Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I hope you meant the 7D MII not MI.
The MI is very old and the current Rebels almost run circles around it.
I have the MI, love it but it is long in the tooth. Who knows someday.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Typical Nikon owner, the OP is requesting info on Canon models and although the responder did comment on the Canon models, they just had to wave their Nikon D500 in everyone's face. As an owner of the 7D II, 80D and D500, I don't have to image anything about the differences between the three cameras. The D500 is a really, really good camera and in most ways is indeed a better camera than the 7D II. For one, it is much newer and uses newer technology. To be honest, it is one of the best APS-C cameras available. But the OP was inquiring about Canon. In the end, both cameras are capable of producing amazing photographs. If you already own Canon lenses, they do you no good on the D500. The EOS 7D II is generally easier to operate than the D500. The Canon's ergonomics are much better than the Nikon and its menus are easier to follow. The Canon's AF system is amazing but a bit of a challenge to fine tune. Bottom line, for the money, a Canon refurbished 80D is the OP'S best choice. But, if time and money aren't that big a factor, I strongly recommend waiting for the 7D III to hit the streets this summer. It will be an awesome camera and will be a great response to the D500.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

I HAVE the 7D Mk-I. I Also have the Canon 80D - purchased as an UPGRADE to the 7D Mk-I.
I can't speak to the 7D Mk-II, but my go-to camera is the 80D
I've kept the 7D Mk-I as a back-up.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

One thing the D500 owners fail to mention is how miserable it functions in live view and video.
The 7D MII with DPAF and the 80D also show how slow and primitive the D500 is outside of still photos.
For an all around great camera the 7D MII and 80D run circles around the D500 for it's complete lack of advanced video capabilities these Canon models have.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Hi Debbie,

Aside from the differences you've noted...

7D Mark II is the older model:Sept. 2014... versus 80D: Feb. 2016.

7DII also has a higher durability rated shutter: 200,000 "clicks", versus 100K for 80D (while your T3i probably is rated for 75K cllicks). 7DII uses a more "pro-oriented" design and materials, with greater sealing for weather/dust resistance. For example, look at the mode dials on the left hand shoulder of both cameras. The 7DII doesn't have amateur-oriented "Scene" modes at all. 80D has access to them via the SCN setting (plus a couple other extra auto modes there). 80D has CA "creative auto" mode that provides a wizard to help less experienced shooters learn to use some of the more advanced settings. 7DII doesn't have CA mode. In fact, the only super auto mode the 7DII has is the "A+/green box", which is common to most Canon DSLRs. 80D has C1 and C2 user programmable "custom" modes, while 7DII has C1, C2 and C3. It's fairly obvious that Canon designed the 7DII with more experienced users in mind... with less support for beginners and intermediate users such as they provide on the 80D.

Another control difference... the 7DII has a "joy stick" to control AF point selection, as do most of the top-of-the-line Canon models (even the 7DII's vertical/battery grip has a secondary joystick... a nice upgrade from original 7D and others). The 80D uses a multi-directional pad instead, like the 70D and 60D before it, as well as T6s and 77D more recently... That works fine, but isn't quite as fast or easy to use without removing the camera from your eye. Still, the 80D's design is a definite step up from your T3i's... giving more direct access to more of the most commonly used controls. For example, separate dials to set aperture and shutter speeds when shooting in full manual (M) mode... where your Rebel model uses a single dial and you have to press another button to toggle between setting aperture or shutter (doable, yes... but a lot slower).

Both cameras have shutter speed range from 30 seconds to 1/8000 (your T3i tops out at 1/4000). They also both have 1/250 flash sync (your T3i's is 1/200).

They also both have similar native ISO range from 100 to 16000 (expandable a stop or two higher on both, though I'll leave it to you to decide if any of those are actually usable for your purposes). 80D's newer sensor has been tested to show very slightly lower image noise at high ISOs. It's really very little difference. I've often used my 7DIIs at ISO 6400 and 8000, sometimes even made usable images at 16000. I'd expect about the same from 80D. I'm certain you'll find that either camera offers MUCH higher usable ISO that T3i!

