• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 15.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 20.00mm - 1200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon 50D advantages over Panasonic FZ70

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.99 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Better color depth
    21.8 vs 19.4 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    696 vs 171 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 640 vs 400 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    73 mm vs 118 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    43 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic FZ70 advantages over Canon 50D

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $1399 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Newer
    11 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    606g vs 822g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 6.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung GX-20

Canon 50D
Samsung GX-20
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic FZ70
Samsung GX-20
  • $660
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax K-7

Canon 50D
Pentax K-7
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic FZ70
Pentax K-7
  • $660
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony DSLR-A550

Canon 50D
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic FZ70
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $660
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung WB2200F

Canon 50D
Samsung WB2200F
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $675
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic FZ70
Samsung WB2200F
  • $660
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Hot shoe
  • $675
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compared to Olympus SP-100

Canon 50D
Olympus SP-100
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic FZ70
Olympus SP-100
  • $660
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Slow-motion videos
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