Canon EOS 70D vs Nikon D7200 Camera

Last Updated: November 29, 2018

Choosing between Canon and Nikon can be a challenge if you aren’t already loyal to one brand. This Canon EOS 70D vs Nikon D7200 comparison guide should help you choose.

There are several key differences between the two. Those should help you determine which is better fit for your needs.

The Canon 70D outperforms its Nikon competitor when it comes to shooting video. However, the Nikon D7200’s overall noise performance and image quality is slightly superior.

Both cameras have fun, non-essential features. They can help improve the experience of photographing and recording video, as well.

I have broken this guide into several sub-categories. They will help highlight areas of strength and future growth for both of these Canon and Nikon bodies.

Canon EOS 70D & Nikon D7200 Camera Comparison

	Canon EOS 70D	Nikon D7200

Best For	Video and Action Photography	General Photography
Price	See Price on Amazon	See Price on Amazon
Megapixels	20 MP	24 MP
ISO	12,800	25,600
LCD Screen	3" fully articulated	3.2" Fixed
Continuous Shooting Speed	7 fps	6 fps
Built in Wireless	Yes	Yes
Weight	755 grams	765 grams
Touch screen	Yes	No
Focus Points	19	51
LCD Screen Resolution	1.040k dots	1.229k dots
Battery Life	920 shots	1110 shots
Headphone Port	No	Yes
Memory Card Slots	1	2
Color Depth	22.5	24.5

Here’s what we cover in the review:

Physical Comparison

When it comes to physical dimensions, the two are pretty similar. The Nikon D7200 measures at 107mm x 76mm x 136mm. The Canon EOS 70D measures at 104mm x 79mm x 139mm.

The Canon is lighter. However, it only weighs less by 10 grams. That makes it almost indistinguishable from the Nikon in terms of portability.

The technology in the Nikon D7200 is several years newer than the Canon EOS 70D. It was announced in March 2015 vs October 2013.

The slightly upgraded tech allows the Nikon to take more dynamic images with less noise. But overall, both cameras perform well and will meet most experienced to amateur photographers’ needs. The newer technology does make the Nikon a little more expensive.

Both cameras have the same optical pentaprism viewfinders and APS-C CMOS sensors. Flash capabilities are also comparable. Both come with a built-in flash and an external flash shoe.

Both bodies are also environmentally sealed. You can use them in most weather conditions. You won’t have to worry about water or dust getting into your camera body.

The Nikon does offer dual SD card slots, while the Canon only has one card slot. This is a feature that isn’t necessary but can be very convenient once you become familiar with it.

Shooting Capabilities

One of the most obvious areas where the Nikon performs well is the ISO, as its range stretches from 100 to 25,600, while the Canon taps out at 12,800. Since noise becomes such an issue beyond 6,400, photographers are unlikely to stretch the ISO this far, but it can be nice to have the option if you want to experiment in lower light or black and white.

Nikon handles noise better than Canon in general, and the Nikon D7200 is no exception. It also has 20% higher image resolution, higher dynamic and color range and better low-light performance than the Canon EOS 70D.

The Canon does have a faster continuous shooting speed, at 7 frames per second vs. 6 frames per second for the Nikon. You also have to get your controls set ahead of time on the Nikon, since the wireless capabilities aren’t great at a reasonable distance and you can’t adjust the camera settings from your phone or camera once you start shooting since the buttons on the body lock while you view the camera feed on your phone.

Shooting Video

Video is the main category where the Canon EOS 70D shines. Its Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus technology allows better continuous autofocus and subject tracking, as well as quicker subject acquisition. It does all of this without compromising image quality or processing power.

The technology is advanced enough to allow each pixel on the sensor to perform as an imaging pixel and a phase-detect autofocus pixel simultaneously, giving the camera a smooth feel while filming.

While the Nikon has 62% more auto-focus points than the Canon, it has fewer cross type points, meaning it misses the subject entirely and must rack back and try again when focusing more frequently than the Canon.

Further features like the LCD touchscreen and the easy to use wireless controls make the Canon 70D ideal for those looking for a DSLR specifically to shoot prosumer video. One area where the Nikon does better in this area is that is has a headphone jack in addition to the audio jack, allowing you to monitor your audio as you are recording. The Canon only has the audio jack for an external mic, so you have to record blind.

LCD Screen

While they both have advanced LCD screens, there are some key differences that could make a difference depending on how you are planning on using your DSLR. The Nikon has a slightly bigger screen, at 3.2”, where the Canon’s screen is only 3”. The Canon’s screen has the benefit of being a touchscreen however, while the Nikon’s screen is not.

The added touchscreen feature falls into a didn’t-know-you-needed-it category. That makes it difficult to live without once you are familiar with it. The Canon’s screen also has the benefit of being fully articulated, whereas the Nikon has a fixed screen.

This feature can be particularly useful for videographers or action photographers who need to set their cameras up on a travel tripod and want to be able to view the screen without having their eye up against to the viewfinder.

While none of these extra features are essential, they are useful and many photographers find they miss them when switching back to cameras that don’t have these features.

Autofocus

One main difference between Canon and Nikon cameras in general is autofocus. Where all Canon EOS 70d compatible lenses have autofocus built in, only Nikon AF-S lenses come with this capability.

Since the Nikon D7200 camera has an autofocus motor built in, this isn’t a big concern, but it is something to consider if you think you may get a Nikon body in the future that doesn’t come with this motor and you own D7200 lenses that are not in the AF-S class.

All things considered, the Nikon D7200’s auto-focus system outperforms the Canon’s in almost all situations. The autofocusing system is the same as from Nikon’s full-frame cameras, and is capable of functioning down to -3EV. It also has 51 focus points that center around the middle of the frame, and 15 of them are cross type points.

The Canon 70D only has 19 auto-focus points, which will feel slow if you are familiar with 51 already. They are all cross type, however, which enables the Canon to shine for videographers and photographers who want to use the live view feature on their camera.

The Verdict

While the Canon EOS 70D definitely performs better for those planning on using their DSLR primarily for video, the Nikon D7200’s newer technology and superior capabilities make it a better all-around choice. The Nikon D7200 handles noise better, has better color and dynamic range and a higher max ISO. It also has a larger LCD screen and dual SD card slots, making it a slightly better choice for most photographers.