Canon 80d vs 7d Mark Ii: Which Canon Dslr Reigns?
Choosing the right DSLR can feel like navigating a minefield of specs and features. If you’re considering Canon cameras, you’ve likely stumbled upon two popular contenders: the Canon 80D and the 7D Mark II. Both are excellent cameras, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets.
This comparison aims to break down the key differences between the Canon 80D and the 7D Mark II. We’ll explore their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner, enthusiast, or professional, understanding these nuances is crucial.
We’ll delve into image quality, autofocus performance, build quality, and overall value. By the end of this analysis, you’ll have a clear understanding of which camera, the Canon 80D or the 7D Mark II, is the perfect fit for your photography journey.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | 80D | 7D Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.2MP | 20.2MP |
| Sensor Type | APS-C CMOS | APS-C CMOS |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 | 100-16000 (expandable to 51200) |
| Autofocus Points | 45 (all cross-type) | 65 (all cross-type) |
| Continuous Shooting | 7 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Resolution | 1080p at 60fps | 1080p at 60fps |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ Vari-angle Touchscreen | 3.0″ Fixed |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Body Material | Polycarbonate | Magnesium Alloy |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 98% | 100% |
| Weight (Body Only) | 709g | 910g |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sensor Resolution
- Canon 80d: Boasts a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, offering higher resolution for more detailed images. It excels in delivering sharp photos, suitable for both stills and video. The higher megapixel count allows for more cropping flexibility.
- 7d Mark Ii: Features a 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, still providing excellent image quality. While having a slightly lower resolution, it maintains a good balance between detail and low-light performance. It’s well-suited for action photography.
- Winner: 80D
Autofocus System
- Canon 80d: Equipped with a 45-point all cross-type AF system. This provides fast and accurate focusing, suitable for general photography and video. It offers good subject tracking and focusing performance.
- 7d Mark Ii: Houses a more advanced 65-point all cross-type AF system, known for its speed and precision, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It’s designed for capturing fast-moving subjects with exceptional accuracy.
- Winner: 7D Mark II
Continuous Shooting Speed
- Canon 80d: Offers a continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second (fps). This is sufficient for capturing many types of action but may be limiting for extremely fast-paced events.
- 7d Mark Ii: Provides a significantly faster continuous shooting speed of 10 fps. This makes it ideal for capturing rapid sequences of action, such as sports or wildlife photography.
- Winner: 7D Mark II
Video Capabilities
- Canon 80d: Shoots 1080p Full HD video at up to 60fps, with features like Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth focusing during recording. It offers a good video experience for casual users and vloggers.
- 7d Mark Ii: Also shoots 1080p Full HD video at up to 60fps, but lacks the advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF found in the 80D. It’s still capable of producing good quality video, but focuses less smoothly.
- Winner: 80D
ISO Performance
- Canon 80d: Offers a native ISO range of 100-16000, expandable to 25600. It generally provides good image quality at higher ISO settings, making it suitable for low-light situations.
- 7d Mark Ii: Has a native ISO range of 100-16000, also expandable to 51200. Its performance is slightly behind the 80D in low light due to the sensor technology differences.
- Winner: 80D
Build Quality & Durability
- Canon 80d: Features a weather-sealed body, offering protection against dust and moisture. It’s robust enough for general outdoor use, but not as rugged as the 7D Mark II.
- 7d Mark Ii: Boasts a more robust and durable build with extensive weather sealing and a magnesium alloy body. This makes it better suited for harsh environments and demanding use.
- Winner: 7D Mark II
Viewfinder Coverage
- Canon 80d: Offers approximately 100% viewfinder coverage. This means you see almost exactly what the sensor captures, which is helpful for composition.
- 7d Mark Ii: Also provides approximately 100% viewfinder coverage. It ensures precise framing and composition, just like the 80D.
- Winner: Tie
LCD Screen & Features
- Canon 80d: Features a fully articulating touchscreen LCD, allowing for versatile shooting angles and easy navigation. The touchscreen adds convenience for focus selection and menu control.
- 7d Mark Ii: Has a fixed LCD screen without touchscreen capabilities. This is less flexible for shooting at awkward angles and navigating menus, though it is still a good display.
- Winner: 80D
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Image Quality (Overall) | Canon 80D (Slight Edge) |
| Autofocus Speed & Performance | 7D Mark II |
| Continuous Shooting | 7D Mark II |
| Video Features | Canon 80D |
| Ergonomics & Build Quality | 7D Mark II |
| Features (Wi-Fi, Touchscreen) | Canon 80D |
What They Have in Common:
- Aps-C Sensor: Both cameras feature an APS-C sensor, providing a crop factor that can be beneficial for telephoto photography and creating a shallower depth of field. This sensor size is common for enthusiast cameras.
- Weather Sealing: Both the 80D and the 7D Mark II offer weather sealing, protecting them from dust and moisture. This is crucial for shooting in various outdoor conditions.
- 1080p Video Recording: Both cameras are capable of recording Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps, providing good quality video for most users. This is a standard video resolution for these cameras.
- Ef/ef-S Lens Compatibility: Both cameras use the Canon EF and EF-S lens mount, meaning they can use a wide range of Canon lenses. This provides great flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
- Optical Viewfinder: Both cameras include an optical viewfinder, which allows you to see the scene directly through the lens. This is a common feature on DSLRs.
