8-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens Comparison: Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Samsung Galaxy NX Mirrorless

The world of photography is a vast and exciting landscape, filled with a plethora of cameras that cater to different needs and preferences. Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two seemingly compelling options like the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless with its 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.
This comprehensive comparison delves deep into the features, performance, and overall value of both cameras, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual shooting style and budget.

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II: A Powerful DSLR for Action and Wildlife

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a professional-grade DSLR renowned for its exceptional speed, autofocus performance, and robust build. It’s a favorite among wildlife and sports photographers who demand lightning-fast responsiveness and high image quality.
Key Features:

• 18.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor: Delivers excellent image quality with a wide dynamic range.
• 10 fps continuous shooting: Allows you to capture fast-moving subjects with ease.
• 65-point all cross-type autofocus: Provides accurate and reliable focus tracking even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Dual DIGIC 6 processors: Ensure rapid processing speeds and reduced noise levels.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC: Enable wireless image transfer and remote control.
• Weather-sealed body: Offers protection against dust and moisture.

Strengths:

• Fast and accurate autofocus: The 65-point all cross-type autofocus system is exceptional for tracking moving subjects, making it ideal for wildlife and sports photography.
• High-speed continuous shooting: The 10 fps continuous shooting rate allows you to capture action sequences without missing a beat.
• Excellent image quality: The 18.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor delivers sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors and low noise levels.
• Robust build: The weather-sealed body ensures durability in demanding environments.

Weaknesses:

• Limited video capabilities: While the 7D Mark II offers 1080p video recording, it lacks the advanced features found in other Canon DSLRs.
• Limited dynamic range: Compared to full-frame cameras, the 7D Mark II’s dynamic range is somewhat limited, especially at high ISO settings.
• High price: The 7D Mark II is a premium camera with a corresponding price tag.

Samsung Galaxy NX: A Unique Mirrorless Camera with Android Integration

The Samsung Galaxy NX is a unique mirrorless camera that combines the power of a DSLR with the convenience and connectivity of a smartphone. It’s a compelling option for photographers who value image quality, versatility, and the ability to share their images instantly.
Key Features:

• 20.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor: Delivers high-resolution images with excellent detail and color accuracy.
• 3.68M-dot OLED viewfinder: Offers a clear and bright view of your scene.
• 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens: Provides a versatile zoom range suitable for a variety of subjects.
• Android operating system: Allows you to download apps, connect to Wi-Fi, and share your images seamlessly.
• Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS: Enable wireless connectivity and location tagging.

Strengths:

• Android integration: The ability to use Android apps opens up a world of possibilities, including photo editing, social media sharing, and more.
• Excellent image quality: The 20.3 MP sensor delivers impressive detail and color accuracy.
• Versatile lens selection: Samsung offers a range of interchangeable lenses to suit different shooting styles.
• Compact and lightweight: The Galaxy NX is smaller and lighter than most DSLRs, making it more portable.

Weaknesses:

• Autofocus performance: The autofocus system is not as fast or accurate as the 7D Mark II, especially in low light conditions.
• Limited continuous shooting: The Galaxy NX only offers a 8.6 fps continuous shooting rate, which is slower than the 7D Mark II.
• Short battery life: The battery life is relatively short, especially when using the Android features extensively.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Samsung Galaxy NX: A Detailed Comparison

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key differences between the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Samsung Galaxy NX:
Image Quality:

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II: The 7D Mark II delivers excellent image quality with sharp detail, vibrant colors, and low noise levels.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: The Galaxy NX also produces high-quality images with good detail and color accuracy. However, it may exhibit slightly more noise at higher ISO settings.

Autofocus Performance:

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II: The 7D Mark II has a superior autofocus system with 65 cross-type points, making it incredibly fast and accurate, especially for tracking moving subjects.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: The Galaxy NX’s autofocus system is decent but not as fast or accurate as the 7D Mark II, especially in low light conditions.

Continuous Shooting:

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II: The 7D Mark II offers a blazing-fast 10 fps continuous shooting rate, making it ideal for capturing fast-paced action.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: The Galaxy NX has a slower continuous shooting rate of 8.6 fps, which may not be sufficient for capturing rapid action.

Video Capabilities:

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II: The 7D Mark II offers 1080p video recording at up to 60 fps, but it lacks advanced video features found in other Canon DSLRs.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: The Galaxy NX offers 1080p video recording at up to 30 fps with decent quality.

Connectivity:

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II: The 7D Mark II has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer and remote control.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: The Galaxy NX boasts Android integration, allowing you to download apps, connect to Wi-Fi, and share your images seamlessly.

Ergonomics and Design:

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II: The 7D Mark II has a traditional DSLR design with a deep grip and well-placed controls.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: The Galaxy NX has a more compact and modern design, offering a unique combination of camera and smartphone features.

Price:

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II: The 7D Mark II is a premium camera with a higher price tag.
• Samsung Galaxy NX: The Galaxy NX is more affordable than the 7D Mark II.

The Verdict: Which Camera Is Right for You?

The best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon EOS 7D Mark II if:

• You prioritize speed and accuracy in autofocus for capturing fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports.
• You need a durable and weather-sealed camera for demanding shooting conditions.
• You value high-quality images with excellent detail and low noise levels.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy NX if:

• You want a camera with Android integration for seamless image sharing and app functionality.
• You value a compact and lightweight camera that’s easy to carry around.
• You’re looking for a camera with a versatile lens selection and a more affordable price point.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Samsung Galaxy NX are excellent cameras, there are other options worth considering based on your specific needs.
For example, if you’re looking for a more affordable DSLR, the Canon EOS 80D offers a similar feature set to the 7D Mark II but at a lower price. If you want a more compact mirrorless camera with excellent image quality, the Sony Alpha 6000 is a popular choice.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right camera is to try out a few different models and see which one feels most comfortable and delivers the results you’re looking for.

Top Questions Asked

Q: What is the best camera for beginners?
A: For beginners, a good option is a mirrorless camera with a good kit lens. Mirrorless cameras are generally more compact and user-friendly than DSLRs, making them ideal for learning the basics of photography.
Q: What is the difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera?
A: DSLRs use a mirror to reflect light into the viewfinder, while mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder. Mirrorless cameras are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs, but DSLRs often have faster autofocus and continuous shooting speeds.
Q: What is the best camera for wildlife photography?
A: For wildlife photography, a DSLR with a fast autofocus system and a telephoto lens is essential. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a great choice for wildlife photography due to its impressive autofocus and continuous shooting performance.
Q: What is the best camera for travel photography?
A: For travel photography, a compact and lightweight camera with a versatile zoom lens is ideal. Mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha 6000 or the Fujifilm X-T30 are popular choices for travel photography.