How to get the BEST from your Canon 7Dii in 2021

[@RobSambles]

What other tips would you guys give for those using the 7dii?

[@PhotoSportiv]

I think the Recall function is pretty good, e.g. for example running players enter shade or different from your normal settings. I have mine set next to AF-on with a press of a button settings can be changed.

[@guyphoto9437]

I totally agree with all you said. I'm a (partially retired) pro photographer in the U.S .and I have two 7d's and one 7dMKII, which I've used for many types of photography. I was a photojournalist for a while and the 7d's were great for indoor basketball, outdoor baseball and football, along with other various assignments. But I also had a studio and shot with the 7d's in the studio, with great results. I've shot a ton of fashion, glamour, models and graduating seniors with the 7d and 7dMKII and never had an agent, model or client complain. I graduated to the 5dMKII, then onto the 5dMKIV's but still own and use all of my 7d's. They're one of the better digital cameras Canon ever made IMO. Where they beat out the 90d is the 7D has a magnesium alloy body compared to the plastic body of the 90D. The 7D was marketed for the pro and the 90D for the amateur video market. If you hang a long Canon L lens off a 90D long enough you'll be buying a new 90D. The 7D is simply more durable, which has always been the difference between an amateur camera and a pro camera--durability. The 7D has a lot more shutter actuations before it needs servicing compared to the 90D. All of the cameras I own, with the exception of my Canon M-50 have Canon battery grips. Like you, I hate going into contortions with my right arm to take a shot. It's quicker and easier with a grip. And, at least for me, I prefer a heavier camera. I can hold a heavier camera steadier than I can a light one when I stick a long heavy lens on it--plus you double your shooting time between battery changes. As far as grain at higher ISO's is concerned, Adobe Raw or Topaz takes care of that, no problem, plus I'd rather get a shot with a little grain than no shot at all.

[@RobSambles]

Really interesting thanks. A few people have told me to try out topaz. I'll give it a go

[@noelchignell1048]

@@RobSambles I use Topaz DeNoise AI which is handy for sharpening an image and also pushing the dynamic range more when you bring it back into lightroom Will Goodlet has a good video about this kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYi3g4VsbZx5bJo

[@johnnevin5706]

A Big Thank you regarding the 7d, I purchased two low shutter count second hand, and they are killer cameras built quality like a tank, so there is a keeper for me cameras

[@angelogarciajr5356]

I would say this. The Canon 7D2 is my go to camera during daylight hours for everything! With the crop factor added in to increase the reach of my lenses and the excellent quality of photos, this camera will remain a big part of my life until something comes along to replace it and I dont mean the 90D. I have 3 full frame cameras but the 7D2 does so well, it is the main thing i take out to shoot.

[@Philatlondon1]

The crop factor doesn't increase your magnification, so your reach of your lens isn't actually longer.

[@bhappiikhat2298]

@@Philatlondon1 I know is doesn't literally increase magnification, but it does make images in the viewfinder look larger and often easier to frame smaller subjects.

[@mcmoose64]

For bird photography ,I have one of the custom functions set to manual , 2000th of a second , f11 , auto iso (max 6400) , back button focus , AI servo . This lets me freeze birds in flight with a forgiving depth of field and acceptable levels of noise.

[@RobSambles]

Yeah great idea

[@BlueOceanDesigns]

I have taken thousands upon thousands KiteSurfing photos with my 7DMKii and the only focus problem I ever encountered was subjects/surfers moving very fast towards me but many camera's struggle with that specific issue. The 7DMKii with 70-200 is a deadly combination...

[@belafistric1437]

7DMKii is my go to camera every day. I mostly use it for street and wildlife with the 70-200mm and it works perfectly! sharp images, quick auto focus and easy to use!!

