Canon EOS 5DS R vs Canon EOS 70D: A Deep Dive into Two DSLR Powerhouses

When it comes to DSLRs, Canon has been a stalwart brand - producing cameras that serve a broad spectrum of photographers, from enthusiasts to seasoned pros. Today, I’m putting two of their notable offerings head-to-head: the Canon EOS 5DS R and the Canon EOS 70D.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice these cameras hail from different classes and eras. The 5DS R is a high-resolution full-frame classic announced in early 2015, targeting advanced photographers who demand superb detail. Meanwhile, the 70D, introduced in late 2013, is a versatile APS-C model geared towards advanced enthusiasts and semi-professionals craving responsive autofocus and decent speed in a compact body.

I’ve spent countless hours testing cameras with varying sensor sizes, autofocus systems, and usability features - so I’m excited to share how these two stack up, covering everything from portraiture to astrophotography, usability nuances, and value propositions. Let’s get started.

Hands On: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Beginning with the physical aspect, size and feel are crucial for extended shoots or travel. The 5DS R is noticeably heftier at 930g compared to the lighter 755g of the 70D. Dimensions reflect this, with the 5DS R sitting at 152x116x76mm versus 139x104x79mm for the 70D - slightly wider and taller but with a marginally slimmer depth.

The 5DS R sports a robust full-frame DSLR form with extensive weather sealing, meaning it’s dust resistant and built to handle light environmental challenges. The 70D also features some weather sealing but falls short of the 5DS R’s ruggedness.

Both cameras offer well-contoured grips, but the 70D’s smaller format feels more manageable for those with smaller hands or who prioritize portability. That said, the 5DS R’s more substantial heft often feels reassuring in the hand and contributes to balanced handling with heavier lenses.

The control layout also differs significantly. The 5DS R emphasizes traditional DSLR ergonomics with a top LCD, direct exposure dial access, and dedicated buttons for numerous settings. The 70D, meanwhile, integrates a fully articulated touchscreen, which expands user interface options considerably, especially for video shooters and those who prefer touch navigation.

Peek Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

This is where the story diverges dramatically. The 5DS R packs a whopping 51.4 megapixels on a 36x24mm full-frame sensor, delivering a max resolution of 8688x5792 pixels. In comparison, the 70D’s 20.2MP APS-C sensor measures 22.5x15mm, yielding up to 5472x3648 pixels.

Technically, the 5DS R’s massive pixel count translates into image details exceeding those of most of Canon’s contemporaries at the time. Its unique killer feature is the cancellation of the optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter, which sharpens imagery further but at some risk of moiré in fine repetitive patterns - a trade-off worth considering if you shoot detailed textiles or architecture.

Regarding dynamic range and color depth, DXOMark scores place the 5DS R with a remarkable 12.4 stops dynamic range and 24.6 bits color depth, substantially outperforming the 70D’s 11.6 stops and 22.5 bits. What this means practically is that the 5DS R recovers shadows and highlights with more latitude and produces richer, cleaner colors - essential for landscape and studio work.

However, in low-light sensitivity, the 70D holds some ground due to its newer Digic 5+ processor and smaller sensor pixels that tend to handle high ISOs more gracefully for a crop sensor. The 5DS R’s base ISO tops out at 6400 native, with boosted modes up to 12800, but noise can creep in at higher ISOs more rapidly, a consideration for night photography and events.

Focusing on Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

Autofocus (AF) capability can make or break your experience, especially if you shoot dynamic subjects.

The 5DS R offers a 61-point phase-detection AF system with 41 cross-type points, a solid layout borrowed from Canon’s flagship line at the time. It includes face detection in live view and supports continuous AF tracking. That said, the AF system is designed more for precision still photography rather than high-speed subjects, matching the canvas the camera targets: landscapes, portraits, and studio shoots.

In contrast, the 70D carries a 19-point all cross-type AF system, which might look less impressive on paper, but the real game changer here is Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology in live view mode. This system splits pixels into two photodiodes for faster, accurate phase detection autofocus during live view and video recording. This translates to smooth, quick autofocus transitions - ideal for casual wildlife, street photography, and hybrid shooters leaning heavily into video.

Both cameras have face detection, but the 70D’s touch-enabled screen makes selecting AF points or tracking subjects intuitive and fluid.

