• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400
  • APS-C 337.5mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D700 advantages over Canon 70D

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.46 vs 4.11 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,303 vs 926 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.72x vs 0.59x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More AF points
    51 vs 19
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 65 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Canon 70D advantages over Nikon D700

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    11 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.7 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D700

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 70D
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All 70D Deals

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

Nikon D700
Nikon D7100
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More dynamic range

Compare Nikon D700 vs Nikon D7100

Canon 70D
Nikon D7100
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon 70D vs Nikon D7100

Compared to Sony A900

Nikon D700
Sony A900
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon D700 vs Sony A900

Canon 70D
Sony A900
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 70D vs Sony A900

Compared to Canon 5D Mark II

Nikon D700
Canon 5D Mark II
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon D700 vs Canon 5D Mark II

Canon 70D
Canon 5D Mark II
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon 70D vs Canon 5D Mark II

Compared to Nikon D3S

Nikon D700
Nikon D3S
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D700 vs Nikon D3S

Canon 70D
Nikon D3S
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon 70D vs Nikon D3S

Compared to Sony A77 II

Nikon D700
Sony A77 II
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D700 vs 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

Compare Other Cameras?