[@liam2hil]

I use a pair of 7D II for aviation photography, one with EF 24-105L II and one with EF 100-400L II, I use back button focus all the time anyway but this video prompted me to look more at the custom controls. I now have the * set to recall shooting functions which will be handy. I primarily shoot helicopters so my shutter is rarely above 1/200 and often down as low as 1/20. I have set the * to take my shutter back up to 1/200 shutter, saves me winding the top dial and missing shots. When I'm shooting jets I can have it set up the opposite way, I normally have my shutter around 1/1000 but can have the star set to 1/500 for when I want to do some panning, the * also takes on the BBF in this instance too. Very happy with this discovery!

[@RobSambles]

That's great man awesome

[@markgilder9990]

I purchased a used one £400 and a battery grip £60. Calibrated my existing EF lenses, it just brilliant. Was going to use it as a backup, but it’s so good, it has become my go to camera body.

[@MrAppoline]

Some great points. Topaz Denoise gives the 7D2 a new lease of life. The camera is excellent value, especially paired with the 100-400 Mk2. I find the built-in flash handy for occasional daylight fill-in, and its output can be adjusted under Camera (1)>Flash Control>Built-in flash settings. Hopefully Canon will produce a 7D3 in the form of an R7 so we can get the benefits of the new autofocus etc. It's 1080p video output is also great!

[@odarrien]

Bought a used 7dii a few months ago in near mint condition. LOVE IT. Moving from the 200D the 7dii is like a dream. It feels solid, the shutter button is as smooth as butter, so customizable, fast... love it. The one thing I sometimes miss from the 200d is the touch screen but that is a minor thing. With the 200d i was afraid to go beyond iso 800, but with the 7dii i don't give it much thought, I've taken shots at 6400 that I'm very pleased with, plus, with software, much of that can be cleaned up; my outlook on iso has changed, even with the 200d I'm now willing to go higher. I'm looking forward to many years of shooting with this 7dii body.

[@katrinaosorio2134]

I rarely ever shoot in any other more than manual, I used to only shoot in modes but when I picked my camera up again last year I forced myself to only shoot in manual and it changed everything for me

[@mcmoose64]

I bought my 7D mkii for casual wildlife photography , my main camera being an original 6D . I now find myself leaving the 6D at home more often than not and using the7 for everything not requiring ultra wide angle or heavy bokeh.

[@RobSambles]

Good to hear!

[@davidhunter2824]

I agree with you about not being afraid of shooting events in high iso settings with this camera. I have shot a concert at an incredible iso setting of 16,000. Was the pictures noisy? Sort of. However, since I was shooting Raw, I was able to use noise reduction in a photo editing software to get rid of most of the noise, and the pictures turned out great. As one famous photographer said, "Its better to take a picture that is noisy, than to miss taking a photo because of noise".

[@tysonator5433]

I have used the pop up flash as a gentle fill light for outside portraits in natural light. The used price of 7Dii have gone up over the last few years as there is no new mirrorless canon camera to replace it.

[@grahamcorley8156]

I never use the pop up flash...... except as an optical master for my yongnuo flash. It's great for that. You can even set it to not flash as a master.

[@RobSambles]

That's actually a great point - is would work well for that yes

[@savinggracechurch4112]

When I used to shoot professionally as a sports assistant photographer (back in the days of film) I used to use manual exposure etc. I have seen people use manual and just set every shot according to the meter reading, but what's the point they might as well use auto. No using manual is so much better as Rob says because when the lighting doesn't change, you can take a spot meter reading off a players face and leave it at that. I'm in the market for a 7D mk2 but don't know as yet the dynamic range of the sensor. But the foreground subject is the most important and that is what the editor/journalist of the magazine for example will want. I was working for a television company working alongside a TV crew at Leeds United, back in the 80's.

[@chriswynne505]

Well said Rob I love my 7d MK II

[@chrisbrown6432]

Pangolin Wildlife and other knowledgable reviews state that the Canon 7D mark II has better autofocus accuracy than than the Canon 90D. Thanks for your advice Rob. I am going to buy a battery grip.

