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Canon EOS 7D vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark II: ISO Comparison
There are several aspects to the EOS 7D that might induce envy in EOS 5D Mark II owners. As we mentioned in our first field report on the EOS 7D, overall camera feel and ergonomics have been improved over the EOS 5D Mark II. It grips just a little bit better now, you’re fingers really fit right into the 7D, and this makes it feel more secure in the hands. The nineteen point, all cross-type AF is a nice step up to, then there’s the “gimmicks”, except these gimmicks are pretty cool. First you got a pitch and roll electronic level (viewfinder or LCD based) and of course for the filmmakers, there’s the extensive frame rate options. But what about image quality?
Image quality is solid, I’m apt to say it’s very good, but it doesn’t quite compete with the excellent EOS 5D Mark II in this regard. I will say that at ISO 400 and under, in normal lighting scenarios, the 2 look fairly similar, and with 18 megapixels, file sizes aren’t even that far apart. After ISO 400, and especially after ISO 800, there are rather notable differences between the EOS 7D and EOS 5 Mark II that even dual Digic 4 processors can’t overcome. Remove the comparison to the EOS 5D Mark II and insert your DSLR of choice with an APS-C sensor inside, and the EOS 7D offers excellent image quality, and this at 14-bit (and 8 fps!).
Other Parts In This Series
- Part 1: Introduction to the EOS 7D
- Part 2: ISO comparisons with EOS 5D Mark II
- Part 3: Low light ISO Comparisons
- Part 4: Canon EOS 7D Review (coming soon)
Availability
If you’re considering purchasing an EOS 7D, I strongly recommend getting one through B&H. They have the best prices, selection, and service, and by making your Canon EOS 7D (or other camera equipment) purchase through links like this, you help to insure we can continue to provide you with great content. Further, they also have the Canon EOS 7D in stock (as of this writing)!
Canon EOS 7D SLR Digital Camera (Body Only) Price: $ 1,699.95 at B&H Photo |
ISO Comparison
I’ve setup an ISO comparison of the EOS 7D versus the EOS 5D Mark II under normal lighting conditions, with both cameras adjusted to the same settings (f/8 | exposure compensation +1). Noise reduction was disabled on both cameras. On the EOS 5D Mark II, I used the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 while the EOS 7D was paired with its kit lens, the 28-135mm, which was set to 33mm for near exact fields of view. Both cameras had Auto Lighting Optimizer set to standard, as I feel this is the most likely usage scenario. You can use the image below to locate each crop, and click on each thumbnail to enlarge each crop to its 100% size. Nothing has been resized so the EOS 7D crops are a bit smaller than the EOS 5D Mark II’s. In our next update we’ll have a similar comparison under very low light conditions.
Location of the 3 crops
Crop 1
The EOS 7D is on the left, the EOS 5D Mark II on the right. Click each thumbnail for a 100% crop comparison.
 |  |
| ISO 100. Remarkably similar here? Both are set to AWB but the EOS 7D looks a bit warmer. | ISO 200 |
 |  |
| ISO 400 | ISO 800. This is where things start to change for the EOS 7D. No change at all though for the EOS 5D Mark II. |
 |  |
| ISO 1600. Though not as good as the EOS 5D 2, this is totally usable for the EOS 7D. | ISO 3200. Again, well within the realm of usability. |
 |  |
| ISO 6400. I'm never wild about the Canon noise patterns, but it seems to print fine. | ISO 12,800. You could still use the 5D Mark II file, even at this ISO. Just amazing! |
Crop 2
The EOS 7D is on the left, the EOS 5D Mark II on the right. Click each thumbnail for a 100% crop comparison.
 |  |
| ISO 100 | ISO 200 |
 |  |
| ISO 400 | ISO 800 |
 |  |
| ISO 1600 | ISO 3200 |
 |  |
| ISO 6400 | ISO 12,800 |
Crop 3
The EOS 7D is on the left, the EOS 5D Mark II on the right. Click each thumbnail for a 100% crop comparison.
