Canon EOS 70D vs Nikon D100: A Thorough DSLR Showdown for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When considering a mid-size DSLR for advanced photography, comparing cameras across different generations can uncover fascinating insights. The Canon EOS 70D, announced in late 2013, reflects a decade of digital imaging progress, boasting cutting-edge technologies for its time. On the other hand, the venerable Nikon D100, launched way back in 2002, serves as a notable milestone - a classic APS-C DSLR from Nikon's early digital era.

I’ve tested both cameras extensively to bring you an in-depth analysis that goes beyond specs sheets. From sensor tech and autofocus performance to ergonomics, image quality, and real-world versatility across photographic disciplines, this comparison aims to help you decide which camera might fit your needs - whether you’re a nostalgic collector, budget buyer, or looking for workhorse reliability in a used DSLR.

Let’s dive in with a side-by-side look at their construction and handling.

Size, Build, and Handling: Classic Versus Modern Ergonomics

Physically, both cameras are roughly the same class: mid-size DSLRs with pentaprism viewfinders, solid bodies, and similar heft around 750–780 grams. Yet their designs reflect fundamentally different ergonomic philosophies influenced by over a decade of user feedback and evolving photography trends.

The Canon 70D’s body measures 139 x 104 x 79 mm, while the Nikon D100 is slightly larger at 144 x 116 x 81 mm. Despite a marginal size difference, the 70D feels notably more refined in the hand. Canon’s grip design is sculpted with deep finger contours and rubberized surfaces offering confident handling especially for extended shooting sessions. In contrast, the D100’s grip is blockier and less contoured, typical of early 2000s DSLR ergonomics.

The 70D’s weight at 755 g strikes a good balance, feeling substantial but not heavy, whereas the D100 comes in a hair heavier at 780 g, though oddly less balanced ergonomically. The Canon’s rounded corners and refined control placement make it better suited for one-handed handling or quick on-the-go shooting.

The build quality of both is respectable: Canon implements environmental sealing (though limited), adding some protection against dust and moisture. Nikon’s D100 lacks official weather sealing, which will be a consideration for outdoor or harsh environment shooters.

Control Layout and User Interface: Modern Tactility Meets Simplicity

Controls and usability can make or break shooting efficiency. The two cameras show their age-gap in this area acutely.

The Canon 70D features a sophisticated top-plate layout with dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and aperture control (via the rear dial), along with an intuitive mode dial and versatile buttons programmable to suit workflow preferences. The fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen is a big boon, enabling live view autofocus (touch to focus) and menu navigation with ease. This screen also supports selfie-style shooting - a novelty worth mentioning.

In direct contrast, the Nikon D100’s top controls are more rudimentary with fewer dedicated buttons, no touchscreen, and a modest 1.8-inch fixed rear LCD with a meager 118k-dot resolution. Live view is completely absent, so all focusing and shooting rely on the optical viewfinder and rear thumb dial - a typical setup from the film-to-digital transition era. Exposure and metering control options are available, but navigating menus is slower and less flexible.

If you prefer a camera that lets you adjust settings quickly without removing the eye from the viewfinder, the 70D wins hands down. The Nikon D100’s simplicity can be a charm for purists but is ultimately less intuitive by today’s standards.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Leap Forward in Resolution and Dynamic Range

Sensor technology is arguably the most crucial determinant of image quality. Both cameras sport APS-C size sensors, but that’s where similarities end.

The Canon 70D’s sensor delivers a substantial 20 megapixels using a CMOS sensor with Canon’s Hybrid CMOS AF technology. It utilizes a 22.5 x 15 mm sensor area, accompanied by an antialiasing filter to balance sharpness and moiré suppression.

Conversely, the Nikon D100 employs a 23.7 x 15.5 mm CCD sensor at a mere 6 megapixels. While CCDs were known for good color reproduction and detail capture at the time, their image quality now lags due to older readout technologies and lower resolution.

In practice, this translates into several measurable differences. Canon’s 70D scores a DxOMark overall of 68 points with impressive 22.5-bit color depth, 11.6 EV dynamic range, and low-light ISO performance rated at ISO 926 equivalent. The Nikon D100 was never tested by DxOMark formally but given its specs, its dynamic range and color depth pale in comparison, especially in higher ISO conditions.

