Digital Camera Review posted their review of Canon’s latest mid-range APS-C DSLR, the Canon EOS 70D. Image quality for stills is good, as much as the other features of the 70D, but where the EOS 70D really excels is the Dual Pixel Auto-Focus, especially when it comes to video. In the conclusion they write:

Switch the 70D into video mode […] and all bets are off. While the 60D didn’t offer continuous AF for video capture, the 70D does so, and does so with a vengeance. Continuous AF shooting video with the 70D is simply the best DSLR performance I have ever had my hands on, regardless of camera brand. I don’t shoot a lot of video with my personal DSLRs, but the AF system of the 70D has the potential to make even a video novice like me look like they know what they’re doing. Canon has had good video image quality for a while now in their DSLRs, but the introduction of this AF system raises their video performance to another level.

The pros according to the reviewer:

• Good still image quality
• Good ISO noise performance
• Latest generation processing engine and technology
• Touchscreen monitor offers quick control response
• Exceptional DSLR video performance due to continuous AF

Sample pics and test charts can be seen here, images of the camera here. Final rating 4.5/5.

Canon EOS 70D
B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon EOS 70D
B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

It took some time but now dpreview’s review of the EOS 70D is online. The review goes over 19 pages, and covers anything you may want to know about the 70D. Some excerpts from the conclusion:

• High ISO shots are quite usable, even above ISO 6400
• […] the 70D’s Dual Pixel AF offers the most impressive Movie and Live View autofocus we’ve seen from a true SLR.
• With a solid build, good grip, and balanced feel, the 70D has controls well-arrayed for quick access
• […] it appears [image quality has] improved, with a lower noise floor and lower noise overall than the 60D, and good image quality in both bright and low light.
• Video quality is very good, made better primarily by the 70D’s Dual Pixel AF. Combined with either of the new STM kit lenses, autofocus is smooth, quiet and accurate most of the time.
• […] crafted for the enthusiast photographer than its predecessor, the Canon EOS 70D is an excellent blend of control and quality in a tight, reasonably affordable package. Anyone looking for better autofocus in video mode need look no further, as the 70D’s Dual Pixel AF offers the most advanced phase-detect autofocus on the market
• Overall, the Canon EOS 70D exceeded our expectations in the autofocus department, and satisfied our needs as a quality enthusiast camera for a wide variety of shooting situations.

The game changing feature of the 70D is the Dual Pixel AF, dpreview has two pages dedicated to this feature. dpreview gave the 70D an overall score of 83% and their Gold Award.