Check out Printers and Color Printing Forum section of our forum.
Canon 7D or 70D
Mar 8, 2014 16:56:52 #
Mar 8, 2014 20:18:00 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
I'm new here, but my 2 cents worth.
If you shoot sports or any other type of action and do a high volume of work, mostly stills and not a lot of video, choose the 7D. It is a more robust camera. It has a 150K rated shutter (vs 100K in 70D), more magnesium body panels (vs plastic in 70D), has a slightly higher frame rate of 8fps (vs 7fps in 70D) and has a slightly superior AF system for sports/action (five AF patterns vs three). plus a slighlty nicer 100% viewfinder (70D's is 98% I believe).
7D is arguably a more "pro oriented" camera, 70D is more "consumer oriented". 7D has slightly less "automation" and slightly more user customizability. 7D is a bit more demanding to work with because it's designed with more experienced users in mind, from initial camera setup and right on through post-processing. 7D RAW files tend to need more post-processing work, appear a bit soft straight from the camera but sharpen up quite nicely with plenty of detail (soft appearing images are due to a fairly strong anti-alias filter... it was the first 18MP Canon model and they got a bit carried away with the AA filter!)
7D uses a discrete chip to drive the AF system, same as the 1D series cameras. This is a big part of what makes it such an excellent sports/action camera and so good at tracking moving subjects. It also has dual image processors, 1D style, to support up the camera's high frame rate.
70D has a single processor, but it's a generation or two newer (Digic 5+ vs Digic 4) and considerably more powerful, which partially offsets the difference and brings 70D AF and frame rate performance quite close to that of the 7D.
If you shoot a lot of video, or possibly a lot of macro (i.e. low angle shooting), choose the 70D. The articulated LCD screen will be useful for those purposes. 70D has the new Dual Pixel focus in Live View/video mode, which is a real game changer for Canon. Some other manufacturers use similar dual pixel focus, but Canon's is unusual in that it's usable almost anywhere on the image area. Most others are limited to one or a few specific points within the image area. (Note: Canon has just announced retro-active implementation of Dual Pixel focus in the 500C cinema camera via firmware upgrade. There are rumors that it will be implemented similarly on 5D Mark III, too... that the 5DIII's sensor is "dual pixel" ready.)
Most users feel 70D offers slightly better high ISO/low light image quality, too (tho it's not a lot and still not up to the level of FF cameras).
Full frame is another thing entirely. First of all, there are still some advantages to sticking with a crop sensor camera such as 7D or 70D, such as smaller, lighter, less expensive lenses, generally speaking, plus useful "extra reach" with telephotos. And unless you make really big prints or have other large use planned for images, there's relatively little advantage to FF other than low light shooting, where the FF can typically beat the cropper by one or two stops.
People note how "superior" FF images appear... and, yes, they do look great when you are pixel peeping them during editing.... But by the time you have sized those same images for a print or serriousl downsized them for online display, there's a lot less difference to be seen, if any.
The most recent Canon FF cameras (5DIII and 6D) also are able to auto focus in lower light than the croppers or earlier FF models. 6D's is a very simplistic AF system compared to 7D or 70D, but it's able to focus at -3EV (approx. moonlight, center AF point only), compared to -1EV with the croppers (and 5DII). The 5D Mark III's AF system is quite sophisticated, almost on par with the 1DX. It's also able to focus to -3EV (with up to 41 of the camera's 61 AF points, actual number varies depending upon lens).
Back to 7D vs 70D...
The 7D has "1st generation" Micro Focus Adjustment system (20 lenses, single adjustment per). 70D has "2nd generation" MFA (40 lenses, dual adjustment on zooms).
70D might be preferable for HDR work because it has expanded bracketing capabilities (up to 7 frames, if memory serves, vs 3 frames in 7D).
70D is slightly smaller and roughly 18% lighter. 7D is actually close to the same size & weight as a full frame 5D model (a few grams more than Mark II, a few grams less than Mark III).
7D uses a shutter release button that's same as 1D series models and makes for durability and slightly reduced shutter lag. 70D doesn't use the same type release (assume it's same as 40/50/60D).
70D's buffer is good for up to 16 RAW or 65 JPEGs. 7D's is rated for up to 25 RAW or 130 JPEGs (with 2.0.x firmware installed).
70D uses SD memory cards. 7D uses Compact Flash.
There are a lot of current rumors of a new 7D Mark II coming soon. OTOH, there have been rumors of that happening for a couple years now. It's anyone's guess, really. But the 7D is now over 4 year old model, the oldest in the Canon line-up, though they did a major firmware release last year that "refreshed" the camera to some small extent.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I mostly shoot with a pair of 7Ds myself, along with a 5D Mark II. I'll likely upgrade to 7D Mark IIs, if and when they come available (not holding my breath).
