Canon 7D MARK II Review

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Canon 7D MARK II Review:

A sports publication employs me.

Additionally, I take pictures for several sports-related commercials.

I enjoy taking on fresh challenges in photography and working in athletic settings.

My photographs were infused with so much passion and energy while I was photographing sports.

I required an excellent camera for the assignment because I was hired by an agency last month to take some photography and photographs of athletes for them.

In terms of sports photography, my Canon 7D MII camera is unbeatable.

Whenever I go for a sports shoot, I use this camera.

It provides the highest level of detail and resolution so that no emotion or sensation is lost from the camera’s eyes.

Every time I use this camera, I learn more about its many features, which I love learning about.

Overview:

A 20.0 MP Advanced DSLR camera featuring an APS-C (22.4 x 15 mm) sized CMOS sensor, a weather-sealed chassis, and a Canon EF/EF-S lens mount, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II was first unveiled in September 2014.

With this model, Canon has replaced its previous 7D.

The Canon EOS 7D was once a cutting-edge piece of technology, but it has now seemed to be a relic of an ancient era in the five years since its release.

The idea of a pro-grade APS-C DSLR looked outdated, not just in terms of technology but also in terms of its concept.

Accurate pro-grade autofocus has been added to one of Canon’s best-built cameras, proving that the company does not share this opinion.

Canon’s lineup still provides various options, while Nikon seems to be urging its high-end users to switch to full frame.

The highly competent autofocus and video capabilities of the long-awaited EOS 7D Mark II are taken and improved upon.

Size and Weight:

The Canon 7D MII is 910 g (2.01 lb, 32.10 oz) in weight and 149 x 112 x 78 mm (5.87 x 4.41 x 3.07′′) in external size.

Its weight is around average for its class compared to the average weight of DSLR-type cameras, which is 773g.

It has an average thickness as well, measuring 78mm.

Weather Sealing:

The body of the Canon 7D MII is equipped with environmental sealings that make it a weather-resistant camera and prevent water and dust from getting inside.

The Canon 7D MII will serve you well if you enjoy taking pictures in the great outdoors and want to be able to use your camera in challenging situations.

Your camera will become a piece of fantastic all-weather equipment if you use one of these Canon 7D MII weather-sealed lenses.

Lenses:

You can use the 333 native lenses with this Canon 7D MII’s Canon EF/EF-S lens mount. Since more native lens options are available for EF mount DSLRs than any other mount in the industry, Canon can maintain its position as the top choice among professional photographers worldwide.

A sensor-based image stabilization feature is absent from the Canon 7D MII, yet 113 of its lenses already include optical image stabilization.

I’ll go over a few of these lenses here:

Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM:

The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM is a lightweight, adaptable telephoto zoom lens with a focal length range of 70-300mm, producing outstanding image quality.

Ideal for sports, wildlife, photojournalism, and portrait photographers.

The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM’s 8-blade circular aperture produces stunning background blur, emphasizing your subject to dramatic effect.

I love using this lens with my camera, which makes sports photography so much fun.

Canon EF 70-200mm f4L IS USM:

The four-stop Image Stabilizer (IS) of the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM makes this lens perfect for handheld work.

No noticeable increase in image blur can be achieved by shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be achievable.

The IS system can be configured during horizontal panning to adjust for undesirable vertical tremors.

Out-of-focus areas feel softer and more uniform thanks to a nearly circular aperture diaphragm.

A smooth, hazy background contrasts with the sharp foreground elements.

Canon EF 35-350mm f3.5-5.6L USM:

The Canon Camera Museum’s EF35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM zoom lens.

The most significant magnification of any interchangeable zoom lens for SLR cameras at the time, this ground-breaking zoom lens was highly high in elaboration.

You can shoot handheld with this lens from wide-angle 35mm to super-telephoto 350mm.

Given that the Canon 35-350mm f3.5-5.6L USM lacks an optical image stabilization mechanism, the only way to stabilize photos shot with this lens is to place it on a camera body having IBIS (sensor-based In-body image stabilization).

