I'm not really so sure I am excited to pay $1200 for features like wifi and GPS on my video camera. I need performance not more gadgets that I have to figure out how to use. Not trying to rant..but I am not sure if I want to wait or just buy a 60D.

Thoughts?

autofocus.. functional autofocus for video? come on, thats the holy grail for DSLRs

For info about the new EOS 70D, see the official press release here:

Canon USA Introduces EOS 70D at DV Info Net (http://www.dvinfo.net/news/canon-usa-introduces-eos-70d.html)

autofocus.. functional autofocus for video? come on, thats the holy grail for DSLRs
I guess I am an old stick in the mud.
I'm pretty impressed with today's autofocus for still shots.
I can certainly see face-tracking autofocus for consumer video as a desirable function.
And not a big leap from there to shooting for events, weddings, and news coverage, I guess.
But what about intentional creation of the image? So many people are into dSLR video for the image quality at relatively low cost, won't autofocus be degrading of a thoughtful approach to image design?
I think of autofocus as quick and dirty, there's certainly a place for it, but "holy grail" of dSLRs?

I certainly won't be trading in my 60D to get GPS and Wifi...

autofocus.. functional autofocus for video? come on, thats the holy grail for DSLRs

They're a little late. I sold my T2i two years ago and bought a GH2, followed by a GH3, for functional video autofocus (and functional video viewfinders, which Canon can't compete with until they give up on the old reflex mirror). :)

One of the biggest missing feature of shooting video with a DSLR is autofocus. There are times when you can't be behind the camera and you need it to run without you.
Video quality is high enough across the board, so is low light sensitivity, resolution.. all that is missing at this point is functional autofocus. There are plenty of times I'm working solo with several DSLR's and its impossible to do certain things due to autofocus. It would be certainly amazing for me, at least.

Do we know anything about its HDMI output? Is it "clean"?

...There are plenty of times I'm working solo with several DSLR's and its impossible to do certain things due to autofocus. It would be certainly amazing for me, at least.
Weddings? I can see how *good* autofocus would be very helpful when using unmanned cams.

My immediate reaction is I want one although I will try and wait to see how the first round of delivered cameras do. For video work I think it will be a very useful to have the same angle of view as the new 4K Blackmagic camera and other cameras which are using the similar sized sensor.

does autofocus functions...do they work with any lens or just the new ones that have some sort of focus new deal? haven't read a lot about those since I don't own a t4i or new one..still on my 5d mark II...but will like to upgrade soon...low light, autofocus will be fun.

thanks.

Video autofocus would seem to only be possible with the new STM lenses, there are only two so far: 40mm pancake prime and an 18-135mm f3.5-f5.6 zoom.

I think these are only for crop-sensor APS-C cameras, not full-frame.

Autofocus doesn't really matter when you use 30 year old manual lenses.

The autofocus works on 2 lenses. Neither of which are very appealing to me, although the 40mm is pretty cool.

No, I don't really think I'm that excited for this.

I might actually be going d7100

Video autofocus would seem to only be possible with the new STM lenses, there are only two so far: 40mm pancake prime and an 18-135mm f3.5-f5.6 zoom.

I think these are only for crop-sensor APS-C cameras, not full-frame.

Isn’t the ‘STM’ really about a quieter autofocus motor that won’t be picked up with onboard sound, etc. – or isn’t that ballpark? In the least the 70D has an external mic input that I would presume assists to isolate sound recording if external sound recording isn’t used?

I haven’t seen anything about it only working with the new STM lenses. Granted, I’ve only recently been taking a closer look at the specifics of DSLR video and noticed reviews critiquing autofocus (specifically with the STM technology) not being quite ‘there’ yet. Showing examples of it searching for focus, etc.

Until now possibly? I might believe there would be more enthusiasm on this board for this.

Video autofocus would seem to only be possible with the new STM lenses, there are only two so far: 40mm pancake prime and an 18-135mm f3.5-f5.6 zoom.

I think these are only for crop-sensor APS-C cameras, not full-frame.
If it really is only STM lenses that work then it's really disappointing to me. I have several £1000s of L lenses and I certainly don't want to be forced to buy more, and inferior, STM lenses.

I just re-read the various insta-reviews based on Canon's press releases, and it's unclear whether their new autofocus tech will or won't work with non-STM glass during video shooting.

