In summary
Completely rebuilt and redesigned, the EOS 7D Mark II provides improvements to most functions while retaining the same basic concept as its predecessor, which was a class-leader when released. Like the original 7D, the Mark II is built for speed.
The new camera also comes with even more extensive weather-proof sealing than the original EOS 7D, to exclude dust and moisture. This will be welcomed by both sports and wildlife photographers, as well as any photographer who needs high levels of protection in a wide range of conditions.
Full review
It’s been almost exactly five years since Canon released the EOS 7D camera, introducing a new flagship model to its ‘cropped sensor’ line-up. Equipped with what was at the time the most sophisticated AF system for its class and an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor the 7D was considered a class leader. Now Canon has upped the ante by announcing the EOS 7D Mark II, which takes key features of its predecessor to a higher level.
Angled view of the EOS 7D Mark II with the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5,6 IS USM lens that will be offered with the camera body. (Source: Canon.)
Completely rebuilt and redesigned, the EOS 7D Mark II provides improvements to most functions while retaining the same basic concept as its predecessor, which was a class-leader when released. Like the original 7D, the Mark II is built for speed and will suit sports and wildlife photographers.
The weatherproof seals are outlined in red in these front and back views of the EOS 7D Mark II body. (Source: Canon.)
The new camera also comes with even more extensive weather-proof sealing than the original EOS 7D, to exclude dust and moisture. This will be welcomed by both sports and wildlife photographers, as well as any photographer who needs high levels of protection in a wide range of conditions.
‘Exploded’ view of the body components of the EOS 7D Mark II, showing the balance between the lightweight but touch magnesium alloy front, rear and top covers and the polycarbonate components.
The inclusion of additional features has meant the Mark II is marginally larger and 90 grams heavier than its predecessor. However, use of lightweight magnesium alloy for the front, rear and top covers has maintained high rigidity and strength without adding unwanted weight to the camera body.
Key differences between the new camera and its predecessor are outlined in the table below.
|
|
EOS 7D |
EOS 7D Mark II |
|
Chassis material |
Stainless Steel + polycarbonate with glass fibre |
Magnesium alloy; improved weather resistance |
|
Effective resolution |
18 megapixels |
20.2 megapixels |
|
Processor |
Dual DIGIC 4 |
Dual DIGIC 6 |
|
Movie options |
1920 x 1080 at 30/25/24 fps, 1280 x 720 at 60/50 fps, 640 x 480 at 60/50 fps |
1920 x 1080 (59.94/50, 29.97/25, 24, 23.98 fps) intra or inter frame, 1280 x 720 (59.94/50 fps) intra or inter frame, 1280 x 720 (29.97/25, 24, 23.98 fps) lite inter-frame, 640 x 480 (29.97/ 25 fps) inter-frame or inter-frame lite |
|
AF points |
19 cross type |
65 all cross type |
|
Metering segments |
63 |
252 (150,000 pixel RGB+IR) |
|
ISO range |
ISO 100-6400 (expandable to H: 12800) |
ISO 100-16000 (expandable to H2: 51200) |
|
Max. burst speed/capacity |
8 fps / 90 shot max burst (JPEG), 15 (RAW) |
10 fps / 1090 JPEG, 31 RAW with UDMA7 card |
|
Viewfinder |
Pentaprism with fixed focusing screen |
Pentaprism with interchangeable focusing screens |
|
Monitor |
3.0-inch ClearView II (approx. 920K dots) |
3-inch Clear View II (approx. 1,040K dots) |
|
Custom functions |
27 |
18 |
|
Media slots |
1 CF |
1 CF + 1 SD |
|
Interface ports |
Hi-Speed USB/ Video OUT/HDMI |
USB 3.0, mini HDMI (HDMI-CEC compatible), Extension system terminal (for WFT-E6/ GP-E1), External microphone (Stereo mini jack), Headphone socket (Stereo mini jack) |
|
Wi-Fi |
Optional WFT-E6 |
Optional |
|
GPS |
Optional GP-E2 receiver |
Built-in |
|
Battery/capacity |
LP-E6 / 800 shots/charge |
LP-E6N / 670 shots/charge |
|
Dimensions (W x D x H) |
148.2 x 110.7 x 73.5mm |
148.6 x 112.4 x 78.2 mm |
|
Weight (body only) |
820 grams |
910 grams |
The body design of the new camera sits between Canon’s ‘pro-sumer’ and ‘consumer’ models. It is slightly more rounded than the previous EOS 7D but supports a similar suite of button and dial controls, as shown in the different views of the camera below.
