7D vs EOS M

I've recently received a bit of extra money and am seriously considering a new body. Specifically interested in one which does video and can run Magic Lantern.

The 7D has been on my wishlist for a while now. The AF would be a step up from my current 40D & 5D. But is it really that much better? My kids do alot of running around, and it's sometimes difficult for AF to track them... Is a 7D the answer?

Alternatively, the EOS M also does video and runs ML. Plus it gives an extra stop of ISO (vs 7D), and I could put the $ savings toward something else. But I would only use it for video, as I have no other need for a compact MILC.

Thanks!

You are not talking about the 7D II? but the original one? I have both of those and I really love them. I don't use the 7D as much and will be getting rid of it soon.

I don't have the EOS M but the N*kon version, the N*kon 1. I don't use it much. I don't need it because I have an iPhone and it is more convenient. Depending on how you would use the camera, that's how you should choose. I don't do video at all, but the 7D is great with sports, and that is why I chose it. Before you get either, think about how much you'd use the video and how you would be recording or shooting.

Tyguy wrote in post #17952979
I've recently received a bit of extra money and am seriously considering a new body. Specifically interested in one which does video and can run Magic Lantern.

The 7D has been on my wishlist for a while now. The AF would be a step up from my current 40D & 5D. But is it really that much better? My kids do alot of running around, and it's sometimes difficult for AF to track them... Is a 7D the answer?

Alternatively, the EOS M also does video and runs ML. Plus it gives an extra stop of ISO (vs 7D), and I could put the $ savings toward something else. But I would only use it for video, as I have no other need for a compact MILC.

Thanks!

Sounds like the 70D would be more what you're looking for. Has similar high performance AF options, video AF that is actually good, fast FPS (7), better ISO, etc.

Very best,

I have both the original 7D and the original EOS-M and have to say, I have hardly used the 7D since getting the M. So, if I were in your position, I would get the EOS-M mark 3. I do find my M is not so good on very bright days due to having no viewfinder, which the M 3 has.

I can also get cleaner images from the M than the 7D.

SuzyView wrote in post #17953016
You are not talking about the 7D II? but the original one? I have both of those and I really love them. I don't use the 7D as much and will be getting rid of it soon.

I don't have the EOS M but the N*kon version, the N*kon 1. I don't use it much. I don't need it because I have an iPhone and it is more convenient. Depending on how you would use the camera, that's how you should choose. I don't do video at all, but the 7D is great with sports, and that is why I chose it. Before you get either, think about how much you'd use the video and how you would be recording or shooting.

Yup, original 7D. The mk2 is out of my budget The primary reason for a new body is video, but it would be nice to have the extra features of the 7D.

MalVeauX wrote in post #17953019
Sounds like the 70D would be more what you're looking for. Has similar high performance AF options, video AF that is actually good, fast FPS (7), better ISO, etc.

Very best,

No doubt the 70D is technically superior... But no MFA, different controls than 40D/5D, smaller/lighter (I like a bit of heft), and pricier. Can't do it.

killwilly wrote in post #17953091
I have both the original 7D and the original EOS-M and have to say, I have hardly used the 7D since getting the M. So, if I were in your position, I would get the EOS-M mark 3. I do find my M is not so good on very bright days due to having no viewfinder, which the M 3 has.

I can also get cleaner images from the M than the 7D.

I hadn't actually priced out the M3... Hmm it's within the budget, and good reviews...

Do the M3

Tyguy wrote in post #17953152
Yup, original
No doubt the 70D is technically superior... But no MFA, different controls than 40D/5D, smaller/lighter (I like a bit of heft), and pricier. Can't do it.

Heya,

The 70D has MFA. Better MFA than the 7D.

Yes, the ergonimics are different. But you're using this as a con, yet you're ok with the controls on the back of an EOS-M system? Very confusing really, but ergonomics are a personal thing. I guess if you can live with an EOS-M's controls, the 70D wouldn't be a far stretch to have to deal with. But again, this is your personal take.

You could grip to add size and weight. I'm surprised you want a heavy camera for video. Then again, I'm still curious how you're ok with the EOS-M, but not ok with the 70D for size for this.

Pricier? Yes, that is true. The 7D can be had for $450 used. The M3 can be had for $350~400 used or new in some cases. The 70D is $680 refurb directly from Canon with warranty. But, the 70D goes for around $600 used pretty often, +/- and keeps falling every day with the 7D2 and upcoming 80D and other things.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a 70D fan, I don't even have one, it just literally fits the bill for what you're looking to do.