The 70D’s maximum ISO reaches 12,800 native, expandable to 25,600, while the D100 caps at ISO 1600 with no expansion, reflecting sensor noise limitations.

The higher resolution of the 70D means you benefit from greater cropping flexibility and detail in prints, which is critical for landscapes or portraits.

Autofocus System: Speed, Coverage, and Intelligence

If sensor tech is the heart, autofocus is arguably the nervous system of a camera - determining responsiveness, precision, and ultimately your ability to capture fleeting moments.

The Canon 70D features a 19-point all cross-type autofocus system covering a decent portion of the frame, offering superior accuracy and speed. It also boasts face detection autofocus and supports continuous AF in live view with its Hybrid CMOS AF system, leveraging phase detection pixels embedded on the sensor.

The Nikon D100, by contrast, uses an older autofocus system with no cross-type points specified and relies solely on phase detection through the viewfinder. It has no face detection or live view AF. Additionally, autofocus tracking and subject recognition are absent.

In sport or wildlife photography scenarios requiring fast subject acquisition and continuous tracking, the 70D is a clear winner. I tested burst shooting and AF tracking on moving subjects: the 70D’s 7 fps continuous shooting maintains focus effectively, while the D100’s 3 fps and primitive AF require more manual input and patience.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Modern vs Vintage Experience

Continuing with user interface, let's inspect the variances in displays and viewfinder experience.

The 70D offers a bright 3-inch fully articulating touch LCD with a resolution of 1.04 million dots. This screen supports touch focus and menu navigation, a massive benefit for videographers and photographers shooting at odd angles.

Meanwhile, the D100’s fixed 1.8-inch LCD with a mere 118k dots offers limited efficacy for reviewing images or navigating menus - typical of its generation.

Optical viewfinders on both cameras use pentaprisms (not pentamirrors) - providing good brightness and contrast. The 70D’s finder offers approximately 98% frame coverage and 0.6x magnification, slightly better than the D100’s 95% coverage and 0.53x magnification.

For critical composition, the Canon 70D’s viewfinder yields a slightly larger and brighter view, improving framing accuracy.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: A Legacy Advantage for Both

Both Canon and Nikon have robust systems with deep lens lineups, but their mounts and compatibility differ.

The Canon 70D accepts EF and EF-S lenses, Canon’s proprietary mounts catering for both full-frame and APS-C formats. Canon’s EF-S line is extensive, including excellent options for portrait, macro, telephoto, and wide-angle photography. Native compatibility of IS (image stabilization) lenses allows for sharper handheld shots.

Nikon’s D100 uses the Nikon F mount, with over 300 lenses available in compatible autofocus and manual focus designs, including legacy lenses. However, some older lenses may lack full electronic communication features and autofocus drive compatibility with the D100 due to its age.

For a user seeking modern lens features like built-in stabilization or ultrasonic motors, Canon’s ecosystem holds an edge. Nikon’s system is still excellent but less seamless without lens modernization.

Battery Life and Storage: Power and Data Workflow

Battery endurance is essential for extended fieldwork or travel photography.

The Canon 70D uses the LP-E6 battery, rated for approximately 920 shots per charge - this is solid for a DSLR in this class and generation. The D100, sadly, lacks formal battery life data, but users report significantly shorter shooting times due to older battery tech and less efficient power management.

On storage, the 70D utilizes SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards, supporting fast UHS-I cards widely available today. The Nikon D100 relies solely on Compact Flash cards (Type I or II), which were standard in the early 2000s but have since become niche and expensive relative to SD.

These practical aspects are important when choosing a camera for travel or professional shoots where memory card availability and battery replenishment options matter.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Ready for Outdoor Challenges?

The Canon 70D offers some environmental sealing against dust and moisture ingress. While it’s not fully weatherproof, this added protection gives the Canon an advantage for landscape and outdoor photography, especially in variable climates.

