Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Model | EOS 5D Mark III | EOS 70D |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2012 | 2013 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
02/03/2012 | 02/07/2013 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 152 x 116 x 76 mm | 139 x 104 x 79 mm |
| Camera weight | 950 g | 755 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
22.3 MP050 | 20.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5760 x 3840 | 5472 x 3648 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
24 x 36 | 15 x 22.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
6 fps045 | 7 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Canon EF | Canon EF-S |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Digic 5+ | Digic 5+ |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
256003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
5030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
1024003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
610300 | 190300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | TFT LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10400001150001500000 | 10400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash, UDMA | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✗ |
| Battery type | LP-E6 | LP-E6 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
950 shots1505000 | 920 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III comes out on top with a score of 65/100, while the Canon EOS 70D trails behind with a score of 60/100. Both cameras are DSLR models and were released in 2012 and 2013, respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the 5D Mark III measuring 152 x 116 x 76mm and the 70D at 139 x 104 x 79mm.
The 5D Mark III’s higher score stems from its superior performance and features, justifying its higher launch price of $3499 compared to the 70D’s $1199. However, the 70D has the advantage of being lighter, weighing 755g compared to the 5D Mark III’s 950g.
Considering the scores and specifications, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the better camera, but the Canon EOS 70D offers a more affordable and lightweight option for those who prioritize portability.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 70D in terms of optics, with a score of 67/100 compared to the 70D’s 58/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, Digic 5+ processor, and the absence of image stabilization. However, there are key differences that contribute to the 5D Mark III’s higher score.
The 5D Mark III has a 22.3-megapixel sensor, which is slightly higher than the 70D’s 20.2 megapixels. This higher resolution allows for more detailed and sharper images. Additionally, the 5D Mark III boasts a full-frame sensor, as opposed to the 70D’s APS-C sensor. A full-frame sensor provides better low-light performance, increased dynamic range, and a shallower depth of field. The 5D Mark III’s sensor also has a higher DXOMARK score of 81, compared to the 70D’s 68, further emphasizing its superior image quality.
On the other hand, the 70D has a faster shooting speed of 7 frames per second, compared to the 5D Mark III’s 6 frames per second. This advantage could be beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or action photography. However, this slight edge in shooting speed does not make up for the overall difference in optics quality.
Considering these points, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the better choice for those prioritizing optics quality, as its higher megapixel count, full-frame sensor, and superior DXOMARK score result in better image quality. The Canon EOS 70D may be a more suitable option for those who require a faster shooting speed but are willing to sacrifice some image quality.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 70D in video capabilities with a score of 56 to 43. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD video resolution and maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. Neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.
The 5D Mark III’s superiority in video performance stems from its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the 70D’s 30fps. This allows for smoother and more professional-looking video footage, particularly when capturing fast-moving subjects or scenes. This advantage makes the 5D Mark III more suitable for videographers who require higher frame rates for their projects.
On the other hand, the 70D does not surpass the 5D Mark III in any specific video-related aspect. However, it is worth noting that the 70D may still be a suitable choice for casual video users or those who do not require higher frame rates. The lower score does not make it a bad camera, but it highlights the 5D Mark III’s better performance in the video department.
In comparing the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Canon EOS 70D, it is clear that the 5D Mark III is the better choice for video capabilities due to its higher frame rate. The 70D, while not excelling in any particular area, remains a viable option for those with less demanding video needs.
The Canon EOS 70D emerges as the winner in the features comparison with a score of 70/100, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark III scores 59/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots and the absence of GPS and Bluetooth capabilities.
The EOS 70D outperforms the 5D Mark III in certain aspects. Its 3-inch touchscreen allows for easier navigation and control compared to the 5D Mark III’s 3.2-inch non-touchscreen. Additionally, the 70D has a flip screen, which offers more flexibility when composing shots from different angles. The 5D Mark III lacks this feature. The 70D also comes with built-in Wi-Fi, making it convenient for transferring files and remote shooting.
However, the 5D Mark III has its strengths as well. Although it has a slightly larger screen size of 3.2 inches, it does not offer any significant advantages over the 70D’s 3-inch screen. The 5D Mark III’s feature score is lower, but it does not imply that the camera is inferior in all aspects. Other factors, such as general specifications, optics, and video performance, should also be considered when comparing these two models.
Taking all the features into account, the Canon EOS 70D is a more user-friendly and versatile camera, thanks to its touchscreen, flip screen, and Wi-Fi connectivity. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III may not have the same level of convenience, but it should not be disregarded solely based on its lower feature score. The choice between the two cameras ultimately depends on the individual preferences and requirements of the photographer.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 70D in storage and battery with a score of 76/100, a significant 39-point lead over the 70D’s 37/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, using the LP-E6 battery type, and lacking USB charging capabilities.
The 5D Mark III’s edge comes from its dual memory card slots, accommodating both SD/SDHC/SDXC and Compact Flash UDMA cards, offering more storage flexibility. Additionally, it has a slightly longer battery life, providing 950 shots compared to the 70D’s 920 shots.
On the other hand, the 70D has no notable advantages in storage and battery over the 5D Mark III. Its single memory card slot and marginally shorter battery life make it less competitive in this aspect.
Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the clear winner in storage and battery capacity, offering greater flexibility and endurance for photographers. The Canon EOS 70D, while a decent camera, falls behind in these areas when compared to the 5D Mark III.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 5D Mark III or the Canon EOS 70D: