- Sensor sacrifices pixels for ISO performance
- Dual DIGIC 6 image processors
- There is no touchscreen control here.
Even though the new camera shares the same 20.2-megapixel sensor as the Canon EOS 70D, we have been informed that the design has been updated. The microlenses have also been changed to increase their efficiency (that is, their light transmission), and this should contribute to an improvement in image quality while working with higher ISOs. The camera has a natural sensitivity range that goes from 100 to 16,000, and it can be expanded to go as high as 51,200 ISO with the right settings. That is the most non-expansion you can get out of any Canon DSLR that uses the APS-C format.
The autofocus system of the Canon EOS 7D is well-known for its high level of accuracy; however, the 7D Mark II improves upon it with a 65-point system, all of which are of the cross-type, which is known for its increased sensitivity. In addition, the center point is of the dual-cross type at f/2.8 and sensitive down to f/8, which is really helpful for photographers who wish to utilize an extender with their telephoto lenses. Additionally, it is said that the center point may function down to -3EV (moonlight).
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (Renewed)
- 20.2 MP CMOS sensor and ISO 100-16000
- High speed continuous shooting up to 10.0 fps
- 65-point all cross-type AF system
- Stunning Full HD video with Custom Movie Servo AF (speed and sensitivity)
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables you to shoot video like a camcorder
- 20.2 MP CMOS sensor and ISO 100-16000
- High speed continuous shooting up to 10.0 fps
- 65-point all cross-type AF system
- Stunning Full HD video with Custom Movie Servo AF (speed and sensitivity)
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables you to shoot video like a camcorder
The new camera from Canon is equipped with the same EOS iTR AF and AI Servo AF III autofocus technology as its predecessors, the Canon EOS-1Dx and the Canon 5D Mark III. These provide the photographer with a choice of six different shooting circumstances that may be used to customize the AF system so that it has the best chance of maintaining focus on a moving subject.
There are also seven AF point selection modes, which include Single Point Spot (Manual Selection), Single Point (Manual Selection), AF Point Expansion (Manual selection), AF Point Expansion (Manual selection, surrounding points), AF Zone (Manual selection of zone), Large Zone AF (Manual selection of zone), and 65-point automatic selection AF. The 65-point automatic selection AF mode is also available. These allow the photographer to inform the camera how to track the subject if it moves when in continuous AF mode, as well as establish the beginning point for the camera’s autofocus system.
A brand new sensor with 150,000 RGB and infrared pixels is responsible for the exposure. This is a significant improvement over the Canon EOS-1D X, which features a sensor with 100,000 pixels that is split into 252 zones. Because of this, it is possible that the EOS 7D Mark II will react differently to certain stimuli compared to the original EOS 7D.
The Dual Pixel AF technology was introduced for the first time in the Canon 70D, and the sensor in the EOS 7D Mark II features pixels that can be utilized for phase detection focusing (Dual Pixel AF) in Live View and Video mode. This technology was originally seen in the Canon 70D. Because of this, the focusing may be done more smoothly and quickly than with contrast detection alone. However, in contrast to the 70D, the rate at which the focusing happens may be adjusted, which enables slower, more cinematic alterations to be made while the camera is in video mode.
Full HD video may be recorded in movie or mp4 format at up to 60 frames per second in NTSC mode or 50 frames per second in PAL mode, which is further excellent news for enthusiastic videographers. A crisp, uncompressed (4:2:2) feed may be sent to external recorders through the HDMI connector, and there are interfaces for connecting both a microphone and a headphone for improved sound recording and monitoring.
There is also a USB 3.0 connector on the camera, which allows for speedier picture transfer. Additionally, the camera comes with a bracket that can be used to keep the cable in place firmly when photographing with the camera connected to a computer.
A three-inch LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots is located on the rear of the camera, and it may be used for picture or movie composition while the camera is in Live View mode. The Canon 7D Mark II is a single-lens reflex camera, so it should come as no surprise that it also has an optical viewfinder. When the proper control is used to make an adjustment, this displays one hundred percent of the field of vision and is also capable of showing important information such as the current driving mode. In addition, there is an electronic level that can be seen at the very top of the viewfinder. This level functions separately from the AF points.
Canon has incorporated a Flicker detection option that, when chosen, alters the shutter lag to provide more consistent exposure. This option was included to assist cope with the uneven exposure that might bother photographs that are shot under fluorescent lighting.
The EOS 7D Mark II from Canon comes equipped with two card slots; one can read media formats such as SD, SDHC, and SDXC, while the other is designed to work with CompactFlash (CF) cards.
