Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Dynamic range, resolution and noise
Dynamic range
Our Applied Imaging tests reveal a high dynamic range at the lower sensitivity settings, but it starts to fall more noticeably from above ISO 400. The decline is steady and although the 7D Mark II is second to the D500 at the lower settings, at ISO 6,400 the roles are reversed. The differences are slight, but Canon has managed to maintain dynamic range just a little better at the high ISOs.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II – Dynamic Range
Resolution
Thanks to its 20.2MP sensor the 7D Mark II can record around 3,000l/ph from ISO 100 up to around 800. Naturally some fall-off starts above this, but detail levels are maintained well up to around ISO 16,000, where our tests still register 2,800 l/ph. Above this we’re into the expansion settings and there’s a sharper decline to around 2,000l/ph at ISO 51,200. Noise is also controlled well up to ISO 6,400.
JPEG ISO 100
JPEG ISO 1600
JPEG ISO 6400
JPEG ISO 51,200
Noise
At low sensitivity values the 7D Mark II produces very attractive images with pleasantly saturated, slightly warm JPEG colours in the default settings. Noise is controlled very well, but if you can, it’s definitely best to keep to ISO 6,400 or lower. ISO 25,600 is a step too far for most situations and even ISO 12,800 for some. Colours stand up well, but darker tones start to become mushy and lacking in detail.
JPEG – ISO 1600
JPEG – ISO 6400
JPEG – ISO 12,800
JPEG – ISO 25,600
JPEG – ISO 51,200