 |  |
| ISO 100 | ISO 200 |
 |  |
| ISO 400 | ISO 800 |
 |  |
| ISO 1600 | ISO 3200 |
 |  |
| ISO 6400 | ISO 12,800 |
Get the Canon EOS 7D
Canon EOS 7D SLR Digital Camera (Body Only) Price: $ 1,699.95 at B&H Photo |
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Why did you dial an exposure comp of +1? I guess you use AV mode and had to compensate for the suggested exposure but I want to be sure…
I think the results are what most people were expecting. I think the low light version of the test is going to be much more interesting.
I would also be interested in a very long exposure test (ex: night shots).
I have been thinking about doing such a test for a few weeks but never found the time. Happy you did!
Alain,
yep, I’m always in AV, so that’s why the plus one. And the night shots do separate the cameras a bit further.
Is it just me but the 7D pictures (left ones) seems a hair sharper to me. It was said by many critics that the 5d2 used heavy NR and “smeared” the image a tad to reduce noise… It appears in your test, a tad of it is due to the slight soft nature of 5d2 while they did not apply that heavy of NR on the 7D leaving it more vulnerable to noise. I have the 7D and have been happy with it’s pictures…
Alex,
You might be right, but it could be differences in focusing etc. To me they look very close, and in the higher ISO I think you can see the 5D2 retaining more detail, so there’s more than just subtle smudging going on.
With the focus issue, it was stated that the 5d2 was paired with a 50mm 1.4 prime and the 7d was with the kit lens 28-135mm. Assuming they were stopped down to the same aperture and focal length, anyone who has used either lens would say the 50mm beats the 28-135 in sharpness and resolving power any day of the week. Not to say the kit less is a slouch because it is not, but if the 5d2 isn’t clearly sharper with more detail, which I can’t say given the comparison, then the 7d, with slightly more noise and less nr does an incredible job as far as resolution in this case barring any intangibles.
Hey could you do a small quick comparison between the XSi and the 7D? I know that sounds stupid but I really want to see the differences in quality, as that is what I will be upgrading from/to.
Jean-Marc,
I wish that I could…we’ve already returned our review unit unfortunately. The image quality is going to better though and wow, there are so many other superior aspects to the EOS 7D—just a really nice camera.http://www.neutralday.com/wordpress/wp-admin/edit-comments.php#comments-form
i realy need your Consultation about chose (canon eos 7d) and (canon EOS 5D Mark II)honestly which one is better than other ?
i don”t care about $1000 more for paying canon eos 5d mark II.
but i realy care about quallit of image.
i know canon company likes to sale 7d . and also 5d has 21 megapixel and 7d just 18 megapixel isn”t big deal? any respons would be much apprectied.
IQ wise the 5D Mark II is much better, there’s no comparison really. But the 7D handles better, a bit easier to use, better AF for sure and faster, if you don’t need large prints and don’t shoot over ISO 1600 often the 7D is perfect. IF IQ is the most important thing, and you shoot in low light quite a bit, and don’t shoot action a lot, get the 5D2.
I seen so many of these comparisons and considering both. Clearly the 7D is showing more detail, which is the consensus by many. Since NR was turned off for these tests, and you have a much better lens on the 5D, it is a bit scary the the loss of detail is significant in comparison. That’s not to say a 5D image can’t be sharpened, but you can’t sharpen detail that really isn’t there.
By contrast, I wish we could see a comparison at 400, 800, etc. on the 7D with various NR’s turned on to get a sense of how much detail remains or is lost vs. the 5D. If some NR on the 7D negates some of the difference between the two as far as ISO performance goes, but still maintains more detail, than with all the other benefits, the 7D would seem to be the way to go.
Jay S.