Sensor and Processor:

The EOS 7D Mark II includes a newly created 20.2 Megapixel sensor that produces high-resolution image files with outstanding detail and remarkable clarity.

The EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor is tailored for low-light shooting. Its upgraded, higher sensitivity design can capture images up to ISO 16000 (expandable to H1: 25600, H2: 51200) with impressively low noise.

Fantastic for still photos, the EOS 7D Mark II’s sensor is also up to the challenge for video, capturing Full HD content even at rates as high as 60p.

The Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors of the EOS 7D Mark II and the sensor work flawlessly to produce high-quality images on all fronts.

The EOS 7D Mark II’s image processors let it take up to 1090 JPEG, 31 RAW, and 19 RAW + JPEG photos in a single burst for incredible action photography.

Additionally, they allow the camera’s potent on-the-fly image processing, which allows for the real-time correction of lens aberration, variations in peripheral illumination, and image distortion on the EOS 7D Mark II’s dual DIGIC 6 image processors.

A benchmark called DxOMark uses logic to assess the image quality of camera sensors.

DxO Mark evaluated the Canon 7D MII sensor, awarding it an overall score of 70 for its ability to produce high-quality images.

Focusing:

While shooting for razor-sharp focus, 65 EOS 7D Mark II focus points can follow moving objects.

Each focus point is a “cross-type,” enabling it to precisely and swiftly lock on horizontal and vertical detail.

The 7D Mark II’s ability to focus even under the moonlight, where light levels can be as low as -3EV, helps photography in shallow light situations.

Many AF point configurations, including cross-type and dual cross-type AF points, are available depending on the lens.

The EOS 7D Mark II’s iTR AF focusing system recognizes and tracks subjects using facial and color information as they move around the frame.

A straightforward tool that adapts the focus tracking following the shooting environment and the issue can be used to customize AF responsiveness, ensuring that other things that fleetingly pass in front of the subject do not obstruct focusing.

To assure speed and accuracy of focusing in most circumstances, the Canon 7D MII includes both Phase Detection autofocus (AF) and Contrast Detection technologies.

Sixty-five cross-type sensors comprise the 65 focus points that make up the AF system.

Comparatively speaking to single-type sensors, cross-type sensors lock focus faster and more precisely.

The Face Detection AF feature on the Canon 7D MII also allows for automatic focus locking when identifying faces in the frame.

LCD:

A Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a 1,040k-dot resolution is featured on the Canon 7D MII.

The screen dimensions and resolution are appropriate for this class. Sadly, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II lacks a selfie-friendly screen.

Check out the top DSLR cameras with selfie-friendly LCD screens if this feature is crucial to your shooting style.

Sadly, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II lacks a selfie-friendly screen.

Check out the top DSLR cameras with selfie-friendly LCD screens if this feature is crucial to your shooting style.

Viewfinder:

The 7D MII includes a built-in optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it more straightforward to take photos in bright sunshine and other conditions when it might be challenging to see the LCD screen.

The viewfinder offers a 0.63x magnification ratio and full coverage.

To accurately frame your photographs and reduce the need for post-shot cropping, 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder when taking the photo corresponds perfectly to what you will see later in your image.

Optical viewfinders offer far better dynamic range (essentially, the capacity to resolve scenes with dramatic changes in brightness), superior clarity, and a quick view of the action without delay present in some EVF systems.

Connectivity:

You can connect to compatible devices via the HDMI or the USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) port on the 7D MII.

Wherever you are, the EOS 7D Mark II can geotag photos and videos with your precise location.

Keep track of coordinates for synchronized universal time and longitude, latitude, elevation, and compass orientation.

EOS 7D Mark II. The WFT-E5A Wireless File Transmitter and a compatible Bluetooth adaptor, such as the Canon BU-30 Bluetooth Adapter, must pair the EOS 7D II with a Bluetooth-enabled wireless device.