Front view of the EOS 7D Mark II with no lens fitted. (Source: Canon.)
Top view of the EOS 7D Mark II. (Source: Canon.)
Back view of the EOS 7D Mark II. (Source: Canon.)
The 7D Mark II will be offered as body only or with the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lenses.
New Features
The 7D II introduces a number of features that will boost its performance.
1. A new 65-point AF system in which each AF point is cross-type, while the centre point offers dual cross-type focusing at f/2.8 and EV-3 low-light sensitivity. Users can tailor the AF system to suit different shooting situations with a customisable menu similar to the one introduced in the EOS-1D X. Six pre-set autofocus ‘cases’ enable users to match focusing to different subjects. Options include: Case 1, a versatile multi-purpose setting; Case 2, subject tracking ignoring possible obstacles; Case 3, instant focusing on subjects suddenly entering AF points; Case 4, for subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly; Case 5, for erratically moving subjects and Case 6, for subjects that change speed and move erratically.
The 65-point array in the EOS 7D Mark II’s autofocusing system. (Source: Canon.)
A new dedicated AF Mode Selection lever provides instant switching between AF area modes without requiring users to take their eye from the viewfinder. The camera’s AF system can operate effectively in light levels as low as moonlight. In addition, EOS iTR AF and AI Servo AF III technologies, originally introduced in the EOS-1D X, work alongside the advanced metering sensor to deliver accurate subject tracking.
In addition, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which was introduced in the EOS 70D, provides smooth, accurate autofocusing and subject tracking in Live View mode. Movie Servo AF speed and tracking sensitivity can be customised, giving users greater control for pull-focus effects and transitions between subjects. (This is a ‘first’ for an EOS DSLR.)
2. Dual DICIC 6 processors support continuous shooting at up to 10 frames/second (fps) and the buffer memory can accommodate up to 1090 JPEG images or 31 CR2.RAW frames. They also give the 7D II a native ISO range of ISO 100-16000 and support expansion to ISO 25600 for both still and movie recording and ISO 51,200 for still shooting only.
The dual DIGIC 6 processors. (Source: Canon.)
3. Improved TTL full aperture metering with 252 zone Dual Layer SPC using an advanced high-resolution 150,000 pixel RGB+IR metering sensor ensures correct exposures under a wide variety of conditions and with widely different types of subjects. The meter can detect light levels between 0 and 20EV. The following patterns are supported:
– Evaluative metering (linked to All AF points)
– Partial metering (approx. 9.4% of viewfinder at centre)
– Spot metering (approx. 2.3% viewfinder at centre)
– Centre weighted average metering
4. A new Intelligent Viewfinder II, with a more comprehensive shooting data display that allows photographers to shoot and change settings while looking through the viewfinder, without having to take their eyes from the subject. Key camera controls are overlaid on the screen, along with the AF points, as shown in the illustration below.
Shooting data and the AF point matrix are overlaid upon the screen in the new Intelligent Viewfinder II. (Source: Canon.)
Information displayed in the viewfinder includes the following:
1. AF information: Single/Spot AF points, AF Frame, AF status, Focus indicator, AF mode, AF point selection, AF point registration
2. Exposure information: Shutter speed, aperture value, ISO speed (always displayed), AE lock, exposure level/compensation, flash metering, spot metering circle, exposure warning, AEB, metering mode, shooting mode
3. Flash information: Flash ready, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure compensation, red-eye reduction light.
4. Image information: Card information, maximum burst (2 digit display), Highlight tone priority (D+).
5. Composition information: Grid overlay (2 options), Electronic level
6. Other information: Battery check, Warning symbol, Flicker Detection, drive mode, white balance, JPEG/RAW indicator
The camera’s ‘quick return’ mirror has a transmission/reflection ratio of 40:60 and produces no mirror cut-off with lenses up to the EF 600mm f/4 lens. Three types of interchangeable focusing screens are available.
The pentaprism viewfinder assembly. (Source: Canon.)
5. Cinematic movie functionality enables users to capture Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel movie clips in MP4 format, with a choice of frame rates from 24 fps to 60 fps. The resulting files can be seamlessly integrated into professional video workflows as the camera supports uncompressed (4:2:2) HDMI output to external recorders. Photographers can choose between intra- and inter-frame coding to suit end use requirements. Individual clips can be up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds in length.