Hi Jay,
I would caution against judging sharpness results from these crops as you do have DOF issues as well as subtle differences in where a lens has absolute focus etc. If you’re after REAL detail, the 5D2 is the superior camera. In my analysis the 5D2 is much superior to the 7D in every regard, after ISO 800. If you wanted more out-of-camera sharpness you could bump up the sharpness settings in-camera (which I typically turn down for these tests). I still think the 7D is a great camera, especially compared to other cropped cameras, but I’m not trading in my 5D2 for one.
Hi Patrick and thanks for the reply. I’m not referring to sharpness as much as loss of detail. I shot a charity event (I’m still on a 40D) with a co-photographer with 2 5D MKIIs. In almost shot for shot (with identical lens’) everything from the 5Ds had a much softer feel (which isn’t a bad thing in some cases, e.g. portrait work), but again from most of what I’ve read, the 5D leaves detail (not sharpeness) behind for sake of noise reduction. My thought here was that since you started these all off with no NR turned on, it would appear that there is appreciably more detail with the 7D. This is born out in other comparisons I’ve seen. So the question remains, at what point is there a crossover of adding NR (low, normal, high) to a 7D image where the detail loss comes up to the zero NR the 5D starts with. I may try both, with the intent of returning one. Seems like there are so many opinions out there. Thanks again!
Jay S.
Jay,
I see what you’re saying, and I agree the 5D2’s output is softer a bit out of camera (I think every full frame has this same look now that I think about it). I’ll just say that it is my experience that the 5D2 is capable of blistering levels of detail, much more than the 7D offered during our testing. One of the main sections I look at in our ISO test is the red/orange roll of ribbon on the left. It has a very fine rayon weave, and in general most crop cameras don’t full resolve it (and yes they’re hampered by kit lenses).
here’s the 5D2 at ISO 1600 NR off in very low light: http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrickdean/4308607196/sizes/o/in/set-72157623168347727/
here’s the 7D in normal conditions at ISO 100 NR off: http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrickdean/4052822106/sizes/o/in/set-72157622556744581/
On the 5D2 it’s more clear that the one ribbon is rayon and the flower on top is made from cotton, you can feel the textures better. Of course none of this matters if you’re not printing large or working at higher ISO settings. Both cameras are good, and if you’ve read the 7D review on the site, you’ll know we ended up giving the 7D an “essential rating”–so I’m not saying I’m not a fan of the 7D, just that with the right settings, and lens, the 5D2 does bring more detail…IMO
Pat,
Thanks, and I’m not debating, truly, but it is hard to compare those two images without know a lot more. First, the bows aren’t even in the same position so depending on the focus point the DOF can have a play in it. Also handheld vs. tripod, shutter speed, f/stop, and you mention kit lens.. which lens’ was on each camera as that can make a huge difference as you know. If it the same as your description where the 5DII had the 1.4 50mm and the 7D the 28-135, that alone can make a night and day difference. The 50mm 1.4 is arguably one of the sharpest Canon has made, while the 28-135 is several generations old in lens design and far from L quality. I know you’re trying to show a comparison of an ISO 1600 vs. an ISO 100, but I’ve also seen all the ISO comparisons and I’ve not seen a 5DII at 1600 that clear!! That’s a definite keeper if that a NR off shot.
Jay S.
sorry but this test is BS
5d is out of focus and they have same image quality?
yeah right
get a life
burak,
I’d prefer “softer” than “out of focus”, and I’d argue that the 5D2 has superior IQ. In general full frame cameras tend to look softer to my eye, but that could just be the units we’ve received. Also the cameras do have different depths of field, just look at the third crop where the bird is clearly in focus but that bottle isn’t with the 5D2.
And yes, we’re working on getting “a life”.
Hi Patrick,
Really useful comparison, thank you. I found your originals on Flickr extremely useful so thanks for posting those links in your comment above to Jay_S. The image quality of both is superb but that IQ at ISO1600 on the 5DII is just phenomenal.
