5D Mark II vs 7D: Latest Camera Showdown!

Introduction

Hey everyone, today I want to share my thoughts on two iconic Canon cameras that I’ve used extensively: the 5D Mark II vs 7D. Both are fantastic in their own right, but they serve different purposes and cater to different needs. As a seasoned photographer who’s spent over a decade specializing in landscape, portrait, and wildlife photography, I’ve had plenty of hands-on experience with both. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you understand which one might be better for you.

First, a bit about my background. I’ve been a professional photographer for over a decade, specializing in landscape, portrait, and wildlife photography. I’ve owned both the 5D Mark II and the 7D, and I’ve used them in various situations, from studio shoots to fieldwork in challenging conditions. My experience with these cameras will, I hope, provide you with valuable insights.

5D Mark II vs 7D Comparison

Sensor and Image Quality

One of the most significant differences between the Mark II and the 7D is their sensor size. The Mark II features a full-frame sensor, which is the same size as a 35mm film frame, while the 7D has an APS-C sensor, which is smaller, with a crop factor of 1.6x. This difference has a big impact on image quality.

The full-frame sensor of the Mark II allows for better low-light performance. It captures more light, resulting in less noise at high ISO settings. In my experience, I could push the Mark II to ISO 6400 and still get usable images, whereas with the 7D, ISO 3200 was about the limit for acceptable noise levels. The Mark II also offers a wider dynamic range—around 12 stops compared to the 7D’s approximately 11.7 stops, according to DxOMark. This makes it ideal for high-contrast scenes like landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds.

However, the APS-C sensor of the 7D has its own advantages. Its smaller size effectively magnifies the focal length of lenses by 1.6x. So, a 300mm lens on the 7D becomes equivalent to a 480mm lens on a full-frame camera. This makes the 7D excellent for wildlife and sports photography, where reaching distant subjects is crucial. In terms of resolution, the Mark II has 21.1 megapixels, while the 7D has 18 megapixels. Both produce sharp, detailed images, but the Mark II’s slight edge in resolution can be noticeable in large prints.

I remember shooting a sunset landscape with the Mark II, and even at ISO 1600, the images were clean with rich colors and details in both shadows and highlights. With the 7D, while still good, I had to be more careful with ISO settings to avoid noise. That said, during a birdwatching trip, the 7D’s crop factor let me capture distant kingfishers with a standard telephoto lens, something I couldn’t do as easily with the Mark II.

Performance and Shooting Speed

When it comes to continuous shooting, the 7D has a clear advantage. It can shoot at 8 frames per second (fps), while the Mark II is limited to 3.9 fps. This makes the 7D much better suited for action photography, where capturing fast-moving subjects is essential. During wildlife sessions, I found that the 7D’s faster burst rate allowed me to capture more frames of birds in flight, increasing my chances of getting that perfect shot. With the Mark II, I often missed critical moments because I couldn’t shoot as quickly.

The 7D also has a larger buffer for RAW files, allowing for about 16 shots before slowing down, compared to the Mark II’s 11. For JPEG shooting, however, the Mark II can hold up to 75 shots in its buffer, while the 7D manages only 22. But since most serious photographers shoot in RAW, the 7D’s advantage in RAW buffer size is more significant for high-speed scenarios.

That said, for general photography like landscapes or portraits, the Mark II’s shooting speed is more than adequate. I rarely needed to shoot faster than 4 fps in those genres. So, unless you’re focusing on action-heavy photography, the Mark II won’t hold you back.

Autofocus

Both cameras have excellent autofocus systems, but there are key differences. The Mark II has 9 autofocus points, all cross-type, which are sensitive to both horizontal and vertical lines, making them very accurate. However, with only 9 points, it can be limiting for subjects that move unpredictably or when you need to track action across the frame.

The 7D, on the other hand, has 19 autofocus points, including all cross-type points when used with f/5.6 or faster lenses. This denser array of AF points makes it easier to track moving subjects and compose shots with off-center subjects while keeping them in focus. During a birdwatching trip, I was trying to photograph a kingfisher in flight. With the 7D, I could track the bird more easily across the frame thanks to its multiple AF points, and I got several sharp images. With the Mark II, I had to pre-focus and hope, which resulted in more missed shots.

The 7D also has a more advanced AI Servo AF system for tracking moving subjects, which gave it an edge over the Mark II’s AF system at the time. If you’re shooting sports, wildlife, or any fast-paced genre, the 7D’s autofocus system is a game-changer.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras can shoot Full HD (1080p) video at 30fps, 25fps, and 24fps, making them capable for video production. However, the 7D also offers 720p at 60fps, which is useful for creating slow-motion footage. The key difference lies in the sensor size. The full-frame sensor of the Mark II provides a shallower depth of field, allowing for that coveted cinematic look with beautifully blurred backgrounds, especially when using wide-aperture lenses. This makes it particularly appealing for portrait videography or any genre where background separation is important.

On the other hand, the APS-C sensor of the 7D offers a 1.6x crop factor, which can be beneficial for video as well, effectively increasing the focal length of lenses and making it easier to achieve tighter shots without needing longer lenses. Both cameras have a microphone input for external audio, enhancing sound quality in videos. However, neither has a headphone jack for audio monitoring, which might be a limitation for some videographers, though external recorders can mitigate this.

I used the Mark II for a short film project, and the shallow depth of field really helped in isolating subjects from the background, giving a professional look. The 7D, while capable, didn’t quite match that aesthetic. But if you need higher frame rates for slow motion, the 7D’s 60fps at 720p might be advantageous.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

Both cameras are built to withstand professional use. The Mark II features a stainless steel and magnesium alloy body, making it durable and weather-sealed. It weighs about 810g, which is substantial but manageable. The 7D also has a magnesium alloy body with polycarbonate and is weather-sealed as well. It’s slightly smaller (148 x 111 x 74 mm) than the Mark II (152 x 114 x 75 mm) and weighs just 10g more at 820g—so they’re essentially neck-and-neck in terms of size and weight.