Canon 80D Vs 7D Mark Ii Buying Guide
Image Quality and Sensor Performance
The Canon 80D boasts a newer sensor, generally yielding slightly improved image quality, particularly in low-light situations. It offers better dynamic range, allowing for more detail to be recovered from shadows and highlights. The 7D Mark II, while still capable, has a sensor that is several years older. This means that the 80D may produce cleaner images with less noise at higher ISO settings, making it a better choice for shooting in challenging lighting conditions. Consider what you prioritize, as both deliver excellent results.
Autofocus System Capabilities
The 7D Mark II excels with its more advanced autofocus system, featuring 65 cross-type points, far surpassing the 80D’s 45 points, all cross-type. This allows for superior subject tracking and faster focusing, especially crucial for sports and wildlife photography. The 7D Mark II can lock onto and track moving subjects more reliably. The 80D, while having a very capable autofocus, cannot match the 7D Mark II’s speed and precision. Its autofocus is still quick and accurate, but it’s best suited for general photography.
Video Recording Features
The 80D offers slightly improved video capabilities, including a 1080p resolution at 60fps, and has a more user-friendly interface. It also has a fully articulating touchscreen, which makes it easier to frame shots from various angles. The 7D Mark II, designed primarily for still photography, has decent video features but lacks the flexibility of the 80D’s design. The 80D is a better choice if video is a significant part of your workflow, due to the touchscreen and improved options.
Durability and Build Quality
The 7D Mark II is built like a tank, featuring a rugged, weather-sealed body designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. This makes it ideal for harsh environments and demanding situations. The 80D, while still weather-sealed, is not as robust or durable as the 7D Mark II. It is more suitable for everyday use and less likely to survive the same level of abuse. If build quality and weather sealing are top priorities, the 7D Mark II is the clear winner.
Ergonomics and User Experience
Both cameras offer a comfortable grip, but the 7D Mark II’s larger body may be more suited to photographers with larger hands. The 7D Mark II has a more comprehensive array of physical buttons and dials, allowing for quick access to settings without delving into menus. The 80D, while still offering a good level of control, relies more on the touchscreen interface for some adjustments. The 7D Mark II is preferred by photographers who value speed of operation and physical controls.
Price and Value for Money
The price point of these cameras is a deciding factor for many buyers. The 7D Mark II, being a professional-grade camera, typically commands a higher price, particularly when bought new. The 80D, being a more recent consumer model, is generally more affordable. Both cameras offer excellent value for their respective price points, but the 80D is a better deal for photographers on a budget. The 7D Mark II offers more features for the price.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 80D If…
- You want a camera with a vari-angle touchscreen for easier composition from different angles.
- You value built-in Wi-Fi for easy image transfer and remote control.
- You prefer a more compact and lighter body.
- You prioritize a user-friendly interface and easier operation for beginners.
Buy 7D Mark II If…
- You need extremely fast autofocus and continuous shooting for sports or wildlife photography.
- You require a more robust and durable camera body with better weather sealing.
- You need a viewfinder with 100% coverage.
- You shoot in demanding environments and need superior build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Canon 7D Mark II boasts a significantly superior autofocus system, featuring 65 cross-type points compared to the 80D’s 45 cross-type points. The 7D Mark II excels in tracking moving subjects with greater speed and accuracy, making it ideal for sports and wildlife photography. Its advanced system allows for more precise focusing, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It’s built for rapid, reliable performance.
Which camera is better for video recording?
The Canon 80D is generally considered the better choice for video recording. It features a fully articulating touchscreen, making it easier to frame shots from various angles, and offers a wider range of frame rates and resolutions. The 80D also has a more user-friendly interface for video settings. The 7D Mark II does offer video capabilities, but it is not as versatile or convenient to use for video shooting.
Which camera is more durable?
The Canon 7D Mark II has a much more robust build, designed for professional use. It features a weather-sealed body that can withstand harsh environments and the rigors of constant use. The 80D, while weather-sealed to some extent, does not have the same level of durability. The 7D Mark II is designed to withstand more abuse, making it the better choice for demanding situations.
Which camera has a better sensor?
The Canon 80D has a newer sensor, generally providing slightly improved image quality, particularly in low light. It offers better dynamic range, which means it can capture more detail in shadows and highlights. The 7D Mark II’s sensor, while still capable, is older. The 80D produces cleaner images with less noise at higher ISO settings. It’s a slight edge in overall image quality.
Which camera is easier to use for beginners?
The Canon 80D might be slightly easier for beginners due to its more intuitive menu system and user-friendly touchscreen interface. The 7D Mark II has a more complex array of physical buttons and dials. Beginners may find the 80D’s simpler layout easier to navigate, while experienced photographers may appreciate the 7D Mark II’s speed of access. Both are easy to learn, but the 80D has a slight edge.
Which camera is better for sports photography?
The Canon 7D Mark II is the superior choice for sports photography, primarily due to its advanced autofocus system. Its 65 cross-type autofocus points and high continuous shooting speed enable it to accurately track fast-moving subjects. The 7D Mark II’s robust build and fast performance make it a more reliable tool for capturing action. It is designed to handle the demands of sports photography.
Which camera is more affordable?
The Canon 80D is generally more affordable than the 7D Mark II, especially when considering the prices of used models. The 7D Mark II, being a professional-grade camera, typically commands a higher price. The 80D provides excellent value for its price, making it a good option for photographers on a budget. Both are worthy investments, but the 80D is the more cost-effective option.
Final Verdict
The Canon 80D excels with its newer sensor, versatile video features, and more approachable interface, making it an excellent choice for general photography and videography. However, the Canon 7D Mark II takes the lead for action-oriented photography, featuring a superior autofocus system and rugged build that can withstand demanding conditions. The choice depends on your specific needs.
Winner: Canon 7D Mark II