Canon 5D MIII vs Canon 70D

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Canon 5D MIII vs Canon 70D, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras and both of them are offered by Canon. The image resolution of the 5D MIII (22MP) and the 70D (20MP) is fairly well matched but the 5D MIII (Full frame) and 70D (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The 5D MIII was launched 17 months before the 70D making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the 5D MIII scores against the 70D when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Canon EOS 70D. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon 5D MIII Gallery and Canon 70D Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon 5D MIII provides outer measurements of 152mm x 116mm x 76mm (6.0" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 950 grams (2.09 lbs) while the Canon 70D has measurements of 139mm x 104mm x 79mm (5.5" x 4.1" x 3.1") along with a weight of 755 grams (1.66 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon 5D MIII vs Canon 70D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the 5D MIII compared to the 70D.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 5D MIII and 70D is 55 and 59 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading through technical specs. The visual below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the 5D MIII and 70D.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 5D MIII due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Canon 5D MIII will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The older 5D MIII is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.