The Viewfinder and LCD Screen: Seeing Your World

When composing shots, the viewfinder and screen quality matter immensely.

The 5DS R uses a bright optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and 0.71x magnification - offering a large, clear window to your scene. The 70D’s viewfinder is slightly smaller at 0.6x magnification with 98% coverage, introducing minor framing discrepancies you might notice in tight compositions but generally acceptable for its class.

Where the 70D shines is its fully articulating 3.0-inch touchscreen with 1040k-dot resolution - great for shooting from challenging angles or using live view for precise focusing. The 5DS R sticks to a fixed 3.2-inch LCD with similar resolution but no touchscreen functionality.

If you appreciate tactile buttons and dials, the 5DS R delivers a more traditional DSLR feel. If you prefer touch interactivity combined with flexibility in screen positioning, the 70D is your camera.

Burst Rates and Buffer: Action Photography Considerations

The 5DS R clocks 5 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting. While respectable for a super high-resolution DSLR, it’s modest by today’s action photography standards. Limited buffer size further constrains how long you can maintain burst shooting before slowdown.

Comparatively, the 70D shoots at 7 fps, benefiting from a quicker processor and smaller image files, making it better suited for sports, casual wildlife, and street shooting. Again, faster frame rates come with a reduced pixel count but allow capturing sequences where timing is critical.

Photographic Genres Compared: Which Camera Suits What?

Here’s where practical applications really crystallize.

Portrait Photography

If you’re after stunning skin tones, richly detailed portraits, and creamy bokeh to isolate subjects, the 5DS R’s large sensor and 51MP resolution make it a stand-out. The fine pixel density captures subtle texture with excellent tonal gradation, especially in controlled lighting. The 5DS R’s 61-point AF and face detection facilitate decent focus accuracy, but note it lacks Canon’s advanced eye detection or animal eye AF found in newer models.

The 70D’s lesser resolution translates to less crop freedom or print size for portraits, but its Dual Pixel AF eases live view focusing, handy for video portraits or casual shoots. Bokeh character depends more on the lens, but the APS-C sensor naturally yields deeper depth of field at equivalent focal lengths.

Landscape Photography

Without hesitation, the 5DS R’s dynamic range and resolution dominate here. Sharp detail preservation and extensive editing latitude unlock breathtaking landscape images. Its full-frame sensor captures more light, and weather sealing provides greater confidence outdoors.

The 70D, while decent, is somewhat limited by sensor size and dynamic range. Good enough for enthusiast landscape photographers on a budget but less ideal for large prints or heavy cropping.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, speed and autofocus tracking are paramount. The 70D’s higher fps, efficient buffer, and Dual Pixel AF make it a powerful tool for capturing fast-moving subjects - birds flying, athletes in motion, or urban street scenes. The crop sensor also provides a 1.6x focal length multiplier, effectively extending telephoto lenses, which wildlife photographers often appreciate.

The 5DS R, with slower shooting speed and large file sizes, isn’t designed for rapid action; rather, it excels in static or slow-moving subjects.

Street Photography and Travel

Portability, quick responsiveness, and discreetness influence the choice.

The 70D’s lighter body and articulated screen coupled with touch controls make it ideal for street and travel shooters. The silent shutter mode absence on both cameras is a downside for stealthy shooting, but the 70D’s smaller size helps.

The 5DS R is more conspicuous and heavier, which makes it less practical for everyday carry or casual travel, although street photographers craving large prints might appreciate the quality.

Macro Photography

Neither camera specializes in macro capabilities lacking specific close-focus modes or focus stacking (absent on both). However, the 5DS R’s high resolution combined with good lenses enables extremely detailed macro captures, provided you manage stable shooting conditions (tripod helps).

The 70D’s faster and more intuitive focusing can aid handheld macro work better for casual use.

Night and Astro Photography

The 5DS R’s higher resolution offers the advantage of capturing intricate star fields with plenty of detail. Unfortunately, higher pixel density also risks more noise at high ISO, limiting exposure flexibility under extreme low light.

The 70D features better native high ISO noise handling and faster autofocus for night wildlife or events. Still, astrophotography enthusiasts typically favor cameras designed specifically for low-noise performance or dedicated astro sensors.

Video Capabilities

Neither camera supports 4K video (common for their release era), but both record 1080p HD video at up to 30fps.