[@naruto000ize]

Thanks!! I dont have any dslr but watching videos like this really really helps! Thanks!

[@johnmallett2217]

Brilliant bit of kit. Never be without it and 10fps too. I use the * (AElock) button for bb focus as well as AF on button gives me 2 different AF settings without having to change in the menu. When setting up BBF don’t forget to hit the info button to set the detail you want for AF. I didn’t realise this at first and couldn’t understand why back button wasn’t tracking the subject

[@RobSambles]

Great point that John

[@taklebury]

I frequently walk several miles to a location to shoot wildlife, as much as I like the battery grip I don't like the weight. Thanks for the videos I have picked up a few tips here and there so please keep them coming.

[@kristianvrum8979]

I find the C1-C3 on the top dial very useful, as thay can be set for different scenarios, without the need to re-program everything. In fact, it let's you store every setting the camera has, from metering and drive modes, down to the fine-tuning of the AF-modes and ISO-limits. For instance, I have one of them programmed for in-flight pictures of dragonflies and another for macro photography with a speedlite, while still having the possibilty to change any of the parameters on the fly (you can even choose whether you want to automatically update the setting changes or not for each custom mode).

[@ma76bball68]

I have the 7D Mark II and the 5D Mark IV for my work. I'm being dead honest, there's some kind of connection/feeling I have with the 7D Mark II. I can't explain it. It just speaks to me!

[@Lucentlens]

Thank you for this insightful comment! 👍🏽It's a bit like 'instinct' - we humans come to on-the-face-of-it 'woolly' conclusions, whereas what's really behind it is a series of material considerations & factors recognised & appreciated by the subconscious - e.g. balance, feel, solidness, ergonomics, effective user interface, etc.

[@rblast1]

Set up c1 c2 c3 for different situations. Such as your shooting sports in low light. You can quickly switch from action to portraits. Set up c1 with a slower shutter say 1/500 instead of 1/1000 if your on auto iso it will drop the iso two stops. Then you can switch back.

[@RobSambles]

Great shout this

[@zoehatton5444]

I have been dithering between 7D mk2 and 90d as an upgrade from 77d and you have convinced me that the 7d mk2 is the one for me! Very informative videos. Thanks

[@RobSambles]

Awesome thanks

[@tonyburford421]

I’m lucky enough to have a 7D2 and a 5D3, both fabulous cameras. As an amateur the big question is could I justify upgrading to a 90D and a 5D4? The simple answer is no, you’ve rightly pointed out how good the 7D2 is and the 90D offers nothing amazing, don’t forget MP is not the be all and end all. Great vid Rob!

[@RobSambles]

Thanks Tony

[@Mike0193Azul]

Awesome video. I’m on the verge of upgrading to the R6/R5 but I’m feeling I might end up keeping my 7Dmkii also rather than selling it because I love it so much. It’s so durable and stable whereas the R5 still has software bugs getting patched and I don’t know how durable they are. I will say the pop-up flash is fantastic to me haha I actually miss it when I use another camera without one. It is convenient when taking the camera somewhere and you don’t want to carry a speed light. I’ve gotten great photos with it. :) Thanks again

[@debbieharry-clarke2918]

I absolutely love my 7DM2, I have the grip, I've customised it for wildlife and 4WD cross country racing, photographing in manual. Agree the ISO is still quite good and I get great photos using my Gen 1 Tamron 150-600mm lens. I've used the 7dm2 and canon 17-55mm lens for weddings and produced some amazing photos in low light. The 90D is nothing compared to the 7DM2

[@pahwraith]

I appreciate this! The 7dii is my only camera.

[@RobSambles]

A great one to have though

[@trevorsowers]

If you are using studio strobes with photo triggers then the pop up flash set to manual mode and low power is a very convenient way to trigger your strobes.