For completion of the comparison and for my own curiosity, would shooting RAW presumably circumvent any of the issues caused by NR? I always shoot RAW, I can’t really understand why anyone other than a sports shooter (and arguably even those these days) would choose not to with the likes of Lightroom and Aperture and even Adobe Bridge around.
I have just gone pro and am shooting on an ageing 40D with a 400D as backup in my bag and I am looking to get one of these cameras to retire the 400D. I have a 24-105mm L lens so that’s not going to be a quality bottleneck. I am really in a quandary over which to get. I shoot quite a variety of different events and I also do portrait work. I am an utter perfectionist and I get gooey over the sight of a perfect, stunning image. That’s what’s pulling me towards the 5D.
Then there’s that voice in me saying the AF of the 7D and that heat-of-battle usefulness of a really fast burst mode that has been so useful on my 40D (6.5fps!) telling me the 7D might just be a better camera in a crunch situation like a sports day or a press conference where that moment can fly past.
Could you just clarify as a 5DII user, how does the AF really compare to the 7D in real world use?
I am aware I am ranting, sorry. I just really can’t call it between these two and would love any thoughts you may have.
James
James,
I went the 7D route after Patrick and I even exchanged some direct emails. They are two different cameras. LR 3 Beta has made it clear that noise is not going to be an issue even at 12,800. Some images over on the Fred Miranda site show how versatile the 7D can be. As for comparisons on focusing, the new 19 point system provide endless abilities (including plain old center focus), but you need to actually read the manual on this one to fully utilize. Here’s the FM link.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/836385/0
Best of luck on your decision.
Jay S.
Jay,
I’m assuming you’re enjoying the 7D?
Pat,
Very much so. At 100%, I’m going to agree with you that the 5D MKII retains more, but not to a degree that offsets the other benefits that the camera has in my mind. In my case if, like you, already had a 5DMKII I don’t think I would have switched the 7D for it, and unlike some I’ve seen and read posts from, can’t afford both.
As for low light, the new Lightroom beta has rendered the noise argument moot in my opinion. They’ve done a great job there. DFine also works incredibly well at taking out 6400 and 12800 noise and leaving clean areas to work from. This is off course when shooting RAW. For JPEG, I’ve learned the most effective combinations of in camera sharpening (almost none)and Noise Reduction, keeping 1600 and 3200 to at most Normal NR, and depending on the scene using the Strong only when needed for higher ISOs (which has not been often). Being a RAW shooter though, it is pretty much setting up a Camera action for ISOs in LR and applying on import.
For my two cents, I’ve been working with the 7D and the 5D II on many occasions (own the 7D and borrowed the 5DII from canon through CPS). If you are basing IQ totally on noise and file usability at high ISO’s, then yes, the 5D wins hands down, but not as much as you would believe. To an extent, the 7D files are sharper, even at high ISO’s compared to the 5DII… This was being of the increased AA filter canons fears of noise with the 5D which is what lead to many pundits and reviewers to call “smudging” the details or smearing the details to drive down noise. Over the year, new technology, and perhaps the addition of the second processor, the files are sharper even with higher density of pixels, however you have the slight sacrifice with noise. So if you’re looking for total detail, faster performance, and maybe a stop or two worse noise (at worst) compared the the phenomenal noise handling of the 5dII, then the 7D is right up there against the competition and it’s own big brother. Now if we can get the 7D’s sharpness, ergonomics, handling, AF, and drive into a body with the 5D’s full frame sensor then we will have a camera that’s hard to be beat.
Alex,
My impressions were similar from working with the 5D MKII (despite not owning one). A good summary. I’m not sure we’ll ever see the camera you describe at a price point for entry professional or prosumer. It would seem that Canon could hurt both the lower end FF like the 5D family and the higher end crop line, like the 7D. I think Canon is settling in on 4 lines. Strong offerings in the crop entry level, like the 550D, advanced cameras in the same crop family like the 7D, entry FF like the 5D’s and then flagship 1Ds. I think the debate will always be between advanced crop and entry FF (don’t mean entry to sound as beginner).