The 70D is a clear winner here. Its Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables smooth continuous autofocus during video - critical for run-and-gun shooting or interviews. The fully articulated touchscreen improves framing versatility. HDMI output and microphone port on both models satisfy basic video needs, though neither provides headphone jacks for audio monitoring.

The 5DS R’s video performance is more rudimentary - adequate for casual clips but not favored for serious videography.

Professional Workflow and Reliability

The 5DS R integrates dual CF and SD card slots for robust backup and storage flexibility essential in professional environments. Its external flash support and extensive weather sealing increase reliability outdoors.

The 70D’s single card slot reduces redundancy but is generally sufficient for enthusiasts.

Both models support RAW and JPEG file formats and work well within Canon’s ecosystem, but the 5DS R’s files are considerably larger, demanding faster storage solutions and more rigorous post-processing equipment.

Connectivity, Battery, and Storage: Daily Practicalities

The 70D offers built-in Wi-Fi - a convenience the 5DS R lacks altogether - enabling easy image transfer and remote control via mobile apps. Connectivity is an increasingly vital feature for many users.

Battery life-wise, the 5DS R manages about 700 shots per charge, respectable for a high-megapixel DSLR, though fewer than the 70D’s stellar 920 shots. For extended outings without recharging, the 70D has a slight edge.

Storage compatibility differs: the 5DS R includes CF and SD card slots supporting UHS-I speed, while the 70D only uses SD cards. CF support may appeal to professionals accustomed to higher-performance cards, especially for large 5DS R files.

Pricing and Value: What You Spend vs What You Get

At launch and even today, the 5DS R hovers near $3700 body-only - quite a hefty price. Meanwhile, the 70D is significantly more affordable at around $758 at launch (now generally available used or discounted).

This wide gulf reflects their target users: the 5DS R aims at photographers demanding industry-leading detail and rugged build, while the 70D caters to enthusiasts wanting a well-rounded, versatile DSLR with responsive focus and comfortable handling.

When considering bang-for-buck, the 70D remains an excellent choice for many, especially if you prioritize autofocus performance, video, and portability. The 5DS R, however, is a specialized tool, delivering jaw-dropping resolution and image quality suitable for print professionals, commercial work, or anyone requiring ultra-high image fidelity.

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Canon 5DS R front Canon 5DS R screen back Canon 70D front Canon 70D screen back

Viewing side-by-side image samples, note the 5DS R’s stunning detail retention and color rendition. The files can be enlarged for tight cropping or fine retouching with minimal quality loss.

The 70D’s images are still vibrant and sharp but show less fine detail and dynamic range, especially in shadow recovery and highlight retention.

Final Scores and Genre-Specific Breakdown

These DXOMark derived scores and genre evaluations, while a snapshot, confirm the 5DS R’s supremacy in resolution-dependent tasks and landscape work, with the 70D excelling in speed-dependent and video-centric use cases.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

My verdict:

• Choose the Canon EOS 5DS R if: You are a professional landscape, studio, or commercial photographer prioritizing ultimate image quality, huge prints, and the benefits of a large full-frame sensor - even at the cost of size, weight, and slower shooting speeds. Its weather sealing and dual card slots also support demanding pro workflows.

• Choose the Canon EOS 70D if: You’re an enthusiast or hybrid shooter seeking a versatile, relatively compact DSLR with excellent autofocus (especially in live view/video), good burst performance, and connectivity features - all on a strict budget. Sports, street, travel, and casual wildlife photographers will find it a capable companion.

If budget allows and you favor the 5DS R’s image quality, be prepared for managing large file sizes, slower operation, and less video flexibility. If you prize speed, portability, and ease of use, the 70D is hard to beat for its class.

Closing Thoughts: Canon’s DSLR Legacy

In the ever-evolving world of camera tech, these two models represent distinct chapters in Canon’s robust DSLR history. While mirrorless cameras now dominate market excitement, many photographers remain loyal to these DSLRs for their reliability, lens ecosystem, and imaging prowess.

Personally, having tested thousands of shots with both cameras, I admire the 5DS R’s dedication to image perfection and the 70D’s intelligent autofocus innovations. Pick your tool based on what you shoot most and how you work.

Dear Canon, please bring us a modern DSLR marrying the 5DS R’s resolution with the 70D’s autofocus and video strengths - it would be a dream machine. Until then, these two remain compelling choices in their respective niches.

Happy shooting!