Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Real-world samples (beta)

JPEG only shooters won't appreciate this post: Canon's dual-pixel tech, while great (no, superb) for video focusing, it sucks at DR especially during edits. Evaluated a couple on a concert and a day-Wedding, don't expect to get any more detail in the highlight areas. And really, Canon, do something about those chroma noise in the shadow regions! The Nikons and newer Sonys still excel here.

head over to :

http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM

and compare the 18MP sensor performace of the 600D to the 7D MK2 performance at ISO100.

then tell me if you see a noticable difference.
there is none!

so at LOW ISO nothing happend at canon for over 5 years.

Today had a good look outside without camera, this is pure blue skies I am looking with my own eyes. Not grey skies with no clouds and no haze. Those photos have problem with blue skies rendering.

If you want to see samples from the 7D mkII, Matt Granger managed to get some nice examples of the IQ from the 7D mkII here:

http://mattgranger.com/7d2

One further note: These galleries are called "samples" galleries for a reason. They aren't supposed to be fully edited, ready for sale or exhibition images. They are examples of base photos shot with the camera. So know that they weren't shot in RAW and then converted, and there probably wasn't a $2000 piece of glass hanging off the end of it. So judging the camera based on a few sample images is pointless and a waste of time.

So, to test the new semi-pro sports camera which has been anticipated for yers, you go out on a sunny day and take portraits and landscape shots?
Pointless gallery, almost certainly designed to side-step the fact that the sensor is substandard compared to modern alternatives.
Can DPR please get their act together?

I haven't shot a JPEG in over 5 years on any SLR I own, but I remember the camera taking visual liberties on the image its capturing. With a little tweaking to saturation and contrast within "Picture Style," I'm sure there wouldn't be any issue with the flatness of these images. These actually look a lot like RAW files after import. Canon seems to be very conservative with their out-of-the-box settings on all cameras and DPReview is notorious for providing good out-of-the-box examples.

My first observation to the sample shots was to go straight to the high ISO samples. I like what I see so far, and I think the RAW files will be even more fun to see. Other samples I've seen show good, usable results up to 6400 in jpeg.

Second, I noticed the excellent dynamic range in the "window" image. Lighting outside is obviously harsh, but there is detail information all across the image. Promising, but still not the greatest thing since sliced bread. Solid improvement though.

Looks like Dpreview have made full use of Mark II's 65 point AF when taking these shots.

These samples is a bit like test driving a Ferrari in a straight line at 60kmh and then commenting on its performance and handling.

The reason I own a 7D 1 is for its (relatively affordable) fast autofocus and peak frame rate. Is the beta not up to doing action photography yet? IOW, I was disappointed the sample gallery included no action shots.

I'm reading the comments here and I'd like to point out some simple points about pro range bodies.

1: Pro's understand how and when to use exposure comp as meters are never perfect... also with CMOS overexposure is less of a problem Canon is actually making up for muddy shadows pulling from bad data in underexposed areas. So complaining an algorithm is off when shooting directly into the sun is stupid.

2: Most people who buy a pro body find this interesting think called focus adjust. It means you take some time to use your expensive lens on your expensive body and match the 2 together. It's called workflow. Google can assist here.

3: Real world I have found in the market for this camera and for the actual intended use i.e sports and high speed applications is not taking pictures of miniatures backlit on a beach or pointing the camera into the sun. Real-world could replaced with " I had to post some stuff and left it on auto for a weekend"
Defeating many peoples hard work.

It is probably a problem of this particular unit but I noticed a definite tendency to overexpose.

As per my observation,all the high ISO (1600+) shots have higher grains than older 60D and 6D (full frame),then what is the logic behind much hyped DIGIC 6 processor......a big question mark for Canon R&D.

A better methodology is needed not random shots. I know it's easier to do it this way but it's difficult to assess the IQ of the sensor at a glance. Also, efforts should be put into trying out the AF capability. It's a website that attracts over one billion viewers, surely more resources should be incorporated into this department.

Are the gallery pictures JPEGs straight out of the camera? Or RAW-files converted to JPEG in camera? In computer? Picture style Standard? Sharpness zero? No PP what so ever? If we don't know basic data other then lens used and ISO settings, the pictures really tell you nothing about what the camera can do. Sorry guys if the information is there, and I just missed it.

I said "perhaps better reflex aps-c camera, and worst aps-c sensor". And thats the fact. At iso 3200, it's better than 70d. But at iso 100 is as poor as 70d. That's all.
7dmk2 only for sports and nature? That's the way to say: this camera hasn't the image quality level of others manufacturers aps-c sensors. All this time waiting for that??

