Choosing the Right Camera: Canon 60D vs 70D

When making the decision between the Canon 60D and the Canon 70D, the choice often comes down to your intended use. Both are excellent mid-level cropped sensor DSLR cameras, but the 70D offers several advantages that make it a worthy upgrade, especially in dynamic situations like sports or wildlife photography.

Understanding the Basics

Firstly, it's important to evaluate your photography needs:

For those who do not require video functionality or prefer live view autofocus, the 60D may be the better choice. For photographers who shoot primarily in live view or need quicker autofocus and faster frame rates, the 70D is the way to go. The 70D offers a 2-frame per second faster burst mode, smoother video focus, and improved tracking focus, making it particularly advantageous for capturing moving subjects.

Real-World Usage

The key differentiators in real-world usage are speed and live view autofocus, as other specifications, such as picture quality, are relatively similar. However, the 70D's advancements in these areas are significant and worth the investment, especially if your photography involves fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife.

Concentration on Lenses

General advice often emphasizes that budget should be concentrated on getting the best lenses, as they often have a more noticeable impact on image quality than the camera body. Nevertheless, the 70D is a significant upgrade over the 60D in terms of performance, especially for those capturing video or fast-moving subjects.

The 70D introduces several advancements:

Faster processor improving overall performance. Better video quality due to improved auto focusing. Wi-Fi for easier camera control and connectivity.

These features can make a real difference in your photography, making the 70D a valuable investment, particularly for those who frequently shoot in live view or need faster tracking focus.

Video and Live View Functionality

For video enthusiasts, the 70D is indispensable due to its superior video features. However, for still photography, the 60D is not outmatched; it is still capable of excellent image quality and is more hacker-friendly for Magic Lantern users.

Some users report that the 70D offers a superior user experience, with smoother focusing, which can be crucial in professional or enthusiast settings where the details matter.

Final Thoughts

The Canon 60D and 70D are both outstanding mid-level DSLR cameras, and both can produce great images and videos. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs:

If your photography involves a lot of video shooting or requiring live view autofocus, get the 70D. If you primarily focus on still photography and do not require the extra features, the 60D is a solid and budget-friendly option.

Bearing in mind that the 70D offers significant improvements, and the advancements in speed and focus make it a worthwhile upgrade, the 70D is a strong recommendation for those who value these features.