EDIT: BTW, someone mentioned the exposure mode dial lock on the 60D and 70D, but not on the 7D. Yes, that's definitely a nice feature... can't tell you how many times I've had some shots ruined by an accidentally bumped dial that I didn't notice and correct right away. You might be interested to know that you can have that locking dial feature added to the 7D (and the 5DII for that matter). Last time I looked, it cost about $100 US plus shipping and only took a day or two at Canon Service Dept. That looks much better than the piece of black gaffer tape I slap on the mode dials of my cameras to keep them secure! :roll:
If you shoot sports or any other type of action and do a high volume of work, mostly stills and not a lot of video, choose the 7D. It is a more robust camera. It has a 150K rated shutter (vs 100K in 70D), more magnesium body panels (vs plastic in 70D), has a slightly higher frame rate of 8fps (vs 7fps in 70D) and has a slightly superior AF system for sports/action (five AF patterns vs three). plus a slighlty nicer 100% viewfinder (70D's is 98% I believe).
7D is arguably a more "pro oriented" camera, 70D is more "consumer oriented". 7D has slightly less "automation" and slightly more user customizability. 7D is a bit more demanding to work with because it's designed with more experienced users in mind, from initial camera setup and right on through post-processing. 7D RAW files tend to need more post-processing work, appear a bit soft straight from the camera but sharpen up quite nicely with plenty of detail (soft appearing images are due to a fairly strong anti-alias filter... it was the first 18MP Canon model and they got a bit carried away with the AA filter!)
7D uses a discrete chip to drive the AF system, same as the 1D series cameras. This is a big part of what makes it such an excellent sports/action camera and so good at tracking moving subjects. It also has dual image processors, 1D style, to support up the camera's high frame rate.
70D has a single processor, but it's a generation or two newer (Digic 5+ vs Digic 4) and considerably more powerful, which partially offsets the difference and brings 70D AF and frame rate performance quite close to that of the 7D.
If you shoot a lot of video, or possibly a lot of macro (i.e. low angle shooting), choose the 70D. The articulated LCD screen will be useful for those purposes. 70D has the new Dual Pixel focus in Live View/video mode, which is a real game changer for Canon. Some other manufacturers use similar dual pixel focus, but Canon's is unusual in that it's usable almost anywhere on the image area. Most others are limited to one or a few specific points within the image area. (Note: Canon has just announced retro-active implementation of Dual Pixel focus in the 500C cinema camera via firmware upgrade. There are rumors that it will be implemented similarly on 5D Mark III, too... that the 5DIII's sensor is "dual pixel" ready.)
Most users feel 70D offers slightly better high ISO/low light image quality, too (tho it's not a lot and still not up to the level of FF cameras).
Full frame is another thing entirely. First of all, there are still some advantages to sticking with a crop sensor camera such as 7D or 70D, such as smaller, lighter, less expensive lenses, generally speaking, plus useful "extra reach" with telephotos. And unless you make really big prints or have other large use planned for images, there's relatively little advantage to FF other than low light shooting, where the FF can typically beat the cropper by one or two stops.
People note how "superior" FF images appear... and, yes, they do look great when you are pixel peeping them during editing.... But by the time you have sized those same images for a print or serriousl downsized them for online display, there's a lot less difference to be seen, if any.
The most recent Canon FF cameras (5DIII and 6D) also are able to auto focus in lower light than the croppers or earlier FF models. 6D's is a very simplistic AF system compared to 7D or 70D, but it's able to focus at -3EV (approx. moonlight, center AF point only), compared to -1EV with the croppers (and 5DII). The 5D Mark III's AF system is quite sophisticated, almost on par with the 1DX. It's also able to focus to -3EV (with up to 41 of the camera's 61 AF points, actual number varies depending upon lens).
Back to 7D vs 70D...
The 7D has "1st generation" Micro Focus Adjustment system (20 lenses, single adjustment per). 70D has "2nd generation" MFA (40 lenses, dual adjustment on zooms).
70D might be preferable for HDR work because it has expanded bracketing capabilities (up to 7 frames, if memory serves, vs 3 frames in 7D).
70D is slightly smaller and roughly 18% lighter. 7D is actually close to the same size & weight as a full frame 5D model (a few grams more than Mark II, a few grams less than Mark III).
7D uses a shutter release button that's same as 1D series models and makes for durability and slightly reduced shutter lag. 70D doesn't use the same type release (assume it's same as 40/50/60D).
70D's buffer is good for up to 16 RAW or 65 JPEGs. 7D's is rated for up to 25 RAW or 130 JPEGs (with 2.0.x firmware installed).
70D uses SD memory cards. 7D uses Compact Flash.