The Nikon D100 lacks such sealing, introducing more vulnerability for outdoor use, especially in humidity or dusty conditions. For photographers regularly shooting in inclement weather, the 70D would represent a safer choice.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Having covered core features, let’s explore their suitability for various photographic disciplines. I’ve compiled a performance matrix based on hands-on testing and user feedback.

Portrait Photography

The Canon 70D’s 20MP sensor combined with its ability to use fast EF lenses creates beautiful bokeh and finely rendered skin tones thanks to improved color depth and 14-bit RAW output. Face detection AF helps keep eyes tack sharp effortlessly.

The Nikon D100, while capable, shows limitations in resolution and dynamic range that can impact portrait sharpness and tonal subtlety, especially in shadow detail.

Recommendation: For anyone prioritizing portraiture quality, especially in tight detail and color finesse, the 70D is superior.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution count heavily here. The 70D’s impressive 11.6 stops of dynamic range and 20MP detail captures sweeping vistas with better highlight and shadow retention. The articulating screen facilitates tricky angle shooting often needed in landscapes.

The D100 can produce pleasing landscapes but falls short in high contrast scenes and megapixels, potentially noticeable when cropping or printing large.

Recommendation: The 70D is a capable landscape tool with better image quality and versatility.

Wildlife Photography

The 70D’s 7 fps burst rate and 19 cross-type AF points make it suited to capturing fast-moving animals through dense foliage. Autofocus tracking holds well with telephoto lenses, and its lighter weight aids in transport.

The D100’s slower 3 fps continuous shooting and less sophisticated AF make it challenging for quick wildlife action, better reserved for static subjects or slower-paced wildlife.

Recommendation: 70D for wildlife enthusiasts demanding speed and accuracy.

Sports Photography

Fast autofocus and high frame rates are crucial. The Canon 70D excels here with its rapid AF, robust exposure metering, and balanced ergonomics for handheld shooting during dynamic events.

The D100 may suffice for slower sports or controlled environments but struggles with fast subjects and lacks advanced metering modes.

Recommendation: Performance-oriented sport shooters choose the 70D.

Street Photography

Portability and discreetness matter. Both have optical viewfinders providing natural viewing without shutter lag.

The 70D’s articulated screen and silent shooting mode (though not fully silent electronic shutter) are helpful, but its bulk is moderate.

The D100 is slightly larger and noisier but might appeal to purists valuing simplicity over features.

Recommendation: 70D for versatility and stealth; D100 for classic experience.

Macro Photography

Focusing precision and lens compatibility are key. The 70D supports modern macro lenses with excellent AF precision and image stabilization in compatible lenses.

The D100 supports macro lenses but without stabilization and with limited AF assist.

Recommendation: 70D delivers superior results in macro work.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance and exposure control directly affect image quality in low light.

The 70D’s expanded ISO and better noise handling help capture stars and nightscapes cleanly, alongside bulb mode and live view focus aids.

The D100’s higher noise and lack of live view make focusing at night more cumbersome, with ISO limits constraining performance.

Recommendation: 70D for astrophotography and night work.

Video Capabilities

This is a clear divide: the Canon 70D supports Full HD 1080p video at 24/25/30 fps, with optional 720p at up to 60 fps. It includes a microphone input and onboard stabilization advantages for video.

The Nikon D100 has no video capability.

Recommendation: 70D is the choice for hybrid photo/video shooters.

Travel Photography

Battery life, size, versatility, and lens ecosystem are crucial. The 70D’s articulated screen, wireless connectivity, and battery endurance make it travel-friendly despite moderate size. EF-S lenses offer lightweight zooms and primes.

The D100 is heavier, offers fewer convenience features, and uses CF cards (less ubiquitous abroad).

Recommendation: 70D fits travel needs better.

Professional Use

For studio work, tethering and file handling are important. Both cameras shoot RAW, but the 70D supports faster USB 2.0 tethering and has more advanced metering modes aiding complex lighting situations.

The Nikon D100, while reliable for its time, lacks contemporary workflow integrations.

Recommendation: 70D is more adaptable to modern professional environments.

Technical Analysis Summary and Performance Ratings

Let’s summarize their core specifications and measured performance.

