• APS-C 337.5mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Canon 70D advantages over Nikon D6

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Nikon D6 advantages over Canon 70D

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 4.11 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 19
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    4 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 347k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    153 vs 19
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    327680 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D6

Review Excerpt

  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF delivers full-time continuous autofocus (with phase detect at every pixel in framing area) for video and Live View still shooting; Full HD (1080p) video recording with pro-level features and quality; Improved resolution and good high ISO performance; Excellent Wi-Fi remote shooting with full exposure controls; 3-inch articulating LCD touchscreen.

  • Image quality only improved slightly over 60D; Dynamic range still lags behind competing models; May not feature enough upgrades to convince people to step up from 60D.

  • Read our Canon 70D Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D7100

Canon 70D
Nikon D7100
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 70D vs Nikon D7100

Nikon D6
Nikon D7100
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D7100

Compared to Pentax K-3

Canon 70D
Pentax K-3
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 70D vs Pentax K-3

Nikon D6
Pentax K-3
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D6 vs Pentax K-3

Compared to Sony A77 II

Canon 70D
Sony A77 II
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 70D vs Sony A77 II

Nikon D6
Sony A77 II
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D6 vs Sony A77 II

Compared to Nikon D5

Canon 70D
Nikon D5
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $5143
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon 70D vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $5143
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Canon 70D
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon 70D vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

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