1DX Mark II vs 7D Mark II experience

[dslrdummy]

I had to sell the 7Dii and 5Diii to fund the purchase of the 1DXii, so for me there was no choosing between the two.
I was never really happy with my copy of the 7Dii so to say that I am stoked with the 1DXii would be an understatement.
Even if I had been happy with the 7Dii, the comparison isn't really a fair one. The 7Dii is not a mini-1DX as the marketing suggested. It has speed and improved AF (for some, not me) and reach but really the reach for me is now irrelevant given the quality of the images coming out of the 1DXii.
You would expect the most expensive Canon DSLR to be the best by some margin and it is.
I had the 7Dii gripped so even the weight hasn't bothered me so far.

 

[Deleted member 91053]

I had to sell the 7Dii and 5Diii to fund the purchase of the 1DXii, so for me there was no choosing between the two.
I was never really happy with my copy of the 7Dii so to say that I am stoked with the 1DXii would be an understatement.
Even if I had been happy with the 7Dii, the comparison isn't really a fair one. The 7Dii is not a mini-1DX as the marketing suggested. It has speed and improved AF (for some, not me) and reach but really the reach for me is now irrelevant given the quality of the images coming out of the 1DXii.
You would expect the most expensive Canon DSLR to be the best by some margin and it is.
I had the 7Dii gripped so even the weight hasn't bothered me so far.

Shame that you weren't too happy with your 7D2 - I rate mine highly. However the 1Dx is simply better as to your 1DX Mk2 - let's just say JEALOUS! :'(

 

[j-nord]

Honestly this shouldn't be a big surprise. Even the 1Dx is light years ahead of the 7D2 in terms of just about everything. The 1Dx2 is only going to widen that gap.

My thoughts exactly! Much as I like my 7D2 it simply does not stack up against my 1DX (mk1) in less than good condidtions.

I'm a little curious. If the conditions are good, and apart from the frame rate, do you think the 7DII stack up fairly well against the 1DX?

Not well at all. In April 2015 I ran the 1Dx vs. the 1D4 vs. the 7D2 in sports. Not even close. One other big problem was driving my 400 f/2.8 lens. The 1D's were superiorly faster and less draining on the battery. Plus the other obvious stuff.

I feel like this is an under mentioned point, the 1D series is designed to drive the big whites better than the other bodies.

 

[bdunbar79]

I would just like to add that the IQ from the 7D2 was pretty good. The camera overall is much better than the 7D IMO. But yeah like you said, the 1Dx and 1Dx2 have seperate wattage to the AF motors and this becomes increasingly noticeable when driving a big, heavy lens quickly. The battery grip will not help this. The AF was slightly snappier and also more accurate on the 1Dx, not to mention the IQ.

I think the 7D2 is meant for people upgrading from a lower-series model or the 7D. It is not meant to compete with the 1Dx and there really isn't anything about it that can compete to any degree.

 

[j-nord]

I would just like to add that the IQ from the 7D2 was pretty good. The camera overall is much better than the 7D IMO. But yeah like you said, the 1Dx and 1Dx2 have seperate wattage to the AF motors and this becomes increasingly noticeable when driving a big, heavy lens quickly. The battery grip will not help this. The AF was slightly snappier and also more accurate on the 1Dx, not to mention the IQ.

I think the 7D2 is meant for people upgrading from a lower-series model or the 7D. It is not meant to compete with the 1Dx and there really isn't anything about it that can compete to any degree.

It's the poor man/non-pro/beginner sports and wildlife body and does it's job very well especially if you want to factor price to performance. If you move to big whites then you are entering a different world and will also want the best possible body for it.

 

[coreyhkh]

Its odd you say the 7Dmkii drives the lens slower when Canon states its the same as the 1dx, the camera has the circuitry to deliver more power to the lens.

I bought a 7Dmkii and it replaced the 1dmkiv because the AF was Superior, it not only drove the lens faster but gave way more in focus images.

 

[bdunbar79]

Its odd you say the 7Dmkii drives the lens slower when Canon states its the same as the 1dx, the camera has the circuitry to deliver more power to the lens.

I bought a 7Dmkii and it replaced the 1dmkiv because the AF was Superior, it not only drove the lens faster but gave way more in focus images.

No, read the specs again. There is seperate circuitry, but less power than the 1Dx. So it's slower and my real life experience supported that.

I will agree that the accuracy was better in the 7D2 vs. 1D4. I would pick the 7D2 over the 1D4. But not the 1Dx. 1Dx was clearly more accurate, precise, and faster to focus with both the 400 f/2.8 and 300 f/2.8.

 

[pwp]

Its odd you say the 7Dmkii drives the lens slower when Canon states its the same as the 1dx, the camera has the circuitry to deliver more power to the lens.

I bought a 7Dmkii and it replaced the 1dmkiv because the AF was Superior, it not only drove the lens faster but gave way more in focus images.

This is exactly my experience too, a gripped 7DII to replace a retired 1DIV. And getting more keepers by a bigger than expected margin. The 1DIV was better at higher ISO's, but honestly the 7DII has eclipsed my expectations.

