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Canon EOS 7D vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark II: Low Light ISO Comparison

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Canon EOS 7D vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark II: Low Light ISO Comparison

Previously we took a look at how the Canon EOS 7D fared against the EOS 5D Mark II in a series of ISO comparisons taken in largely average lighting conditions. In this edition, let’s take a look at how the EOS 7D does when the lights are turned off.

For this test we photographed a scene at roughly 8:00 PM, which works out to about near total darkness where we’re located. In the example shot below, the scene is only being lit by the light above the door, and somewhat by lights behind the courthouse building. For the shots, I set the camera to f/11 and then came up with the following shutter times: 15s @ ISO 1600, 8s @ ISO 3200, 4s @ ISO 6400, and finally 2s @ ISO 12,800. White balance was set to auto, picture style was set to standard, noise reduction was disabled in all of its forms (long exposure and high ISO), and for this shot I also disabled auto lighting optimizer. Each shot was then taken into Canon’s Digital Photo Professional, and kicked out with zero noise reduction.

Other Parts In This Series

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)
Designed for pros and semi-pros alike, the Canon EOS 7D is a high-performance digital SLR, that features the resolving power of an 18-megapixel APS-C format CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 4 image processors that enable 8 frames-per-second capture of high-definition, low-noise imaging at sensitivity levels up to ISO 12800. In addition to high-definition still images the Canon EOS 7D can also capture true HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second. Video clips can be up to 12 minutes in length or 4GB in size, and you can make full use of all Canon EF and EF-S-mount lenses, which enables an exceptional range of creative visual possibilities. And to ensure clean, blemish-free image files, the 7D employs a dual dust-reduction system.

Price: $ 1,699.95 at B&H Photo

ISO Comparison

lowlight sample areas

Use this sample shot to orient yourself to the locations of the crops below. For all crops, the EOS 7D is on the left and the EOS 5D Mark II is on the right. Click to expand each thumbnail to a much larger view. The crops are 100% samples from the original.

Crop 1

crop1 iso 1600crop1 iso 3200
ISO 1600. The EOS 7D looks just as usable here as it did in much better light.ISO 3200
crop1 iso 6400crop1 iso 12800
ISO 6400ISO 12,800

Crop 2

crop2 iso 1600crop2 iso 3200
ISO 1600ISO 3200
crop2 iso 6400crop2 iso 12800
ISO 6400ISO 12,800

Crop 3

crop3 iso 1600crop3 iso 3200
ISO 1600ISO 3200
crop3 iso 6400crop3 iso 12800
ISO 6400ISO 12,800

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  1. Thanks for the comparisons here, i liked them very much.
    But i look like the 7D images looks sharper then the 5DmkII.
    Or is it just me?

  2. Excellent test, thank you.

    Finally a test that tells the story of low light performance differences in the true sense. None of the usual elementary tests done at other sites.

    In summary, I see GREAT 7D performance so kudos to Canon. However, the 5D mark II is at least a half stop better at 1600 ISO and clearly ahead with 1-2 stop advantage above that.

    • Chuck,
      hey thanks for compliment. I think the 7D is doing a fine job too, I had expected worse given the bump in megapixels, but I suppose sensor improvements and dual digics are doing their job. On the other hand, I’m happy to see my 5D2 doing fine over a year into its product cycle!

      • Thanks for the info. I am a semi-pro photographer and I currently use a Canon XTI and I need to up grade. In you opinion is a jump to a 7D enough or should I look at the 5D. Is the extra cash worth it or do you have another suggestion?

        • Really depends on just how important image quality matters in your work. If it is the main aspect–the 5D2 is your camera, in nearly all other aspect the 7D is definitely worth it. I’m an I.Q. freak—it’s all I really care about so that’s why I love the 5D2, but in many ways the EOS 7D is a superior camera.

          • I was in the same boat and I was interested in very nice all around lens also I wanted to buy nice printer (pro 9000 mark ii). I had 2 choices. 7d + 17-55mm (f2.8) or 5dii + 24-105mm. 7d+lens package was costing approx 2700 and
            5d kit was available for 3500 ($400 rebate for printer). Considering printer rebate, the difference between both system was 400 (12%) so picking up 5dii was no brainer.

  3. in the pictures I se that 5d has better quality, how you thing that 7d is better?

    • Besim,
      Maybe you misunderstood, I don’t think the EOS 7D is better than the EOS 5D II, when it comes to image quality and ISO performance, the 5D2 is clearly superior.

  4. If I bring D700 into picture, which one will you go with?

    • gurbally,
      I love the D700, if I did sports or more dynamic subjects, I’d probably have one. Since I do more landscape, street, still life type work, I prefer the 5D2’s resolution.

  5. Dev,
    A wise decision. I loved the 7D, in many ways superior to the 5D2. Except IQ, which is what the 5D2 is all about. Sounds like a good deal too…

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