Other notable features of the camera’s specifications include a multiple exposure mode, an intervalometer that can be used for shooting time-lapse sequences and other similar types of photos (it has the same functionality as Canon’s TC-80N3 Timer Remote Controller), an in-built compass, and GPS technology that is comparable to Canon’s GP-E2 GPS Receiver and allows for the geotagging of photos.
It is also wonderful to see the advanced HDR capabilities of the EOS 5D Mark III, as this allows you to record a series of three raw files in addition to the composite JPEG image that is made in-camera. This is another feature that makes it nice to view the EOS 5D Mark III.
However, one thing that is a bit of a letdown is the fact that the EOS 7D Mark II does not come with Wi-Fi connectivity built in.
One thing that is a letdown, though, is that the Canon EOS 7D Mark II does not come with Wi-Fi connectivity already installed. It is a shame that this cannot be done because it would enable photographers to manage the camera remotely using Canon’s smartphone app. It is strange that this feature is not included in Canon’s top-of-the-line, an enthusiast-level camera that uses the APS-C format, given that the full-frame Canon EOS 6D, which is marketed at a demographic that is comparable, has it.
A spokesperson from Canon Europe explained to me that it was left out because the metal chassis of the camera might potentially interfere with the camera’s Wi-Fi connectivity. Purchase of the Canon WFT-E7B Wireless Transmitter is required for those who desire to move photographs between devices using a wireless connection.
The new camera utilizes an improved model of the LP-E6 battery that the EOS 7D used; usefully, this is backward compatible. The improved model has a greater capacity.
Design And Handling
- Construction and manoeuvrability
- Magnesium alloy body
- Resistant to both dust and water
Sturdy and pleasant to grasp in the hand
Even though it is positioned higher in Canon’s DSLR lineup than the EOS 70D, the EOS 7D Mark II is just around 90 grams heavier than the 70D. However, it is somewhat bigger and heavier than the original EOS 7D, coming in at 910 grams for the body alone and measuring 148.6 by 112.4 by 78.2 millimeters. It’s possible that some of this shift in weight might be ascribed to the Mark II’s enhanced resistance to dust and water; as a result, it’s now the Canon DSLR with the second-highest level of weather resistance, behind only the EOS-1D X.
The new camera includes a chassis made of magnesium alloy, which helps give it a feel that is somewhere between substantial and quite pleasant to hold in one’s palm. The rough coating on the grips provides a strong grasp (the thumb ridge on the back is particularly nice), and the camera has the feeling that one would expect from a camera intended for enthusiasts. Shutter longevity of 200,000 cycles is reported to be compatible with this feature.
The most obvious modification to the rear of the camera is the addition of a selection lever with a spring that is situated around the mini-joystick control.
Even though the 7D Mark II makes a few modifications to the control arrangement, those who have previously used an EOS 7D will not have any trouble adjusting to the new camera. The addition of a spring selection lever around the mini-joystick control is the modification to the rear of the camera that stands out the most to the user.
On the top of the camera, in front of the button that releases the shutter, there is a control dial that serves as a form of function controller for the main control dial. When the switch is activated, the dial may be turned to make adjustments to a select few aspects, one of which being the level of sensitivity. The Customization option in the Menu is used to make the selection for the most desirable choice. In addition to adjusting the sensitivity, it can also be used to set the AF point, lock the AE, retain the AE lock, switch to the central (or registered) AF point, access exposure compensation, and switch to the registered AF point.
When you turn the camera so that the top is facing you, you will see that everything is the same as it was before with the exception of the inclusion of a lock on the mode dial. Even while this helps to prevent the dial from being knocked out of place, it would be preferable if it were the kind of lock that you could select whether or not to use it. Because it is set up this way, it must be pushed in order for the dial to be turned.
Although the menu is fairly familiar to Canon EOS users and it is rationally designed, it appears somewhat neater than the menu that was included with the EOS 7D since the word spacing in the font has been enhanced. It’s a little issue, but it ought to be brought out.
The autofocus system has a dedicated section, just like on the Canon EOS-1D X and 5D Mark III, and it also has a series of selectable Case Studies that specify the tracking sensitivity, acceleration and deceleration tracking, and AF point switching. Both of these features can be found on the Canon EOS-1D X.
Autofocus
- Focusing that is both quick and precise
- A sophisticated and all-encompassing approach.
