Decisive Moments Captured: Canon 7d Mark Ii Vs. 80d – Unlocking The Secrets Of Wildlife Photography
What To Know
- The Canon 80D, while not as extensively weather-sealed as the 7D Mark II, still offers some degree of protection against the elements, making it suitable for use in light rain or dusty environments.
- The Canon 7D Mark II and the Canon 80D occupy different price ranges, with the 7D Mark II typically being more expensive than the 80D.
- The 80D, on the other hand, provides excellent image quality, a capable autofocus system, and a more affordable price point, making it a great option for hobbyists or aspiring wildlife photographers.
In the realm of wildlife photography, capturing stunning images of elusive creatures in their natural habitat demands a camera that can keep up with the fast-paced action and deliver exceptional image quality. Two prominent contenders in this arena are the Canon 7D Mark II and the Canon 80D, both renowned for their capabilities in wildlife photography. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two cameras, analyzing their features, performance, and suitability for wildlife photography, to help you make an informed decision.
Image Quality: Resolving the Details
The Canon 7D Mark II boasts a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Canon 80D features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. While the 80D offers a higher resolution, both cameras deliver impressive image quality, capturing sharp and detailed images. The 7D Mark II, however, has a slight edge in low-light conditions due to its larger sensor size, resulting in better noise control and cleaner images at higher ISO settings.
Autofocus Performance: Capturing the Decisive Moment
When it comes to autofocus performance, both cameras offer fast and accurate focusing systems. The 7D Mark II employs a 65-point all-cross-type autofocus system, while the 80D utilizes a 45-point all-cross-type autofocus system. Both cameras excel in tracking moving subjects, making them ideal for capturing wildlife in motion. However, the 7D Mark II’s more robust autofocus system provides an advantage in challenging lighting conditions and fast-paced scenarios.
Burst Shooting: Capturing the Action
For capturing rapid sequences of images, the Canon 7D Mark II has a clear advantage over the Canon 80D. The 7D Mark II boasts a burst shooting rate of 10 frames per second (fps), while the 80D offers a burst shooting rate of 7 fps. This higher burst rate allows the 7D Mark II to capture more frames per second, increasing the chances of capturing the perfect moment, especially when photographing fast-moving wildlife.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen: Composing Your Shots
The Canon 7D Mark II features a large and bright optical viewfinder with a magnification of 1.0x, providing a clear and immersive view of the scene. The Canon 80D, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller optical viewfinder with a magnification of 0.95x. Both cameras offer a vari-angle LCD screen, allowing for flexible positioning and composition of shots, particularly useful for capturing images from low or high angles.
Weather Sealing: Enduring the Elements
Wildlife photography often takes place in challenging outdoor conditions, making weather sealing a crucial consideration. The Canon 7D Mark II excels in this aspect, featuring robust weather sealing that protects it from dust, moisture, and inclement weather. The Canon 80D, while not as extensively weather-sealed as the 7D Mark II, still offers some degree of protection against the elements, making it suitable for use in light rain or dusty environments.
Battery Life: Powering Your Adventures
The Canon 7D Mark II and the Canon 80D both utilize the same LP-E6N battery, providing ample power for a full day of shooting. However, due to its higher resolution and more power-hungry features, the 80D tends to drain the battery slightly faster than the 7D Mark II. Carrying a spare battery or an external battery charger is recommended for extended wildlife photography sessions with either camera.
Price and Value: Considering Your Investment
The Canon 7D Mark II and the Canon 80D occupy different price ranges, with the 7D Mark II typically being more expensive than the 80D. The 7D Mark II offers a more robust autofocus system, faster burst shooting, and better weather sealing, making it a compelling choice for professional wildlife photographers or enthusiasts seeking top-notch performance. The 80D, on the other hand, provides excellent image quality, a capable autofocus system, and a more affordable price point, making it a great option for hobbyists or aspiring wildlife photographers.
Wrap-Up: Choosing the Ideal Wildlife Photography Companion
The choice between the Canon 7D Mark II and the Canon 80D ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you demand the best autofocus performance, faster burst shooting, and superior weather sealing, the 7D Mark II is the clear winner.
