Canon eos 7D vs Nikon D7100 comparison

Last Updated on December 7, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Canon eos 7D vs Nikon D7100 comparison:

Overview:

In February 2013 and September 2009, the Canon EOS 7D and the Nikon D7100 were formally unveiled as enthusiast cameras.

The APS-C sensor is present in both DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras. Canon cameras have a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, while Nikon cameras have a resolution of 24 MP.

Along with the D3200 and D5200 models, unveiled in 2012, the enthusiast-focused Nikon D7100 is the brand’s newest APS-C DSLR, including a 24MP sensor.

In contrast to competitor Pentax, who did so with its K-5 IIs, Nikon’s D7100 is the first DSLR from that brand.

In contrast to competitor Pentax, who did so with its K-5 IIs,

Nikon’s D7100 is the first DSLR from that brand to do so.

Theoretically, the 24MP filtered sensors used in the D5200 and D3200 should be able to generate a more excellent resolution by eliminating the OLPF.

The most recent X0D EOSs have been held to higher standards due to cameras like the Sony A700 and the Nikon D200 and 300, making it a little more difficult for them to stand apart.

Along with the D3200 and D5200 models, unveiled in 2012, the enthusiast-focused Nikon D7100 is the brand’s newest APS-C DSLR, including a 24MP sensor.

The 7D, however, is more than just a 50D with a new sensor, viewfinder, and revised body; other notable changes include a new AF system with a dedicated processor, dual Digic 4 processors, a new shutter mechanism to enable 8fps continuous shooting, and the capability to manage groups of external flashguns using its built-in flash.

It leads us to the 7D, a camera that appears determined to reclaim the king of the APS-C crown.

Although it is clearly a member of the EOS family and initially appears to be similar to the EOS 50D, a closer inspection reveals that this is not the kind of subtle update we are used to seeing in this price range.

It is meant to be the 50D’s big brother rather than a replacement for it.

You can see that D7100 and 7D are 4 years apart in age. Let’s see whether the two cameras’ ages differ significantly.

Specifications:

Body Comparison:

The side-by-side comparison below shows how big and heavy the Canon 7D and the Nikon D7100 are physically.

If the cameras’ front view area (width x height) is used to indicate their size, the Nikon D7100 is significantly smaller (11%) than the Canon 7D.

In addition, the D7100 is significantly lighter (11%) than the 7D.

It is crucial to note that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can be utilized in adverse weather or difficult situations.

Size and weight are important considerations when looking for the best camera for your purposes.

The Canon 7D and Nikon D7100 will be side-by-side compared in this section, with their respective dimensions shown from the front, back, and top.

The Canon 7D is 8.60 g (1.90 lb / 30.34 oz) in weight and is 148 x 111 x 74 mm (5.83 x 4.37 x 2.91′′) externally (including batteries).

Weighting 765 g (1.69 lb, 26.98 oz), the Nikon D7100 measures outside at 136 x 107 x 76 mm (5.35 x 4.21 x 2.99′′). (Including batteries).

While 2mm thicker than the Canon 7D, the Nikon D7100 is 12mm slimmer and 4mm shorter.

Weight is crucial when choosing a camera you want to carry all day.

The Nikon D7100 weighs 95g less than the Canon 7D, but we don’t believe this will significantly alter performance.

When comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, remember that body weight isn’t the only thing to consider; you also need to consider the lenses you’ll employ with these cameras.

Given that the APS-C-sized sensors on the Canon 7D and Nikon D7100 are identical, the size and weight of their lenses for the same focal length and aperture will also be equivalent.

Lenses:

When picking an interchangeable lens camera, the number of lenses available is critical.

When comparing the lenses compatible with these two cameras, the Canon 7D has the edge over the Nikon D7100.

For the Canon 7D’s Canon EF/EF-S mount, there are 333 lenses available; in contrast, there are only 316 lenses for the Nikon D7100’s Nikon F lens mount.

Image stabilization is a crucial component that is readily available.

Since none of these bodies have sensor-based image stabilization, you must purchase lenses with optical stabilization.

There are 107 lenses with IS for the Nikon F mount and 113 with IS for the Canon EF/EF-S system.

