The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a formidable DSLR camera that has captured the attention of photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. Known for its exceptional performance, robust build, and advanced features, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Canon EOS 7D. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the full specifications, performance, and unique features of this remarkable camera.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. It features a magnesium alloy body with comprehensive weather sealing, ensuring durability and protection against dust and moisture. The camera feels solid and well-balanced in hand, offering a comfortable grip for extended shooting sessions. The layout of buttons and dials is intuitive, making it easy to adjust settings quickly.
Sensor and Image Quality
The 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, combined with the Dual DIGIC 6 image processors, delivers excellent image quality. The camera produces sharp, detailed images with accurate colors and a good dynamic range. The high ISO performance is noteworthy, allowing for usable images up to ISO 16,000, with extended settings reaching ISO 51,200 for challenging low-light conditions. See prices on Amazon
Autofocus System
One of the standout features of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is its 65-point all cross-type autofocus (AF) system. This advanced AF system ensures quick and precise focusing, even in low light. The central point is an f/2.8 dual cross-type sensor, providing extra sensitivity for more accurate focus. The camera also includes an Intelligent Tracking and Recognition (iTR) system, which uses color and face detection to maintain focus on moving subjects.
Continuous Shooting and Performance
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II excels in action photography with its impressive continuous shooting speed of up to 10 frames per second (fps). This high frame rate, coupled with the advanced AF system, makes it an ideal choice for sports, wildlife, and other fast-paced photography genres. The buffer capacity is also robust, allowing for extended bursts of RAW images without slowing down.
Video Capabilities
Videographers will appreciate the Canon EOS 7D Mark II’s video recording capabilities. It supports Full HD 1080p recording at up to 60 frames per second, offering smooth and detailed footage. The camera provides various video-centric features, including manual exposure control, headphone and microphone jacks, and uncompressed HDMI output for external recording. Additionally, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology ensures continuous and smooth autofocus during video recording. See prices on Amazon
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
The optical viewfinder on the 7D Mark II offers approximately 100% coverage, providing a clear and accurate view of the scene. The 3.0-inch Clear View II LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots is bright and sharp, making it easy to review images and navigate the menu. The screen’s anti-reflective coating ensures good visibility, even in bright sunlight.
Connectivity and Additional Features
While the Canon EOS 7D Mark II lacks built-in Wi-Fi, it offers an optional W-E1 Wi-Fi adapter for wireless connectivity. This allows for easy transfer of images and remote camera control via a smartphone or tablet. The built-in GPS is a valuable feature for geotagging photos, especially for travel and landscape photographers.
Battery Life
The camera is powered by the LP-E6N battery, which provides a respectable battery life of approximately 670 shots per charge (based on CIPA standards). For extended shooting sessions, having a spare battery is advisable.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Robust build quality with weather sealing
Fast and accurate 65-point AF system
High continuous shooting speed (10 fps)
Excellent image quality with good high ISO performance
Full HD 1080p video recording at 60 fps
Built-in GPS for geotagging
Cons:
No built-in Wi-Fi (requires optional adapter)
APS-C sensor may not appeal to full-frame users
Slightly heavier than some competitors
In summary
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a versatile and powerful DSLR that caters to both photographers and videographers. Its robust build, advanced autofocus system, high continuous shooting speed, and excellent image quality make it a top choice for sports, wildlife, and action photography. While it lacks built-in Wi-Fi, the optional adapter and built-in GPS add to its versatility. Whether you are a professional or an enthusiast, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II offers a compelling mix of performance and features that make it a worthy investment.
With this comprehensive review, we hope you have a clear understanding of what makes the Canon EOS 7D Mark II stand out in the crowded field of DSLRs. Its blend of durability, speed, and image quality ensures it remains a favored choice among discerning photographers.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a high-performance digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera designed for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s renowned for its speed, durability, and advanced features.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II boasts a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 6 image processors, 65-point all cross-type AF system, 10 frames per second continuous shooting, Full HD 1080p video recording at 60fps, and a rugged magnesium alloy body.
The Canon 7D Mark II excels in various genres including wildlife photography, sports photography, action photography, and journalism. Its fast autofocus system, high-speed continuous shooting, and robust build make it ideal for capturing fast-paced subjects.
Yes, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II features weather sealing to protect it from dust and moisture, making it suitable for shooting in challenging outdoor conditions.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II accepts CompactFlash (CF) memory cards, including UDMA 7 cards for optimal performance. It also features a secondary SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot for added storage flexibility.
No, the Canon 7D Mark II is limited to Full HD 1080p video recording at up to 60 frames per second. However, it offers excellent video quality and advanced features such as manual control, headphone jack, and microphone input.
Yes, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is compatible with Canon’s extensive lineup of EF and EF-S lenses, providing users with a wide range of focal lengths and creative possibilities.
No, the Canon 7D Mark II does not feature in-body image stabilization. However, many Canon lenses come equipped with optical image stabilization to reduce camera shake and blur.
The Canon 7D Mark II offers significant improvements over its predecessor, including higher resolution sensor, faster continuous shooting, more advanced autofocus system, improved image processing, enhanced durability, and better overall performance, making it a worthy upgrade for serious photographers.
