Announcement of the Canon EOS 70D DSLR - Availability Update

Great fuzz and buzz today with everyone talking and commenting on the new Canon EOS 70D DSLR.
EOS 70D is addressing the photography enthusiast (once called pro-sumer) segment of the market with a brand new 20.2 mp Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor and a collection of features borrowed from the higher level EOS cameras like the 7D, 6D and 5D MkIII.
The major breakthrough however, is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology implemented on the new sensor, which combined with the new 18-55mm IS STM and 18-135mm IS STM lenses is promising an unsurpassed auto focusing experience in video and/or live view modes.

Canon EOS 70D Features
20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+
The high performance EOS 70D combines a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a powerful DIGIC 5+ image processor to deliver 14-bit images that are packed with detail and clarity. Colours are reproduced accurately whilst tonal gradation is subtle and natural.
7 fps full resolution continuous shooting
Capturing superb shots of fast paced action like sports or wildlife is easy with 7fps full resolution continuous shooting and a high performance 19 cross-type point AF System, which provides high precision, responsiveness and accuracy to capture the moment with high image quality.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF
The EOS 70D is the first camera to feature Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, enabling fast and smooth autofocus tracking whilst shooting movies. Each pixel features two photo diodes that can be read independently during autofocus or together to capture the image.
FULL HD movies
The EOS 70D delivers stunning Full-HD (1080p) video with fast accurate autofocus thanks to Canon’s unique Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. Explore your creativity with stereo sound, full manual control and selectable frame rates.
Wi-Fi sharing and control
Shoot remotely from alternative viewpoints: connect and control your EOS 70D using your PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone. Images can be reviewed and transferred wirelessly and instantly shared with family and friends.
Powerful low-light performance
When light levels fall, the EOS 70D keeps performing. It offers an ISO range of up to 12800 – expandable to 25600 – so you can capture superb handheld shots in low light without using flash.
Vari-angle ClearView II LCD
Use the intuitive touch controls to shoot from unique or awkward angles with a 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Vari-angle ClearView II LCD capacitive touch screen, which features 1,040,000 dots for high resolution playback. Switch to Live View mode to capture the best angle and to help compose your shot.
Intelligent viewfinder with 98% coverage
Larger, more magnified field of view with an intelligent viewfinder which offers 98% coverage, relaxed viewing with a 22mm eyepoint and displays useful shooting information and an electronic level to help you capture the best shot.
Creative features with HDR & Multiple exposure
Preserve detail in both highlights and shadows with the EOS 70D’s high dynamic range (HDR) feature, and create composite images with its multiple-exposure facility. Enhance your stills with a range of Creative filters such as Toy camera effect or Miniature.
Comaptibility with the extensive EOS system
The EOS 70D is compatible with Canon’s full range of EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites so you can progress your photographic skills with additional lenses and flashes.

The EOS 70D body seems identical to the EOS 60D, following the same design lines, although it is a little more compact. 

Same with the back of the camera. The design concept remains with some exceptions regarding the relocation of buttons and the change of the Wheel lock. Main difference with the 60D is that the vari-angle articulated LCD screen is now touch sensitive as with EOS T5i / 700D.

Top view reveals some small changes / enhancements compared to 60D. The mode dial is simplified and rotates continuously adopted from EOS T5i / 700D once again, while there is a small AF area expansion button close to the shutter release button.

A matching battery grip the BG-E14 will also be available. The grip follows the side load design accommodating 2 X LP-E6 battery packs or 6 X AA size batteries with a spare magazine. All functional buttons and wheel are replicated on the battery grip as usual.

Hands on reviews based on pre-production samples were simultaneously published with the EOS 70D announcement from trustworthy reviewers. For convenience I have linked some of them further down in the Relevant Readings section.

EOS 70D besides the body only version will be available in two kit forms. One kit will include the very recently released with the EOS SL-1 / 100D and quite improved over previous version EF-S 18-55 mm IS STM lens (pictured above) and...

One with the EF-S 18-135 mm IS STM lens which beside the extended zoom range offers superior optical quality, very close to the very sharp EF-S 15-85mm IS USM lens. In many aspects this is a more matching kit closer to the camera character than the entry level with the 18-55 IS STM.

Price & Availability:
New Canon EOS 70D will be released on September 15, 2013.
Meanwhile it is available for preorder at Adorama.com as Body only, as kit w/ 18-55mm STM or as kit w/ 18-135mm STM and at Amazon.com all versions.

Update August 21, 2013
It was announced that major retailers will be stocking the new Canon 70D earlier than the original release date by the end of August 2013 instead of September 15, 2013
However, as there is a large preorder waiting list, which will be served first, if you want to be one of the first it is advisable to preorder now.
Canon EOS 70D is currently available from Amazon and from eBay in body and all kit version new and used.


Relevant Readings:

Canon U.S.A. EOS 70D

Canon Europe EOS 70D

GIZMODO Canon EOS 70D: Yet Another Incredible Video DSLR From Canon

PC Magazine Hands-on: Canon EOS 70D