These two are the best APS-C cameras from Canon and Nikon out right now, and most likely will be for at least 3-4 more years! Canon EOS 7D Mark II was announced in 2014 (5 years after the 7D), whereas the Nikon D500 is just a few months old. Which one is the best for the money, and how do they compare specification wise?
| Canon EOS 7D Mark II | Nikon D500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 20.2 | 21 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 22.4 x 15mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
| Sensor Type | APS-C | APS-C/DX |
| Image Resolution | 5472 x 3648 | 5568 x 3712 |
| ISO Range | 100 - 16,00 (51,200) | 100 - 51,200 (1,640,000) |
| Processor | Dual Digic 6 | Expeed 5 |
| AF Points | 65 | 153 |
| Burst Mode | 10fps | 10fps |
| LCD Size | 3.0" Fixed LCD | 3.2" Articulating LCD |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| LCD Resolution | 1,040,000 dots | 2,359,000 dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 1x | 1x |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1/8000 to 30 sec. | 1/8000 to 30 sec. |
| Storage Type | CF + SD/SDHC/SDXC | XQD + SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 910g (2.0lbs) | 860g (1.90lb) |
| Battery Life | 670 Shots (CIPA) | 1240 Shots (CIPA) |
| Shutter Durability | 200,000 | 200,000 |
| USB Version | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Dimensions | 149 x 112 x 78 mm | 147 x 115 x 81 mm |
| Price | Amazon | Amazon |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2016 |
Check out our 7 Best lenses for Nikon D500.
Nikon D500 Advantages:
- 1 more megapixel results in a slightly higher resolution, but this is a really small advantage
- Better high ISO performance
- Native ISO stops at 51,200, and extends up to 1,640,00o. The 7D II stops at 16,000 and expands to 51,200, which is still D500’s native speed!
- 153 vs 65AF points, 99 of these are cross-type (faster and more accurate in tougher conditions)
- Slightly larger touch-screen LCD that articulates
- Bigger LCD resolution
- XQD card slot is not really an advantage right now since these aren’t so popular, but depending on your needs, this may be an advantage or a disadvantage
- 4K video recording whereas the 7D II has “only” Full HD
- 50g lighter body, hardly makes a difference
- 1240 vs 670 shots battery life! These are tested with the built-in flash so you should expect much better results from both (and not such a big gap between these two)
So what are the major advantages? Better high ISO performance, more cross-type AF points, better LCD screen, XQD card slot and 4K video recording. If you already own a Nikon camera (perhaps with a few lenses), then the upgrade to D500 is a no-brainer if you’re serious about photography.
You can buy the Nikon D500 at Amazon.
Check out our 10 best lenses for Canon 7D Mark II here.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Advantages:
- $500 cheaper for body only
The 7D Mark II is an amazing camera that won’t hold you back one bit, whether you’re shooting action in tough conditions, or simply travelling and want high quality shots. However, specification wise, it doesn’t beat the D500 anywhere (let’s not forget the 7D II was released a year and a half prior to the Nikon). Both of these cameras are more or less aimed at users of their own brand who are looking for something much better than the Rebel/xxD line; rarely does someone start their photography journey with the most expensive APS-C camera.
You can buy the Canon EOS 7D Mark II at Amazon.
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