What To Know
- 6 IS STM is a standard kit lens offering a versatile focal range, making it suitable for a wide range of subjects.
- 8 IS STM Macro is a prime lens designed for versatility, offering a wide aperture for shallow depth of field effects and macro capabilities for close-up photography.
- The Canon EOS 70D, being a DSLR, offers a traditional camera experience with a viewfinder, a deep grip, and a multitude of external controls.
Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the vast array of options available. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison between two popular setups: the Canon EOS 70D with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and the **Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro** lens.
This comparison aims to help you decide which setup aligns best with your photographic needs and budget. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, image quality, autofocus performance, and overall usability, providing you with a comprehensive guide to make an informed decision.
The Contenders: A Closer Look
Canon EOS 70D with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM:
- Camera: The Canon EOS 70D is a versatile DSLR with a 20.2MP APS-C sensor, capable of capturing high-quality images and Full HD video. It boasts a 19-point cross-type autofocus system and a continuous shooting rate of 7 frames per second.
- Lens: The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a standard kit lens offering a versatile focal range, making it suitable for a wide range of subjects. Its STM technology ensures smooth and silent autofocus, particularly beneficial for video recording.
Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:
- Camera: The Canon EOS R is a mirrorless camera featuring a 30.3MP full-frame sensor, delivering exceptional image quality and low-light performance. Its autofocus system, utilizing Dual Pixel CMOS AF, is renowned for its speed and accuracy.
- Lens: The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a prime lens designed for versatility, offering a wide aperture for shallow depth of field effects and macro capabilities for close-up photography.
Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors
The Canon EOS 70D and Canon EOS R boast distinct sensor sizes, leading to noticeable differences in image quality. The EOS 70D’s APS-C sensor delivers images with good detail and color reproduction, especially in well-lit conditions. However, when compared to the full-frame sensor of the EOS R, the EOS 70D’s images exhibit a slightly lower dynamic range and may show more noise in low-light scenarios.
The EOS R, with its full-frame sensor, excels in image quality, offering exceptional dynamic range, low noise levels, and greater detail, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The larger sensor also allows for shallower depth of field effects, which can be a creative advantage for portrait photography and other genres.
Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy
The autofocus performance of both cameras is impressive, but each system excels in different areas. The EOS 70D’s 19-point cross-type autofocus system is reliable and accurate, especially for stationary subjects. It performs well for general photography and even for tracking moving subjects, although it might struggle with fast-paced action.
The EOS R’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is renowned for its speed and accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions. The system covers almost the entire sensor area, allowing for precise focus point selection and rapid focusing speeds. This makes the EOS R an excellent choice for action photography, wildlife, and video recording where fast and accurate autofocus is crucial.
Lens Features: Versatility vs. Specialization
The choice between the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro depends on your photographic needs and preferences. The EF-S 18-55mm lens offers a versatile focal range, covering a wider range of subjects, from landscapes to portraits. Its image stabilization helps to minimize camera shake, especially in low-light conditions.
The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens is a specialized option, offering a fixed focal length of 35mm, popular for street, documentary, and portrait photography. Its wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field effects and its macro capabilities enable close-up photography.
Ergonomics and Handling: DSLR vs. Mirrorless
The Canon EOS 70D, being a DSLR, offers a traditional camera experience with a viewfinder, a deep grip, and a multitude of external controls. The camera’s design is comfortable to hold and navigate, making it ideal for photographers who prefer a more tactile approach.
The Canon EOS R, a mirrorless camera, features a compact and lightweight design. Its electronic viewfinder provides a clear and detailed view of the scene, and its touchscreen interface offers an intuitive way to navigate menus and control settings. The EOS R’s smaller size and weight make it more portable, appealing to photographers who prioritize portability.
Video Capabilities: A Feature-Rich Comparison
Both the Canon EOS 70D and the Canon EOS R are capable of recording high-quality video. The EOS 70D offers Full HD video recording at up to 30 frames per second, with features like manual audio control and the ability to record in various frame rates. The EOS R, on the other hand, takes video capabilities to another level. It can record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, with support for various frame rates and log profiles for professional video workflows. Both cameras offer headphone jacks for audio monitoring and HDMI outputs for external recording.
The Verdict: Finding the Right Fit
Ultimately, the choice between the Canon EOS 70D with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro comes down to your individual needs and preferences.
Canon EOS 70D with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is an excellent choice for:
- Beginner photographers: Its affordability and versatile kit lens make it a great entry point into the world of photography.
- General photography: Its combination of image quality, autofocus performance, and versatility makes it suitable for various subjects.
- Budget-conscious photographers: It offers a good balance of features and performance at a lower price point.
Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is an ideal option for:
- Experienced photographers: Its advanced features, image quality, and autofocus performance cater to more demanding users.
- Professional photographers: Its full-frame sensor and video capabilities make it suitable for professional applications.
- Photographers seeking high image quality: Its full-frame sensor delivers exceptional detail, dynamic range, and low-noise performance.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Specs
While technical specifications are valuable, ultimately, the best camera and lens combination is the one that inspires you to create and capture the world around you. Consider your photographic style, budget, and the types of subjects you intend to photograph. Don’t hesitate to try out both setups in person if possible to get a firsthand feel for their handling and image quality.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What are the main differences between the Canon EOS 70D and the Canon EOS R?
A: The Canon EOS 70D is a DSLR with an APS-C sensor, while the Canon EOS R is a mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor. The EOS R offers higher image quality, better low-light performance, and advanced autofocus capabilities. The EOS 70D is more affordable and offers a traditional DSLR experience.
Q: Which lens is better for portrait photography?
A: Both lenses can be used for portrait photography, but the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro offers a wider aperture, allowing for shallower depth of field effects, which can be desirable for portraits.
Q: What are the advantages of using a mirrorless camera like the Canon EOS R?
A: Mirrorless cameras like the Canon EOS R offer several advantages, including smaller size and weight, advanced autofocus capabilities, silent shooting, and often better video features.
Q: Can I use Canon EF-S lenses on the Canon EOS R?
A: No, you cannot directly use Canon EF-S lenses on the Canon EOS R. You need an adapter to mount EF-S lenses on the EOS R, but this may result in some limitations.
Q: Is the Canon EOS 70D still a good camera in 2023?
A: The Canon EOS 70D is still a capable camera, especially for beginners and enthusiasts. However, newer models offer improved features and performance.