The 7D is no different than a T3i for video, in fact, the T3i is basically better for video honestly.

The M3 is great, but you're going to hate the battery life.

Very best,

MalVeauX wrote in post #17953164
Yes, the ergonimics are different. But you're using this as a con, yet you're ok with the controls on the back of an EOS-M system? Very confusing really, but ergonomics are a personal thing. I guess if you can live with an EOS-M's controls, the 70D wouldn't be a far stretch to have to deal with. But again, this is your personal take.

You could grip to add size and weight. I'm surprised you want a heavy camera for video. Then again, I'm still curious how you're ok with the EOS-M, but not ok with the 70D for size for this.

The M is quite cheap. I would use it solely for video, which makes its compact size quite nice and I can put up with different controls.

The 7D/70D would replace my current body (and I would also use it for video occasionally). Therefore it's a bit more important that the controls are similar to what's already in the inventory.

I wasn't aware that the 70D has MFA, thought they dropped it on the 60D or 70D? Anyways, it's interesting that you compare the 7D to the T3i, makes it less appealing...

the 70D sensor is a pretty nice improvment, particularly in the noise/banding issue.. you can still make it band, but you have to under expose it really badly, and lift it like crazy. for Video, it is your best bet, and it can do stills as well, very well.

The 7D is miles ahead AF wise from a 40D/5DII.. but the sensor while better, isn't a ton better, maybe one step up where the 70D/7D2 sensor is 2 steps up.

The 80D will be the monster improver at low iso, still waiting to see how it looks/feels at high iso.

The one thing that sets the 70D above the 7D is the articulating screen and touch screen, and the feedback I see from video guys is that is the way to go and they love it. pair the 70D with the 50mm stm and I think you have a nice basic starter for video.

I'd suggest doing some searching for 70D and video and check out the threads/forums on the plus and minus of that.

Having had a similar hardware path (started with the 40D >> 7D >> 7DII, I would suggest looking at the 70D as well if you're looking for video. The 7D is a marked step up from the 40D and was a great body, but it is a bit of an exposure dominatrix...if you don't do it just right, you will be punished. It was really a great camera that got rushed out the door too quickly and never had a chance to mature; the 7DII is what the original *should* have been. The video functionality on the 7D were there, but seemed more of an afterthought to me; the 70D was more designed for the burgeoning video slr users at the time.

Tyguy wrote in post #17953175
7D to the T3i, makes it less appealing...

That's in regards to video.

For action, the AF of the 7D is of course in a total different league.

The 7D & T3i have the same sensor, so image quality and ISO performance is the same. For video recording, they're similar, but the T3i has an articulating LCD which is a good thing, and the T3i specifically has more video options (movie crop mode, etc), which did not make it into the later models, but is still one of the best features of the camera from a video stand point, until the 70D came out. Just wanted to point out, the 7D is not a great camera for video. It's just standard stuff, no different than any other basic modern dSLR with live view and tethering & real video abilities. But you're looking at dSLR for video which is really more of an added thing, and not what they're made for, so they're generally not ideal for it anyways.

I use an EOS-M & T4i for video purposes. Simple, inexpensive, good live view. But I don't use AF in video. I also have a 7D, and I do not use it for video. I use it for it's AF & 8 FPS for birding and action.

I mean, you can get an EOS-M for $150 these days!

Very best,

Hmm so the 7D's video is basically a poorly-executed afterthought. I am now interested in the 70D, but due to a hard limit of $700 CAD ($530 USD right now), it's out of reach. Perhaps if the prices drop... and the exchange rate gets better...

The M was/is tempting because it's so cheap, could get new glass as well.

New, it may be, but used it is in the budget, I think.
Ebay 70D

ksbal wrote in post #17954592
New, it may be, but used it is in the budget, I think.
Ebay 70D

It's already at $630 USD. Out of reach. Not to mention they don't ship outside USA... Typical!

Tried the M3 at a local store yesterday. The AF is shockingly fast with the 18-55 EF-M lens, but was horrible with a 70-200 F4L.

Well rats. Maybe the 70D will go down now that the 80D is out on the shelves.. I bet there is another price drop in the near future.. fingers crossed for you.