• APS-C 337.5mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon 70D advantages over Olympus E-PL8

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 920 vs 350 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    216 mm vs 84 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Olympus E-PL8 advantages over Canon 70D

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    487g vs 1233g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.5 fps vs 6.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Canon 70D
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  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All 70D Deals

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Buy the Olympus E-PL8
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  • Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (White)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Brown)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (White)
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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
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon 70D vs Nikon D7100

Olympus E-PL8
Nikon D7100
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Nikon D7100

Compared to Pentax K-3

Canon 70D
Pentax K-3
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 70D vs Pentax K-3

Olympus E-PL8
Pentax K-3
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax K-3

Compared to Sony A77 II

Canon 70D
Sony A77 II
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 70D vs Sony A77 II

Olympus E-PL8
Sony A77 II
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony A77 II

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Canon 70D
Panasonic GX85
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon 70D vs Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic GX85
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Canon 70D
Olympus E-PL9
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 70D vs Olympus E-PL9

Olympus E-PL8
Olympus E-PL9
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus E-PL9

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