Photographic authority Digital Photography Review posted their exhaustive review and analysis of Canon’s new APS-C flagship, the EOS 7D Mark II.

Excerpts from the conclusion (emphasis added):

With 10 frames per second continuous shooting paired with a lightning fast autofocus system, featuring 65 cross-type sensors spread across the viewfinder, it’s hard to find a scenario the Mark II can’t keep up with. Add in iTR metering with face detection and tracking and the odds of nailing focus go up even more […]

The moment you pick up the 7D II you can tell it’s a solidly-built camera that that will withstand punishment. The body and control layout are virtually indistinguishable from the 5D III […]

With the 7D II Canon is putting a stake in the ground that it is committed to the crop sensor market. Although it will likely be seen as an aspirational camera for novices, or an upgrade path to people using more consumer oriented crop sensor bodies from Canon, the 7D II is unquestionably a pro camera. It’s built like a tank, […] and [has] an autofocus system to compete with the 1D X […] […] anyone who’s ever considered buying a 1D X should probably take a look at the 7D Mark II as well; it might actually meet your needs at a much lower price point.

The review is not without criticism:

The EOS 7 D Mark II may use an APS-C sensor, but it’s a pro-level camera in every respect. Its 10 frames per second shooting and blazing fast autofocus set it apart from most of its peers, but it also includes features such as Intelligent Tracking and Recognition (iTR) for improved focus tracking, Dual-Pixel autofocus for smooth, natural looking focus when shooting video, and well designed ergonomics that match Canon’s 5D Mark III. Its dynamic range and video quality fall behind some of its top-performing peers, but its performance is class-leading.

DPReview found the following cons:

• Soft video lacks detail
• iTR struggles to track fast moving subjects
• Long screen blackout during live view shooting
• No AF with continuous shooting in live view
• No zebras to evaluate exposure
• No focus peaking
• No touch screen
• No Wi-Fi

The 7D2 gets DPReview’s Silver Award (not the Gold Award), with an overall scoring of 84%. If you want to know everything there is to learn about the EOS 7D Mark II be sure to head over to DPReview and read the 19 pages long review.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

This is a very geek review/sensor analysis of the EOS 7D Mark II by Roger Clark of ClarkVision. He measured various figures of sensor noise, with an eye on long exposure settings and astrophotography. Well, it seems the 7D Mark II found another spot where it is a game changer.

The EOS 7D Mark II is a “stellar performer in low light situations, especially in the lowest light situations commonly found in astrophotography“. In the conclusion R. Clark writes:

The approximately 10x lower thermal dark current is a game changing factor, making this camera the top Canon camera for long exposure low light photography that I have tested. The superb autofocus system, comparable to Canon 1D series pro cameras with 65 autofocus points is another game changing innovation, as the camera is at a price point that is affordable to more people.

Thermal dark current influences noise because of electrons that collect in the sensor due to thermal processes, a phenomenon that occurs during long exposures. According to Clark’s measures, the 7D Mark II is the top performer when it comes to low thermal dark current. 10% lower than other Canon cameras. The EOS 6D is the next best low light camera in the Canon line-up.

Clark’s detailed examination of the 7D Mark II’s sensor properties is very technical and may not be anyone’s favourite read but it is definitely an insight into sensor analytics beyond DxOMark. Charts and test shots are provided.

The EOS 7D Mark II is on the way to become the industry leading APS-C DSLR. The AF-system of the EOS-1D X, 10fps, and amazing high ISO. Read more about the EOS 7D Mark II’s excellent weather sealing, the highly advanced AF, and the industry leading high ISO performance (have a look here too). All our coverage on the EOS 7D Mark II can be seen here.

[ClarkVision via Canon Rumors]

Canon EOS 7D Mark II price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

JPEG burstshot – 7D mark2 + EF 16-35mm

Want to see how the EOS 7D Mark II 10fps burst rate sounds and how it looks thru the viewfinder? Here you are, thanks to Youtube user Daero Lee. The fast mirror movement is quite impressing when seen in the viewfinder.

Daero Lee’s first video showed the EOS 7D Mark II game-changing AF tracking through the viewfinder, at 10fps while shooting an amateur dance performance. A video that perfectly shows how advanced the 7D2’s autofocus is.

The last video below shows the 7D Mark II’s movie AF in Live View mode (Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology).

RAW + S Jpeg burstshot – 7D mark2 + EF 16-35mm

RAW + L Jpeg burstshot – 7D mark2 + EF 16-35mm

Movie AF – 7D mark2 + EF 16-35mm

To learn more about the EOS 7D Mark II I recommend you read what pros say about the excellent weather sealing, the highly advanced AF, and the industry leading high ISO performance (have a look here too). To see all posts on the 7D Mark II click here.

Adorama has the EOS 7D Mark II for $1,799 with an additional, free battery. Canon EOS 7D Mark II price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Don’t miss the continuously updated Black Friday deals page.