No doubt there will be some hands-on reviews that clarify this soon. The basis for my previous assumption was the upcoming firmware release for the C100 that will do autofocus during shooting... with STM glass, and the T5i. But this is new AF tech in the 70D, as well there is a new all-I recording codec.

Canon USA Introduces EOS 70D at DV Info Net (http://www.dvinfo.net/news/canon-usa-introduces-eos-70d.html)

My bad. Non-STM lenses seem to work with this new AF tech.

Check out this video from Canon Australia: Handmade - Canon EOS 70D (First Look) - YouTube

Do go to the end to watch the "making of". It specs the lensing for each shot, and the AF settings.

I might have to open my crusty old thinking a little bit, too... AF with a touch screen where you can spec what the subject is seems to address many of my concerns about AF. The rack from the ECU face to ECU tomato and back again at :27 demonstrates touch-screen AF, and in this example looks pretty good.

OK, I've changed my mind. I totally want one. Blame those clever Aussies for creating a couple great clips.

Canon EOS 70D - First Look - YouTube

After reading official spec over views I can now see there is a significant upgrade to the 70D. Pretty much every feature is enhanced from the 60D but I am anxious to see the side by side shots vs 7D and 60D. How much do the statistical increases enhance our ability to make quality images?

How well does the autofocus feature work and is it consistent?

There’s a compatible lens chart on the Canon website:

Canon U.S.A. : Dual Pixel CMOS AF (http://consumer.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/standard_display/daf_compatible)

The focusing aids seem a great upgrade IF you have the right lenses but beside that, what's special about this camera for video? Has it been confirmed that the moire and aliasing issues are gone? What's it's low light performance? Equal to the 6D? or inbetween the 6d and the 7d? Does it have 1080p 50p?

I"m currently looking to replace my 550d but I still see a lot of unanswered questions why I should be exited?

At the bottom of this page is a link to a list of lenses that will work with the AF. There are quite a few.

Canon Professional Network - Canon launches EOS 70D with groundbreaking AF technology (http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/news/eos_70d_launches_with_brand_new_af_technology.do?utm_source=newsletter_july_1_13&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter)

I don't know what properties separate those that work and those that don't.

I just saw below video from the 70d, now it might be the vimeo compression but at 01:10 on the right side of the lady waving these flags there are some stairs carved out of stone, it's only visible for a split second but I see some nasty aliasing going on at those stairs. I would be surprised if Canon would make the 70d moire free as long as the more expensive 6d is also plagued with it. I"m still trying to find something that looks exiting. I already have that kind of touch focus ability the 70d offers on a large sensor and a small sensor camera I own but I was really hoping to see something visually that would impress me but the demo's so far are very careful in showing fine detail.

Canon EOS 70D mintavide on Vimeo

Seeing the autofocus in action, and realizing that it will track, means that, yes, I'm excited and plan on renting one when they come out. If it's what it could be, we'll be replacing our T3is with a pair. Maybe even our Mark 2....

Regarding lenses, here is from the DP Review:

"Canon has made no fewer than 156 EF lens models in the 26 years since the EOS system first appeared, and it says that 103 of them fully support Dual Pixel CMOS AF, including all current lenses. This means that these lenses only ever use phase detection for live view and movie focusing - there's no need for a slower contrast detection step. The other 53 lenses count as partially supported, which means that for One-Shot AF (either stills or movie) they use a hybrid system with phase detection to determine the initial focus movement, and contrast detection to fine-tune correct focus. The full list of lens compatibility is on Canon's website."

Looks like I do have a sharp eye as what I saw is confirmed by Johnnie Behiri when he tested a pre-production model


His words: "extremely soft, a bit noisy and moire and aliasing are everywhere", He also says 3200 is extremely noisy and unusable. Canon has still a bit of time to make some final adjustments but I can't believe they will solve any of the above issues, especially when they allow a guy like Johnny to test the camera knowing he is honest about his findings. But at least it has got autofocus, now that is something to get exited about, no? :)

"I'm doing alright"- Canon 70D beta quality camera video review on Vimeo

These are starting to ship. I was just on another forum and saw a couple people have received their pre-order cameras and are starting to post photos. I'm definitely interested in seeing what people can do with these in the video realm.

Bob

I'm interested to see if the production version fixed any of the complaints Behiri had.

As a still photographer, this camera does nothing for me but, it is looking really nice for crop sensor video. Did a google search this morning to see what has been put up since these started shipping about a week ago. There are some nice examples of what this camera can do. I am really thinking I may get one for the shallow DOF AF capability. This could be awesome for equine sports.

