First Impressions – Canon 7D MK II
The first opportunity I had to hold this new DSLR was at the Canon Roadshow in Cape Town in November or 2014 . It was with an even greater anticipation after that brief introduction, that I waited to get the opportunity put it to the test in a really challenging environment. We why not convey my thought in some of the resulting images of my tests .
Location : Zimanga Private Photographic Reserve . Kwa-Zulu Natal
Test Criteria – ISO and Tracking ( Case 1 , single focus point and AI servo Focus Priority 1 & 2 )
Blue Light – After sunset , single spotlight and very happy guests with a young female leopard rest in in a maroela tree. Awesome focus ability in low light and pretty impressive IQ at ISO 1000 – DPP 4 Screen Shot
Rain Drops – A young banded mongoose quenches his thirst on a scorching day even while a slight drizzle falls. Pushing the iso in lowish soft light … Well ISO 6400 is pretty impressive. Image photographed from the Behjane Hide – DPP 4 Screen Shot
A Roller – The go to bird for anyone learning to capture birds in flight . I am not great at it but it is made easy by this system , it rocks – DPP 4 Screen Shot
Roadblock – Well in testing a static subject standing in front of the game viewer , only illuminated by the headlights , shooting at ISO 12600 was proof for me that I would rather get the image sharp and in focus with noise (MORE THAN ACCEPTABLE). YEs high ISO will limit the sharpness due to the sensitivity to light etc but worth it when you nail a moment you will cherish – DPP 4 Screen Shot
Having used the 5 D MK III almost exclusively as my primary body for the last 3 years I had a great expectations.Knowing the quality of Canon equipment , I was focused on mainly two things , the focus tracking system and ISO performance in low light . I was limited with time so had to look at these points so as to work out if it would compliment my existing body as a APS-C crop for a little more distance and quality.
To say that I am impressed is quiet the understatement . The menus and system work well for those accustomed to a 5D MK III or 1DX. It also feels very solid in your hands and is what I expected from Canon with this new market leader. For those interest , please feel free to post questions and comments below and I will happily answer them to the best of my ability.
Keep on shooting and creating your own photography – AA
Got mine in December… Equally impressed.
Its a spectacular piece of kit and I think it will be a game changer for those who get one in their bag 🙂
Great article Andrew. Yup I love mine but have recently been shooting stuff not related to the bush so have rather opted from my 1DX as a “safe play” because I know it so well and couldn’t afford to experiement at an important wedding last week in Cape Town.
Can’t wait to get it in the bush but to my way of thinking it looks like I will be hanging it on the 200mm-400mmf4+1.4x and the 1DX on my 70mm-200mmf2.8ii..
Sort of makes more sense to get the longer reach and bigger spread options….. But after having done extensive work with the 1DX / 200mm-400mmf4+1.4x in Botswana / Zambezi/ Kalizo is is going to be hard……. But I’ll be brave…..Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha!
I see that you snuck past on your way to Zimamnga…. That’s the last time see!
Keep up the good work
Best regards
Tim
Okay , yes I was at Zimanga but thankfully I drove from Josie and not past you 😉 Thanks for the insight but we can chat over a cold one soon i think 🙂
Thanks for the review Andrew.
Just got mine this week – glad to see its working for you – on our way to Pilanesberg this weekend to put it through its paces.
Mike
Great to hear Mike . Hope to see some of the results soon then .
Hi Andrew
I love potraits, action photos as well landscapes. How does the camera perform when it comes to portraits? I have read a few complaints when it comes to sharpness of photos. Thanx for your review
Hi Wilna
Thanks for the question and taking the time to review my blog. I do believe the majority of the issues with soft focus or images has been user error.
I know of a number of people who upgraded from 500D for example that are really battling with the new system. If set up correctly and for a specific type of photography , you should have no problem. The focus selection point for portraits and static subjects should be single point , the shutter on single shot and not AI Servo or AI Focus. Small adjustments when customising will make a big difference.
Hope that helps. I will share a setup for my menus in the next few weeks based on what I recommend .
All the best – AA