Used corner
Canon EOS 7DMark II
While DSLRs are seemingly on the way out, there are plenty of used models to enjoy
IF YOU PAY any attention to rumour sites, then you will have read that Canon is expected to introduce a crop sensor EOS R mirrorless model in 2022. Essentially, a high-spec camera that will benefit from Canon’s rapidly expanding lens range – especially telephotos – with the crop factor giving even more pulling power. Only time will tell if that new product transpires, but in the EF DSLR system, that’s the benefit offered by the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. Its 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor was 22.4x15mm, which gave a 1.6x crop factor – therefore, fitting a 100mm lens gave the equivalent view of 160mm in the 35mm full-frame format. That is a massive bonus for action and nature photographers, where lenses of 300mm-plus are standard, because of the apparent extra reach. The EOS 7D Mark II’s appeal was much broader to long lens shooters.
It was a leading DSLR with a solid feature set. The sensor was supported by Canon’s Dual Digic 6 processor, and autofocusing was achieved with a dedicated CMOS sensor. The AF system had 65 cross type points, with the centre point being extra sensitive, and dual cross type at f/2.8 and cross type with f/8 lenses. Its focusing skills were typically Canon: accurate, quiet, fast and responsive. Its tracking skills were sound, too, and the camera had a feature called Intelligent Tracking and Recognition. This, coupled with its continuous shooting ability – which topped out at 10fps – meant the Canon was well-suited to handling fast, evolving situations. Dual card slots were provided, SD and CompactFlash. Exposure was handled by a 252 zone system with the usual array of options. I was generally happy with the evaluative metering pattern, just dialling in compensation using the command dial in awkward lighting.
SPECS › Used price £470-800 body only › Format 22.4x15mm › Sensor CMOS 20.2 megapixels, 5472x3648 pixels › Processor Digic 6 › ISO range 100-16,000, expansion to ISO 25,600 and 51,200 › Autofocus 65 cross-type AF points. Spot AF, single point AF (65, 21 or nine selectable), four or nine point, zone AF, large zone AF › Shutter 30secs-1/8000sec, Bulb, flash sync 1/250sec › Shooting speed 10fps › LCD screen 3in fixed monitor › Video 1920x1080 at 59.94p/50p/ 29.97p/25p/24/23.98p › Storage media
Topaz DeNoise are so skilled at noise reduction. Typical of most DSLRs of its day, the EOS 7D Mark II (announced in 2014) had a fixed, non-touch monitor that was three inches with 1.04m dots. While it’s not ideal for low/ high level shooting, it’s perfectly serviceable. The live view image it provides is bright and clear. WC
With a native ISO range of 100 to 16,000, the EOS 7D Mark II was well-specced enough to handle poor light shooting. Of course, it is true that newer cameras have significantly better ISO performance at the top end, but I don’t think there is much to complain about at ISO 800-1600. This is especially true now that softwares like DxO PureRaw and
SD and CompactFlash › Dimensions (wxhxd) 148.6x112.4x78.2mm › Weight 910g body only › Contact canon.co.uk
Summary A web search showed a healthy availability of used Canon EOS 7D Mark II samples from dealers, with prices ranging from £470 to £800 for a refurbished model. This is a camera from a super manufacturer which, at the time, was only dipping its toe in the mirrorless market with some average models. However, the EOS 7D Mark II showed off its DSLR skills very well indeed. It certainly rates as a good buy for those shooters wanting that extra telephoto reach.
NERVE CENTRE The large, fully informed LCD panel on the camera’s right side is surrounded by controls, which are all clearly marked, too
TOP BILLING Keel-billed toucan shot in Costa Rica with a Canon EOS 7D Mark II, fitted with an EF 300mm f/2.8 lens. Exposure was 1/200sec at f/8 and ISO 160
FINDADEALER You can buy or sell imaging kit privately, but it saves time and effort if you deal through a retailer – and there’s added peace of mind. Only kit that’s to standard will be accepted in the first instance, then it is inspected, cleaned, and even refurbished before being offered on sale – usually with a warranty. Each retailer will have its own process, but you’ll generally get a quote on kit you want to move on (whether in person or online). If you are happy, a courier will collect it from you, often at no extra cost. Upon receipt, the retailer checks over your items and you’ll get a confirmed quote, assuming it’s accepted. Confirm the quote and the cash will be in your bank account a few days later. Or, if you are going for a part-exchange deal, your new kit will be with you soon. Here’s a list of leading UK retailers offering used and part-exchange services. Several of the dealers have multiple outlets, so please check the websites for your nearest one – or for contact details of individual stores.
Cameraworld cameraworld.co.uk 01438 367619
Chiswick Camera Centre chiswickcameras.co.uk 0208 9959114 Clifton Cameras cliftoncameras.co.uk 01453 548128
Harrison Cameras harrisoncameras.co.uk 0114 2859854
Park Cameras parkcameras.com 01444 237070
Campkins Cameras campkinscameras.com 01223 368087 Carmarthen Cameras carmarthencameras.com 01267 222300
Jessops jessops.com
Special Auction Services specialauctionservices.com 01635 580595
London Camera Exchange lcegroup.co.uk Mifsuds mifsuds.com 01803 852400 MPB mpb.com 0330 8180756
UK Optics ukoptics.co.uk 01200 444744
Ffordes Photographic ffordes.com 01463 783850
Wex Photo Video wexphotovideo.com Wilkinson Cameras wilkinson.co.uk 01772 252188
Castle Cameras castlecameras.co.uk 01202 526606
Grays of Westminster graysofwestminster.co.uk 0207 8284925
Photography News | Issue 98
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