The EOS 7D Mark II camera can upload still photos and MP4 movies stored on its CF card to a computer thanks to an inserted Wi-Fi adapter W-E1.

Afterward, you can edit, share, print, and do other actions with your files.

The Wi-Fi adapter W-E1* enables the EOS 7D Mark II camera to connect wirelessly with smartphones, tablets, and PCs for remote control and image transfer.

The Wi-Fi adapter W-E1 may be swiftly and efficiently put in the camera’s SD card slot to rapidly and conveniently deliver Wi-Fi®** operation, boosting the photographic potential of the EOS 7D Mark II.

Battery:

The LP-E6N battery that powers the Canon 7D MII has a CIPA-recommended battery life of 670 shots.

Since the Canon 7D MII has a low battery life for its class—its average battery life for DSLR-type cameras is 948 shots—we strongly advise 7D MII users to buy extra batteries.

You can continuously shoot Live View for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes on a fully charged Battery Pack LP-E6N.

With their high energy density and low self-discharge, lithium-ion batteries are currently used in various portable electronic gadgets.

1865mAh of energy may be stored in the LP-E6N, which runs at 7.2V.

You can charge it with the Canon LC-E6 charger from a regular electrical socket (that can be purchased separately, for example, at Amazon).

The battery pack is 56mm wide, 20mm high, and 38mm deep.

It is 79g in weight.

It would be best to plug the Canon Battery Charger LC-E6 and the Canon Battery Pack LP-E6 into an electrical outlet to charge it.

Twenty seconds should pass. *If the orange lighting blinks once every second during this period, please keep charging the battery until the green lamp turns on, indicating a complete charge.

Memory Card:

Dual memory card slots on the EOS 7D Mark II provide increased storage space and automatic file backup as you shoot.

More storage space and a longer interval between card swaps are the most obvious advantages of having two card slots in your camera instead of only one.

However, there are additional potential uses for two cards outside simply tripling the amount of storage, such as Card #1 storing still images/Card #2 saving video data.

Video Feature:

You can record films with the Canon 7D MII at a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 59.94,50.29.97,25,24,23.98 frames per second and store them in MPEG-4 format.

Most situations will require the Canon 7D MII’s Full HD resolution.

Check out our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Videos if you’re looking for the highest-definition videos.

Integrated stereo and mono speakers are available in the 7D MII.

The Canon 7D MII is an excellent camera for high-quality filmmaking because it also contains a connector for an external microphone and a headphone jack for connecting external headphones.

Photography Type:

I also used this camera to research its proficiency in other photography genres besides sports photography.

And this is the judgment I came to:

Landscape Photography:

I’m a professional sports photographer and enjoy taking landscape pictures.

Because it forces me to venture outside and discover the natural beauty around me, taking landscape photos.

Sometimes, this entails finding areas that were just wonderful to me right in front of my eyes.

Occasionally, this entails venturing to new locations and taking a stroll or nature walk.

Because they are frequently mounted on tripods for exposures too long for handled photographs, cameras used for landscape photography often have a specialized range of abilities.

The essential elements are frequent resolution, build quality, weather resistance, and overall size rather than burst modes or superior autofocus.

With a score of 43 for landscape photography, the Canon 7D MII qualifies as an ABOVE-MEDIAN contender. And I can not wholly rely on this camera for my landscape photography needs.

Street Photography:

Daily life in a public place is documented through street photography.

Because of how open the scene is, the photographer can often shoot candid shots of strangers without their knowledge.

You are prompted to be more aware of your surroundings via street photography.

It encourages you to take in the environment in which you are.

Shooting sincerely can help you become a better person, among other things.

The most fantastic camera will provide a better in-the-moment photographic experience for street photography.

Street photography requires a lot of being present, pounding the streets, and waiting for that perfect moment when everything comes together.

The best camera ever created for street photography is a topic we could discuss daily.

With a Street Photography score of 57, the Canon 7D MII qualifies as an Average contender.

Portrait Photography:

The goal of portrait photography, often known as portraiture, is to portray a person’s or a group of people’s personalities through appropriate lighting, backdrops, and positions.

