70D vs 7D vs 5D Mark III: Canon Wildlife & Sports Camera Review

TABLE OF CONTENTS (click Show More):
* Frames per second: 1:33
* Buffer and memory cards: 2:46
* Focusing: 9:07
* Image quality: 11:28
* Video: 22:43
* Other opinions: 30:44
* Odds & Ends: 35:00
* Winners & Losers: 36:15

[TonyAndChelsea]

I do cover low light in my latest 70D comparison, so check that for details. Also check my Photography Buying Guide (available at Amazon and the third link in the description).

But the short answer is that the 7D and 70D won't be any different for low light still photos.

[TonyAndChelsea]

I'm afraid the buying guide is no longer free, but it's only $4.99 at sdpcommunity*com or on Amazon ("Tony Northrup's Photography Buying Guide").

[TonyAndChelsea]

Yeah, it's an awesome all-around camera. However, depending on your needs, you might be better off getting a less expensive camera and saving some of your budget for lenses, flashes, tripods, software, etc. Check my Photography Buying Guide (available at Amazon or by using the 'Worldwide' link in the description, with the coupon code) for detailed information about the best way to spend your budget on cameras and other equipment to really get great photos.

[TonyAndChelsea]

Pretty much any camera will work for those purposes, so you might save your money and get a used T3i. Check out my recent 70D reviews and my video labelled "ultimate", and my buying guide at sdpcommunity*com.

[Strengthoftenmen]

Tony. Thank you. I am now the proud owner of a used 7D from ebay and a 400mm f/5.6. Some of the wildlife images I've taken already with this camera and lens have been brilliant. Once again. Thank you :)

[TonyAndChelsea]

I haven't done a sharpness comparison, but generally no TC is better than a TC. Check Chapter 8 of Stunning Digital Photography (links in the description) along with "Tony Northrup's Photography Buying Guide", available at Amazon and sdpcommunity*com.

[TraveltheRedRoad]

Who's talking? I can't see anyone talking. I can see a hand but that's about it...

[anguskerr]

Just wanted to say thanks for this video. It really helped me make an informed decision. I wanted the camera for 1. Wildlife, 2. Street / Candid 3. Video. I bought the 70D used with 18-135 STM and the 400mm L 5.6 and so far I am blown away. The video capabilities are great, the AF is fast, and the 400mm delivers crisp tack sharp images throughout the aperture range. I'm very happy and really looking forward to my wildlife trip. Just hope I'm not too close!

[TonyAndChelsea]

Hi, Jayesh. This question is too complex to answer in a YouTube comment. However, I give specific recommendations for wildlife photographers in my Photography Buying Guide, available using the 'Worldwide' link in the description of this video.

Thanks!

[wildside]

Wow, I was looking for your Canon 70D Camera Review (vs 7D, 5D Mark III, 5D Mark II): Video Recording video and ended up on this. I have basically zero interest in wildlife photography, but your video was so well done, so detailed, and your personality is great (reminds me of a digital photographer version of Bob Ross. Do you take photos of happy little trees?) that I ended up watching the entire 41 minute video. I think I've probably watched 3 videos on youtube over 30 minutes in my life. Well done sir. You have yourself another subscriber.

[TonyAndChelsea]

Yeah, the 5D Mark II's low-light focusing is rough. The 6D's center AF point is probably the most powerful, but the 5D Mark III would probably work better with a wider area of focus points, so you wouldn't need to focus-recompose. The 7D or 70D would both be stronger than the 5D Mark II, but you'd lose the full-frame image quality in low light.

[darkcashyz]

70D does have an on-screen audio monitor feature even when shooting.

[guyappin]

Cranking out a 40min video isn't easy and requires hours upon hours of work! Deepest appreciation for all the time, effort, and straightforward feedback in a clear and articulate manner regarding the evaluation of these 3 cameras and stringing it all together.  It goes a long way into helping me make a educated informed decision! Thank you.

[TonyAndChelsea]

I don't recommend the 70-200 f4. Check my Photography Buying Guide (available using the third link in the description or at Amazon) for detailed info and recommendations.

[ooDriveoo]

lol, I have to admit I was a bit frustrated to see the face of the speaker so long at the beginning (I wanted to see more camera action demonstrations), but there is something about his articulation and body language that makes the video bearable. Interesting views, Here are a couple of remarks about the 70D:

1- Contrary to what you said in the video (27:20), you can actually display the audio level bars when you set the audio audio level adjust feature to manual. I believe it should be possible to display it as well in auto audio level but I would have to check.

2- I have found that the best way to do hand-held video, while taking advantage of the tap-focus through the touchscreen (without feeling like you have motor-skill issues), is to hold with your left hand the flipped-out touchscreen. In this way,  you can focus with your left-hand thumb while holding the lens with the right hand (extra possibility of manual zoom). 

[TonyAndChelsea]

I haven't used ALL-I mode (I'm still not sure why, since I never have any problem editing the standard video)... however, the KomputerBay 128GB SD card that I recommend in the video should be plenty fast.

[TonyAndChelsea]

Yeah, the T3i to the 70D is a good upgrade for sports and wildlife, more for the focusing system than the fps. The 24-105 is a good all-around lens, but not for a crop/compact body like the t3i and 70d--check my Photography Buying Guide (available using the 'worldwide' link in the description) for detailed recommendation.

I also discuss exactly when and why you might need (or not need) IS in the Lens chapter of my Photography Buying Guide, and specifically I recommend different 70-200 lenses.

[hometech]

Is 70d good for photography?

If yes tell me how to get sharp image with 70D

[sowhatprod]

Your info are very good.  ! ! !   You speak slow with confidence so it is easy to understand and hear your words. It is understandable and clearly presented.  The only negative thing is perhaps that the film is a little bit to long.  But U present it in a nice and interesting way, so I guess most people don´t care.  So thumb´s up for your video !! 

[lesleyl]

Hello Tony. I bought a used 7d on your guidance and it is fabulous. I'm very happy with it. Thank you - hired the canon 400mm lens very cheaply with fab results too. Thanks again