5D mkII vs 7D - DPChallenge Forums

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

01/11/2011 04:53:48 AM · #1

Hi all,

I have been considering and reconsidering but can't make a decision, please share your opinions:

I dropped my 20D, it's not usable anymore. I read some old topics about 5D mkII vs 7D, but back then, the price difference was about 1000 dollars. The difference now is only about 350 euro (the 5D being more expensive, naturally).

I shoot a lot of landscape, but like to shoot the occasional bird or squirrel as well. No sports (yet).
I like to shoot using available light, don't use the inbuilt flash if i don't have to.
Sometimes I shoot a wedding or other social event.

But, I also like to take pictures of my children playing, running around.

So, i like to have FF for bigger indoor coverage, also like shallow DOF for close ups, portraits, events.

I mainly use AF, although MF is no problem.

I don't own great lenses (yet) or an external flash, but would be willing to sell all my lenses and buy some good ones.

Lenses I own are:
- Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
- Tamron AF 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 LD Aspherical IF Super II for Canon (very old but OK)
- Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Canon, Canon EF 100-300mm f/5.6L (old L-lens with push-pull zoom)
- Phoenix 100mm f/3.5 Macro for Canon
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Now, for the children/birds/squirrels/events i would like the 7D's superior AF and metering system. Also 8fps is nice.

But for landscape, low light and indoor situations (also events), i would love to have FF.

18 vs 21 MP isn't an issue for me. Both are way more than i had with my 20D (8MP).

What are your experiences with the AF systems of both camera's? And low light performance?

I read a lot of reviews, so know about the usual pro's and con's of both cameras.

The camera would have to last me for about 5 years i think.

I would really appreciate your opinions. Thanks!

hojop25

Sony DSLR-A200

01/11/2011 05:49:50 AM · #2

This thread may help an tiny bit :)

MinsoPhoto

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

01/11/2011 06:08:47 AM · #3

Originally posted by ajschel:

Hi all,

I shoot a lot of landscape, but like to shoot the occasional bird or squirrel as well. No sports (yet).
I like to shoot using available light, don't use the inbuilt flash if i don't have to.
Sometimes I shoot a wedding or other social event.

I have owned both and just sold my 7D but that was a tough decision on which one to get rid of. I think you will be very happy with either one but just from what you said above I woould look more at the 5D. Now remember it is FF so the EF-S lenses will not work on it so it may be something to consider.

01/11/2011 06:52:58 AM · #4

Thanks Josh, I read the post mentioned already. Any more owners of both cameras and hands-on experience with similar lenses I own?

And Joshua, care to tell me how and why you decided on selling the 7D and not the 5D?

MinsoPhoto

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

01/11/2011 07:02:39 AM · #5

Originally posted by ajschel:

I decided to focus more on portrait work and wanted to keep the FF of the 5D and the better noise handling. I am not a big fan of sports but it was fun shooting them when I first got the 7D but I don't plan on pursuing sports photography as a career and if I do shoot any for fun I can manage just fine with what I have. I also do quite enjoy landscapes and the 5D with the 17-40 does spectacular. So all that rambling to pretty much say I wanted to keep the Full Frame.

Either way you go you will not be disappointed. May even be better in your case to go with the 7D and use the extra cash towards some good glass. Good lenses will do more for you then the difference between the 5D and 7D imho.

Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 Aspherical MF Wide Angle - Black

01/11/2011 05:22:27 PM · #6

Thanks Joshua, it's helpful hearing your decision-making process, really!

Paul

Leica SL

01/11/2011 05:39:51 PM · #7

As I said in the other thread I have both and I prefer the 5D MKII by a large margin. Sure the focussing, frame rate, flash support is better on the 7D but image quality and noise wise there is much more difference than you might think - the 5D is way better.

As I type this I am editing some bird shots taken with the 7D at 400 ISO and I am seeing (and trying to fix) noise that just wouldn't be there with the 5D.

The lens issue is a tricky one. I had some non-L lens but found the 5D MKII was quite unforgiving, not surprising given the FF.

The extra reach on long lenses the 7D offers is worth having though so it does depend on what you shoot - but reading what you wrote it seems like a 5D MKII would suit you better. Of course we'll all be fed up when they release a MK III with an enhanced focussing system!

I hope this helps

Paul

Magnumphotography

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM

01/11/2011 07:21:18 PM · #8

I love my 5DII! I had an original 5d and would have loved an auto focus upgrade. But for me, image quality is everything. So I decided to stick with the full frame and passed on the 7D route. I do shoot lots of offspray, cormorants and blue heron. So far, I have had no problems. Focus tracking these larger birds in flight, is not a problem. I'm sure the 7D would have a higher focus hit rate. But I am pleased with the results thus far. A great match to the 5d for wildlife, is the 400 f5.6L. This speedy lens, really helps out the focus system of the 5DII. Yeah, a good match! Just be prepared to buy quality lenses, to make the most of the huge 21meg sensor. If you decide on the 5DII, pick up some fast UDMA CF cards. I'm using 90mbs sandisk cards and they really help the speed of the buffer out. I believe the 5DII can take advantage of up to 180mbs CF cards. Great for burst shooting and fast downloading!

hotpasta

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/11/2011 07:24:28 PM · #9

The 5DmkII has become a quasi DSLR Industry Standard when it comes to movie making if that helps. The depth of field is better with the full frame sensor...says me a Nikon user :) Go the 5D

Message edited by author 2011-01-11 19:24:48.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/12/2011 05:30:07 PM · #10

Thanks everyone! Anyone in favor of the 7D and if so why? Anyone having problems with the 5D mkII and what kind? This is all really helpful.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

01/12/2011 05:42:31 PM · #11

Originally posted by ajschel:

Thanks everyone! Anyone in favor of the 7D and if so why? Anyone having problems with the 5D mkII and what kind? This is all really helpful.