Ergonomically, both offer comfortable grips and well-laid-out controls, making them easy to use even with gloves. However, the Mark II’s larger body might provide a more secure hold, especially when attached to heavy lenses. One notable difference is that the 7D has a built-in pop-up flash, which can be useful for fill flash or as a commander for external flashes, whereas the Mark II relies solely on external flash units. This can be a convenience for photographers who don’t always carry an external flash.

Practical Use Cases

Given their different strengths, each camera shines in different photography genres. The Mark II is ideal for landscape, portrait, and architectural photography, where its full-frame sensor’s superior low-light performance, dynamic range, and shallow depth of field are advantageous. For example, when shooting vast landscapes, I appreciated how the Mark II could capture scenes with rich details and colors, even in low light. The ability to use wide-angle lenses without cropping was also a plus.

On the other hand, the 7D is perfect for action, wildlife, and sports photography, where its faster shooting speed, more autofocus points, and crop factor are beneficial. During wildlife shoots, I used the 7D with a 300mm lens to photograph birds, effectively getting the reach of a 480mm lens on a full-frame camera. This was invaluable for capturing distant subjects without needing extremely long and expensive lenses. For photojournalism or street photography, where fast action and discreet shooting are needed, the 7D’s capabilities make it a strong choice.

Accessories and Lenses

Both cameras use Canon’s EF mount, but there are differences in lens compatibility. The Mark II, being full-frame, can use all EF lenses without issues, including wide-angle lenses that would be cropped on APS-C sensors. This gives photographers a wider range of lens choices, especially for ultra-wide angles. The 7D, with its APS-C sensor, is compatible with EF-S lenses, which are designed specifically for crop sensors and often offer advantages like being lighter and more affordable for certain focal lengths. However, when using EF lenses on the 7D, there’s a 1.6x crop factor to consider, which affects the angle of view and depth of field.

In terms of accessories, both support a wide range of Canon accessories, including flashes, batteries, and remote shutter releases. However, as mentioned earlier, the 7D has a built-in flash, which can be used as a commander for Canon’s Speedlite system, allowing for wireless flash control, whereas the Mark II requires an external flash with that capability.

When choosing lenses for the Canon 5D Mark II vs 7D, consider that the full-frame sensor of the Mark II will use the entire frame of EF lenses, while the 7D will crop it by 1.6x. This makes the 7D a better choice for telephoto work, while the Mark II excels with wide-angle lenses.

Comparison Table

To make it easier to compare, here’s a quick overview of the key specs:

Feature	Canon 5D Mark II	Canon 7D
Sensor Size	Full-Frame (35mm)	APS-C
Megapixels	21.1 MP	18.0 MP
ISO Range	100 – 6400 (expandable to 25600)	100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800)
Shooting Speed	3.9 fps	8.0 fps
Autofocus Points	9 (all cross-type)	19 (19 cross-type at f/5.6)
Video	1080p at 30/25/24fps	1080p at 30/25/24fps, 720p at 60fps
Weight	810g	820g
Built-in Flash	No	Yes

Decision-Making Section

So, which one should you choose? It really depends on your photography needs. If you’re primarily into landscape, portrait, or architectural photography, where image quality and low-light performance are crucial, and you value the full-frame sensor’s advantages, then the Canon 5D Mark II vs 7D—the Mark II is the way to go. Its larger sensor will give you better dynamic range, lower noise at high ISOs, and that beautiful shallow depth of field.

However, if you’re into action, wildlife, or sports photography, where fast shooting speeds and extended lens reach are more important, then the 7D is superior. Its faster burst rate, more autofocus points, and the crop factor that effectively lengthens your telephoto lenses will give you an edge in capturing fast-moving subjects. Also, consider your budget and existing lens collection. If you already have EF-S lenses, they won’t work optimally on the full-frame Mark II, as they can vignette. Conversely, if you have EF lenses, they’ll work on both, but on the 7D, you’ll get the crop factor.

Another thing to consider is video. If you’re interested in videography, both cameras are capable, but the Mark II’s full-frame sensor might give you that extra cinematic look with its shallow depth of field. Ultimately, both are excellent cameras, and the choice comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the choice between the Canon 5D Mark II vs 7D really depends on your photography style. If you’re after the best image quality and versatility, go for the Mark II. If speed and reach are more important, the 7D is your friend. Both are timeless cameras that have left their mark on photography history, and whichever you choose, you’ll be in good hands. Happy shooting!

FAQ Section

Q: Which camera has better image quality?
A: The Canon 5D Mark II, with its full-frame sensor, generally offers better image quality, especially in low light and for dynamic range.

Q: Which camera is better for sports and wildlife photography?
A: The Canon 7D, with its faster shooting speed, more autofocus points, and crop factor, is better suited for capturing fast action and distant subjects.

Q: Can I use my EF-S lenses on the 5D Mark II?
A: No, EF-S lenses are designed for APS-C sensors and will vignette on full-frame sensors like that of the 5D Mark II. You should use EF lenses instead.

Q: Which camera is better for video?
A: Both are capable of shooting high-quality video, but the 5D Mark II’s full-frame sensor provides a shallower depth of field, which many videographers prefer for its cinematic look.

Q: Do both cameras have weather sealing?
A: Yes, both the Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 7D have weather sealing, making them suitable for shooting in various environmental conditions.

Q: Which camera has a built-in flash?
A: The Canon 7D has a built-in pop-up flash, while the Canon 5D Mark II does not. However, both can use external flash units.