Full Review: Canon 7D Mark II Hands-On

Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake from from the Camera Store in Canada took the new Canon EOS 7D Mark II for a test run and came back to report on both the stills and video capabilities of the camera.

It took Canon half a decade to come up with a replacement for the 7D – one of the most popular journalistic and wildlife cameras. On the outside not a lot have changed. Internally however almost everything is new – the 20 MP sensor has a Dual-Pixel AF (Canon introduced in the 70D) and an all cross-type 65 focusing system (which is very fast and accurate). It completely weather sealed and very robust with a huge grip (not too comfortable if you have small hands).

One thing we found very interesting was the comparison test with the Nikon D3300 in terms of ISO which shows that the much cheaper Nikon is still better in terms of ISO and dynamic range. On the more positive side, Niccolls still found that the 7D MKII is about 1 stop better than the Canon 70D – so at least we see some improvement.

As for video, the entire video you see was shot with a 7D MKII. Drake feels that there is still too much of a soft look and a lack of LOG profile and the ISO is not on the level of the 5D MKIII. The addition of the Intervalometer is nice but it is limited. On the big plus the Dual-Pixel AF works amazingly well and can be very useful in some situations.

The 7D MKII – the best AF in its class

Here is a reminder of the 7D MKII main specs:

Sensor: 20.2 Megapixel APS-C Sensor with Dual-Pixel AF.
Processor: Dual Digic 6.
ISO from 100 to 16000 (Expandable to 51200).
Continuous shooting – 10 Frames per second (31 RAW / 1000+ JPEG buffer).
Auto focus: new 65 points all cross-type 65 focusing system (the most advanced on the market).
1080p HD Video @60p with All-I, IPB, IPB-Lite.
Built In GPS and Compass (no WIFI).
Customizable Viewfinder Display
Buit in Intervalometer.
Magnesium Alloy Body and improved weather sealing.
Dual Card Slots (CF&SD)
Price: $1800 on Amazon.

You can find many more previews and reviews on our Photography review section here on LensVid.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.