Nikon D7100 vs Canon 70D

Side-by-side specs, features and our lab-measured performance for the Nikon D7100 and the Canon 70D.

Nikon D7100

Pro SLR · Released 2013 · 24.1 MP · APS-C

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Canon 70D

SLR · Released 2013 · 20.2 MP · APS-C

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Compare their image quality Open both cameras in the Comparometer: the same studio scenes, at every ISO, side by side.

Key differences

Why pick the Nikon D7100

More resolution: 24.1 MP vs 20.2 MP
Larger sensor: 366.6 mm² vs 337.5 mm²
Higher DxOMark sensor score: 83 vs 68
More dynamic range (DxOMark): 13.7 EV vs 11.6 EV
Starts up faster (lab tested): 0.3s vs 0.7s
Bigger screen: 3.2 in vs 3 in
Sharper screen: 1,228,800 dots vs 1,040,000 dots
Bigger viewfinder image: 0.63x vs 0.59x
More shots per charge (CIPA): 950 shots vs 920 shots
Dual card slots
Headphone jack
Built-in intervalometer
Costs less (street price when tested): $809.95 vs $999

Why pick the Canon 70D

Higher native ISO ceiling: ISO 12,800 vs ISO 6,400
Faster continuous shooting: 6.7 fps vs 5.9 fps
Deeper RAW buffer: 14 frames vs 5 frames
Faster autofocus shutter lag (lab tested): 0.08s vs 0.25s
On-sensor phase-detect autofocus
Touchscreen
Articulating screen
Built-in Wi-Fi

Worked out from the spec sheets and our lab measurements. Image quality, handling and autofocus tracking are judged in the reviews.

Full specifications

Show differences only

Specification	Nikon D7100	Canon 70D
Overview
Camera Format	Pro SLR	SLR
Date Available	2013-03-30	2013-09-15
Currently Manufactured	No	No
Retail Price	$1599.95	$1550.00
Street Price	$809.95	$999.00
Weight	43.1 oz (1,222 g) includes batteries, kit lens	43.5 oz (1,233 g) includes batteries, kit lens
Size	5.3 x 4.2 x 3.0 in. (136 x 107 x 76 mm)	5.5 x 4.1 x 3.1 in. (139 x 104 x 79 mm)
Waterproof	No	No
Predecessor	Nikon D7000	Canon 60D
Successor	Nikon D7200	Canon 80D
Sensor
Effective Megapixels	24.1	20.2
Sensor Format	APS-C	APS-C
Sensor size	366.6mm2 (23.50mm x 15.60mm)	337.5mm2 (22.50mm x 15.00mm)
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer	Toshiba	Canon
Approximate Pixel Pitch	3.92 microns	4.11 microns
Focal Length Multiplier	1.5x	1.6x
Aspect Ratio	3:2	3:2
Anti Aliasing Filter	None	Fixed
Sensor shift image stabilization	No	No
Self-Cleaning	Yes	Yes
Image Resolution	6000 x 4000 (24.0 MP, 3:2), 4494 x 3000 (13.5 MP, 3:2), 2992 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2), 4800 x 3200 (15.4 MP, 3:2), 3600 x 2400 (8.6 MP, 3:2), 2400 x 1600 (3.8 MP, 3:2)	5472 x 3648 (20.0 MP, 3:2), 3468 x 2432 (8.4 MP, Other), 2736 x 1824 (5.0 MP, 3:2), 1920 x 1280 (2.5 MP, 3:2), 720 x 480 (0.3 MP, 3:2), 4864 x 3648 (17.7 MP, 4:3), 3248 x 2432 (7.9 MP, Other), 2432 x 1824 (4.4 MP, 4:3), 1696 x 1280 (2.2 MP, 4:3), 640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3), 5472 x 3072 (16.8 MP, 16:9), 3468 x 2048 (7.1 MP, Other), 2736 x 1536 (4.2 MP, 16:9), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9), 720 x 408 (0.3 MP, Other), 3648 x 3648 (13.3 MP, 1:1), 2432 x 2432 (5.9 MP, 1:1), 1824 x 1824 (3.3 MP, 1:1), 1280 x 1280 (1.6 MP, 1:1), 480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format	JPEG (EXIF 2.3), NEF (RAW), 12 or 14 bit, RAW+JPEG	JPEG (EXIF 2.3), 14-bit .CR2 RAW, mRAW, sRAW, RAW+JPEG
RAW Capture Support	Yes	Yes
Sensor scores (DxOMark)
DxO Sensor Score	83	68
DxO Color Depth Score (bits)	24.2	22.5
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs)	13.7	11.6
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso)	1,256	926
Autofocus
Auto Focus Type	51 point (15 cross-type sensors, center f/8 compatible) TTL phase detection with 3D focus tracking by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500 DX; Contrast-detect AF in Live View & Movie modes	OVF: AF-dedicated CMOS sensor, 19-points, all cross-type AF points, center dual cross-type point for f/2.8; Live View: Dual-Pixel CMOS AF
On-Sensor Phase Detect	No	Yes
Focus Peaking	No	No
Manual Focus	Yes	Yes
Auto Focus Assist Light?	Yes	Yes
Speed (Imaging Resource lab tests)
Continuous-mode frames/second	5.9	6.7
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution)	5.9	6.7
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution)	12	65
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps)	5.3	6.7
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames)	5	14
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid)	0.25 seconds	0.08 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused)	0.054 seconds	0.059 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash)	0.30 seconds	0.16 seconds
Startup Time	0.3 seconds	0.7 seconds
Play -> Record Time	0.3 seconds	0.1 seconds
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution)	0.54	–
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame)	0.53	0.33
Flash cycle time, full power	4.0 seconds	1.2 seconds
Viewfinder and screen
Viewfinder	Optical / LCD	Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type	SLR type: eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.94x mag., 19.5mm eyepoint, -2 to +1 diopter, OLED overlay display	SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, 98% coverage, 0.95x magnification, 22mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent)	0.63x	0.59x
Rear Display Size (inches)	3.2	3.0
Rear Display Resolution	1,228,800 dots (307,200 px)	1,040,000 dots (346,600 px)
Touchscreen	No	Yes
Articulating Screen	No	Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen	No	Yes
Selfie Screen	No	Yes
Top Deck Display	Yes	Yes
Exposure
Minimum ISO (native)	100	100
Maximum ISO (native)	6400	12800
ISO Settings	Auto, 100-6400, Hi-1=12800, Hi-2=25600	Auto, 100 - 12800 in 1/3 or 1EV steps, Expandable to 25600
Shutter Speed Range	1/8000 - 30 sec	1/8000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode	Yes	Yes
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps	+/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes	3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, Spot (2.5%), with 2016-pixel RGB sensor	63-zone (dual layer) Evaluative, Center-weighted, Partial (7.7%), Spot (3.0%)
White Balance Settings	Auto, Cloudy, Shade, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent (7 types), Incandescent, Kelvin Color Temperature, Preset manual (up to 3); Fine tuning available.	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Kelvin 2,500K - 10,000K
Time Lapse (intervalometer)	Yes	No
High Resolution Composite	No	No
Self Timer	2 to 20 seconds	10 or 2 seconds
Creative Exposure Modes	Scene: Portrait, landscape, child, sports, close-up, night portrait, night landscape, party/indoor, beach/snow, sunset, dusk/dawn, pet portrait, candlelight, blossom, autumn colors, food; Effects: silhouette, high key, low key, night vision, color sketch, miniature effect, selective color; Active D-Lighting; HDR.	Creative Auto, Scene (Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control), No Flash, Custom User Setting, High Dynamic Range, Multiple Exposure, Creative Filters (Art Bold, Fish-eye, Water-painting, Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera and Miniature)
Video
Can take movies	Yes	Yes