My only problem is it's so damn good! :P

fotomann_forever

01/12/2011 06:07:18 PM · #12

Originally posted by ajschel:

Lenses I own are:
- Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
- Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Canon

These two lenses aren't going to work on the 5D, don't know if you'll consider it a big loss, but you should know.

Message edited by author 2011-01-12 18:07:55.

Zeissman

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

01/12/2011 11:58:13 PM · #13

will they not work at all, or just not work full frame. I thought you could still use them but they will crop down to APS-C size.

My limited knowledge opinion is that the extra features from the T2i to the 7d come at too high of a price (unless you rally need them) and the 5D seems to be in different class (ever Rockwell loves it).

Message edited by author 2011-01-13 00:02:11.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/13/2011 12:21:06 AM · #14

Originally posted by Zeissman:

No, they (EF-S lenses) will hit the mirror. Do not try it unless you want to A: break your mirror or B: modify your lens.
The Sigma will work, however, as it is a DG (which is ideal for APS-C but works on full frame) not a DC (will only work on APS-C). I'm not sure that the DC's would damage anything (could be wrong...) but would instead just have a small image circle on your sensor.

01/19/2011 06:26:59 PM · #15

OK thanks all, I'm inclining towards buying a 5D mkII, any last thoughts on why I should buy a 7D? Or more cheers towards the 5D?

JulietNN

Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD MACRO w/Canon Nikon mount

01/19/2011 08:05:39 PM · #16

This is what I wrote on the Canon website as my review of the 7D

Pros: It Is Black
Cons: Noise, Back Focus, Slow Lag Time, Iso, Soft Focus, Grain, Front Focus

I bought this camera expecting it to be far better than my 50D. How wrong I was.
There was rarely a time when I had to go above ISO 100 with the 50, with the 7, there is barely any time that I can shoot under 800. Low light, forget it.
You will find, grain the size of snowballs, and noise like ants on honey.
The focus, is horrendous. It back focus's , it front focus's, maybe 2 out of 10 shots you do actually get focus.
Forget about high speed tracking focus, you will be lucky to get one shot in.
Even with a 200mm Prime with a standing solid object it is so slow to focus and takes forever to actually take a shot. Sounds like a kurthunk, that is how slow it is.

I have used Canon for years and I am totally baffled as to why this is such a bad camera compared to everything else I have ever got.

I have told people NOT to buy this camera and shown them why, told them why. I have told them to go to the 50D for far superior handling of shots.

I will never recommend this camera unless something drastic happens.

I dislike and wish I had never bought it. All these problems, have sucked the life out of me,

I do not get any joy of doing my job anymore or shooting, because I am constantly worried about the camera and if it will actually take a picture in focus, without grain or noise.

//www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_7d

Message edited by author 2011-01-19 20:06:01.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/19/2011 10:22:56 PM · #17

Originally posted by JulietNN:

There was rarely a time when I had to go above ISO 100 with the 50, with the 7, there is barely any time that I can shoot under 800. Low light, forget it.

This makes no sense unless you have defective software in the body. A body has very little to do with light gathering. If this is really the case, then you need to have your camera checked...

JulietNN

Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD MACRO w/Canon Nikon mount

01/19/2011 10:26:58 PM · #18

It has been checked, twice. I hate this camera with a passion. Unless I am in bright desert sunshine, it sucks. Taking anything indoors, forget about it. It truly has no capabilities to shoot indoors, if it had just been me, I would say it was just me being a crappy 'tog. But the internet is inundated with the same thing.

Some of the 7D's are great, some are just shit.

michelaudette

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/19/2011 10:38:14 PM · #19

Its funny someone just mentioned tha tthe 7D never seems to be operational at 100 iso... I bought my daughter a used 30D and we were outside taking picture. I was using my 24-70 2.8 she had a much cheaper Tamron lens. Both at about 50mm and 5.6 and her ISO was at 100 and mine had to be at 400!!!! what's with that? During the whole day I kept comparing the ISO and I was constantly having be around the 400 - 800 in the woods and she just kept it at 100 and we were both shooting at about 1/100..... I dont get it. Can anyone explain this?

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/19/2011 10:53:35 PM · #20

I can't. It means something is wrong with the camera in my view. I dunno.

One more possibility, were you on different metering modes? One on spot and another looking at the whole scene?

Message edited by author 2011-01-19 23:15:06.

Tajhad

Canon EOS R

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

01/20/2011 01:31:36 AM · #21

Originally posted by michelaudette:

I read this with some interest. I just tried my 7D with the same ISO, etc - comparing with my 350D - just to see if I got the same light reading. It was exactly the same. Therefore I would suspect there is some issue with your camera.

Juliet - I must admit I had some issues with the focussing on the 7D. Not an issue with the camera - more me getting use to the various focus possibilities of the 7D. I'm starting to get a handle on it - but I did have a stage where I was wondering why the camera was focussing on the tree behind the thing I was photographing. All the focussing possibilities of the 7D - some people seem to love. Personally - I stick more to spot focussing and then re-framing. You have probably been through this and sorted out your own focussing preferences - but just thought I would mention it.

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

01/20/2011 04:22:03 AM · #22

Originally posted by michelaudette:

That is odd - My experience is the opposite - I did a comparison after a thread when someone asked if they ever shot on auto - In auto mode the 30D needed iso 400 whilst the 7D used iso 100 -

Some examples here >30D/7D - Auto

@Juliet - I would not accept what Canon has told you about the camera being ok - you have a Lemon !

Message edited by author 2011-01-20 04:22:24.

JulietNN