Comparing the Canon EOS R7 to the EOS 7D Mark II

With eight years separating their introductions, the Canon EOS R7 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II are significantly different cameras. However, both cameras were designed to deliver high-performance at a reasonable price — and both have a "7" in their moniker.

Let's look at a comparison highlighting many of the differences between these models.

Here are some of the R7 advantages:

• Significantly higher resolution (32.5 MP vs. 20.2 MP, here is that comparison) with greater reach
• 5-axis IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) provides approximately 7-stops of shake correction (increases with lens IS coordination) and auto image level
• DIGIC X vs. Dual DIGIC 6
• Vastly superior AF system featuring Eye Detection AF and near full-frame coverage, functioning in light level ranging from EV -5 to EV 20 vs. -3 - 18 and with apertures as narrow as f/22
• Silent electronic shutter with up to 1/16000 vs. mechanical shutter to 1/8000 (the R7's mechanical shutter also tops out at 1/8000)
• Metering Range to EV -2 vs. 0
• EVF with up to 120 fps refresh rate, OVF emulation, considerably more information configurably available, greater nose relief, and 1.15x magnification vs. OVF with 1.00x
• Vari-angle touch screen 2.95" (7.5 cm) LCD with approx. 1620k dots vs. 3.0" (7.7cm) LCD with approx. 1040K dots
• X-Sync of 1/320 with electronic 1st curtain shutter (both cameras X-Sync at 1/250 with the mechanical shutter)
• Has CRAW compressed file format available vs. reduced resolution M-RAW and S-RAW (R7 CRAW files are smaller than 7D II RAW images, despite the 32.5 MP vs. 20.2 MP difference)
• Continuous shooting up to 15 fps with mechanical shutter for 224 JPG or 51 RAW images vs. 10 fps for 130 JPG or 31 RAW images (fast memory cards can far exceed these specifications)
• Continuous shooting up to 30 fps with electronic shutter for 126 JPG or 42 RAW images (fast memory cards can far exceed these specifications)
• RAW burst mode and preshooting
• 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 60 fps movies and Full HD up to 120 fps, recording up to 6 hours vs. Full HD (1920 x 1080) 60 fps for up to 29:59
• Canon Log 3
• ISO 100-32000 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), H1: 51200 vs. 100-16000 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), H1: 25600, H2: 51200
• Built-in Wi-Fi (vs. Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7) and Bluetooth
• HEIF and Dual Pixel RAW format available
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB 3.0
• USB Power
• Dual UHS-II SD memory card slots vs. one CF and one UHS-I SD slot
• HDMI Micro out vs. HDMI mini out
• Utilizes newer RF mount, compatible with all RF lenses in addition to adapting to all 7D II compatible lenses
• Smaller: 5.2 x 3.6 x 3.6" vs. 5.9 x 4.4 x 3.1" (132.0 x 90.4 x 91.7mm vs. 148.6 x 112.4 x 78.2mm)
• Much lighter: 21.6 oz (612g) vs. 32.10 oz (910g)

That list is solid, but the old 7D Mark II holds some advantages.

• Battery grip available (the R7 should have this option)
• Cross-type AF points sensitive to lines of contrast in two directions
• Exposure compensation of -5 to +5 EV vs. -3 to +3 EV
• OVF with instant response
• Top LCD panel (I don't find these to be as important on mirrorless cameras)
• Higher level of weather sealing
• N3-type remote control terminal vs. E3
• Built-in GPS
• Built-in pop-up flash with remote flash master control capabilities
• PC Terminal socket
• Anti-reflection LCD surface
• Longer battery life with viewfinder use — 670 vs. 500 shots.

As seen in the product images, the controls for these cameras differ greatly.

Introducing a new camera does not make an old camera perform worse. However, the newer cameras' features are often highly attractive.

When the Canon EOS 90D was introduced, the 7D II recommendation was challenged. With the R7, there is no question about which camera I prefer — get the R7. Of course, the 7D Mark II being discontinued makes the decision even easier, unless that camera's considerably lower used price attracts you.

More Information

Canon EOS R7 Review
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Review

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