80D's newer sensor design also is supposed to be able to give roughly a stop wider dynamic range.

Both cameras have 100% coverage optical viewfinders. The 7DII's appears slightly larger because it has full 1.0X magnification, while the 80D's is 0.95X. Both will be a big improvement over your T3i's... which is probably about 95% coverage and around 0.85X or less magnification. Also, both 7DII and 80D use true optical pentaprisms which make their viewfinders brighter than that of the Rebel-series models (and the new 77D, which is a "Rebel in disguise) that all use cheaper, lighter weight "penta-mirrors".

7DII has dual memory card slots: one SD, one CF. The 80D only has a single SD slot.

Both cameras can use higher speed UHS-1 SD memory just fine... BUT, the newer 80D is UHS-1 enabled to take advantage of it, while the 7DII is not. In other words, in 7DII there's no advantage to using UHS-1 SD memory... it will write no faster to USH-1 than to non-UHS-1 cards. 80D should show some write speed (buffer clearing) improvement if used with UHS-1 memory cards.

7DII has built-in GPS, while the 80D doesn't (an accessory module is avail.) Personally, I leave it turned off anyway, to save battery power.

80D has built-in WiFi, while the 7DII doesn't (a WiFi module that fits in the 7DII's SD memory slot is avail., costs about $40... But, obviously, if that's used one would then only be able to use CF memory cards in the camera's remaining memory card slot). WiFi might be really nice in either case, if you want to control the camera remotely from a smart phone or a tablet... or if you simply want to upload images online quickly, directly from the camera.

Both cameras have built-in electronic levels (which can be handy for landscape & architectural shooting, especially).

Both cameras use the same LP-E6N battery and both have the option to fit a vertical/battery grip that allows you to use dual batteries.

The 80D is rated for about 40% more shots per charge (using standardized CIPA testing procedures). In my experience, shots per charge can be greatly increased by some simple settings such as minimizing image playback on the rear LCD monitor, turning off GPS, etc... I easily get double the CIPA rating with my 7DIIs by doing those and some other power saving tweaks. (Note: CIPA ratings for both would include using the built-in, battery hog of a flash for 50% of shots too... And since I never use that, it's another reason I get more thans of double the number of shots per charge the tests say I should.)

80D has an articulated Touch Screen, while the 7DII's rear monitor is fixed and is not a Touch Screen.

The 7DII has a standard (PC) flash sync socket. The 80D does not.

Both cameras have built-in flashes (which are wimpy under-powered battery hogs on both cameras, that are in the worst possible place to cause redeye and ugly shadow probelms.... accessory flash highly recommended).

Either camera would be fine for landscapes... tho the 80D might have a slight edge due to it's higher resolution sensor, if you make big prints.

For Birds In Flight, the 7D Mark II's 65-point AF system is superior. One difference that makes their AF higher performance is that the 7D-series cameras have a separate chip running the AF (as well as dual image processors to support their high frame rate... similar to what 1D-series models use). The 80D shares all AF and image processing through a single Digic processor. (I am pretty sure both cameras use Digic 6 processors.)

However, 80D has a 45-point AF system that's very capable, too. Both cameras use dual axis/cross type AF points throughout. Both also are "f/8 capable", giving more flexibility to use lenses with teleconverters. However, the older 7DII has only a single f/8-capable point at the center. The 80D has up to 27 f/8-capable points (varies a bit depending upon the lens being used).

Both cameras offer Micro Focus Adjustment feature that can be used to fine tune the AF accuracy of up to 40 different lenses (including two separate adjustments for zooms).

Both cameras have Dual Pixel Auto Focus in Live View, which offers a tremendous improvement in speed over the contrast detection focusing method that was used in Live View on older models such as your T3i.

While 7DII may have a slight edge for fast action subjects, thanks to it's AF and fast frame rate, the 80D is no slouch at these things and both cameras would be fine for less active subjects.