[@nahpungnome]

I like to set the BBF to do AI servo for one and One Shot for the other. The only gripe I have is that the drive mode couldn't be tied to the different BBF buttons I set. Burst for the servo and single for the single shot focus. Still a great camera. Nothing feels as good in lit situations like an OVF for tracking.

[@kalleankaa7536]

Heres my take on shooting manual on any camera. Decide what aperture you need or want. Set that up. Dial in the cleanest highest iso on said camera. Aftet that. One only needs to adjust the shutter speed in relation to the exposure metering. Away you go. Very easy.. Now make a video on how to make manual focus on birds in flight?

[@tylerhorton3976]

All very well said! Those would be my tips and tricks as well. I have had the 7DII since early 2015. Still in the bag for when I need extra reach on a good sunny day, but nothing compares to my 1DX and 1DX2. If the 7D2 is exposed correctly, I have had printable results around 6400-8000 ISO. Obviously when we move to the 5D4 and 1DX's, performance, speed and ISO are improved. That is apples to oranges, though. Maybe do a video showing some of the customizable features on the back of the camera? I don't need the info, but I'm sure there are many out there that would like it! Just a thought! Keep up the great work!

[@RobSambles]

Good shout cheers Tyler

[@erik5024]

Considering getting this as a secondary camera for sports photography to augment my 1Dx.

[@lisawilliams1750]

You have the best reviews and information to share! For my photography needs I love my 7D Markii!!!

[@RobSambles]

Thank you I appreciate that

[@DanCannon46]

Great tips. Thanks! I've had the camera for almost 4 years and have always been very happy with it. I upgraded from the original 7D (still have it!). Thankfully I have the grip because I dont think you can get the Canon brand anymore. Cheers...

[@bangtwister]

Really enjoying the camera. The pop up flask is fine if you know where to use it. The ISO is great 👍

[@Gazzab6]

Great video Rob and I agree there's still plenty of life left in the 7D Mk2 yet. I don't own one but my friend does and I shoot with the Nikon version which is the D500 and I've no intention of selling it. As you say, the customisation on the 7D Mk2 is superb and also on my D500. The Nikon Mirrorless cameras although have great features can't touch my D500 for customisation and ergonomics which are important to me for shooting Fast Action and wildlife.

[@mikekerry5466]

Great video Rob! I have used mirrorless for the past 12 months but following watching this I grabbed the 7D Mk2 and had fun with wildlife photography today.The only time the on camera flash is worth using is for fill in flash for a portrait outdoors. Otherwise give it a miss. Keep up the good work!

[@Philatlondon1]

Great video. Looking to replace a 1D Mk ii that I picked up 2nd hand about 12 years ago. The 7D mk ii looks like it might the camera for me and would probably blow my 1D out of the water on image quality, although I am still very happy with the shots I'm getting out of it when the light is good. But the noise above ISO 320 is really noticeable compared to new cameras. I've looked at the 5D Mk iv, but I've read that the AF isn't that great for fast action sports.

[@99SIGNcoUK]

Thanks Rob, been thinking about getting 7dii for a while, finally just ordered secondhand one today, have been using mirror less M5 as my crop sensor camera and 6D as my main camera, makes more sense to have mirror less full frame and dlsr corp, thanks for advice, really like the rating button idea this will make life so much easier 👍

[@RobSambles]

Awesome! You'll enjoy it 100%

[@Iamernestp]

Question rob. If you get a after market grip will you lose the weather sealing of the 7d ii body?

[@naturealbums]

I use the 7Dmk2 for wildlife and astro it does pretty well. I was waiting for a 7D mirror-less version for a long while but these days just keeping an eye on the R5 grey market prices.. Mostly used with the 100-400mm mk2 and a 300 f2.8LIS with the 2x and 1.4x mk2.

[@karibukilifi2170]

Thank you so very much. Indeed it's a beautiful tool for creating amazing videos and photography.