Bob

Just got hold of the 70D today and what I noticed is that by using a USM lens the ef 24-105 the auto focusing is good, very fast and it doesn't hunt, the only issue here is the focus motor is noisy in auto focus, I think this is where STM lens comes in.

In comparison between the two here is the link:
Video: Comparing Canon's USM and STM Lenses Using the 70D's Dual Pixel AF (http://petapixel.com/2013/08/26/video-comparing-canons-usm-and-stm-lenses-using-the-70ds-dual-pixel-af/)

Sigh, I'm still undecided whether I should buy a 70D with kit lens + really nice lens or a 5DM3 with just the kit lens. Primary use is going to be video

Eventhough I don't own both camera's I would go for the 5d3 unless you really need those improved focus aids on the 70d, from what I have seen Canon still is crippling it's lower range stills camera when it comes to videoquality since the 5dII came out, there is still lots of moire, lots of noise and soft images. With the 5dIII you at least solve the moire and noise issue and get raw capability with that ml hack so with that hack you solve the soft images as well, best of both worlds. I just got myself a gh3 and it trashes my 550d in every aspect image wise, you would expect the 550d successors to be any better but you need to spend a multitude of what I paid for the gh3 to get similar videoperformance. Imagewise the 70d doesn't seem to look any better then my "old" 550d.If you want video quality in canon dslr's you have to be prepared to dig deep into your bank account.

Just ordered a 70D kit with the 18-135mm STM. Haven't owned an EFs lens in years but this seems like it will compliment this camera nicely. Looking forward to putting it through its paces at some of the upcoming horse shows.

Bob

The specs show the 70D as having *slightly* better dynamic range and low light performance than a T3i, which we also have, though the focus help is nice. Yes, the focus motor is audible, but so is all other usual handling noise. It's why we use pocket recorders for our primary sound.

If you're going to compare the 70D with the Mark 3, it's no contest. Mark 3 for MUCH better. Full frame means about 2 stops better of light; low light ISO noise for the mark iii rates 2200 ISO compares to 900 ISO on the 70D. That's all apart from Moire/Aliasing. Sure, in places with good light, the difference isn't huge, but when shooting weddings, how often does the light *stay* good. Or all I need is to work one wedding with bad light to be royally screwed when I don't have a full frame camera.

The four things I like about the 70D are the swing out screen; auto-focus tracking; price; built in continuous shooting beyond the usual 12 minutes. I'd recommend it for someone looking at Prosumer level cameras. For instance, we're upgrading our T3is to 70Ds (the 70D also has Kelvin white balancing), but will ALSO have two 5d Mark ii's because of their low light performance.

I have a 5DII and a 7D. Bought the 70D solely for the AF tracking in video. I currently use a XA20 for equestrian sports but if the 70D can track focus like a camcorder and give me shallow DOF, I will be able to provide something my customers have never seen before.

Bob

I will be able to provide something my customers have never seen before. Like moire, noise and a soft image? Sorry, couldn't resist. :) Canon has made improvements to the 70d but they are deliberately holding back in favour of their much more expensive camera's. Imagewise not much has changed over the past years, just improvements on functionality.

I dont find it to be that much of an update, for me to want to go from 60D. It rather go even higher to the 5D Mark type. But its a fun update and nice for those that want to upgrade from the 600 series.

My 70D finally arrived on Tuesday. I haven't taken a single still photo with it yet. Having a good time testing/learning the video functions. In my opinion the AF alone made this camera worth buying. I am shooting shallow DOF AF of moving subjects and it is tracking very nicely. I'm only using the 18-135 STM kit lens right now but I will be shooting with some of my other glass soon. I made a custom top handle for it this morning.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/9953456106_d2b0834d9a_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hotbobs/9953456106/)
Top handle for 70D (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hotbobs/9953456106/) by Ranger_Bob (http://www.flickr.com/people/hotbobs/), on Flickr

Most interesting for us will be using it as a 4th camera at ceremonies and during speeches, scanning the guests for faces, tap to focus, and get your shot.

it went back to the store next day,
poor low light and soft image,
Most interesting for us will be using it as a 4th camera at ceremonies and during speeches, scanning the guests for faces, tap to focus, and get your shot.
i'm doing this with GH2 and Rokinon 85mm f1.4, it does fantastic job @170mm even wide open, and when there is enough light it even looks better than 5D mark 3