Both cameras can benefit from being paired up with high-performance lenses. USM is generally best for action shooting, the most rapid acquiring focus and superior for tracking movement. STM is a little slower, but not bad and because it's smooth and quiet the best for video. A few lenses using a new Nano-USM are great for both. Cheaper micro motor lenses (Canon lenses not marked either USM or STM) are the slowest and noisiest.

Both cameras can fully utilize all EF and EF-S lenses ever produced.

Both cameras have useful, effective, self-cleaning sensors.

In the end, either camera would serve you very well and be a significant upgrade from your T3i. Either AF system alone will be a BIG step up in performance for moving subjects. If the 80D leaves you some $ to put toward lenses you might want to upgrade or add, I'd recommend that route. But if you already have a full kit of higher performance lenses to use on the camera and want a model that will last many years in the future, the 7DII might be a better choice.

To save a bit, you might look into buying a refurbished camera direct from the Canon USA website. Those are "good as new" most of the time... might be a demo model or have seen a little handling at a trade show... or even just an overstock return or damaged packaging... and Canon's refurbs carry the same warranty as new. Do check against current sale prices, though. I was all set to buy a pair of refurbs 7DII a couple years ago, but when I checked I found brand new were actually a better deal (considering sale prices in combination with items the retailer was bundling with the cameras). So I ended up buying new instead. But refurbs often can be a good way to save a little.... But may require some patience because they don't always have particular models available... And if they do have what you want, be quick because they also often sell out rapidly.

Have fun shopping! Hope this helps.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

As an owner of a T3i and now a refurb 80D from Canon, I congratulate Alan on an excellent analysis of the situation. I was thinking about a 7D mkII until the 80D came along, and I don't need the 7D mk II capabilities, but the 80D is a better fit for what I do. Neither is the better camera, but only one will be a better match to your requirements.

barbie.lewis Loc: Livingston, Texas

Wow! Thank you Alan (Amfoto1) for that terrific comparison! Details about the two cameras that I haven't seen described so clearly anywhere else.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

Amfoto1s' review is incredible - - however just ONE of the factors in My choice for the 80D was:
The 80D has an articulating view screen (the 7D does NOT).
So I can hold the 80D above my head - and still see the shot I'm about to capture.
DON'T sell this feature short !!

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I will add one thing to this excellent rundown. When looking at the Canon store refurbished, check out all the offerings. Sometimes a package with a lens (often one of the standard kit lens) will be the same price or even a few dollars less than the body alone. (I saw that once, same body with 18-55 was $5 less-mistake??? but posted) Might have something to do with an over supply of the kit lenses and them not selling fast enough. You can keep it for an emergency backup lens, use it on your older backup body, or give/sell it to someone else who can use it.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

iloveoliver

Alan what a very comprehensive side by side comparison. It’s making my decision hard.
I shoot nature, birds and other wildlife but also landscapes.
I’m leaning towards the 7D. I’ll be going to Magee Marsh for the Warbler Fest. It’d be very helpful. My t3i needs to be replaced.

mrussell

I have an 80D and a 5DMkIV. The only issue I have ever had with either of them is I have lost the eyepiece cover for Live View shooting on the 80D 3 times. It is now covered with black tape.
It is a workhorse. I do use EF and L lenses rather than the less expensive EF-S lenses, which is no problem if you can multiply by 1.5. (I have degrees in Math and Physics, so that isn't an issue.)
The 80D is all around superior to the 7DMkII, in my opinion. The 7D is a considerably older design. I am considering a 6DMkII as my Full Frame travel body. I worry about carrying a 3400 USD camera around in some of the (very lovely) places I travel to.

leftj Loc: Texas

Actually you multiply by 1.6.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Is this something organized, or are you just referring to the migration of people following the migration of the birds? My wife and I often go to Pt Pelee, across the lake, but because of her job requirements, the migration is usually mostly over before we can make the trip.

iloveoliver

Reyes’s
Not sure about something organized. Can you elaborate? I’ll be going by myself. I have a friend who will be going as well. Just not with me. I’m just following the migration.
When does they migration begin Pt Pelee? I actually went there earlier this year.