The Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera features a 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+ image processor to ensure high-resolution images and excellent low-light sensitivity. Both the sensor and processor work together to produce well-detailed, clear imagery that exhibits natural tonality and color gradations with minimal noise when working in difficult lighting conditions. The processor also provides notable speed throughout the camera system, including the ability to record up to 7 fps in full-resolution, quickened AF speeds, and full HD 1080p video recording in multiple frame rates with manual exposure and audio level control.

Serving both still and movie shooting modes, Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a powerful technology that revolves around the incorporation of two photodiodes within each pixel to provide an expansive phase-detection focusing system. This system affords focusing benefits that are similar to how a camcorder works and as such can focus on subjects in an incredibly fast and precise manner. The benefits of this system are three-fold: the ability to focus quickly and smoothly; the ability to truly utilize the vari-angle touchscreen LCD monitor to its full potential; and the ability to utilize a wide range of over 100 EF and EF-S lenses. Also benefiting from Dual Pixel CMOS AF is the Movie Servo AF mode, which enables continuous auto focusing when recording movies. This focusing mode is especially useful for maintaining critical focus on moving subjects and for realizing the near-silent performance of compatible STM lenses.

The 3.0" 1,040k-dot vari-angle Clear View II touchscreen LCD monitor profits greatly from the advent of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and its ability to utilize Touch AF focusing for finely controlled selection of the point of focus. The monitor's vari-angle design also enables more efficient shooting and viewing from both high and low angles and an anti-reflective, smudge-resistant coating allows for clear viewing in any lighting condition.

In addition to the LCD monitor, the 70D also features an optical pentaprism finder that can be used for eye-level shooting of still images. This Intelligent Viewfinder incorporates a superimposed LCD to provide an intuitive means for monitoring exposure and camera settings during shooting. While working with the viewfinder, an expansive 19-point all cross-type AF system is visualized for acquiring focus; integral to this array is a high-precision dual-cross center AF point that is compatible with f/2.8 and faster lenses.

Providing a wealth of additional functionality to the camera is integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows for the instant and direct sharing of image files to an iOS or Android mobile device for sharing online. This functionality also allows for wireless remote control over camera settings, including exposure controls, focusing, and shutter release, from a mobile device when using the Canon EOS Remote app.

The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is included along with the camera body to serve as a versatile everyday lens that encompasses a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 28.8-216mm. The STM stepping motor helps to achieve near-silent focusing when used in conjunction with the Move Servo AF mode and the optical image stabilization system helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake.