dyximan

Renting and Comparing the Nikon D500 to Canon 7D for birding this weekend. I believe I am comparing apples to apples but I'm curious as to The hogs opinion. I know there are some discrepancies megapixels frames per second etc. but I am a hands-on see it to believe it kind a guy. And I'm looking for the functionality ease-of-use speed and accuracy of auto focus and tracking and IQ. But I guess the question is am I comparing apples to apples?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Yes on bodies - but what lens(es) are you using?

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Comparing an 8 yr old camera to a one yr old camera is not apples to apples. If you want to compare the 7d Ml II, then it is closer.

I think in the noise, buffer size (31 raw vs unlimited on the Nikon), and focus acquisition and tracking (63 focus points vs 153 on the Nikon), the D500 still outshines the 7D Ml II, though the 7D II is no slouch. It's just that the newer D500 (by 2 yrs) has a bit of a jump in technology over the Canon. Both are 20 mp, shoot at 10 fps, handle well, and will produce similar image quality by and large. One big advantage is the highlight

Unless you are using the same third party lens, the image quality will likely be different for the in focus images depending on the lens you rent. The 100-400 L II is an outstanding lens which clearly exceeds the resolution of the camera. The 200-500 Nikon is very good, but does not deserve the "outstanding" title. It is good, but the third party Sigma Sport 150-600 and the Tamron 150-600 G2 are a bit sharper, enough to notice the difference.

For the record, I am a Nikon guy but have many friends that shoot Canon, and several use either one or the other with a variety of lenses.

dyximan

Nikon 200-500 and Cannon 100-400

dyximan

It will be the Ml II

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

"System to System" is "Apples to Apples", certainly for each vendor's current products. 3rd party lenses are not part of the system ...

dyximan

I recently rented both the Tamron 150 to 600 and the NICOR 200 to 500 for my D 5300, that was recently stolen and I found the images and clarity of the NICOR to be in my Opinion to be superior than that of the Tamron. That is why I'm trying to use lenses manufactured for the camera by the camera manufacturer as opposed to third-party Lantis. However I'm open to the opinions of others if they believe third parties are as good or better than that made by the manufactures for their specific bodies.

CO

I try to stay with Nikon lenses for my Nikon DSLR cameras. I only have one third party lens - the Tamron SP VC 45mm f/1.8. Don't forget about the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-S lens. It's sharp and has very fast autofocus. I really think the nano crystal coating gives it slightly higher contrast than lenses that have the standard multi-coatings. It's light enough to handhold for a while. I'll handhold it for about one-half hour before I feel like I need to put it on a tripod. The bigger lenses you pretty much have to mount on a tripod right which can be too restrictive.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

You talking 7D or 7DII?
There's really no campairing the much newer D500 to the much older 7D.
I own a 7DII and a D500. They are both excellent cameras for shooting birds in flight and glass is also a major factor.
My opinion is based on my own experiences using both cameras.
The 7DII has an amazing AF system once you figure out how to set it up to your liking. You will get excellent results with the default settings but even better if you fine tune it.
The AF system on the D500 is also second to none but it may be easier to fine tune the Canon.
Under the right conditions both cameras will crank out up to 10 frames per second.
I believe the Canon is easier to operate and much easier to learn.
As far as the end results, I'm not going to go into the nonsensical nitpicking dissertation about dynamic range and hi ISO because in reality it means little. You may make lots of adjustments to both cameras to taylor the images or just do what I do and shoot raw, which you're going to have to in order to get 10 fps.
They are both excellent cameras but the D500 does have slightly newer technology.
I personally feel the Canon may be a bit sturdier in the build department but then the D500 is very well built also.
As I already said, I own both and I use both cameras. I carry both into the field when I can.
My personal preference when I'm carrying only one camera is dictated mainly by location and glass and that would be the D500. My recommendation to someone without my level of experience would be the 7DII. It is just easier to learn and use. (Nikonistas will disagree)

dyximan

Thank you I had a Nikon D5300 which I know doesn't compare. And I know you didn't imply that I am not capable, but I feel I'm perfectly comfortable and capable of learning any system regardless of make or manufacture. As I am simply seeking the opinions and experiences of others, and looking for the best quality in build, auto focus, tracking, an image quality based on my opinion and abilities. After a hands-on experience on my part

dyximan

I am renting the 7Dll

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I think it's going to be a difficult test.
I'm sure the Nikon is the same or worse, but what will make the most differeance is how well you can understand the focus systems and set them up. For sure the Canon system is quite complex. It would take you weeks just to get the focus systems performing at their best, probably in both cameras!!
You might also consider looking at a used 1Dx. I recently bought one for less than I paid for my original 7Dmkll, and it's a lot more camera!!
It obsoleted both of my 7ll's! Many more ways to skin that action cat, if it's action you're shooting!!! Just saying! Good luck!
SS

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Good choice. Unless you are a pixel peepers who is more concerned with statistical analysis and impressive numbers, you will not be sorry.
I usually use the EF 100-400L II with the EF 1.4X teleconverter on my 7DII when shooting handheld and the Sigma 150-600 Sport with matching 1.4X teleconverter when mounted on a tripod.

dyximan

Thank you
I know it will be difficult to understand both systems adequately in such a short period of time, However my goal is to shoot basically the same photo virtually simultaneously under the same conditions with similar focusing point snd auto focus and simply distinguish between the two to my satisfaction which is the quicker more accurate system for me. And which produces the quality of photo that is acceptable to me. As well as to better understand the people here on the hog. Aa so far as the majority I have spoken to here and elsewhere so far consider the Canon system to be simpler than that of the Nikon and I simply want to use both csmers and make my own determination.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Most reviews showing the comparison between the D500 and the 7D Mark II shows the Nikon easily winning, for the 7D it would not even be a comparison. Especially for birds in flight and focus tracking the Nikon is the winner.
This is just ONE example of the comparison.
https://photographylife.com/nikon-d500-vs-canon-7d-mark-ii