Sensor Comparison:

The essential component of digital cameras is the imaging sensor, and one of the critical determinants of image quality is the sensor’s size.

Compared to smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation, a large sensor typically has larger individual pixels that offer superior low-light sensitivity, a more comprehensive dynamic range, and richer color depth.

Additionally, a big sensor camera will give the photographer more creative alternatives when using a narrow depth-of-field to separate a subject from its background.

Unfortunately, larger sensors frequently translate into bulkier, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration have an APS-C sensor, although they have sensors that are somewhat different in size.

The D7100’s sensor area is 11 percent larger.

These variations in sensor size have led to the cameras’ respective format factors of 1.6 (7D) and 1.5.

The sensors on both cameras have a natural aspect ratio of 3:2.

Resolution:

The D7100 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91 m versus 4.31 m for the 7D), but it offers a higher resolution (24MP) than the 7D (17.9MP).

Though the D7100 is a far more current model than the 7D (by 3 years and 5 months), its sensor will have benefited from technological advancements that have increased the pixel units’ ability to gather light.

As we return to sensor resolution, it is essential to note that the D7100 does not have an anti-alias filter fitted, allowing it to record every detail the sensor can resolve.

Print Size:

A higher degree of image cropping freedom or the ability to print larger photographs is implied by the Nikon D7100’s higher resolution.

The maximum print size for the D7100 is 30 x 20 inches (76.2 x 50.8 cm), 24 x 16 inches (61 x 40.6 cm), and 20 x 13.3 inches (50.8 x 33.9 cm), respectively, for very high quality (250 dpi) and excellent quality (300 dpi).

For prints of good, very good, and outstanding quality, the equivalent measurements for the Canon 7D are 25.9 x 17.3 inches (65.8 x 43.9 cm), 20.7 x 13.8 inches (52. 7 x 35.1 cm), and 17.3 x 11.5 inches (43.9 x 29.3 cm).

Sensitivity range and CMOS:

The ISO 100 to ISO 6400 native sensitivity range of the Canon EOS 7D can be increased to ISO 100-12800.

The Nikon D7100’s comparable ISO settings are ISO 100 through ISO 6400, with an additional 50–25600 ISO levels available.

Regarding technology, both cameras include CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensors.

Both cameras use a Bayer filter to record the RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors.

Most digital cameras use this configuration.

For many cameras, DXO Mark consistently provides data on the performance of the actual sensor.

Most digital cameras use this configuration.

For many cameras, DXO Mark consistently provides data on the performance of the actual sensor.

This service evaluates camera sensor color depth (“DXO Portrait”), dynamic range (“DXO Landscape”), and low-light sensitivity (“DXO Sports”), assigns scores to each, and also provides a camera score overall.

The D7100 offers significantly superior image quality than the 7D of the two cameras being considered (overall score 17 points higher).

The benefit is founded on 2.2 bits more color depth, 2 EV more dynamic range, and 0.6 stops more low light sensitivity.

The majority of modern cameras can record video in addition to still photographs.

The sensors in the two cameras under discussion have read-out speeds that are quick enough to capture moving images, but the D7100 offers a faster frame rate than the 7D.

Unlike Canon, which can only capture video in 1080/30p, it can capture movies in 1080/60p.

Viewfinder:

In addition to body and sensors, cameras can and do vary in some aspects.

They both have an optical viewfinder, so the 7D and the D7100 are comparable.

The latter is advantageous for generating a clean image for framing, even in areas with intense lighting.

Both cameras’ viewfinders have a field of vision that is 100% and the same magnification (0.63x).

A built-in optical (pentaprism) viewfinder is included on the D7100 and 7D, making it simpler to take pictures in bright sunshine and other conditions where it might be challenging to see the LCD panel.

With a magnification ratio of 0.63x, the viewfinder has a 100% coverage area.

To accurately frame your photos and reduce the need for post-image cropping,

If there is 100 percent coverage, your image will match what you saw in the viewfinder when you took it.

LCD Screen:

Nearly all digital cameras have screens incorporated onto the back that are constructed with LCD, or liquid crystal display, technology.

