Features the Latest in Auto Focus Technology

BY Burnpavement

Canon has announced the latest EOS 70D, a Wi-Fi enabled DSLR embedded with a powerful DIGIC 5+ image processor and a 20.2-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor.

The first model in the EOS series to showcase the new Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, a phase-difference autofocus (AF) technology, the EOS 70D achieves approximately 30% faster  focusing speeds and delivers improved Movie Servo AF tracking during Live View shooting.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology — A New Era in Movie Making

Put simply, this new technology replicates how the human eye behaves. When switching between various AF points or areas, the EOS 70D delivers smoother and more natural transitions during the focusing process, making it an ideal DSLR for both stills (in One-shot AF) and videos. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology also eliminates the traditional AF 'hunting' when shooting videos in Live View mode resulting in videos that are more visually pleasing. By placing AF sensors on the entire surface of the CMOS sensor, final focusing using only the phase-difference detection direction is possible even during Live View shooting. Just as with Viewfinder AF, quick, hunting-free AF is achieved over a wide AF area. Not only that, tracking performance of Movie Servo AF is also improved, making even smoother focusing possible. The intuitive 3-inch vari-angle touch-panel LCD also allows AF points or areas to be changed at the touch of the finger.

Powerful Performance in a Compact Form

Just slightly smaller than its predecessor EOS 60D, the new EOS 70D delivers superb image quality with its 20.2-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+ imaging processor. The camera is also compatible with Canon’s wide range of EF and EF-S lenses and features excellent low-light capabilities with an ISO speed range from 100 to 12800 (expandable to 25600).

The EOS 70D is capable of an impressive continuous shooting speed of seven frames per second (up to approximately 40 images in JPEG Large/Fine image quality in one single burst). Users can also look forward to fast and accurate focusing at all times, with the 19-point all cross type AF (f/2.8 dual cross-type at center) system with a wide AF area coverage that provides support for a variety of image compositions.

With the Movie Servo AF, the EOS 70D has no trouble tracking a subject and keeping it in focus even when the distance between the subject and camera changes. Additionally, the EOS 70D also support Full HD video quality recording at 24, 25 and 30fps to suit a variety of shooting requirements.

Last but not the least, for greater ease-of-use, the EOS 70D’s Intelligent Viewfinder incorporates a transparent ‘in-finder’ LCD that allows users to view their shooting settings while keeping an eye on their subject at all times. The EOS 70D is also fitted with an easily accessible, dedicated AF Area Switch button located near the shutter release button for faster and more convenient switching of AF areas.

The new EOS 70D will be available end of August at authorised Canon dealers.