kashka51

I currently own a Canon T5i. I am looking to own a second camera so as not to have to change lenses so often. I was wondering what your thoughts are on the Canon 70D. It is affordable for me especially as used at Cameta Adorama and B&H Photo. Thanks for your input!

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

The 70D is a very nice camera, but the technology has changed quite a bit since its introduction. You might want to consider a new Canon 77D for just $50.00 more than the price of the used 70D at B&H. Canon has the 77D on a super sale of $649.00 right now. The 77D has some advanced features such as improved ISO capability and improvements in the autofocus system. It is a step below the 80D which was the 70D's replacement, but is a newer release than the 80D and has the newer Digic 7 processor. I have a 77D and have been very pleased with its performance, particularly the excellent auto focus.

kashka51

Thank you. I have looked at the 77D also

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

http://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-77D-vs-Canon-EOS-70D
https://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/canon/70d/vs/canon/77d/
https://www.quora.com/Which-is-better-and-why-the-Canon-77D-or-the-70D
https://versus.com/en/canon-eos-70d-vs-canon-eos-77d
https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/canon-77d-vs-canon-70d
https://www.smashingcamera.com/2017/03/canon-77d-vs-70d-comparison/

I don't normally throw out a bunch of links, but in this case there are so many comparing these two models.

To highlight a few things....

70D is a 5 year old model, while 77D is about one year old.

In spite of the similarity of their names, the 70D in its day was a higher specification camera. For example, it has a top shutter speed of 1/8000 and a flash sync of 1/250, and a shutter durability rating of 100,000 actuations. In comparison, the 77D has a top speed of 1/4000, a 1/200 flash sync and is probably rated for around 75,000 clicks (I haven't seen any "official" rating by Canon).

The 70D has a true pentaprism which makes for a slightly bigger and brighter viewfinder than the 77D's, which uses a penta-mirror to keep costs and weight down. 70D also has more sealing for weather resistance.

Regardless what Canon calls it, the 77D is actually a "top of the line "Rebel" series camera. It superseded and replaced the Rebel T6s.

In some ways the 77D might be considered superior to the older 70D. For example, it uses a newer 24MP sensor, versus the 20MP used in the 70D (which is actually still used in the 7D Mark II). 77D also has a two generation newer image processor. The 77D has slightly higher ISO range (but you have to decide what's actually usable for yourself).

And 77D inherited much of the 45-point AF system that was introduced in the 80D. That system is all cross type and has up to 27 AF points that are "f/8 capable" (meaning that it can use more lens/teleconverter combos) and is able to focus in 1 or 2 stop lower light than the 70D. The 70D uses a slightly "dumbed down" version of the 19-point AF system that was introduced in the earlier 7D. That system is also all cross type, but is "f/5.6 limited" and able to focus down to approx. -1EV.

70D was the first Canon model to get Dual Pixel AF (DPAF) in Live View. This uses pairs of pixels embedded in the image sensor itself, to perform autofocus much faster than the contrast detection method used on earlier models. The 77D has this feature, too.

The 70D has Micro Focus Adjustment feature, which allows you to fine tune focus accuracy of specific lenses on the camera. The 77D doesn't have this feature.

70D uses a larger LP-E6 battery that gives over 50% more shots per charge than the smaller LP-E17 that the 77D uses. ALSO, the 70D can optionally be fitted with a Battery Grip (BG-E14, also fits 80D), which doubles the battery capacity AND provides secondary controls convenient for shooting with the camera in portrait orientation. Canon DOES NOT offer a battery grip for the 77D. Vello makes one, but it doesn't have the full set of controls (shutter release only, and that requires and external cable connection).

There are some other differences... and similarities... you may want to consider.

kashka51

Now I am really confused!!! SO....which one would you buy?? LOL!!!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Personally, I would look for a used 7D MKII.

kashka51

What about an 80D?? MarkII a little pricey for me

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

That would be an excellent choice also. Here’s the kind of deal I was thinking of: https://www.mpb.com/en-us/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-digital-slr-cameras/used-canon-digital-slr-cameras/canon-eos-7d-ii/sku-719164/?gclid=CjwKCAjwg_fZBRAoEiwAppvp-XUQYx3xt-dQUwDdnIBPv2cPkhukpYmzmYMgPAg-kFGnyp__WaYNDRoCxaIQAvD_BwE

If I found a used body in excellent condition, I would go for a higher-end used body over a new lower end one every time. Also, if the higher end body was $100 more, I’d try to find the $ somewhere. Assuming you keep the body for 3 years, that’s < 10 cents per day. But again, just my personal preference... also, consider a refurbished body - you can save decent $ with an essentially new camera.

kashka51

That one is sold...how much was it??

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

$719. Here’s a link to the Canon refurbished site: https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras?cm_mmc=GA-_-CanonOnlineStore-_-151214Brand%20Paid%20Search-_-Canon%C2%AE%20Refurbished%20EOS&Ap=NonProduct%20Specific&gclid=CjwKCAjwg_fZBRAoEiwAppvp-RvSkbty-2rPFWNWdF02tFq93ZUYsasJ0DEEddxiB02WF1cPnEUpIBoCuogQAvD_BwE

kashka51

nice!

kashka51

Those bargains $719 are far and few!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

indeed, but they do exist, and your local camera store (if there’s one close to you) may have bargains as well. BTW, the 80D is also an excellent choice...

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

The 80D would be a great choice if you don't mind spending more than you originally planned. Depending on your needs, the 7D mark II might not be a great move. The 7D Mark II is a camera that is significantly larger and heavier than the 80D which is already a bit larger and heavier than the Rebel line (such as your T5i). (The 77D is about the same size as the Rebel cameras). The 7D Mark II is great for birds in flight and fast moving wildlife, but not as much of a general purpose camera as the 80D. It is a great camera, but somewhat specialized. The 80D has several features not found in the 7D II, and is a more recent release by Canon. Even the 77D would be a big step up in features from your current T5i, if the 80D is too pricey.

kashka51

I do bird photography but not really fast moving. I guess the price of the 7D is a little out of range too. Like I said deals on it are far and few! I do like the weight of the 80D . I do like the magnification factor on the 80D opposed to the 77D too.
.