What To Know
- The Canon 7D Mark II is known for its sharp and detailed images, while the Panasonic G9 excels in low-light situations due to its higher native ISO range.
- The Canon 7D Mark II offers a continuous shooting speed of 10 fps, while the Panasonic G9 can shoot at a blistering 20 fps.
- The Canon 7D Mark II is a great choice for photographers who need a fast and reliable camera with excellent image quality.
The Canon 7D Mark II and Panasonic G9 are two highly acclaimed cameras that have garnered significant attention in the photography community. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, catering to the needs of both professional photographers and advanced enthusiasts. In this in-depth comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Canon 7D Mark II and Panasonic G9, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various photographic applications.
Key Features and Specifications
| Feature | Canon 7D Mark II | Panasonic G9 |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 20.2MP APS-C CMOS | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 6 | Venus Engine |
| ISO Range | 100-51200 (expandable to 12800-51200) | 200-25600 (expandable to 100-25600) |
| Autofocus System | 65-point all cross-type | 225-point contrast-detect |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 10 fps | 20 fps (60 fps with electronic shutter) |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism | Electronic viewfinder (EVF) |
| Display | 3.0-inch fixed LCD | 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD |
| Video Capabilities | 1080p60 | 4K60p |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Approx. $1,700 | Approx. $1,700 |
Sensor and Image Quality
Both the Canon 7D Mark II and Panasonic G9 feature 20-megapixel sensors, but they differ in size and type. The Canon 7D Mark II has an APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Panasonic G9 has a Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor. APS-C sensors are typically larger than Micro Four Thirds sensors, which gives them an advantage in terms of low-light performance and image quality. However, Micro Four Thirds sensors are smaller and lighter, which allows for more compact camera bodies.
In terms of image quality, both cameras produce excellent results. The Canon 7D Mark II is known for its sharp and detailed images, while the Panasonic G9 excels in low-light situations due to its higher native ISO range.
Autofocus System
The Canon 7D Mark II employs a 65-point all cross-type autofocus system, which is one of the most advanced and reliable autofocus systems available. This system is highly accurate and fast, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in low-light conditions.
The Panasonic G9, on the other hand, features a 225-point contrast-detect autofocus system. While contrast-detect systems are generally slower than phase-detection systems, the G9’s autofocus system is still quite capable and offers good performance in most situations. It is also worth noting that the G9 has a higher number of autofocus points, which can be beneficial for tracking moving subjects.
Continuous Shooting Speed
The Canon 7D Mark II offers a continuous shooting speed of 10 fps, while the Panasonic G9 can shoot at a blistering 20 fps. This makes the G9 a better choice for capturing fast-paced action or sequences of shots. However, it is important to note that the G9’s continuous shooting speed drops to 6 fps when using the mechanical shutter.
Viewfinder
The Canon 7D Mark II features an optical pentaprism viewfinder, which provides a bright and clear view of the scene. Optical viewfinders are generally preferred by professional photographers because they offer a more realistic preview of the image and are less prone to lag or blackout.
The Panasonic G9, on the other hand, features an electronic viewfinder (EVF). EVFs offer several advantages over optical viewfinders, such as the ability to preview exposure and focus before taking a shot. However, EVFs can also be more prone to lag and blackout, especially in low-light conditions.
Display
Both the Canon 7D Mark II and Panasonic G9 have 3.0-inch LCD displays. The Canon 7D Mark II’s display is fixed, while the Panasonic G9’s display is vari-angle, which allows it to be tilted and rotated for more convenient viewing.
Video Capabilities
The Canon 7D Mark II offers 1080p60 video recording, while the Panasonic G9 can shoot 4K60p video. 4K video offers a higher resolution and more detail than 1080p, making it a better choice for professional video work or large-screen playback.
Weather Sealing
Both the Canon 7D Mark II and Panasonic G9 are weather-sealed, which means they can withstand dust, moisture, and freezing temperatures. This makes them ideal for shooting in challenging outdoor conditions.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Canon 7D Mark II is a great choice for photographers who need a fast and reliable camera with excellent image quality. It is particularly well-suited for sports, wildlife, and action photography.
The Panasonic G9, on the other hand, is a great choice for photographers who need a versatile camera with 4K video capabilities. It is also a good option for photographers who want a smaller and lighter camera body.
Final Thoughts: A Matter of Preference
Ultimately, the choice between the Canon 7D Mark II and Panasonic G9 depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, and they are both capable of producing stunning images and videos.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Canon 7D Mark II has a more advanced autofocus system with 65 cross-type points, while the Panasonic G9 has 225 contrast-detect points. The 7D Mark II’s autofocus system is generally considered to be more reliable and faster, especially in low-light conditions.
2. Which camera has a higher continuous shooting speed?
The Panasonic G9 has a higher continuous shooting speed of 20 fps, while the Canon 7D Mark II can shoot at 10 fps. However, the G9’s continuous shooting speed drops to 6 fps when using the mechanical shutter.
3. Which camera has a better video recording capability?
The Panasonic G9 has a better video recording capability, as it can shoot 4K60p video, while the Canon 7D Mark II is limited to 1080p60 video. 4K video offers a higher resolution and more detail than 1080p, making it a better choice for professional video work or large-screen playback.