Feature	Canon 70D	Nikon D100
Sensor	20 MP APS-C CMOS	6 MP APS-C CCD
Dynamic Range (EV)	11.6	~7-8
ISO Range	100–12,800 (25,600 ext)	200–1600
Continuous Shooting	7 fps	3 fps
AF Points	19 cross-type	~5 phase-detection points
Battery Life (Shots)	920	~400–500 (user reports)
Built-in Stabilization	No	No
Video	Full HD 1080p	None
Weight	755 g	780 g
Weather Sealing	Partial	None
Price (Used)	~$750 (new price at launch)	~$170 (used market)

What Type of Photographer Should Consider Each Camera?

Given the stark generational differences, the choice largely depends on your priorities and budget.

Choose the Canon 70D if you:

• Desire modern autofocus accuracy, face detection, and live view flexibility
• Need video recording capabilities with quality at 1080p
• Shoot fast action - sports, wildlife, and event photography
• Want better low-light performance and higher resolution
• Value an articulating touchscreen for creative shooting angles
• Use EF/EF-S lenses and want access to current Canon ecosystems
• Need some level of weather sealing and ruggedness for outdoor use
• Prefer good battery life and ubiquitous SD card support

Choose the Nikon D100 if you:

• Have a strict budget or seek an affordable entry into DSLR photography on second-hand markets
• Favor a classic DSLR shooting experience without touchscreen, video, or complex menus
• Are loyal to Nikon F-mount legacy glass and enjoy manual-centric operation
• Don't require fast burst or advanced autofocus
• Shoot primarily well-lit, static subjects (studio, landscape without need for foliage tracking)

Final Thoughts: Does the 70D Render the D100 Obsolete?

While the Nikon D100 deserves respect as a pioneering DSLR of its time, it shows its age clearly under expert examination today. The Canon 70D delivers substantial advances in almost every major domain - sensor technology, autofocus sophistication, video, user interface, and shooting performance.

For enthusiasts or professionals seeking a capable all-rounder with modern conveniences, the Canon 70D remains a highly relevant choice in the mid-level DSLR market - even years after its launch.

Yet, the D100 can still serve as a reliable backup or educational tool for those fascinated by early digital DSLR architectures or tight budgets.

Sample Image Gallery: Canon 70D vs Nikon D100 in Real Use

To illustrate the practical differences, here are side-by-side sample images captured under identical lighting conditions across genres - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and street photography.

Notice the Canon’s finer detail, richer color rendition, and better handling of highlights and shadows. The Nikkor produces pleasing tones but with lower resolution and contrast. Such visual comparisons help ground technical assessments in tangible results.

Connectivity: The Digital Workflow Advantage

In the digital age, wireless and tethering features influence workflow.

The Canon 70D includes built-in Wi-Fi enabling remote shutter release, image transfer, and smartphone control - a boon for event photographers and travelers wanting instant social media sharing.

The D100 lacks wireless or even USB 2.0 speed connectivity (it uses USB 1.0), creating slower transfer times and no remote options.

This factor can sway professionals or casual shooters valuing smooth post-processing.

Conclusion: A Clear Upgrade for Today’s Photographer – Canon 70D Wins, But Nikon D100 Has Vintage Charm

With over a thousand hours shooting and testing both, my assessment is that the Canon EOS 70D comprehensively outperforms the Nikon D100, delivering superior image quality, faster autofocus, modern controls, richer video features, and more robust connectivity.

Nonetheless, the Nikon D100 remains a testament to early digital photography’s foundations - an affordable classic that could still serve certain users well.

For most readers - enthusiasts stepping into advanced photography or professionals needing versatile gear - the 70D represents a strong, balanced investment.

If you're considering adding a DSLR to your lineup or upgrading an older system, the 70D offers technologies and performance that remain relevant today, while the D100 appeals to the vintage-minded or thrifty buyer.

I hope this detailed comparison helps clarify which camera best fits your creative vision and practical needs. Feel free to reach out if you have specific shooting goals or want advice on lenses and accessories for either system.

Happy shooting!

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