- Case Studies of a More Advanced Level
The performance of the EOS 7D Mark II’s 65-point autofocusing technology was above and beyond expectations. It is both quick and precise, and it can function even when there is very little light. In addition to this, there are seven different focus point selection modes and a collection of AF Al servo adjustment options that can be used in continuous AF mode. These include Tracking sensitivity,
Acceleration/deceleration tracking, and AF point auto switching options. It will take some time to become familiar with all of these features. It performs an excellent job provided that you pick the appropriate AF point selection method and AF Al servo characteristics (both of which can be configured through a variety of shooting situation Case Studies), but other than that, it doesn’t need much from you. When photographing BMX riders in motion, we found that starting with Case 1 in the list of shooting situations was a suitable starting point that worked well.
In addition, the hybrid autofocus system, which is accessible when generating video or still photographs on the LCD screen in Live View mode, is able to detect its target even when there is a relatively small amount of light available. Even in somewhat dim situations, there is very little need for back-and-forth adjustment when an STM lens is attached to the camera.
Furthermore, despite the fact that the camera is quite big to use when held away from the body, it is easy to utilize Live View mode while hand-holding the camera. It’s a shame that the screen isn’t on an articulating joint because that would make framing photographs at high or low angles much simpler. Canon claims that this would affect the camera’s durability.
When using the Movie Servo AF speed settings, changing the setting from “Standard” to the slowest AF setting has a substantial influence on the amount of time it takes for the camera to focus the lens. In any case, it brings the issue into clear focus in a natural way. However, if you need to move things along more rapidly, you may get crisp focus on the subject more quickly by pushing the AF-on button.
Performance
- Contains a buffer of thirty-one raw files.
- Dependable metering system Excellent battery life
The sensor used in the EOS 7D Mark II is paired with Dual DIGIC 6 processing engines, which work together to make the camera quicker and more responsive. With a UDMA 7 CF card (such as the Lexar Professional 1066x card) fitted, this offers a maximum continuous shooting speed of 10 frames per second (fps) for 31 raw files, or 1030 JPEGs, with the same card.
During testing, the EOS 7D Mark II’s new 252-zone metering system, which gathers data from a 150,000-pixel RGB and infrared sensor, was one of the things that really stood out as being impressive about the camera. The new algorithm does an excellent job of taking into consideration the brightness of the entire area as a whole. Although there is obviously still some sort of weighting involved, I’ve noticed that there are fewer instances in which the exposure compensation option is necessary to be utilized.
The automated white balance mechanism of the EOS 7D Mark II does an excellent job of capturing the ambiance of the environment.
In spite of this, there appears to be a minor propensity for photographs that are too bright, and you could discover that you need to adjust the exposure by roughly a third of an exposure value either in camera or after the image has been captured. However, in the majority of instances, the loss of crucial highlights is not caused by this very modest overexposure.
The automated white balance mechanism of the EOS 7D Mark II does a fantastic job of capturing the ambiance of the scene that you’re photographing. When exposed to direct sunlight, it creates tones that are pleasingly warm, and when exposed to situations with gloomy skies, it captures the coolness without going overboard and providing a blue hue; the results seem natural.
As was noted before, the LP-E6 battery that the EOS 7D utilizes is replaced with a new variant of the battery that has a larger capacity in the EOS 7D Mark II. During the course of this testing, we took over one thousand pictures and made extensive use of the GPS system; despite this, the battery continued to have power at the end of the day, as seen by the indicator only dipping down by two bars.
Image quality
- The noise is kept under control across the entirety of the natural sensitivity range.
- Standard Picture Style is a decent general-purpose option that may be found on Canon cameras.
- Images created using the Monochrome Picture Style tend to be fairly drab or muddy.
Canon claims that the EOS 7D Mark II delivers photographs that are “best in class,” and while the definition of the camera’s class is undoubtedly contingent on a number of conditions, the camera is clearly in the running for that honor. The majority of the still photographs and videos that it generates look fantastic just after they have been captured by the camera.
Due to the fact that it has a pixel count of just 20.2 million, it is reasonable to assume that the EOS 7D Mark II will not be able to match the detail resolution of the 24MP Nikon D7100 or the Sony Alpha 77 II. In spite of this, it compares rather favorably to other cameras, and with the exception of the highest sensitivity settings, it is on par with the Sony Alpha 77 II and outperforms the Nikon D7100 in this regard.
Even with an ISO setting of 1000, the noise is nicely controlled, and it is easy to make out the many textures in these leaves.
The Evaluative metering technology has done an excellent job despite the challenging lighting circumstances, and the Standard Picture Style of the Canon camera has resulted in vivid color reproduction.
Noise is also managed adequately across the native sensitivity range, although as is customary, the expansion settings—that is, the alternatives that Canon believes not to be of acceptable quality for typical use—should be saved for times of urgency and when photographs only need to be examined at tiny sizes. JPEGs that were taken with an expansion maximum of ISO 51,200 exhibit luminance noise that is noticeable at most regular viewing sizes, and certain regions seem bruised with green and magenta.
