Nikon D5300 vs Canon 70D - Differences Explained Simply

In some ways this is not a fair comparison - The 70D is a prosumer level camera and the D5300 sits just above entry level but they are priced similarly and the image quality is very similar and at the higher ISOs some of the files from the D5300 look better.    So which one is best for you?  Really depends on your needs- review the bullet points, keep in mind that not ever point carries the same weight and the review my summary below.Benefits of the Nikon D5300 (My Nikon D5300 Video Review)

  • Cheaper
  • GPS - though it isn't the best GPS it does offer it
  • Higher ISOs (above ISO 3200) look better from the Nikon
  • Smaller and lighter
  • More scenes and effects like selective color and miniature mode(works in video too)
  • Video 1080p at 60fps.  70D offers a max of 30fps at 1080p.
  • Weights about a 1lb (17oz) 70D weighs 1.7lbs (26oz)

Benefits of the Canon 70D (My Canon 70D Video Review)

  • Live view focusing and focusing during video is amazingly quick and silent(when paired with STM lens)
  • Faster all around focus and burst rate (7fps with big buffer compared to 5fps and smaller buffer on Nikon)
  • Well implemented touchscreen control
  • Larger/brighter viefinder
  • Top LCD with dedicated buttons for quick change of common settings
  • Longer battery life- approx 900 shots vs 600 from the D5300
  • Amazing live view focus (yes repeating myself)
  • No quirks like the aperture block
  • Full featured WiFi control including changing shutter speed/aperture/ISO as well as download to mobile device, laptop or send to hotspot. On the D5300 you can only see live view and take a photo and download photos
  • Wireless (using the built in flash) flash control
  • Quiet shutter that is very quiet, especially in live view
  • Some weather sealing
  • Additional bracketing 2,3,5 or 7 frames.  D5300 offers just 3 frames.
  • Microfocus adjustment for dialing in the most accurate focus for all your lenses

I didn't list the number of focus points or the difference in megapixels for either camera - those differences don't matter.The bottom line D5300 vs 70DI am very impressed with the Nikon D5300- on Auto mode it takes wonderful photos, some of the best I have seen out of any camera.    I wish the screen was touch capable and when you want to use this camera beyond auto it is less good, still good- just has a few quirks or annoyances- Without the touchscreen, navigating some menu items are slow, picking focus points and just using live view is nothing special, plus that aperture block and live view weirdness is annoying. Burst rate is good unless you are shooting at the highest quality files, 14-bit RAW, then it is MUCH slower.  It is packed full of features for a camera at this price level and paired with the 18-140 you have a wonderful travel and family camera, Pair it with the 35 f/1.8 and you have one of the most portable highest quality image and video* making machine available today.   *just be prepared to manually focus for video or you will hear the noise of the lens focusing and see the focus occur with that whomp-whomp effect.The 70D is a lovely blend of user friendliness and pro-level features all packed into a body that is capable of amazing live view/video focus.  It is an easy choice if you want easy camcorder like video - this camera delivers like nothing else - smooth focus with any lens and when paired with a STM lens like 18-55 or the 18-135 it is absolutely silent.  If you need to capture sports or wildlife on the move, again an easy decision- the 70D fast to focus, fast burst rate and large buffer even when shooting the highest quality files.  It also provides plenty of room to grow but you will be spending more and carrying around a noticeably heavier camera.  Don't need all of the speed and power of the 70D but want the touchscreen? Consider the T5i(700D) - recent price drops have made it an excellent value.Buy the Nikon D5300 with 18-140 - Amazon or B&H | Body only -  Amazon or B&H  (Recommended Lenses)Buy the Canon 70D - Amazon or B&H (Recommended Prime Lenses)Recommended accessories for both cameras  

Canon 70D vs D7100 - Buffer Speed/Write Speed with Common SD Cards

A simple and not completely scientific test - I took each SD card I had lying around - formatted it, stuck it in the camera being tested and held the shutter down for 10 seconds. Counted the number of shots in that ten seconds and wrote it all down on the spreadsheet below. The Canon 70D does get a win in the performance column, interestingly with the fast cards the D7100 comes back on the RAW side but overall the 70D consistently pumps out more shots per ten second period than the D7100. I will add some images of the wave forms so you can get a sense for how it looks over the ten second period.Canon 70D Burst Rate/FPS