Movie Resolution	1920x1080 (30p/25p/24p) 1920x1080 (60i/50i (1.3x crop)) 1280x720 (60p/50p) 640x424 (30p/25p)	1920x1080 (30p/25p/24p) 1280x720 (60p/50p) 640x480 (30p/25p)
Movie File Format	MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)	MOV (Video: H.264 Intra-Frame / Inter-Frame, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
HD Video Out	Yes	Yes
HD Video Connection	HDMI	HDMI
Microphone Jack	Yes	Yes
Headphone Jack	Yes	No
Lens
Lens Mount	Nikon F	Canon EF/EF-S
Lens	Nikkor AF-S 18-105mm f/3.5 -5.6G ED VR	Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
Focal Length (35mm equivalent)	27 - 158mm	29 - 216mm
Focal Length (actual)	18 - 105mm	18 - 135mm
Zoom Ratio	5.80x	7.50x
Aperture Range	f/3.5 -22 (W), f/5.6 -38 (T)	f/3.5 - f/22 (wide) / f/5.6 - f/36 (tele)
Optical Image Stabilization	Yes	Yes
Filter Thread	67.0mm	67.0mm
Digital Zoom	No	Yes
Flash
Built-in Flash	Yes	Yes
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100)	12.0 m / 39.4 ft.	12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Max Flash Sync	1/250 (up to 1/320s with lower flash range)	1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation	-3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps	+/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection	Hot Shoe	Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control	Full TTL exposure	Full TTL exposure
Storage and connectivity
Usable Memory Types	SD / SDHC / SDXC	SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support	UHS-I	UHS-I
Dual Card Slots	Yes	No
Built-In Wi-Fi	No	Yes
Bluetooth	No	No
NFC	No	No
Built-In GPS	No	No
External Connections	USB 2.0 High Speed	USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
Remote Control	Yes	Yes
Remote Control Type	Optional: wired or wireless	Optional wired, IR wireless or Wi-Fi
Battery
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF)	950 shots	920 shots
Battery Form Factor	Proprietary EN-EL15, optional MB-D15 battery grip	Proprietary
Usable Battery Types	Lithium-ion rechargeable	LP-E6 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Internal Charging Supported	No	No
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter)	Yes	Yes
Other
Tripod Mount	Yes	Yes
Color Filter Type	RGBG	RGBG
Composite Video Out	Yes	Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video	Yes	Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder	Yes	Yes
Integrated ND Filter	No	No
Normal Focus Range	45 cm to Infinity 17.7 in to Infinity	39 cm to Infinity 15.4 in to Infinity
Digital Zoom Values	–	3-10x available during movie recording only
Auto Focus	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed)	0.94x	0.95x
Eye-level Viewfinder	Yes	Yes
Rear Display	Yes	Yes
Auto ISO Mode	Yes	Yes
Program Auto Exposure	Yes	Yes
Aperture Priority	Yes	Yes
Shutter Priority	Yes	Yes
Full Manual Exposure	Yes	Yes
Flash Modes	Front-Curtain Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, Slow Sync, and Rear-Curtain Sync; supports Advanced Wireless Lighting system	E-TTL II, Manual; wireless slave flash supported via built-in flash
Flash Range Description	Lens dependent (GN=12m/39ft at ISO 100)	Lens aperture dependent; GN= 12m (39.4 ft.) at ISO 100, works out to about 11.2 feet at f/3.5 and 7 feet at f/5.6
Other Memory	Dual slots, UHS-I compatible	–
Uncompressed Format	NEF (RAW), 12 or 14 bit, RAW+JPEG	14-bit .CR2 RAW, mRAW, sRAW, RAW+JPEG
Included Memory	No memory included	No memory included
PictBridge Compliant	Yes	Yes
DPOF Compliant	Yes	Yes
Connections (extended)	Type-C Mini HDMI, Accessory Terminal, Stereo Microphone Jack, Stereo Headphone Jack	Mini (Type-C) HDMI, 3.5mm Microphone Jack, Wired Remote Jack
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames)	Unlimited	Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot)	0.52	0.32
Camera penalizes early shutter press?	No	No
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps)	4.9	6.7
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames)	5	7
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR)	1.94 seconds	0.65 seconds
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR)	0.248 seconds	0.059 seconds
Shutter Lag (manual focus)	0.055 seconds	0.075 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes)	OVF: Full AF shutter lag, Wide-area mode = 0.522s Live View: Full AF shutter lag (AF-S) = 1.935s Full AF shutter lag (AF-F) = 1.823s Prefocused = 0.248	OVF: Auto Selection AF lag = 0.093s LV: "Quick Mode"(Phase Detect) Single-point AF lag = 0.506s FlexiZone AF, Single-point AF lag = 0.652s Prefocused lag = 0.059s
Batteries Included	1 x Proprietary EN-EL15 Lithium-ion rechargeable	1 x Proprietary LP-E6 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Dedicated Battery Charger Included	Yes	Yes
Included Software	Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM	Canon Solutions Disc (EOS Utility, ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser, Digital Photo Professional.Picture Style Editor, Movie Edit Task, PhotoStitch, Memory Card utility,)
OS Compatibility	Windows, Mac OS X	Windows, Mac OS X
Max Playback Zoom	–	10.0x
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View)	–	210 shots

Highlighted cells mark the better figure where one is clearly better. Timings and buffer depths come from our lab tests; DxOMark scores are DxOMark's own.

Nikon D7100 highlights

24MP DX sensor with no optical low-pass filter, EXPEED 3 processor, new 51-point AF system (15 cross-type, center compatible with f/8), 6fps full-resolution burst mode, 7fps in new 1.3x crop mode, 1080p30 movies, 1080i60 movies in new 1.3x crop mode.

Canon 70D highlights

New 20.2-megapixel APS-C Canon CMOS sensor, Dual-Pixel CMOS AF system for Live View and movie modes, Full HD 1080p videos at up to 30fps in ALL-I or IPB, DIGIC 5+ image processor, 7fps burst mode, built-in Wi-Fi.