That said, if I can string together another couple of strong months in my business the CFO (Mrs pwp) will give the green light for a 1DXII which will patently leave my current cameras (5DIII & 7DII) gasping for respectability.

-pw

 

[avbmenon]

Quite honestly, I feel it isn't very fair to compare the two. They are in different leagues.

I owned a 7dm2 and have already used the 1dx/1dxm2 (beta). Getting my own 1dxm2 tomorrow (fingers crossed)

Just sharing my experience, I was one of the earliest people to pre-order and get the 7dm2. I was excited about the 10fps and the cost savings as I shoot mostly wildlife. I get to travel only a few times (owing to my main job) a year so I am quite serious about making full use of my trips (expensive these days) and the images I capture. Took the 7dm2 body on three occasions over last year into the forests in India. I just wasn't happy with the image quality (low light, shadow recovery) especially in non-favorable situations (which is when the action happens) and I tried umpteen things to reduce the number of unsuccessfully focussed shots, but in vain. I am sure 7dm2 is an excellent choice during good conditions. I really feel that most of the cost of the 1dxm2 or the 1dx is actually in the reliability it offers. I don't want to make expensive dream trips to exotic locations (spending all the money) with the wrong equipment and loose out on some marvelous images. I'd rather go somewhere with the family and enjoy a nice sunny day by the beach for the money.

Anyways lets hope that things improve with my new equipment.

 

[tron]

Comparison is meaningless when we are free to fill the frame. Question is which is better when we are FL limited... alot!

 

[Deleted member 91053]

Comparison is meaningless when we are free to fill the frame. Question is which is better when we are FL limited... alot!

When severely FL limited I cannot speak for the 1DX2 - I don't have one! I can only relate my experience with the 1DX and 7D2.
When everything is perfect (or close to) then the 7D2 can have a slight advantage - if conditions are less than perfect then the 1DX. For example we recently had a Squacco Heron here in South Wales for the first time since 2003 (apparently) so I wanted to get some shots. Unfortunately there was no way I could get close to the bird without disturbing it and the light, although good, was a little hazy. Due to the range I had to resort to my 2 x extender on my 800 F5.6 - frankly my shots with the 1DX were record shots at best. The 7D2? Well the heron was bigger in the frame but it was just mush.
Short range Kingfishers in good light - here the 7D2 is excellent, better than the 1DX. However if the conditions are not perfect then the 1DX shows it's mettle.
I am not knocking the 7D2, I love mine, but it is simply not a 1 series.

 

[privatebydesign]

Comparison is meaningless when we are free to fill the frame. Question is which is better when we are FL limited... alot!

When severely FL limited I cannot speak for the 1DX2 - I don't have one! I can only relate my experience with the 1DX and 7D2.
When everything is perfect (or close to) then the 7D2 can have a slight advantage - if conditions are less than perfect then the 1DX. For example we recently had a Squacco Heron here in South Wales for the first time since 2003 (apparently) so I wanted to get some shots. Unfortunately there was no way I could get close to the bird without disturbing it and the light, although good, was a little hazy. Due to the range I had to resort to my 2 x extender on my 800 F5.6 - frankly my shots with the 1DX were record shots at best. The 7D2? Well the heron was bigger in the frame but it was just mush.
Short range Kingfishers in good light - here the 7D2 is excellent, better than the 1DX. However if the conditions are not perfect then the 1DX shows it's mettle.
I am not knocking the 7D2, I love mine, but it is simply not a 1 series.

That is the same on every same generation of crop camera vs cropped ff camera (focal length limited) that I have either tested or seen. Pixel quality trumps pixel numbers in every situation apart from when conditions allow for the smaller pixels to perform at their full potential, which is practically never for most people most of the time.

 

[JMZawodny]

I bought the 1Dx2 to replace a 5D2 and also have a 7D2. To the extent possible, I have the buttons programmed on the 7D2 to put the same functionality in the same place as on the 1Dx2 (mostly back button focus options), so I can switch between the 1Dx2 to the 7D2 and not have to worry about which body (with grip on the 7D2) I am shooting with. That is a huge plus in favor of pairing the 1Dx2 with a 7D2 - kudos to Canon for that ergonomic decision. Obviously there is a major performance difference between the two, but they are highly complimentary. Depending upon the event, I'll put a big white on the 1Dx2 and a L zoom on the 7D2. If conditions permit, I always have the option of putting the 7D2 on the big white if I need the extra reach. It is a very flexible combination. If you have the option of keeping the 7D2 while adding the 1Dx2, I think you'll be very glad you did.

 

[Don Haines]

The 1DXII should beat the 7D2 in every metric but two, cost and size.

As someone who is not willing to spend that much money on a body and is unwilling to carry the weight on hikes, my choice is simple

 

[Mikehit]

The 1DXII should beat the 7D2 in every metric but two, cost and size.

As someone who is not willing to spend that much money on a body and is unwilling to carry the weight on hikes, my choice is simple

+1

 

[JMZawodny]

The 1DXII should beat the 7D2 in every metric but two, cost and size.