Does anybody see any actually difference here over a 70D in those pictures? Like $800 (+80%) difference? Or am I supposed to laugh at people who think 7FPS is useful, they should demand at least 10FPS?

$800 for an autofocus array that it doesn't even need to use anymore with that OSPDAF they're hyping?

can we get some samples of subjects in motion, as in, sports or nature that would highlight the new AF system's tracking, etc compared to the 1DX AF system?? Please? Who needs the new AF for static subjects??

I have looked at the photos, I think exposure and other setting would solve many of the dull look of some of the photos. The images of the female to be very good, skin tone and imaging look very natural. In APS-C, I feel this is going to nice camera in DSLR group. For Canon, this camera looks like a winner.

I usually try not to jump on the dogpile of whiners bashing DPR, but you really couldn't have had someone run towards the camera to test the groundbreaking AF just a little? You're aware that's the camera's #1 feature, right?

I'm a Canon user. I'll say that 75% of pictures are dull. Now blame me

It's quite hard to tell anything from these samples except that the kit lens is not very sharp and/or the default JPEG processing is not very sharp either.

But I don't think it says all that much about the camera itself. Have to wait for the RAW samples.

The images look not better than the ones from my 600 euro Sony a6000.

I guess this is a DSLR for a niche of photographers.
A niche that is getting smaller and smaller.

I could see the usual prosumer buy the old 7D but there are so many more alternatives these days, for those who don´t need an action camera.

Why should someone who is not into fast action or birding buy the 7D MK2?
Don´t get me wrong the 7D MK2 is great for action... but it seem that DSLR of this kind have a way smaller market these days.

The stagnating image quality, compared to the 70D, does not leave me excited for this camera.

The 7D MK2 was rumored to be THE VIDEO dslr... but this is a disappointment for videographer.

Good looking for me, even if some photos seem a bit overexposed.

The 7D and 7DII are not general purpose cameras they are sports cameras. The extra 2 stops of usable iso will make all the difference to me. I shoot show jumping in all weather and indoors.

Flicker detection will be a great feature indoors.

All cross point AF will also improve focus accuracy in portrait mode.

10 frames per second also welcome and impressive

Full frame is not a sports option for me as I would need to migrate to a Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 3.4 Kg lens instead of the Canon 70-200 f/2.8
I have a 7DII on pre-order

If you don't need weather sealing / pro body build and frame rate and near 1DX autofocus a 70D will do the job at 50% of the cost

I use a 6D for all non action work and indeed the IQ is much better

From the previous comment the Samsung NX1 does look like a great camera

I won't get into any Canon, Nikon etc. arguments lets face it, we are blessed with an array of fantastic cameras from all these manufacturers.

Shoot and be happy

images are Nothing special
Samsung NX1 will be a better camera in my opinion,
with 4kvideo plus many more enhancements
Canon needs to get there act together

Canon's old sensor tech will once again OUTSELL Sony sensors. Too bad Sony does not have the length and girth of the EF system. . . . Just cute little lens line up, ha ha ha, CUTE!

hi Barney

thanks for the photos , really

i would really see photos taken with medium quality EF lenses

the 24-70 2.8 II is amazing sharp , i haven't tried the new 16-35 f4 II

but would really interesting see how the sensor work with medium quality EF lenses like the 17-40 or 24-105

will be added in the future?
thanks

As I already said, noise in 7D II looks more like a film grain, which is very very nice. There's no banding in the deep shadows. And these are JPEGs, the possibilities of the RAW will be endless.

Canon Jpeg is one of the best. Not over balance quite well between details and NR. Like the ISO12800_030A922b.

Why do most of the lake scenes appear overexposed, especially 030A9552 ?

So many bashers...first of all does anyone realize that a EF lens that can shoot sharp pictures on a 20MP 1.6 crop is a pretty strong endorsement that the affordable 16-35 F4L IS will handle future FF sensors for years to come? Second Canon jpegs since recent DIGIC processors have long moved over to a more analog look. People who made up the term 'pixel level detail' hate this look and prefer an ACR rendering. Canon's default is more like Capture One which is also more analog looking and less about seeing individual pixels and more about the picture. Finally the 18-135 kit lens is doing its job...anyone pixel peep the Pentax 18-135? Nikon's new 18-140 is good too, but most likely the STM focuses rather quickly, and is pretty much comparable with the Nikon. How many camera's will give you better jpegs in backlit shadow heavy scenes anyhow? Your iPhone? Prove it. These comments are just a case study of confirmation bias due to DxOMark scores. Lets see Nikon's 16-35 shot on crop

i actually am quite happy with the IQ based on these sample photos. my 1dx might do a bit better but given the 1.6x crop factor, 7D2 is a killer camera for sports and wildlife.