nsilberma Loc: San Jose, Calif.

I used the 7D for about 5 years and looking to upgrade. I was looking at the new MK ii and have doubts. Since I am not a sports photographer neither a big fan of video, the improvements in the other areas seem to be marginal and not convinced worth the money. I like a number of new features and improvements, but the camera is rated only 70 on Dxomark.com with mediocre IQ rating. Are there any cameras (any make) that could be an alternative with better DR, IQ and ISO to compare within the same price range +/- $500?

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

First Question: Why do you want to upgrade?

What does your 7D not do that you need it to?


Cameras are like autos...they are at their best when you aren't making payments.

The longer you shoot that camera that does what you need...the better off you are.

So..what isn't it doing that you need?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, Sony A77 or A77 II, .....and Nikon D7100 if you do not need a high frame rate..

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

If you are a crop sensor fan then look at 70D and the competing models like the Nikon D7100, Sony A77II and Pentax's K5IIs and K3 models, they are all great cameras and tested well above the 7D in image quality.

catfish252

I will tell you right from the top I use Nikon equipment. One thing I have always had a problem with is how DXO can consistently give poor grades to Canon and yet so many professionals choose their cameras. Here are the plain facts right from DXO's lab, are these pros blind? Why wouldn't they choose the best possible? I always had doubts as to whether the type of tests they run aren't slanted towards Nikon, not in a underhanded way but the tests favor the engineering or design characteristics behind Nikon sensors. I own a D300s and let me tell you the images I've seen especially at high ISO that come from the 7D II are unobtainable withe the D300s. My D300s starts to lose good image quality and starts spiking in noise at 800 ISO. I would take the 7D II all day long over my Nikon. Thom Hogan also a Nikon user and author, well known in the Nikon world wrote a good article this week concerning DXO testing, it is a good read and may shine some light on the Canon/Nikon test comparisons:

http://www.dslrbodies.com/newsviews/do-you-believe-in-dxomark.html

My advice let not one test a decision make. From what I've seen the 7D II is going to be an awesome camera, remember the original 7D was every bit as good as the D300s in many areas, I really doubt Canon digressed with the new model. Now if only Nikon would come with a D300s upgrade.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Now that a fair assessment on the site you posted thank you very much well worth reading.

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

Look at some real field testing instead of always reading comments by pixel labs and bobbing head commentaries.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-259027-1.html

If you don't like the results you see here, move on and select another make.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

If your lens collection will support it you may want to consider the 6D, since you don't shoot many sports. Fast action is not it's strong point, although it's not totally useless in that regard either. Excellent high ISO performance and very good IQ. If your lenses are primarily EF-S then it probably would not make much sense to go full frame. As far as how much stock you should put into Dxomark's ratings, I guess that's up to you. They seem pretty consistent in rating Canon below Nikon, but there are an awful lot of professionals who apparently don't agree. I've only seen a few 7DII photos so far, but they seem excellent. I certainly wouldn't consider it a bad investment if you want a new APS-C body. I'm considering one to supplement my 6D.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Take a long hard look at the Sony A77mkII, which is TWICE the camera as the 7D mkII for HALF THE PRICE. ;)

Check out these reviews:

http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Sony/SLT-Alpha-77-II

http://cameras.reviewed.com/content/sony-a77-ii-digital-camera-review-2

You may be used to Canon... But the Sony A77II is a class leader and you can get a new one for less than $900.00 :thumbup:

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Welcome to the Hog.
But, I have to ask, Are you a troll, or is this real?!
You are going from an older $1500 semi-pro camera to an entry level $500 camera and you want it to be better than a $2000 pro camera?
Did I get that right?
I suggest you research the entry level Rebels if you have even a few lenses. If no lenses(we know you have at least 1), then also look at all the brands. I don't really know anything about the entry level cameras. Good luck. ;-)
SS

catfish252

I believe he meant the price of the 7D II +-$500

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

You have a 7D. You want to upgrade. Why? You say you have no interest in the features of the new 7D MkII. So, then explain what you want that is an upgrade. Maybe you should call DXO and order their best $500.00 camera. They might know what you want.

nsilberma Loc: San Jose, Calif.

I really meant the price of the MKii (about $1800) +/- 500 which makes it in the range of $1300 to 2300. I would not go for anything below the original 7D which I still love.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

NS, thanks for clarifying that.
For the time being, also look at the current post" Is a 5dlll to much?".
There is a little bit of info on similar cameras. Check it out. I'll get back to ya. ;-)
SS
Edit: though it's more money, you can get a 5lll refurb from Canon, on loyalty program for about $2700 total. That's above your budget but much less money than new.

nsilberma Loc: San Jose, Calif.

Thanks for your comment. I am not looking for a $500 camera. 7D was a great camera for it's time, though still usable for certain types of photography, it's got its limitations that puts it behind the technology and and performance curve.
The MK ii has some nice enhancements like the dual pixel AF and in general better AF functionality, 65 points cross type AF, 10 fps, weather sealing, dual memory card, borrows some features and performance from 1D and 5D and more. The place where I am in doubt is in the misses area: No touch screen, no wifi, noise or SNR performance (slightly better than 7D), Dynamic range and Image quality (though subjective).
I will look at real pictures taken in different situations by others to figure out my trade-off point.