how to get clear, crisp photos in lower light conditions

I have the 70D also and low light conditions are VERY tough 'shooting' conditions.

1. Always use a tripod or sandbag.
2. Don't shoot on AUTO mode, try P mode or Manual
3. Turn your ISO up high
4. Try to shoot with the sun fading at your back (so taking pics pointing towards East)
5. Use a photo editing software program like Adobe Photoshop to edit pics and adjust exposure etc. afterwards
6. Shooting it RAW allows for greater editing power also.

Best of luck, it's tough for sure but I did manage a few good shots with low light this summer recently.

Thank you for the info. That all makes sense and I typically do that exact same thing that you mention.

is it difficult to use the photo programs you mentioned? what kind of computer are you doing this on? I am really into this video and photo stuff and would love some extra insight. I spend 30 days a year in a treestand during the kansas archery season. I love shooting video and taking pictures!

Adobe Photoshop does have a bit of a learning curve YES. But it's the best photo editing and design software IMO.

I have a 27" iMac computer. You could use iPhoto also if your a MAC guy like I am.

I have struggled with the same low light condition. I have found to use a lower aperture number and higher ISO will work too. A tripod is a must.
I like the Canon program that comes with the camera to convert from RAW. It seems easy to figure out.

Moose

I'm a little old school but I just snap a pic with my iphone then change the lighting and exposure to brighten any pictures taken in low light..... =D>