Shoot Like a Pro: Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs OM System OM 5—Find Out Which Camera Dominates the Game!

Choosing the right camera for wildlife and action photography is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your results. Two popular contenders in this arena are the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the OM System OM-5. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed choice for your photographic endeavors.

A Look at the Contenders: Canon EOS 7D Mark II and OM System OM-5

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II has long been a favorite among wildlife and action photographers. Its robust build, fast autofocus, and high frame rate make it a formidable tool for capturing fleeting moments. The **OM System OM-5**, a successor to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, boasts impressive advancements in autofocus, image stabilization, and low-light performance.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Tale of Two Formats

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II utilizes an APS-C sensor, producing images with a crop factor of 1.6x. This translates to a wider field of view compared to full-frame cameras but with slightly smaller pixels. The OM System OM-5, on the other hand, employs a Micro Four Thirds sensor, which has a crop factor of 2x. This smaller sensor size offers advantages in terms of portability and lens selection but may result in less dynamic range and detail compared to APS-C.
Both cameras deliver exceptional image quality, but the OM-5 edges out the 7D Mark II in terms of dynamic range and low-light performance. This is due to the OM-5’s advanced sensor technology and image processing capabilities. However, the 7D Mark II excels in terms of detail and sharpness, particularly when shooting at high ISO sensitivities.

Autofocus: A Battle of Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus performance is paramount for capturing fast-moving subjects. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II boasts a 65-point autofocus system with cross-type sensors, providing fast and accurate tracking. The OM System OM-5 takes autofocus to a whole new level with its groundbreaking on-sensor phase-detection autofocus system. This system offers incredible speed, accuracy, and subject tracking capabilities, even in challenging lighting conditions.
The OM-5’s autofocus performance is truly remarkable, particularly for tracking birds in flight. It can maintain focus on a subject even when it’s moving unpredictably or partially obscured. The 7D Mark II’s autofocus is still impressive but falls short of the OM-5’s advanced capabilities.

Continuous Shooting: A Race Against Time

For capturing bursts of action, continuous shooting speed is crucial. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II offers a maximum continuous shooting rate of 10 frames per second (fps) with single-shot autofocus. The OM System OM-5 surpasses this with a blistering 12 fps with continuous autofocus and up to 20 fps with electronic shutter. This allows you to capture more action with greater precision and detail.

Image Stabilization: A Steady Hand for Sharp Images

Image stabilization is essential for achieving sharp images, especially when shooting handheld or in low-light conditions. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II features a 4-stop in-body image stabilization system, which is effective but not as advanced as the OM-5’s system.
The OM System OM-5 boasts a 7-stop in-body image stabilization system, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing blur. This is a significant advantage, especially for wildlife photography where you often need to use longer exposures to capture detail in low-light conditions.

Video Capabilities: A Look Beyond Stills

Both the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the OM System OM-5 offer decent video capabilities. The 7D Mark II records 1080p video at up to 60 fps, while the OM-5 can record 4K video at up to 30 fps. The OM-5 also features advanced video features such as C4K anamorphic video recording and internal 10-bit recording, making it a more versatile option for videographers.

Design and Ergonomics: Comfort and Control

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a rugged and weather-sealed camera with a comfortable grip and well-placed controls. The OM System OM-5, while smaller and lighter, is also built to withstand the elements and features a similar level of comfort and control.
Both cameras offer a variety of customizable buttons and dials, allowing you to tailor the camera to your shooting style. The OM-5’s compact size and lightweight design make it a more portable option for hiking and travel photography.

Lens Selection: A World of Possibilities

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II benefits from a vast selection of EF and EF-S lenses, providing a wide range of options for wildlife and action photography. The OM System OM-5 utilizes the Micro Four Thirds lens system, which offers a smaller and lighter lens selection. While the lens selection is not as extensive as Canon’s, there are still many excellent options available, including specialized wildlife and action lenses.

Battery Life: Powering Your Adventures

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a battery life of approximately 920 shots, while the OM System OM-5 can achieve around 420 shots. This difference is likely due to the smaller sensor and more energy-efficient image processing in the OM-5.
However, the OM-5’s smaller size and lighter weight allow you to carry multiple batteries more easily, effectively extending your shooting time.

The Verdict: Which Camera Wins?

Choosing between the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the OM System OM-5 depends on your specific needs and priorities. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a powerful and reliable camera that offers excellent performance, a vast lens selection, and a robust build. It’s a great choice for photographers who prioritize image sharpness, continuous shooting speed, and a familiar control layout.
The OM System OM-5 is a more modern and innovative camera that excels in autofocus, image stabilization, low-light performance, and video capabilities. Its compact size, lightweight design, and impressive battery life make it a more portable and versatile option for photographers who value mobility and advanced features.

A Final Thought: Beyond the Specs

Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that you enjoy using and that helps you capture the images you envision. Consider your budget, shooting style, and the specific types of subjects you photograph when making your decision. Test both cameras if possible to get a feel for their handling and performance.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
Both cameras are excellent for wildlife photography, but the OM System OM-5 edges out the 7D Mark II with its superior autofocus performance, image stabilization, and low-light capabilities.
2. Which camera is better for action photography?
The OM System OM-5 offers a higher continuous shooting rate and more advanced autofocus, making it a better choice for capturing fast-moving action.
3. Which camera is better for beginners?
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II offers a more familiar control layout and a vast lens selection, making it more beginner-friendly. However, the OM-5’s advanced autofocus and image stabilization can be a significant advantage for learning photography.
4. Is the OM-5 worth the extra cost?
The OM-5 is more expensive than the 7D Mark II, but its advanced features and capabilities justify the price for many photographers. If you prioritize autofocus, image stabilization, and video features, the OM-5 is a worthwhile investment.
5. What are the main differences between the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the OM System OM-5?
The key differences lie in sensor size, autofocus performance, image stabilization, video capabilities, and overall size and weight. The OM-5 offers a smaller sensor, more advanced autofocus, better image stabilization, and more video features, while the 7D Mark II is larger, heavier, and offers a more extensive lens selection.