[@billyinwaves]

So useful for extra reach! My 300mm f2.8 becomes effectively a 480mm but still at f2.8

[@noelchignell1048]

Nice video Rob and I like your tip about the rate button (which I've already changed to protect images after watching your video), I bought a grip recently too and it's such an improvement especially when I'm lying in the mud photographing birds if I want to use portrait mode and much more comfortable to hold with big telephoto lenses. I do use the pop up flash though for when I'm shooting a person or animal which is backlit for a fill light and also I use it for macro with a diffuser sometimes and as a trigger for a slave flash. All cameras should have pop up flashes ! I love my 7D ii and it works great with my EF100-400 ii and EF300 f/2.8 (original non IS version) but when Canon brings out the rumoured R7 replacement I'll be very tempted

[@maszaan7024]

How did you change the Rate button? I am new and trying to see where it is. I dont see how to get to that screen from the custom settings

[@noelchignell1048]

@@maszaan7024 I sold my 7Dii a while ago and can't remember the details but try searching for the Canon manual online

[@chrishill6724]

Awesome tips and info, thanks for sharing!

[@RobSambles]

Thanks for watching!

[@njrivetelite]

I been wanting to pick up a 90D over the 7DII.. but I'm gonna wait till they have a good sale on them..

[@sjphoto9167]

BS I used it for low light shiny black mat dog trials for several years. I still have it as a back up to my 1Dx MII and I just ordered a R6 I cannot let it go for some reason. I even prefer my 7D MII for certain things.

[@turnipmadras]

Just purchased a used 7D MKII as a second body to my 5DMKIV so I can use two lenses at rugby matches (keen amateur sports photographer). I have a Sigma 150-600mm and a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L - which lens should have have on each body? I am thinking the 150-600mm on the 7D to give even more reach taking account of the crop factor.

[@richardmilbourne1679]

Great video Rob so very informative My passion in photography is Motorsport i have used a Canon 60D since i bought new. My question is i want to upgrade to the 7Dmk2 i have read loads of reviews and compared the 2 . I just value your opinion What would you do .

[@PhotoSportiv]

Hi Rob, cracking video once again. I tend to agree, the 7d2 is still a decent bit of kit; my problems however though are using Godox triggers with it to trigger a 7d behind the goals. (maybe another video) :) perhaps its the camera itself, the triggers, or indeed the Goal Cam. Have a cracking weekend and keep up the cool stuff!!

[@BrianHallmond]

I just picked up a used one. A few gripes: The ack of flip and touch screen is annoying. Even just a flip screen... My 8 year old 700d had a flip screen. How do you disable the flash when shooting in Auto? Damn annoying. Any is there a way to export photos without wifi or removing the SD cards?

[@ekevanderzee9538]

Don't shoot in auto. Try manual with auto iso: itvwill make life so easy. Usb cable? Don't think wifi will let you export the raw files.

[@raGEEE1986]

7d2 was a solid body for me but the a9 is much much more :)

[@RobSambles]

Tha A9 is a great camera no question

[@raGEEE1986]

@@RobSambles 7d2 is/was just was at a crossroads the r5/r6 was just heresay and 1dx mk2 felt "old" so went for a system change , had the r5 had been about probably would have stopped canon

[@photo3sixty700]

Great Video, Great Camera love mine.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

I'm still rocking mine for several years now, best thing ever for fps in the Canon DSLR; only the 1DX beats it. Can I ask when you shoot AI SERVO at High fps and back button focus ? Do you keep your thumb glued to the back button while your pointer works the shutter trigger button? Cause I tried the back button focus and find this continuously holding down the thumb on the back button tiresome. So I tend to use the usual front button focus. Maybe there is a better back button focus holding technique?

[@RobSambles]

Yeah I pretty much use my thumb on the back the whole time. I just got used to it early on a never changed back. I know high level pros who don't use it though so it's not the only way, just my preferred approach

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

@@RobSambles Tnx.