A digital camera’s LCD can be used as a live viewfinder to display menu options and assess photos.

920k dots are displayed on the Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen of the Canon 7D.

The screen’s dimensions and resolution meet this class’s criteria.

The 3.20-inch Fixed Type LCD screen of the Nikon D7100 features a 1,229k-dot resolution.

The 3.20″ screen of the Nikon D7100 is more significant than the industry standard and has a resolution that meets or exceeds class norms.

If this feature is crucial for your photography style, check out this list of the Best DSLR Cameras with Selfie-Friendly LCD screens since neither the Nikon 7D nor the Nikon D7100 has one.

Intervalometer built-in:

The Nikon D7100 is an intervalometer.

Without spending money on an external camera trigger and related software, the photographer can capture time-lapse sequences, such as a flower budding, a sunset, or the moon rising.

You may plan recurring photo shoots with intervalometers, as the name implies.

Regular built-in timers cannot complete the work.

You can take multiple photos with intervalometers without touching the camera’s shutter button.

They are, therefore, perfect for time-lapse photography.

Buying an intervalometer to shoot pictures with long exposures would be best.

It will be a helpful camera accouterment for you.

When photographing long exposures, the shutter is open for a protracted period.

Memory Card:

The D7100 uses an SDXC card. Unlike the D7100, the 7D stores its imaging data on Compact Flash cards.

D7100’s dual card slots can significantly assist if a memory card dies.

The 7D, in comparison, has just one slot.

An extremely compact flash memory card with more storage space than the standard SD (Secure Digital) memory card is an SDXC card.

Mobile storage between devices like cellphones, eBook readers, digital cameras, camcorders, music players, and computers is possible via SD and SDXC cards.

At the same time, a CompactFlash card (CF card) is a type of memory card invented by SanDisk in 1994 that employs flash memory technology to store data on a tiny, portable device.

It has no mechanical moving parts and doesn’t require a battery to save data.

Connectivity Comparison:

Notably, the D7100 contains a headphone connection, enabling external headphones to be connected and sound quality checked during recording. Such a headphone port is absent in the 7D

Studio photographers will value that the Canon 7D (unlike the D7100) has a PC Sync connection, allowing the camera to operate professional strobe lights.

Despite being retired, eBay’s 7D and the D7100 are still frequently used.

While the Nikon D7200 succeeded the D7100, the Canon 7D replaced the Canon 7D Mark II.

Battery:

According to CIPA standards, the Canon 7D’s LP-E6 battery has an 800-shot life.

DSLR cameras typically have a battery life of 948 shots, so the Nikon D7100’s EN-EL15 battery, rated at 950 shots by CIPA, offers a longer battery life.

Although its battery life is approximately average for its class—a DSLR-type camera has an average battery life of 948 photos, getting extra batteries for extended picture excursions would still be a good idea.

Focusing:

Because the Canon 7D boasts both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection AF systems, it can focus quickly and precisely in most circumstances.

The AF system offers 19 different selection points.

Because the Nikon D7100 boasts both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection AF systems, it can focus quickly and precisely in most circumstances.

Fifty-one focus points comprise the AF system, 15 of which are cross-type sensors.

Face detection AF is another feature of the Canon 7D and 7100.

With this capability, the camera can recognize faces in the frame and automatically lock the focus.

Video Feature:

With the Canon 7D, you may capture films with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30, 25, or 24 frames per second and store them in H.264 format.

The Canon 7D’s Full HD resolution will be sufficient in most circumstances.

However, if you’re looking for footage with the best resolution possible, check out our Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video list.

The Nikon D7100 allows you to capture films in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats with maximum quality of 1920 x 1080 at 60, 50, 25, and 24 frames per second.

The Nikon D7100’s Full HD resolution will be sufficient in most circumstances.

A No-speaker and a Mono microphone are included with the 7D.

Photography Type:

In this section, we rank and contrast the Canon 7D and Nikon D7100 for several genres of photography to make your choice process more straightforward if you have a particular interest in one or more of these fields.

Portrait Photography:

A portrait can express so much in such a straightforward way that it makes portrait photography so popular.

