For the first time in five years, Canon has launched a new APS-C format flagship model, the EOS 7D Mark II. With the introduction of features such as the Dual Pixel CMOS AF and support for recording at 60p, an exponential leap is expected in the new model's movie-shooting performance. In this article, we will verify the performance of this camera through actual shots. (Edited by: Yasushi Sugawara)

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High-performance AF suited for capturing moving objects

Lately, the number of photography lovers has been increasing regardless of genre, be it railways, airplanes, wild birds, or landscapes. This growth in camera users has led to keener competition among the manufacturers as well as more rapid advancement in the performance and features of cameras. Against this backdrop, Canon has launched a new APS-C format model, the EOS 7D Mark II, the first model changeover since the release of the EOS 7D five years ago. With a focal length that is equivalent to about 1.6 times that of full-frame cameras, APS-C sized cameras are suited for telephoto shooting, and are a popular choice among photo enthusiasts who particularly enjoy photographing wild birds, airplanes, and sports.

AF performance is significantly enhanced on the EOS 7D Mark II, thanks to the introduction of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF which enables autofocusing based on phase-difference detection by the image sensor. Also, it is the first EOS model to support recording at 60p. This feature allows for smooth expression of movement and is particularly useful for shooting movies such as wild birds and airplanes. (*The AF mode will be switched to Contrast AF automatically when 60p/50p is selected in the Full HD mode and when an extender is attached.)

Trying out the camera, I first of all experienced for myself its excellent AF performance when I filmed ducks taking off from the water. In fact, I am not an ardent supporter of AF, so under circumstances like that in the example, I would only make use of manual focusing. There is strong contrast in the clear reflection in the water, so I didn't think the camera would be able to recognise the ducks, which are the subjects. However, the EOS 7D Mark II proved me wrong. I have not yet encountered a camera that allows AF to operate correctly in such a situation, but the AF of the EOS 7D Mark II was able to maintain focus on the ducks at all times, regardless of whether the subjects were in the shade or under the sun.

In the past, capturing a shot with the focus maintained on a subject approaching the camera was a big challenge as it required highly sophisticated techniques in manual focusing. In the case of the EOS 7D Mark II, you can rest assured that AF will operate properly as long as the subject is captured within the frame. With this camera, users can now enjoy unparalleled follow shots with ease.

Presence of a focus puller inside the camera?

To take a similar follow shot, I aimed at a black kite flying toward the camera. Focus shifted to the utility pole for a moment when the black kite flew behind it, but the camera quickly re-established focus on the black kite when it came into sight again. It would be ideal if the camera could maintain focus on the black kite at all times, but needless to say, AF tracking would be impossible on a subject that is not visible. Nonetheless, I am still impressed by the camera's speedy adjustment of focus.

What amazed me even more was when I videoed maple leaves. As illustrated in the photos below, as I directed the camera slightly to the right from 1 to 2, focus shifted to the maple leaf at the centre. This ideal shift of focus in accordance with the panning process happened before I, the videographer even took notice of it. It felt as if the camera was telling me, "The ambience will be better if you set the focus on the maple leaf at the back".

Because the EOS 7D Mark II handled different situations so appropriately, I suspected it could be just a coincidence, so I tried to capture the same maple leaves again. The camera responded in the same way. It felt as if there was a capable camera assistant helping me to adjust the focus.

That being said, EOS 7D Mark II cannot determine every detail of AF, especially when it comes to adjusting the focusing speed. AF speed is selectable on the menu screen, so you can choose the speed that most accurately reflects your preferences.