Canon 70D First Shots posted (again): Pixel peep test images taken with the full production model of this groundbreaking DSLR

A few weeks ago, we gave you a sneak peek by publishing beta First Shots taken with a pre-production model of the Canon 70D, but we now have the final version of the hot DSLR in the IR Lab, and we've posted new test images for you to analyze. Like many of you, we're very excited about the Canon 70D, and think it represents one of the most innovative developments in DSLR technology in a long time.

The 70D's image sensor, a 20.2-megapixel APS-C-type CMOS chip was designed to accommodate on-chip phase detection, and almost two-thirds of its surface area at the center of the frame can provide phase-detect AF -- at every single pixel. Moreover, the Canon 70D's on-chip phase detect is accurate enough that tuning with contrast detection isn't necessary. That means no more hunting around the point of focus while recording movies. And with the AF bobble gone, full-time video becomes a much more exciting proposition, letting you quickly and smoothly guide your viewers' attention between subjects without distraction.

You can read more about the Dual Pixel CMOS AF innovation in our hands-on, first impressions Canon 70D review. Additionally, we've recorded sample videos with the 70D to demonstrate how its AF system performs side-by-side against the Canon SL1 and Nikon D7100.

As for image quality, the 70D's resolution has been increased slightly over that of the Canon 60D. With size unchanged, that results in a smaller pixel pitch, but Canon says it has also increased the active imaging area of the sensor slightly, from 14.9 x 22.3 to 15.0 x 22.5mm. That, coupled with a switch to a new DIGIC 5+ image processor, leads the company to predict noise levels that are roughly on par with the lower-res 60D for RAW shooting. Meanwhile, Canon says JPEG shooters will see a "huge improvement" in image quality.

You can look at images taken with the Canon 70D side by side with its predecessor, the 60D -- or any other camera we've ever tested --  in our Comparometer™.

See First Shots taken with the full production version of the Canon 70D here. And check out our hands-on, first impressions Canon 70D review for a detailed analysis of why we think the camera's Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology breaks new ground.

You can order the Canon 70D with Imaging Resource affiliate Adorama now:

• Canon 70D body-only (US$1199)
• Canon 70D 18-55mm STM kit (US$1349)
• Canon 70D 18-135mm STM kit (US$1549)

Or with B&H Photo Video:

• Canon 70D body-only (US$1199)
• Canon 70D 18-55mm STM kit (US$1349)
• Canon 70D 18-135mm STM kit (US$1549)