The situation is much improved by lowering the ISO to 25,600; nevertheless, there is still quite an amount of luminance noise apparent, and the false colors are not nearly as well controlled. Moving down one further to the native level is the highest possible (ISO16,000) resulting in an additional significant increase in image quality.
There is a discernible improvement in the detail quality of JPEG files (although the photos may still appear a touch soft when viewed at 100%), as well as a reduction in the amount of visible artificial color. When all noise reduction is disabled, the ISO16,000 raw files include a touch of colorful speckling that is noticeable when the size is increased to A3.
When you zoom in to 100%, you will see that the chroma noise is extremely apparent; nevertheless, there is still a decent degree of detail visible, which means that it is feasible to establish a good balance between the two when editing the image after it has been captured.
The Standard Picture Style offered by Canon is an excellent all-around option that, when used, creates JPEGs that have pleasing color tones and adequate levels of saturation. The Landscape mode is a good alternative to use when the scenario calls for it, and in contrast to the Landscape settings of some other cameras, this mode does not oversaturate the blues or the greens in the image. Their saturation has been cranked up, yet it is still quite consistent with the actual world. The Portrait Picture Style is particularly useful for taking pictures of individuals since it does not exaggerate facial redness or accentuate blemishes.
When used in its default configuration, the Monochrome Picture Style, as is customary, generates photos that are somewhat lackluster or murky. These can be enhanced by increasing the contrast or adjusting the exposure, but the vast majority of users of the EOS 7D Mark II will most likely utilize the Picture Style choices as a guide and convert the raw files after the photo has been taken.
Verdict
Enthusiast photographers have a tendency to capture a little bit of everything, so they require a camera that is versatile enough to be able to deal with a broad variety of subjects and settings. Because of its weatherproofing, the EOS 7D Mark II is capable of being used in more challenging environments than any of Canon’s other contemporary DSLRs, with the exception of the professional-grade EOS-1D X.
Additionally, its autofocus mechanism can swiftly bring moving things into focus and maintain that focus even as the subject moves across the frame, either toward or away from the camera. The metering system, which has a brand-new RGB and infrared sensor with 150,000 individual pixels, is not only highly powerful but also produces accurately exposed photographs in a broad variety of lighting settings.
The quantity of noise is well managed, the colours are presented in a pleasing manner, and the photographs show an incredible degree of information considering the pixel count of the camera.
Additionally, it would appear that Canon has given considerable thought to the manner in which enthusiast photographers make use of their cameras, as the company has given them the ability to create an in-camera HDR image while simultaneously capturing a sequence of raw files with varying exposures for the purpose of post-capture merging. In addition to the Rate button, the Creative Photo Button, Image Comparison functionality, and the Intervalometer all contribute to the value of chimping.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is an outstanding camera that, to this day, represents Canon’s pinnacle achievement in the APS-C format product line. In most situations, we do not advise making a direct upgrade from the model that directly precedes a camera; but, in this particular instance, we make an exception. When compared to the original EOS 7D, the EOS 7D Mark II is a significant improvement.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Specs
| Body type | |
|---|---|
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5472 x 3648 |
| Other resolutions | 4104 x 2736 (M-Raw), 3648 x 2432, 2736 x 1824, 1920 x 1080, 720 x 480 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 21 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (22.4 x 15 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 6 (dual) |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, ISO 100-16000 (expandable to 51200) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 51200 |
| White balance presets | 8 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (EXIF v2.3, DCF v2.0) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 65 |
| Lens mount | Canon EF/EF-S |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.6× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | No |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | Clear View II TFT-LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1× (0.62× 35mm equiv.) |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Exposure modes | Scene Intelligent AutoProgram AEShutter priority AEAperture priority AEManual exposureBulbCustom (1-3) |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe, flash sync port) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleHigh-speed continuousLow-speed continuousSilent single shootingSilent continuous shooting10-sec self-timer / remote control2 sec self-timer / remote control |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpotPartial |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (59.94, 50. 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98 fps), 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50, 29.97, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (29.97, 25 fps) |
| Format | MPEG-4 |
| Videography notes | Choice of MOV or MP4 and IPB, Light IBP, ALL-I compression |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | CompactFlash + SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (mini-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Remote control | Yes (wired or wireless) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | LP-E6N lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 670 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz) |
| Dimensions | 149 x 112 x 78 mm (5.87 x 4.41 x 3.07″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in |
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Price
