Canon 7D vs 5D Mark II


I was explaining to someone today my thinking about the pros and cons of the 7D vs 5D Mark II. The big pro for the 5D is the bigger, full frame sensor. From the early reports, the bigger sensor on the 5D does slightly better in low light than the 7D’s sensor (which has smaller photosites.) Initial testers are suggesting that the 7D is about one stop noisier than the 5D. And if you like wide-angle lenses, then the full-frame sensor of the 5D is the one to get.

And I do like to use wide-angle lenses. But it’s $1,000 more than the 7D.

And if you are even partly serious about shooting video, then the 7D has it all over the 5D, with it’s 24, 25 and 30 fps (which is actually 29.97, rather than the 5D’s 30fps) as well as it’s 60fps 720p option.

Another thing to consider is that next year, I’m pretty sure Canon will replace the 5D with a full-frame camera that can do the other frame rates. At one point it was thought that Canon might release a firmware update for the 5D MkII that would support 24p; but resent rumors suggest that it’s on hold, partly because the rolling shutter was much worse at 24p. Should you wait until then? It’s pretty tempting, but ultimately, the $1,000 price difference made a difference for me, and I took the jump and ordered the 7D.

Now I just have to wait for it to arrive.

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There’s a couple of interesting clips of Canon Product manager Tim Smith talking about the 5D Mark II at the Digital Cinema Society. (look for Clip Smith1) Digital Still Cameras for Motion Picture Production Canon 5D MkII and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

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