CameraReview

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Canon EOS 7D Mark II — Which Is Better?

Canon EOS 5D Mark II versus Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Side by side47 specifications
Canon · DSLR · 21 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video Canon EOS 5D Mark II
58
SCORE
Canon · DSLR · 20.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video Canon EOS 7D Mark II
60
WINNER
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
General
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20082014
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
September 17, 2008September 15, 2014
Camera type DSLRDSLR
Camera size 152 x 114 x 75 mm149 x 112 x 78 mm
Camera weight 850 g910 g
Optics59/10061/100
Read the Optics Comparison

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs EOS 7D Mark II Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in optics, with a score of 61/100 compared to the 5D Mark II’s 59/100. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as 20.2 and 21 megapixels, a CMOS sensor, a Canon EF lens mount, and no image stabilization. However, the 7D Mark II has advantages over the 5D Mark II in other areas.

The 7D Mark II surpasses the 5D Mark II in shooting speed, boasting 10 frames per second compared to the 5D Mark II’s 3.9. This makes the 7D Mark II a superior choice for capturing fast-moving subjects or action photography. Additionally, the 7D Mark II is equipped with a Dual Digic 6 processor, providing faster image processing and improved performance.

In contrast, the 5D Mark II has a full-frame sensor, which allows for better image quality and low-light performance than the 7D Mark II’s APS-C sensor. The full-frame sensor also has a higher DXOMARK score of 79, compared to the 7D Mark II’s score of 70. This indicates that the 5D Mark II has a better overall sensor performance.

While the 7D Mark II excels in shooting speed and processing, the 5D Mark II retains an advantage in sensor quality and low-light performance due to its full-frame sensor. The choice between these two cameras depends on the photographer’s priorities and preferences, whether they require a faster shooting speed or a higher-quality sensor.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
21 MP05020.2 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5616 x 37445472 x 3648
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
24 x 3615 x 22.4
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameAPS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
3.9 fps04510 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon EFCanon EF-S
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 4Dual Digic 6
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
64003003280000160003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
503020010030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
256003003280000512003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
90300650300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
✗✗
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots N/AN/A
Video43/10056/100
Read the Video Comparison

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs EOS 7D Mark II Video Performance

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II emerges as the winner in video capabilities with a score of 56 out of 100, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark II trails behind with a score of 43. Both cameras share common specifications such as Full HD video resolution and maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.

The EOS 7D Mark II outperforms the EOS 5D Mark II primarily due to its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, as opposed to the 5D Mark II’s 30fps. This allows for smoother video playback and better slow-motion capabilities, giving users more creative control in their videography projects.

However, the EOS 5D Mark II does have some advantages over the EOS 7D Mark II, despite its lower score. One such advantage is the larger full-frame sensor, which can potentially result in better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field. This can be beneficial for videographers seeking a more cinematic look in their footage.

To conclude, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is the superior choice for video capabilities, mainly due to its higher maximum frame rate. Despite this, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II still has its merits, particularly with its full-frame sensor, which can provide better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
YesYes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HDFull HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 10801920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
30 fps60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
✗✗
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MOVMOV, MP4
Features54/10057/100
Read the Features Comparison

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs EOS 7D Mark II Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II wins the features comparison with a score of 57/100, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark II scores 54/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, absence of a touchscreen and flip screen, WIFI connectivity, and no Bluetooth.

The 7D Mark II outperforms the 5D Mark II in screen resolution and GPS functionality. With a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, the 7D Mark II offers a sharper display than the 5D Mark II’s 920,000 dots. This difference allows for better image preview and menu navigation. Additionally, the 7D Mark II features built-in GPS, which the 5D Mark II lacks. This enables users to geotag their photos, providing location data and enhancing organization.

On the other hand, the 5D Mark II does not surpass the 7D Mark II in any specific feature. Both cameras have identical specifications in all other aspects, making the 5D Mark II equally functional but not superior.

In comparing the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, the 7D Mark II excels in screen resolution and GPS capabilities. While the 5D Mark II remains a reliable option, the 7D Mark II’s advantages make it a better choice for those seeking higher image preview quality and location data for their photos.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
NoYes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
YesYes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
NoYes
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
YesYes
Screen type TFT LCDLCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
✗✗
Screen size 3"3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
920000115000150000010400001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
✗✗
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
YesYes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
YesYes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
✗✗
Storage & battery71/10065/100
Read the Storage & battery Comparison

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs EOS 7D Mark II Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in storage and battery with a score of 65/100 compared to 37/100. Both cameras share similarities, including the lack of USB charging and compatibility with the LP-E6 battery type.

The 7D Mark II excels with its dual memory card slots, accepting both SD/SDHC/SDXC and Compact Flash cards, increasing storage options. However, it falls short in battery life, offering 670 shots per charge, compared to the 5D Mark II’s 850 shots.

On the other hand, the 5D Mark II has only one memory card slot, accepting Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, and Microdrive cards. Its longer battery life is a notable advantage over the 7D Mark II.

Taking these factors into account, the 7D Mark II provides superior storage capabilities with its dual card slots, while the 5D Mark II offers better battery life.

Memory card Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, MicrodriveSD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash
Dual memory card slots NoYes
Battery type LP-E6LP-E6N
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
850 shots1505000670 shots1505000
USB charging ✗✗

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