There are a lot of current rumors of a new 7D Mark II coming soon. OTOH, there have been rumors of that happening for a couple years now. It's anyone's guess, really. But the 7D is now over 4 year old model, the oldest in the Canon line-up, though they did a major firmware release last year that "refreshed" the camera to some small extent.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I mostly shoot with a pair of 7Ds myself, along with a 5D Mark II. I'll likely upgrade to 7D Mark IIs, if and when they come available (not holding my breath).
EDIT: BTW, someone mentioned the exposure mode dial lock on the 60D and 70D, but not on the 7D. Yes, that's definitely a nice feature... can't tell you how many times I've had some shots ruined by an accidentally bumped dial that I didn't notice and correct right away. You might be interested to know that you can have that locking dial feature added to the 7D (and the 5DII for that matter). Last time I looked, it cost about $100 US plus shipping and only took a day or two at Canon Service Dept. That looks much better than the piece of black gaffer tape I slap on the mode dials of my cameras to keep them secure! :roll:
Mar 8, 2014 20:53:48 #
Check out Astronomical Photography Forum section of our forum.
Mar 8, 2014 20:58:57 #
RRS
Loc: Not sure
Welcome to the forum AMFOTO1. This being your first message and I must say also one of the best and informative that I have read! I also shoot A 7D and a 5DMKII and am waiting for the 7DMKII too. I hope we will be rewarded with some great advances and not be disappointed as were some of the Nikon fans with the new 4ds. Look forward to reading more of your posts. Thanks!
Mar 8, 2014 21:11:28 #
haroldross wrote:
I would opt for the 7D over the 70D. The build on the 7D is much better.
The 70D may be newer technology but the articulating touch screen is of no interest to me.
The 70D may be newer technology but the articulating touch screen is of no interest to me.
For a long time I felt the way you do about the articulating touch screen. But afterI have used it and gotten used to it I find it is really very helpful in certain situations. Tho I do not use it very often I am at the point where I would not want to be without it. It thought it was just a gimmick til I ran across situations where it was really needed.
Mar 8, 2014 21:18:30 #
amfoto1 wrote:
I'm new here, but my 2 cents worth. br br If you ... (show quote)
Excellent comparison of the two cameras.
Mar 8, 2014 21:51:52 #
Amfoto1....welcome to the hog....that was a great post. I hope you stick around.
Check out AI Artistry and Creation section of our forum.
Mar 8, 2014 22:17:41 #
AM, welcome to the Hog! As I can always use some Knowledgeable help.
Well get along jusssst fine. :lol:
Again, welcome.
SS
Well get along jusssst fine. :lol:
Again, welcome.
SS
Mar 8, 2014 22:29:30 #
Mar 8, 2014 22:31:30 #
JC56 wrote:
Just don't cuss..ole SS gets all pissed off when people cuss!
Go back and edit that to "P.O.ed" before you-know-who sees it.
Mar 8, 2014 22:32:19 #
RRS wrote:
I hope we will be rewarded with some great advances and not be disappointed as were some of the Nikon fans with the new 4ds.
I hope we will be rewarded with some great advances and not be disappointed as were some of the Nikon fans with the new 4ds.
RRS, whatever you do, don't go comparing the way Nikon does its' business with the way that Canon goes about its' business.
When it comes to its high end models, Canon does NOT hand its' shooters just an impotent camera sup-up, especially after five years.
Nobody knows what will happen. But if the current models, and what they replaced is any indication, all I can say, for those that have waited, and can afford it, every day will have been worth it. And I think the competition had better put its tail between its' legs and get back on the porch, before someone gets hurt!! :lol:
Just my 2cents with of guesses! ;-)
SS
Check out Video for DSLR and Point and Shoot Cameras section of our forum.
Mar 8, 2014 22:36:58 #
dsmeltz wrote:
Go back and edit that to "P.O.ed" before you-know-who sees it.
Shit I had better hurry.
Mar 8, 2014 22:41:02 #
JC56 wrote:
Just don't cuss..ole SS gets all pissed off when people cuss!
JC, hey, using adjectives in context is QUITE different than launching a personal attack, "low-life", style on someone else.
Tell you what, if you behave, so will I. :lol:
SS
Mar 9, 2014 00:19:17 #
RRS
Loc: Not sure
SharpShooter wrote:
RRS, whatever you do, don't go comparing the way N... (show quote)
Hi SS, I think and hope you are right because that's what I am expecting at least a Digic5+. Eight FPC is good but 10 would be better, hope they use the same battery because I have 6 now. Also a better and faster AF system wouldn't hurt either, hey this sounds more like the 1DX only keep the crop factor. Looks like my list for Santa!
Mar 9, 2014 00:32:34 #
SharpShooter wrote:
JC, hey, using adjectives in context is QUITE different than launching a personal attack, "low-life", style on someone else.
Tell you what, if you behave, so will I. :lol:
SS
Tell you what, if you behave, so will I. :lol:
SS
I have been behaving. ..it's boring.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.