The fundamental objective of portrait and self-portrait photography is to tell a story simply yet elegantly, and the critical elements of this technique are establishing the ideal position and lighting.

Nikon D7100 scores 56 for portrait photography, while Canon 7D scores 55, making them both AVERAGE candidates for this photography category.

Sports Photography:

An influential sports photographer demands a lot from the camera.

Your photo must be clearly in focus and not fuzzy.

Face: The athlete’s eyes, in particular, are visible, as are their facial expressions.

The athletic performance or an emotional experience is in motion. Equipment:

The athlete is holding some gear, particularly the ball.

And a professional camera is needed to capture all of these.

Both the Canon 7D and the Nikon D7100 have GOOD scores for this photography category, with the Canon 7D receiving a score of 79 and the Nikon receiving an 80.

The Canon 7D and Nikon D7100 will meet the majority of your requirements.

Street Photography:

Why is street photography so popular among people, especially the younger generation?

A blast! a blast! All possibilities are open due to their unpredictable nature.

It’s a terrific formula for having a great time, at least most of the time, when combined with mingling with people on the street.

Even after you leave the streets, street photography is still exciting.

Both the Canon 7D and the Nikon D7100 are AVERAGE candidates for this style of photography, each receiving a score of 57 for street photography and a 58 for the same category.

The Canon EOS 7D’s advantages include:

• It has an anti-alias filter to prevent the emergence of artificial patterns in photos, which results in better moiré management.
• Shoots more frequently (8 vs. six flaps/sec) in a shorter burst to catch the crucial moment.
• Better studio lighting control: Connects to professional strobe lights using a PC Sync connection.
• It has been on sale for longer and is more deeply discounted (launched in September 2009).

What makes the Nikon D7100 better?

• More information has more megapixels (24 vs. 17.9 MP) and a 16 percent higher linear resolution.
• Expanded information cannot fully utilize the sensor’s resolution capability due to a lack of an anti-alias filter.
• The improved picture quality score in the DXO overall rating is significantly higher (17 points).
• Richer colors: Produces notably more natural hues (2.2 bits more color depth).
• Increased dynamic range: Captures a wider variety of light and dark details (2 EVs of extra DR).
• Enhanced low-light sensitivity: Capable of taking photos in low light (0.6 stops ISO advantage).
• Higher framerates (1080/60p vs. 1080/30p) for better video.
• It has a headphone jack that allows audio monitoring while recording, improving sound control.
• Greater LCD detail has a more detailed back screen (1229k v/s 920k dots).
• It has an integrated intervalometer for low-frequency shooting, making time-lapse photography more straightforward.
• It more easily fits into a bag because it is more compact (136x107mm vs. 148x111mm).
• Less cumbersome: It is easier to transport because it weighs 95g (or 11%) less.
• More excellent durability: It gets 950 shots instead of 800 shots with a single battery charge.
• Features a backup card slot in case the memory card fails for greater peace of mind.
• It was introduced into a less expensive category, making it more affordable (29 percent cheaper at launch).
• More contemporary: Reflects the 3 years and 5 months of technological advancement since the 7D introduction.

Price:

The cost will undoubtedly play a significant role in any camera decision.

The retail prices determine the model’s market position when the camera debut is compared to other models in the producer’s lineup and the competitors.

The Nikon D7100 entered a distinct market niche when introduced at a noticeably cheaper price (29%) than the 7D.

Retail prices typically remain initially close to the debut price, but after a few months, discounts become accessible.

Further discounts and stock clearing sales frequently significantly lower the camera price later in the product cycle, particularly when the successor model is set to launch.

After the new model’s release, excellent discounts on used vehicles have frequently been available.

Conclusion:

The D7100 is the undisputed champion of the competition if the total number of individual benefits (bullet points above) is used as a benchmark (17: 4 points).

Before choosing a camera, you might wish to assess each feature’s relevance to your particular image needs because the pertinence of different camera strengths will vary among photographers.

A professional wedding photographer will regard the differences between cameras differently from a travel photographer, and a cityscape photographer will have different needs than a macro photographer.

Therefore, choosing the most significant and most worthwhile camera can be subjective.

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