We used aperture priority so that we could open up the iris to f/4.5 and put our Canon EF-S 18-135 lens to around 100mm for a shallow depth of field. We started outdoors during midday and did a simple pan from a post about three feet away to a pile of rocks about 15 feet away. For the first series, we used the Case 1 Versatile Multi-Purpose preset that puts the tracking sensitivity in the neutral position and the Accelerate/Decelerate tracking and AP point switching to zero. To make things even more challenging for the AF system we handheld each of these shots. We tested the AF using several different subjects under different lighting conditions and camera moves. We did miss having other focus assists like peaking or false colors, but with AF this good, we really can’t complain. Canon includes six presets that describe the appropriate AF conditions. You can also have this feature only take effect during shooting rather than always on a handy feature that saves precious power on unnecessary refocusing. You can also adjust the AF transition speed if using a compatible EF or EF-S lens, selecting from among five different settings. Canon gives you control over tracking sensitivity with five levels from “Locked on” to “Responsive.” This gives you detailed control over how the AF will respond during panning or when the subject slips out of frame momentarily. What really shines is the amount you can customize the AF settings. In addition to the two DIGIC 6 sensors aiding the 65-point all cross-type AF, Canon employs what they call Intelligent Subject Analysis to improve the tracking of the intended subject.
This is especially helpful since most shooters end up using still camera lenses with poor manual focus control.
The Movie Servo focus makes capturing fast moving subjects and tilts and pans with focal changes much easier and far more reliable than most seasoned focus pullers could accomplish. In fact, we’ll go so far as to predict that the 7D Mark II will become known as the DSLR that made manual focusing practically obsolete. The biggest news is the vastly improved AF system. Canon EOS 7D Mark II Mode dial Focus on Focus
The mode dial retains the three custom shooting modes as well as Bulb, Manual, Av,Tv and Program modes, but the Full Auto and Creative Auto have been combined into one Scene Intelligent Auto mode. Not much has changed on the front, except that now the depth of field preview button is on the lower left near the lens mount instead of the lower right and is larger and easier to press. The card slots are on the right and the 7D Mark II now sports an extra slot for SD cards. The Digital terminal is now SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0). Canon also added a very useful cable protector socket that helps keep you from accidentally yanking out cables.
On the left side, Canon added the much-anticipated uncompressed 1920 x 1080p HD via HDMI output along with a previously absent headphone jack. Canon EOS 7D Mark II HDMI output and headphone jack However, it remains non-articulating and is not a touch screen. The LCD remains 3-inches but it’s sharper with 1.04 million dots and is bright enough to use outside if not in direct sunlight. An AF area selection lever now surrounds the multi-controller, and the Picture Style selection button has a new look as it now also gives you quick access to multi-exposure and HDR features. The Info button replaced the RAW+JPEG button and there is a new Rate button that gives you the option to rate stills from one to five or to protect images from deletion. On the back, the often-accessed Menu button moved to the premium upper left corner position where it is easier to press and the Quick Control moved to where the light sensor used to be. It’s robust, well-sealed and easy to grip, but there are some differences.
The 7D Mark II body looks and feels very similar to its predecessor. If you’ve longed for responsive and reliable autofocus in video mode, uncompressed full HD output and the ability to monitor your audio in camera, all for less than $1,800, then the Mark II may be your next camera of choice.
It’s been about five years since Canon unveiled their popular 7D, and while this update looks and feels very similar to its predecessor, the 7D Mark II packs some surprising and valuable improvements that every wedding, sports and wildlife videographer will appreciate.