Skip to main content

Canon EOS 70D’s autofocus feature makes your amateur movies look professional

Canon EOS 70DCheck out our review of the Canon EOS 70D digital camera.

Canon’s announced some new DSLRs recently, but this latest model is branded as a cinematographer’s candy. The new EOS 70D offers a step up from entry-level digital SLRs for those who want even better autofocus, and want them in motion pictures as well.

Recommended Videos

Canon EOS 70D LCD screenUnlike the recently announced T5i’s “Hybrid CMOS AF System,” Canon’s upped the specs again for the 70D. This time, the company’s calling the system “Dual Pixel CMOS AF,” signifying dual diodes within each pixel that allows those pixels to capture two image spectrums at the same time. Using these two data, it is able to find a balance of the perfect focus in each pixel, and, well, multiply those pixels by whatever your resolution is and you’ve got a very complex autofocusing system that’s designed so you really can’t screw up a shot.

This feature is likely to be a hit with amateur photographers and budding cinematographers alike, allowing a more seamless way to capture moving objects without losing focus. The system boasts three configurations for focusing: Facial detection lock, tap-to-focus, and basic autofocus based on the Dual Pixel CMOS process.

Additionally, the EOS 70D now has a touchscreen 3-inch LCD panel that can flip open to expand angle possibilities. The creative filters found in recent Canon DSLR models are also there, and you can view them live in the viewfinder before taking the shot. If you’re not one to use Canon’s built-on filters, no worries. The 70D is also Wi-Fi enabled so you can share your photos instantly via email or other social networks and apply preferred filters there.

Canon EOS 70D backAll the new Canon standard specs are there, including the upgraded 20.2 megapixel capacity, APS-C Canon CMOS sensor, and a DIGIC 5+ Image Processor. It’s also got an ISO range of 100 to 12800 (expandable to 25,600), and is compatible with up to 103 models of EF lens.

If you already own a Canon 60D, the Wi-Fi connectivity alone is one major feature to upgrade for. If you’re looking for better performance with the AF system, especially in video, the Canon 70D will be your best bet from the lineup this fall. The model is scheduled for a September release at $1,200 for the body, $1,450 with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, and $1,550 with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.

Watch the video below to see a promotional short movie shot with the 70D.

Aaron Colter
Former Digital Trends Contributor
The new Polaroid Flip comes with sonar autofocus
The Polaroid Flip camera, launched in April 2025.

Polaroid has just unveiled a new camera for some instant analog fun.

The Flip comes with fewer features than Polaroid's pricier I-2 model, but is more advanced than the Go, Polaroid's most basic instant camera -- so it could hit the sweet spot for some folks looking for such a device.

Read more
The best space imagery from Don Pettit’s incredible 7-month mission
The Betsiboka River estuary in Madagascar.

Photographer extraordinaire Don Pettit is about to return to Earth following a seven-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

During his time in orbit some 250 miles above Earth, Pettit has been sharing breathtaking photos and videos of Earth and beyond, featuring everything from star trails and aurora to rocket launches and cityscapes.

Read more
Best tech deals for mom: A Mother’s Day gift guide
The Garmin Lily 2 smartwatch, in purple and gold colors.

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and for the tech savvy moms and wives out there, we've rounded up the best gift ideas for the special day. With huge discounts up for grabs on these popular devices, it's going to be a good idea to push forward with any purchases as soon as possible -- not only to secure the savings, but also to make sure that your Mother's Day gifts will arrive on time. We've got something for everyone, so read on if you need help finding that perfect gift.

Garmin Lily 2 -- $200 $250 20% off

Read more