What To Know
- This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
- The Canon EOS 7D Mark II boasts a full-frame APS-C sensor, while the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs features a Micro Four Thirds sensor.
- The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a rugged and durable camera with a weather-sealed body, making it suitable for outdoor photography in challenging conditions.
Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range market are the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Sensor Size and Image Quality
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II boasts a full-frame APS-C sensor, while the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs features a Micro Four Thirds sensor. This difference in sensor size significantly impacts image quality and performance.
The larger APS-C sensor in the Canon EOS 7D Mark II provides better low-light performance, capturing more light and producing less noise in low-light conditions. It also allows for shallower depth of field, creating a more pleasing bokeh effect. However, the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor in the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs offers a more compact and lightweight design, making it more portable and convenient for travel photography.
Image Quality:
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Known for its excellent image quality, especially in low-light situations, with vibrant colors and a wide dynamic range.
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs: Produces high-quality images with good detail and sharpness, but may struggle in extremely low-light conditions compared to the Canon EOS 7D Mark II.
Autofocus and Performance
Both cameras offer impressive autofocus systems, but they differ in their approach and capabilities. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II features a 65-point cross-type autofocus system, providing fast and accurate focusing, particularly for action and sports photography. It also boasts a high-speed continuous shooting rate of 10 frames per second.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs, on the other hand, utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with 121 focus points. While it might not be as fast as the Canon EOS 7D Mark II’s phase-detection system, it provides accurate and reliable focus, especially for stationary subjects. It also offers a continuous shooting rate of 8.6 frames per second.
Autofocus Performance:
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Excellent autofocus performance, particularly for fast-moving subjects, with a high-speed continuous shooting rate.
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs: Reliable autofocus for stationary subjects, but may struggle with fast-moving subjects compared to the Canon EOS 7D Mark II.
Video Capabilities
Both cameras offer decent video recording capabilities, but the Canon EOS 7D Mark II stands out with its advanced features. It can record Full HD videos at 60 frames per second, providing smooth and high-quality footage. It also offers a variety of video recording options, including manual controls and time-lapse recording.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs can record Full HD videos at 30 frames per second. While it might not be as advanced as the Canon EOS 7D Mark II in terms of video features, it still delivers good quality footage for everyday use.
Video Recording:
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Advanced video recording capabilities with high frame rates and manual controls.
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs: Good video quality for everyday use, but lacks the advanced features of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II.
Design and Ergonomics
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a rugged and durable camera with a weather-sealed body, making it suitable for outdoor photography in challenging conditions. It features a deep grip, providing a comfortable hold even with large lenses attached.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs, on the other hand, is a compact and lightweight camera with a stylish design. It is more portable and travel-friendly than the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. However, it lacks the weather-sealing features of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, making it less suitable for outdoor photography in inclement weather.
Design and Ergonomics:
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Rugged and durable with weather-sealing and a comfortable grip.
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs: Compact and lightweight design, but lacks weather-sealing and may feel less comfortable for larger hands.
Features and Connectivity
Both cameras offer a range of features and connectivity options. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II includes features like built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy wireless image transfer, as well as a 3.0-inch LCD screen with a high resolution of 1,040,000 dots.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs also features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless connectivity. It boasts a tilting touchscreen LCD, making it easier to compose shots from different angles. It also includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a high resolution of 2,360,000 dots.
Features and Connectivity:
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, a high-resolution LCD screen, and a variety of advanced features.
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs: Features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, a tilting touchscreen LCD, and an electronic viewfinder.
Lens Selection and Compatibility
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is compatible with a wide range of Canon EF lenses, offering a vast selection of options for various photographic needs.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs, on the other hand, uses the Micro Four Thirds system, which boasts a smaller lens selection compared to Canon’s EF system. However, it still offers a decent range of lenses, including a growing selection of prime and zoom lenses from Olympus and other third-party manufacturers.
Lens Selection:
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Wide compatibility with Canon EF lenses, offering a vast selection of options.
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs: Micro Four Thirds system with a smaller lens selection compared to Canon EF lenses, but still offers a good range of options.
Price and Value
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is generally priced higher than the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs. However, it offers a more advanced feature set and better performance, especially for action and sports photography.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs is more affordable, making it a good option for budget-conscious photographers. It offers a good balance of features and performance for everyday use.
Price and Value:
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Higher price, but offers more advanced features and better performance.
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs: More affordable, providing a good balance of features and performance for everyday use.
The Verdict: Which Camera is Right for You?
Choosing between the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II:
- Best for: Action and sports photography, low-light situations, photographers who prioritize image quality and performance.
- Pros: Excellent image quality, fast autofocus, high-speed continuous shooting, rugged design, wide lens selection.
- Cons: Higher price, larger and heavier than the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs:
- Best for: Travel photography, everyday use, photographers who prioritize portability and affordability.
- Pros: Compact and lightweight design, good image quality, decent autofocus performance, affordable price.
- Cons: May struggle in extremely low-light conditions, limited autofocus performance for fast-moving subjects.
Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cameras
Both the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs are excellent cameras that offer a unique set of features and benefits. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II excels in action and sports photography, while the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs is a great choice for travel and everyday use. The best camera for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and photographic style.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon EOS 7D Mark II offers better low-light performance due to its larger APS-C sensor, which captures more light and produces less noise in low-light conditions.
Q: Which camera is more portable?
A: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs is significantly more compact and lightweight than the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, making it a better choice for travel photography.
Q: Which camera is better for action and sports photography?
A: The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is the better choice for action and sports photography thanks to its fast autofocus system and high-speed continuous shooting rate.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs is generally priced lower than the Canon EOS 7D Mark II.
Q: Which camera has better video recording capabilities?
A: The Canon EOS 7D Mark II offers more advanced video recording capabilities with higher frame rates and manual controls.