Jay S.
James,
There’s no question I’m jealous of the AF and framerate of the 7D, I suppose you have to factor in the ratio of how many action shots you think you’ll really be shooting, and what sort of light they’ll be taken in. On an IQ basis though I’d take the 5D2 everytime, and that’s been my main priority (that and low light)
I would really like to see these images printed on the same printer, scanned at the same settings to get an idea of print quality between these cameras. This comparison versus pixel peeping would be more ideal as most photos published on the web will be compressed and down sized.
Hi all
I’m going to be travelling around Iceland in 3 weeks time, and will be shooting nature, both low light and regular, I have the 24 – 105 Canon USM IS lense. What would be the best one for me?
Also should I consider buying any filters etc?
I never take bursts, but I admit that I’m still a very much newbie on the area, having shot 10k photos with my 400D I will also be attending a wedding, taking photos there.
Appreciate any comments
Regards
Johann
Johann,
I think you’ll be happier in the end with the 5D2, especially for landscape purposes. I’m biased of course, owning one myself, but it is going to bring home bigger, better, and potentially wider(angle) photos. For filters, polarizer, and possibly some ND filters, definitely the polarizer. We have B+W for ours.
Patrick,
Why would the 5D II be wider than a 7D with an EF-S 10-22? Bigger? You got me there by a few megapixels
and you and I have our history as far as better. 
For landscape shots, I’m thinking outdoors usually (not always) with enough light to keep ISO low, even still LR3 noise reduction is pretty much rendering noise issues mute, I think. Now if Adobe can get it to run a bit faster.
Jay S.
Jay,
I didn’t see that he had a 10-22, I’m seeing that he has 24-105, which will be a 24mm on the 5D2, a 38.4 on the 7D. I’m thinking wider might be handier, at least I’d want wider if I was going to Iceland. If he’s buying more stuff, then your approach would be one to take.
Pat,
I was looking at it from his original post. Didn’t seem like he was looking to buy a new camera, just looking for some advice with his current Canon 400 and upcoming trip. If that’s the case, like you said, adding a 10-22 (or good 3rd party WA) would help on the lower end of the 24-105.
Jay
Johann,
You’re starting with a good lens. The 24 – 105mm has a strong IS F/4 system which should helpful at the wedding. You may want to bump up the ISO to keep the shutter speeds decent. You don’t mention if you shoot RAW or JPeg. If you do shoot RAW, then you’ll have more have more headroom to work with the images lates. The latest version of Canon’s DPP has a good noise reduction engine if you don’t have an editing package like Adobe LR or ACR. If you shoot only JPeg, try to keep the shutter speed (for indoor) fast enough to not blur the action. Try to catch those “pauses” in the movement if you can.
For outdoors, the 24-105 is not really a “wide angle” since you say your shooting scenery. You may want to consider a Canon 10-22 wide angle EF-S lens. It will only work on a crop camera like the 400 or 7D and not on a full frame camera like the 5D family. It has excellent resale value should you want to move to ff later on.
On the telephoto side, if you want some additional reach, you can look at a Kenko 1.4 DG Pro teleconverter. That will help your 105mm get to near 150mm.. not super long, but not bad.
I wouldn’t recommend a 2x converter, you tend to lose image quality.
Anyway, hope this helps, enjoy the trip and wedding.
Jay S.
I’m assuming you’re still pleased with the EOS 7D then?
Hi Pat,
Loving it. Little bit of a learning curve given all the new functions, but an incredible camera. Interesting as well, I just received a mailer from Canon CPS. In it they described their imaging line up. There were the 2 1Ds, the 5d MKII, and the 7D, so I guess they’re putting up on that side of the ledger vs. the xxD bodies (of which I still have the 20 and 40D – one will be going).
Jay
Jay,
Good to hear everything’s going well with you and your single digit EOS camera!