[@philtaylor194]

Pop up flash is great for fill in when carrying a 'real' flash is a faff. For work demanding close scrutiny, it's fine up to 3,200. However for late night crime scenes I happily work at 10,000 ISO or higher. Tonight I had some video on BBC Countryfile, and it looked like all the other footage despite 6,400! Quality wise it:s great. I shot one of the Telegraph's pictures of the week with mine, and there was a half page in the Express last week. Great combination is the 7D with a 70 to 200 and a 16 to 35 on a 5. Gives you equivalents of 16 to 320 with almost no gap if changing between bodies.

[@RobSambles]

Man that's great

[@ninthsunn]

a quick question on back focus button, do we need to press the button continuously while shooting or we only need to press it once & let it go? much thanks for the video.

[@daveevans9994]

When you press the focusing point button top left rihte . When looking through the viewfinder .why dose it all go red . Include the focusing points . Its like putting a deep red filter infont ..Canon say its normal it dident till i updated the software .any clue

[@TylerSarry]

Thanks for the tips! I shoot a lot of wildlife

[@johnnevin5706]

a grip is a great place to store a spare pair of cards

[@gillettimages9114]

they make a good rubber pop up flash defuser and it works good if you cant afford a speed lite

[@mixiepalms8338]

i am getting the 7 d mkii. I have the 5d mkiii. Are they really the same? as in controls etc

[@grahamcorley8156]

Great video.

[@IamPhant0m]

Just picked one up with a supper low shutter count for $450 USD to back up my 5D mkiii that’s starting to give me some issues.

[@nissenalf]

Just bought a used 7dII. I have EOS R, and that is a lovely camera as well, but its just not up for the job when shooting moving subjects, I find the view finder is way to laggy. The 7dII is amazing as second body for just this purpose and I already love it. And a good cheap option if you dont have a budget for r6 or r5.

[@RobSambles]

Ah nice - good combo

[@buggersofoz]

thanks! that's a great video. Unfortunately it looks like I started watching them all too late, at least after everyone in Australia has watched one, as the prices of decent condition bodies hit the rock bottom at $800... and I'm a super cheap guy, so I keep looking for them eBay unicorns :D will surely watch more once I manage to finally get one :)))

[@Met845]

Is the 7dm2 70k of SC is still a good deal?

[@Abhishek98317]

I need one bit of info. Does the 7dii allow exposure compensation in M mode if auto ISO is used.

[@jrd33]

Yes, but you have to configure it in the settings menus. On mine it's hold the Set button and turn the front dial.

[@Abhishek98317]

@@jrd33 Got it, Thanks a lot

[@endowpictures22]

Is it better than Canon 70d?

[@Iamernestp]

You know I had to watch this one too Rob!! Lol

[@skyhigh1154]

Hi m8, is 900 euro for an as good as new 7D2 with 6400 clicks a good price?

[@RobSambles]

Not sure what the market is where you are but I think that's nearly £800 which would be a bit much here I think

[@RobSambles]

Depends on the condition though

[@allanpolarikvandahl]

I love my 7D mll

[@93FilmsandMedia]

Why the f* would anyone want to go above iso 1600 in extreme cases to begin with??

[@BrianHallmond]

Maybe a great photo but it's genuinely that dark and they don't want to totally miss it.

[@kevinjorgensen1046]

I'm terrified Jesus returns or an Alien lands and I'm the only photographer within a country mile. I take my photos to the world press and they're rejected. ''What camera's did you use?'' ''5DMiv + 7DM2.'' ''Old technology, we're not interested, sorry!''...................... Have we as photographers forgotten what photography is all about? People are raving about the R5 and there's no doubt its a great camera, but how much ''greatness'' does the average photographer need? Where I live I can buy a brand new 5Dsr + a 7DM2 + a Fujifilm X100V + a Ricoh GR III for the same price..