In a first for an EOS DSLR, both Movie Servo AF speed and tracking sensitivity can be customised, giving users control to achieve pull-focus effects and transitions between subjects. Dedicated microphone and headphone sockets are available for external connecting devices. The camera also includes a silent control mode to prevent operational noises from being captured if settings are changed.
6. Dual memory card slots accommodate CompactFash and Secure Digital cards and users can customise the way these cards are used to suit their preferences. Images and movie clips can be recorded to both cards simultaneously for immediate file back-up. Alternatively they can be recorded to separate cards. JPEG and raw files can be recorded to separate cards in a similar stills-based workflow. The camera can also be set to use one card as an overflow storage when the first card is full.
7. A GPS receiver and digital compass are built into the camera, enabling users to geotag still images and movie files as they travel. Data captured include latitude, longitude, elevation and direction and the receiver can also pick up Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and report on the satellite signal condition.
Shooting Modes
The Mark II includes most of the same shooting modes as its predecessor, positioning it squarely in the ‘pro-sumer’ territory. Users can choose from the following: Scene Intelligent Auto, Program AE , Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual (Stills and Movie), Bulb, Custom (x3).
Users who select the Scene Intelligent Auto have the benefit of built-in scene recognition to ensure exposure and focus are optimised for the scene. Three custom memories are provided for storing users’ pre-determined combinations of frequently utilised camera settings.
Canon’s standard Picture Styles are available, offering Auto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome options plus three User Defined settings. Other in-camera image processing options for JPEG files include: Highlight Tone Priority, Auto Lighting Optimiser (4 settings), Long exposure noise reduction, High ISO speed noise reduction (4 settings), Multi Shot Noise Reduction, Auto Correction of Lens Peripheral illumination, Chromatic aberration correction and Distortion correction.
The Mark II also includes a multiple exposure mode and a HDR (high dynamic range) mode that combines multiple images to optimise highlight and shadow details. Five pre-sets with different processing strengths are available in this mode. In playback mode, JPEG files can be resized to M, S1, S2 or S3sizesd and CR2.RAW files can be converted into JPEGs and saved separately.
Other Features
The built-in flash has a GN of 11 (ISO 100/metres) and coverage to the angle of view of a 15mm lens. Its cycle time is rated at approximately three seconds and it provides both first- and second-curtain synchronisation with shutter speeds up to 1/250 second.
The camera’s Integrated Speedlite transmitter provides E-TTL optical control of remote Canon Speedlite flashguns for multi-flash wireless flash set-ups.
A built-in intervalometer is available for time-lapse shooting. Users can set the number of shots between 1 and 99 and select the intervals between them. Bulb-timer shooting is supported.
Conclusion
On paper, at least, the EOS 7D Mark II is likely to satisfy some upgraders. But, if you already have an EOS 7D that does everything you need, we don’t think the new camera provides a compelling reason to change.
The differences between 18 and 20.2 megapixels are effectively negligible when it comes to image quality and they ways in which images can be used (specifically, printing). Differences between the Dual DIGIC 4 and Dual DIGIC 6 processors in the two cameras should show up in technical tests.
Whether we change our minds will depend on the results obtained when we get a camera to review and can spend a lot more time using it. The results of our Imatest testing will also provide an objective conclusion that we can share with readers.
SPECS
Image sensor: 22.4 x 15.0 mm CMOS sensor with 20.9 million photosites (20.2 megapixels effective)
Image processor: Dual DIGIC 6
A/D processing: 14-bit
Lens mount: Canon EF/EF-S
Focal length crop factor: 1.6x
Image formats: Stills ““ JPEG (DCF V. 2.0, Exif V. 2.21), CR2.RAW, M-RAW, S-RAW, RAW+JPEG; Movies ““ MOV (Video: H.264 or MP4: Intra frame / inter frame, Linear PCM audio with H.264, AAC with MP4