As someone who is not willing to spend that much money on a body and is unwilling to carry the weight on hikes, my choice is simple

Actually if you shoot with a grip, the size or weight difference between any of the 5D's or 7D2 and the 1Dx2 is minimal. Cost is vastly different, however, and so is performance. Certainly the 1Dx2 is not for everyone. YMMV.

 

[Don Haines]

The 1DXII should beat the 7D2 in every metric but two, cost and size.

As someone who is not willing to spend that much money on a body and is unwilling to carry the weight on hikes, my choice is simple

Actually if you shoot with a grip, the size or weight difference between any of the 5D's or 7D2 and the 1Dx2 is minimal. Cost is vastly different, however, and so is performance. Certainly the 1Dx2 is not for everyone. YMMV.

Yes, but you can't take the grip off of a 1DXII.... As a backpacker, the size and weight is a huge (pun intended) issue....

The point that I am trying to make is that there are more criteria to evaluate than just image quality and performance numbers. A camera such as the 1DXII is technically superior to everything else in the Canon line, but depending on the person, ergonomics (physical size, weight, tilt/swivel touchscreen, etc) may be such a concern that they are willing to forgo that superiority in order to get what they want..... and the next person may make the exact opposite decision.... Same for cost.....

As a 7D2 owner, I am very comfortable saying that the 1DXII is a far superior camera. If I had one, It would definitely be my number one camera for in town and in studio.... It would be the one that accompanied me on car trips.... As a backpacker and a canoeist, NO FREAKING WAY! It is too big and too heavy! Different needs, different choice.....

 

[JMZawodny]

The 1DXII should beat the 7D2 in every metric but two, cost and size.

As someone who is not willing to spend that much money on a body and is unwilling to carry the weight on hikes, my choice is simple

Actually if you shoot with a grip, the size or weight difference between any of the 5D's or 7D2 and the 1Dx2 is minimal. Cost is vastly different, however, and so is performance. Certainly the 1Dx2 is not for everyone. YMMV.

Yes, but you can't take the grip off of a 1DXII.... As a backpacker, the size and weight is a huge (pun intended) issue....

The point that I am trying to make is that there are more criteria to evaluate than just image quality and performance numbers. A camera such as the 1DXII is technically superior to everything else in the Canon line, but depending on the person, ergonomics (physical size, weight, tilt/swivel touchscreen, etc) may be such a concern that they are willing to forgo that superiority in order to get what they want..... and the next person may make the exact opposite decision.... Same for cost.....

As a 7D2 owner, I am very comfortable saying that the 1DXII is a far superior camera. If I had one, It would definitely be my number one camera for in town and in studio.... It would be the one that accompanied me on car trips.... As a backpacker and a canoeist, NO FREAKING WAY! It is too big and too heavy! Different needs, different choice.....

I agree. I have no desire to part with my 7D2. It fills a real need. Then again, why limit yourself to only one body? (expecting the porno photog to jump in here and agree with me ;-) )

 

[RGF]

The 1DXII should beat the 7D2 in every metric but two, cost and size.

As someone who is not willing to spend that much money on a body and is unwilling to carry the weight on hikes, my choice is simple

Actually if you shoot with a grip, the size or weight difference between any of the 5D's or 7D2 and the 1Dx2 is minimal. Cost is vastly different, however, and so is performance. Certainly the 1Dx2 is not for everyone. YMMV.

Size is similar but weight of the 1Dx M2 is slightly greater than 7D M2 w grip. Not so much that it is really noticeable.

Performance, in my limited experience with the 1Dx M2, is vastly superior to the 7DM2. Nice thing about the 7D M2 is that you can take the grip off and save the weight. then again after the 1Dx m2 my wallet is much lighter so I am eating less and my personal weight is down (I wish).

 

[j-nord]

The 1DXII should beat the 7D2 in every metric but two, cost and size.

As someone who is not willing to spend that much money on a body and is unwilling to carry the weight on hikes, my choice is simple

Actually if you shoot with a grip, the size or weight difference between any of the 5D's or 7D2 and the 1Dx2 is minimal. Cost is vastly different, however, and so is performance. Certainly the 1Dx2 is not for everyone. YMMV.

Yes, but you can't take the grip off of a 1DXII.... As a backpacker, the size and weight is a huge (pun intended) issue....

The point that I am trying to make is that there are more criteria to evaluate than just image quality and performance numbers. A camera such as the 1DXII is technically superior to everything else in the Canon line, but depending on the person, ergonomics (physical size, weight, tilt/swivel touchscreen, etc) may be such a concern that they are willing to forgo that superiority in order to get what they want..... and the next person may make the exact opposite decision.... Same for cost.....

As a 7D2 owner, I am very comfortable saying that the 1DXII is a far superior camera. If I had one, It would definitely be my number one camera for in town and in studio.... It would be the one that accompanied me on car trips.... As a backpacker and a canoeist, NO FREAKING WAY! It is too big and too heavy! Different needs, different choice.....

Agreed, 1D series would be nice but completely impractical for on the go, hiking, biking, etc. Putting a grip on a 7Dii? No chance. They have no place for those applications. What benefit does a grip give anyway? Easier portrait shooting and not having to swap batteries as frequently? At least the permanent grip on the 1D series gives you more power to drive the big whites.