An artistic or clinical portrait image is possible.

Even after almost 200 years, portraiture is still one of the most sought-after creative endeavors.

Portraiture is one of the most well-liked photographic subgenres, and for a good reason.

Good portrait photographers can make money by taking pictures of weddings, seniors, families, and other events and capturing the character and emotion of those around them.

The Canon 7D MII gets a Portrait Photography score of 55, making it a MODERATE choice for this genre of photography.

Daily Photography:

While most photographers only engage in one or two distinct photographic genres, experimenting with various shooting approaches may enable you to gain new knowledge.

Daily photography is the name I give it.

You can use the same technical and artistic talents in many photography forms.

It suggests that you can learn valuable techniques and methods to make you a better photographer overall when you improve in one area.

Daily photography is the most appropriate kind for it.

You can capture All photography types with just one top-notch camera.

The Canon 7D MII is an ABORAB contender for this photography category, with a Daily Photography score 55.

Why should one buy The Canon EOS 7D Mark II?

• More information has higher megapixels (20 compared to 17.9MP), increasing linear resolution by 6%.
• Superior image quality scores significantly higher (4 points) according to the DXO overall rating.
• Higher sensitivity to low light: Capable of taking pictures in darkened environments (0.3 stops ISO advantage).
• Better jpg: Uses the more recent DIGIC 6 (Dual) image processing engine rather than DIGIC 4 (Dual).
• Higher movie framerates (1080/60p instead of 1080/30p) provide better video.
• Better live-view autofocusing: On-sensor phase-detection for more reliable autofocus.
• Better sound control: It allows for audio monitoring while recording and has a headphone jack.
• Greater LCD detail has a more detailed back screen (1040k dots).
• A quicker burst uses higher frequency shooting (10 flaps/sec) to capture the crucial moment.
• It has an integrated intervalometer for low-frequency shooting, making time-lapse photography more straightforward.
• Simpler geotagging: Comes with an inbuilt GPS sensor to record localization information.
• Supports a more recent USB protocol for quicker data transfer (3.0).
• Greater Mental Calm has an additional card slot for backup use if the memory card fails.
• More contemporary: Represents five years of technological advancement since the 7D introduction.

Price:

In November 2014, the Canon 7D Mark II went on sale.

It is available as a body-only model for $1,799 or with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens for $2,149.

The 7D Mark II is your best alternative if you’re a sports or wildlife photographer who cannot afford the 1Dx Mark III’s $6500 price tag.

Even the 5D mark IV cannot compete with its superior autofocus and greater frame rate.

It’s slated for replacement soon (likely an R series mirrorless body), but even so, it’s still a fantastic option and a fantastic deal.

The Canon 7D Mark II is available for as little as $1,649 for the body with a w-e1 wi-fi adapter, as well as for $1,799 for the body alone, $1,849 for a kit with an 18-135mm lens, and $2,249 for a kit with an 18-135mm lens and wi-fi adapter.

You can also purchase a secondhand 7D Mark II for less money.

Conclusion:

With a score of 81 for sports photography, the Canon 7D MII is an EXCELLENT contender.

It will meet all your sports photography needs, so you won’t need to look for other cameras.

But based on an overall assessment of some technical factors, the Canon 7D MII now has an overall score of 68/100.

In terms of DSLR cameras, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is ranked #56 out of 208 (Top 20 DSLR) and #179 out of 1244 (all Cameras) (Top 20 Overall).

#179 out of 1244 in the list of top cameras, followed by #56 out of 208 in the list of top DSLR cameras, #35 out of 93 in the list of top advanced DSLR cameras, #75 out of 265 in the list of top APS-C sensor cameras, and #9 out of 38 in the list of top Canon1 lens mount cameras.

#192 out of 366 cameras with the most significant viewfinder magnification (0.63x)

The APS-C sensor is the lightest DSLR camera, ranking #126 out of 142. (910g)

#37 in the Top-Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen list out of 917

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