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Canon EOS 70D revealed

Canon 70D

Canon has launched the EOS 70D, an enthusiast digital SLR camera with a unique auto focus system that should make it ideal for video as well as stills

Canon has officially announced the EOS 70D, a mid-range enthusiast digital SLR camera with a new Dual Pixel CMOS auto focus system that the company claims makes for significantly faster and smoother autofocus when shooting full HD video.

The EOS 70D is built around a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, paired with a DIGIC 5+ image processor and 19-point auto focus system. It’s capable of shooting at ISO 100-12,800, or up to 25,600 in an expanded mode, and can capture full-resolution stills at up to 7 frames per second.

However, the real news is the inclusion of the Dual Pixel CMOS auto focus system. It splits the 20.3-megapixel sensor into 40.1 million photodiodes, placing a phase detection diode at every point on the sensor. This means that the speed and precision of the autofocus system is up there with the best high-end video cameras, sliding smoothly into place rather than jarringly adjusting on the fly. However, videographers looking for a new budget champion may be disappointed at the lack of an audio output jack for monitoring sound when filming.

Other improvements over the current EOS 60D include a 3in articulating touchscreen, which can be tapped to focus when shooting video. Wi-Fi comes built into the camera, letting you control the shutter remotely with the EOS remote app.

Available in the UK from late August onwards, the EOS 70D will cost £1,079 for the body only, or £1,199 with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. There will also be an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 kit, which will cost £,1399.

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