Image Sizes: Stills ““ 3:2: 5472×3648, 3648×2432, 2736×1824, 1920×1280, 720×480; 4:3: 4864×3648, 3248×2432, 2432×1824, 1696×1280, 640×480;16:9: 5472×3072, 3648×2048, 2736×1536, 1920×1080, 720×408; 1:1: 3648×3648, 2432×2432, 1824×1824, 1280×1280, 480×480; RAW: 5472×3648, M-RAW: 4104×2736, S-RAW: 2736×1824; Movies: 1920 x 1080 (59.94, 50 fps) inter-frame, 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 24, 23.98 fps) intra or inter frame, 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25) lite inter-frame, 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps) intra or inter frame, 1280 x 720 (29.97, 25, 24, 23.98 fps) lite inter-frame, 640 x 480 (29.97, 25 fps) inter-frame or inter-frame lite; max. duration 29 min 59 sec
Image Stabilisation: Lens-based
Dust removal: EOS Integrated cleaning system
Shutter speed range: 30-1/8000 sec in 1/3- or 1/2-EV increments, Bulb
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5EV in 1/3- or 1/2-EV increments
Exposure bracketing: 2, 3, 5 or 7 shots across +/- 3EV in 1/3- or 1/2-EV increments
Other bracketing options: WB +/- 3 levels in single level increments, flash (with compatible external flash)
Self-timer: 2 or 10 seconds delay
Focus system: TTL-CT-SIR with a dedicated CMOS sensor, 65 cross-type AF points (Centre point is an extra sensitive dual-cross-type point at f/2.8, cross-type at f/8 and sensitive to -3EV)
Focus modes: AI Focus, One Shot, AI Servo; auto/manual AF point selection; AF points can be selected separately for vertical and horizontal shooting; Predictive AF (up to 8 m); AF micro-adjustment
Exposure metering: TTL full aperture metering with 252 zone Dual Layer SPC; Evaluative (linked to all AF points), Partial (approx. 9.4% of viewfinder at centre), Spot (approx. 2.3%), Centre-weighted average metering
Shooting modes: Scene Intelligent Auto, Program AE , Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual (Stills and Movie), Bulb, Custom (x3)
Custom Functions: 18 plus metadata tagging ( user copyright information, image rating, GPS data, co-ordinated universal time)
Creative Style: Auto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined (x3)
Image processing: Highlight Tone Priority, Auto Lighting Optimiser (4 settings), Long exposure noise reduction, High ISO speed noise reduction (4 settings), Multi Shot Noise Reduction, Auto Correction of Lens Peripheral illumination, Chromatic aberration correction, Distortion correction, Resize to M, S1, S2 or S3, RAW image processing (during image Playback only), Multiple exposure, HDR images (5 presets)
ISO range: Auto, ISO 100-16000 in 1/3 or 1 stop increments; expansion to H1 (25600) and H2 (51200); Movie range: ISO 100-16000 with expansion to H (25600)
White balance: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent light, Flash, Custom, Colour Temperature Setting; WB compensation +/- 9 blue/amber, magenta/green
Colour space: sRGB and Adobe RGB
Flash: Pop-up GN 11 (ISO 100, m), coverage to 15mm lens, recycle time approx. 3 seconds
Flash modes: E-TTL II, manual flash, Multi flash, Integrated Speedlite Transmitter, red-eye reduction available, X-synch at 1/250 sec; exposure compensation +/- 3EV in 1/3- or 1/2-EV increments, second-curtain synch, hot-shoe for external flash guns
Sequence shooting: Max. approx. 10 shots/sec.
Buffer memory depth: 1090 JPEGs or 31 raw files with UDMA7 card
Storage Media: Dual slots for CompactFlash (UDMA compatible) and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards; UHS-1 compliant
Viewfinder: Pentaprism with approx. 100% coverage, approx 1.0x magnification, 22mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 dioptre adjustment; interchangeable focusing screens, quick return half mirror (transmission/reflection ratio of 40:60; no mirror cut-off with EF 600mm f/4 or shorter)
LCD monitor: 3-inch Clear View II TFT LACD with approx. 1,040,000 dots, 100% FOV coverage, approx. 170 degree viewing angle, anti-reflection coating, brightness adjustment
Live View shooting: Yes, frame rate 29.97 fps, Dual Pixel CMOS AF (Face detection and Tracking AF, FlexiZone-Multi, FlexiZone-Single), Custom Movie Servo AF, manual focus with 5x/10x magnification at any point on the screen, grid overlay (x2), histogram manual focus
Playback functions: Single image with/without shooting data, 4/9 frame index, magnified view, slideshow, brightness/RGB histogram, highlight alert, 1.5x-10x zoom, erase/protect single, all, checked images
Interface terminals: USB 3.0, mini HDMI (HDMI-CEC compatible), Extension system terminal (for WFT-E6 / GP-E1), External microphone (Stereo mini jack), Headphone socket (Stereo mini jack)
Wi-Fi function: Optional WFT-E6 Wi-Fi transmitter
Power supply: LP-E6N rechargeable lithium-ion battery; CIPA rated for approx. 670 shots/charge
Dimensions (wxdxh): Approx. 148.6 x 112.4 x 78.2 mm
Weight: Approx. 910 grams (body only)
RRP TBC
