CameraReview

Canon EOS 70D vs Sony a6300 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Canon EOS 70D
Canon
Canon EOS 70D
DSLR · 20.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
60
SCORE
$426.36
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✓ WINNER
Sony a6300
Sony
Sony a6300
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · APS-C · 4K video
61
SCORE
$493.64
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General
Brand CanonSony
Model EOS 70Da6300
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20132016
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
02/07/201303/02/2016
Camera type DSLRMirrorless
Camera size 139 x 104 x 79 mm120 x 67 x 49 mm
Camera weight 755 g404 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20.2 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5472 x 36486000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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.
15 x 22.515.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CAPS-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.
7 fps04511 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-SSony E
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 5+Bionz X
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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
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.
128003003280000256003003280000
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.
1003020010030200
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.
256003003280000512003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
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.
800080032000400080032000
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.
1903004250300
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)Electronic
Viewfinder dots N/A235929609900000
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 HD4K
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 10803840 x 2160
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.
30 fps120 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.
MOVMPEG-4, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, H.264
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 LCDLCD
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"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
104000011500015000009216001150001500000
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 / SDXCSD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E6NP-FW50
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
920 shots1505000400 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a6300 narrowly wins over the Canon EOS 70D with a score of 61/100 compared to 60/100. Both cameras were released in the 2010s, with the 70D in 2013 and the a6300 in 2016. They share similarities such as the launch price, with the 70D at $1199 and the a6300 at $1000.

The Sony a6300’s advantages include its mirrorless design, making it lighter at 404g and smaller at 120 x 67 x 49mm compared to the 70D’s weight of 755g and size of 139 x 104 x 79mm. This makes the Sony a6300 more portable and convenient for on-the-go photography.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 70D’s DSLR design may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional camera feel. Its slightly higher launch price also implies it may have had more premium features at the time of release.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a6300 comes out ahead as the better camera, but the Canon EOS 70D still has its merits for those who prefer a DSLR design.

Canon EOS 70D vs Sony a6300 Overview and Optics

The Sony a6300 outperforms the Canon EOS 70D in optics with a score of 68/100 compared to the Canon’s 58/100. Both cameras share common specifications such as the CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, and the lack of image stabilization. However, the Sony a6300 proves to be superior in several aspects.

The Sony a6300 has 24.2 megapixels, which is higher than the Canon EOS 70D’s 20.2 megapixels. This results in better image resolution and detail. Additionally, the a6300 has a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second compared to the 70D’s 7 frames per second, allowing for better performance in capturing fast-moving subjects. The Sony a6300 also has a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 85, as opposed to the Canon 70D’s score of 68. This indicates better overall image quality in the a6300.

Despite the lower score, the Canon EOS 70D does have some advantages over the Sony a6300. It features a Canon EF-S lens mount, which provides access to a more extensive range of lenses compared to the Sony E lens mount. This allows for greater flexibility in choosing lenses for various photography needs.

In comparing the optics of these two cameras, the Sony a6300 is the clear winner due to its higher megapixel count, shooting speed, and DXOMARK sensor score. However, the Canon EOS 70D still has merit in its more extensive lens compatibility. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.

Canon EOS 70D vs Sony a6300 Video Performance

The Sony a6300 outperforms the Canon EOS 70D in terms of video capabilities, with a significantly higher video score of 91/100 compared to the 70D’s 43/100. Both cameras share some common video specifications, including Full HD resolution and 1920 x 1080 video dimensions. However, the differences between the two cameras become apparent when examining their respective strengths.

The a6300’s superiority in video capabilities is evident through its 4K video resolution, which offers four times the detail of Full HD. Additionally, the a6300 boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, allowing for smoother motion and the option to create slow-motion footage. The inclusion of time-lapse functionality further sets the a6300 apart, providing users with a versatile tool for capturing creative and dynamic video content.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 70D falls short in comparison, offering only Full HD resolution and a lower maximum video frame rate of 30fps. The absence of built-in time-lapse functionality further limits the 70D’s video capabilities. Despite these shortcomings, the 70D remains a reliable option for those seeking a camera primarily for photography purposes, with video recording as a secondary function.

In comparing the video capabilities of the Sony a6300 and Canon EOS 70D, the a6300 emerges as the clear winner. Its 4K resolution, higher frame rate, and time-lapse functionality make it a superior choice for those prioritizing video recording. The Canon EOS 70D, while reliable for photography, lacks the advanced video features offered by the a6300.

Canon EOS 70D vs Sony a6300 Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS 70D outperforms the Sony a6300 in features, scoring 70 out of 100 points, while the Sony a6300 scores 48 points. Both cameras share a 3-inch screen size, lack GPS, and have WIFI connectivity. However, there are clear differences between the two models that contribute to the Canon EOS 70D’s higher score.

The Canon EOS 70D has a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, compared to the Sony a6300’s 921,600 dots. This results in a sharper and more detailed display, making it easier to review images and navigate the camera’s settings. Additionally, the Canon EOS 70D has a touchscreen, whereas the Sony a6300 does not. This feature allows for quicker and more intuitive adjustments, as well as the ability to select focus points by touching the screen.

Both cameras have flip screens, but the Sony a6300 does not offer any additional advantages over the Canon EOS 70D in terms of features. The absence of a touchscreen and lower screen resolution make it less convenient to use than its competitor.

Considering the differences in features, the Canon EOS 70D is the better choice for photographers who prioritize a user-friendly interface and a high-resolution display. The Sony a6300, while still a capable camera, falls short in these aspects, making it less appealing to users who value these features. By comparing the specifications of each camera, it is evident that the Canon EOS 70D offers a superior experience in terms of usability and display quality.

Canon EOS 70D vs Sony a6300 Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 70D outperforms the Sony a6300 in storage and battery with a score of 37/100, while the Sony a6300 only scores 24/100. Both cameras share similarities in storage as they each have a single memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the Canon EOS 70D surpasses the Sony a6300 in battery life, offering 920 shots per charge compared to the Sony a6300’s 400 shots. The Canon EOS 70D uses the LP-E6 battery type, while the Sony a6300 uses the NP-FW50 battery type. Neither camera offers USB charging.

The Canon EOS 70D’s longer battery life means users can take more photos without needing to change batteries, making it more convenient for extended shooting sessions. The Sony a6300 falls short in this aspect, potentially causing interruptions during shoots. However, it is important to note that both cameras use the same memory card types, providing equal storage capabilities.

Considering the storage and battery aspects, the Canon EOS 70D proves to be the superior option with its significantly longer battery life, while the Sony a6300 maintains equal storage capabilities but lacks in battery performance.

Canon EOS 70D vs Sony a6300 – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 70D vs Sony a6300 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 70D or the Sony a6300: