Canon's first DSLR with Dual Pixel AF, a landmark for live view and video autofocus.
The Canon EOS 70D was announced in July 2013 as the introduction of Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF — a phase-detect autofocus system built into the imaging sensor that enables fast, smooth continuous AF tracking in live view and video recording. This was the first camera with DPAF, and the technology fundamentally changed video autofocus for DSLR users by providing smooth subject tracking that previous contrast-detect live view systems could not achieve. The 70D combined DPAF with a 20.2MP APS-C sensor, 19-point all-cross-type OVF AF, dust and moisture resistance, and 7fps burst in a mid-range enthusiast body.
The 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor incorporates Dual Pixel CMOS AF across the full sensor area for live view and video use. The OVF AF uses 19 all-cross-type phase-detect points for fast stills acquisition. Burst shooting runs at 7fps. 1080p video records at up to 60fps; there is no 4K recording mode. DPAF provides smooth continuous focus tracking in video — a substantial improvement over previous contrast-detect live view AF. Basic dust and moisture resistance is built in. Battery life approximately 920 shots using the LP-E6, body weight approximately 755g with battery and card, single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.
The 70D's defining practical characteristic is Dual Pixel CMOS AF in video mode — the ability to continuously focus smoothly on a moving subject during recording without the hunting and stepping of contrast-detect AF. For documentary, event, and run-and-gun video at launch, this made the 70D the practical APS-C DSLR choice for video work. For stills, the 19-point all-cross AF and 7fps burst provide reliable event and sports performance. DPAF is only active in live view and video modes — the OVF AF system handles stills.
On the used market the 70D is affordable as a proven APS-C DSLR with DPAF. Condition checks: DPAF operation in live view (confirm smooth tracking behaviour in video mode), shutter count via EXIF, weather sealing at the body seams, and LP-E6 battery health. The Canon EOS 80D (2016) provides the same DPAF with a higher-resolution 24.2MP sensor at a moderate premium. The LP-E6 battery is compatible across multiple Canon DSLR generations — spares are widely available. Compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses.