The Key Differences Between Canon EOS 7D vs Nikon D7100
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The Key Differences Between Canon EOS 7D vs Nikon D7100

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The Canon EOS 7D and the Nikon D7100 are both professional DSLR cameras. Canon EOS 7D was released in September 2009, and where Nikon D7100 came in 4 years later in 2013. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Which one should you choose?

The Canon EOS 7D has 18 megapixels, and Nikon D7100 has 24 megapixels of resolution. One provides an anti-alias filter, and the other one does not. There are a few more differences. But those didn’t affect the pricing that much.

The Nikon D7100 has a good reputation amongst professional photographers who wants to print big pictures. The Canon EOS 7D tops Nikon D7100 with the ability to record audio from an external source. Still confused? Let’s share some more ideas.

Canon EOS 7D vs Nikon D7100: Comparison At A Glance

It is hard to choose between two great competitors in the DSLR camera field. But a few minor differences may change your thoughts on buying a camera.

However, Let’s look at the differences between these two and help you decide which one to buy?

FeaturesCanon 7DNikon D7100
Release Date2009-11-062013-04-25
Mount TypeCanon EF/EF-S MountNikon F Mount
Sensor Resolution18MP24MP
Sensor TypeCMOSCMOS
Sensor Size1.6x1.5x
AutofocusYesYes
Video ResolutionFull HD (1920 x 1080)Full HD (1920 x 1080)
ViewfinderOptical (pentaprism) viewfinderOptical (pentaprism) viewfinder
ISO Sensitivity100 – 6400 (expands to 12800)100 – 6400 (expands to 25600))
Shooting Speed8.0fps6.0fps
Weight860g765g
Dimension148 x 111 x 74 mm136 x 107 x 76 mm
Weather SealingYesYes
Display3.00″ Fixed Type Screen3.20″ Fixed Type Screen
Focus Points1951
LCD Screen Resolution920K Dots1219K Dots
Battery1800 mAh2150 mAh
Battery Life800 shots950 shots
Headphone portNoYes
Dynamic Range11.713.7
StorageSingle memory slotDual memory slot
Warranty5 years1 year
Price (when released)1699 USD1599 USD

What Are The Key Differences Between The Canon EOS 7D And Nikon D7100?

Are you still in doubt and can’t make your decision? I will demonstrate the differences in detail. Canon EOS 7D vs. Nikon D7100 are pretty similar in some terms but also have a lot of differences. Let’s go.

Picture Quality

The Canon EOS 7D gives an 18-megapixel image file at its maximum resolution. The new chip produces high-quality images with a wide dynamic range and delivers sharp images with natural colors at both high and low ISO settings.

The Nikon D7100 DSLR camera used an APS-C CMOS sensor. It produces a 24-megapixel image file at this camera’s maximum resolution. The picture quality is standard and delivers sharp images.

In picture quality, Nikon bells the ring. More features in picture quality have been added. So, Nikon EOS 7D is the winner in picture quality.

Sensor

The Canon EOS 7D uses a Dual Digic 4 processor and an 18.0MP APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) CMOS sensor. It has an anti-alias filter which you can remove.

Removing the anti-alias filter improves sharpness and detail, but it also increases the likelihood of noise in some scenarios.

The Nikon D7100, on the other hand, sports a 24.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sized CMOS sensor. Compared to Canon 7D, the Nikon D7100 has a 1.1x Larger sensor area. The anti-alias filter is absent in the Nikon D7100.

If you set the same focal length and aperture, larger sensors provide the photographer greater control over the depth of focus and hazy backdrop. In that case, you can choose the Nikon D7100 to increase the size or freedom of your image cropping.

Size and Weight

The Nikon D7100 measures 136 x 107 x 76 mm on the outside and weighs 765 grams. Compared to the Canon 7D, the Nikon D7100 is 2mm thicker and 12mm narrower, and 4mm shorter.

The Canon 7D measures 148 x 111 x 74 mm on the outside and weighs 860 grams. Although the Nikon D7100 weighs 95g less than the Canon 7D, I don’t think this will make a noticeable difference.

Size and weight may be significant factors if you are willing to carry the camera all day long. In that case, Nikon D7100 is the perfect choice as you can take it more comfortably anywhere than the Canon EOS 7D.

Battery and Connectivity

The Nikon D7100 contains a headphone connector that enables you to connect external headphones and assess the sound quality while recording. The EN-EL15 battery pack in the D7100 can hold up to 950 shots on a single charge.

The Canon EOS 7D doesn’t come with a headphone port. But studio photographers will like having a PC Sync socket in Canon EOS 7D.

With its help camera controls the professional strobe lights. This camera has a very concerning battery life, with only 800 shots out of its LP-E6 battery.

The headphone connector and more battery health would be the reasons to put the Nikon D7100 on top. So, here Nikon beats Canon once again.

View finding and Interval Timer

An intervalometer is included in the Nikon D7100. Using this, the photographer can take time-lapse photos of events like a sunset, the rising of the moon, or flower budding. You don’t need to buy an external camera trigger or any associated software.

Where the intervalometer is absent from the Canon EOS 7D, the Nikon D7100 and the Canon EOS 7D have the exact optical viewfinders. The viewfinders on both cameras have the same magnification and field of vision (100 percent) (0.63x).

So, here Nikon goes further another time. The excellent intervalometer option gave Nikon a boost to win in this section.

Memory slot

The Nikon D7100 has two memory slots where you can use SDXC cards. Two different slots are handy in case one of the memory cards breaks or fails.

In contrast, the Canon EOS 7D only has one slot for memory storage. The Canon EOS 7D stores its imaging data on Compact Flash cards.

A dual storage system puts the Nikon D7100 on the top. If you want to be risk-free and want more space separately, then you should go with the Nikon D7100.

Battery

Nikon D7100 Digital Camera works with a Nikon EN-EL15, 2100 mAh Li-ion Battery. From this camera, you can get up to 950 shots per charge.

The Canon EOS 7D equips a Canon LP-E6 Lithium-Ion Digital Camera Battery. You can get a maximum of 800 pictures taken by this camera in a single charge.

You can store and shoot more pictures in the Nikon D7100 per charge. So, here Nikon D7100 wins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which camera came in first between Canon EOS 7D and Nikon D7100?

Canon EOS 7D came four years earlier than Nikon D7100. Canon 7D came in 2009 and Nikon D7100 came in 2013.

Which camera between Canon 7D and Nikon D7100 can give you better battery life?

Canon 7D can shoot 800 shots per charge whereas Nikon D7100 gives 950 shots per charge resulting in 150 more shots. So, Nikon D7100 is comparatively better in battery life.

Which camera between Canon EOS 7D and Nikon D7100 can give you a better sensor?

Both the cameras use CMOS sensor but Nikon D7100 has a 24mp sensor whereas Canon 7D has 18mp. So, Nikon D7100 has a better sensor resolution.

Canon 7D and Nikon D7100: which one is cheap?

Nikon D7100 costs 1599 USD and Canon 7d costs 1699 USD. So, Nikon D7100 is 100 USD cheaper.

How many memory slots do Canon 7D and Nikon D7100 have?

Canon 7D has a single memory slot and Nikon D7100 has a dual memory slot.

Which camera between Canon 7D and Nikon D7100 should you buy?

Nikon D7100 tops in performance, battery life, and photo quality compared to Canon 7D. Also, Nikon came 4 years later and has more updated parts. So, Nikon D7100 should be a good choice.

Canon 7D and Nikon D7100: which has a bigger body?

Canon 7D is comparatively bigger than Nikon D7100.

Final Thoughts

It would help if you decided as we discussed the differences in detail. The Nikon D7100 has more features, a smaller size, higher image quality, and better value for the money.

In this comparison, it is the apparent winner. It outperforms the Canon 7D in every category and has a higher overall score.

These are why photographers choose the Nikon D7100 over Canon EOS 7D. Moreover, the Nikon D7100 is a well-rounded package.

This camera’s prominent dealers are professional photographers who deal with the big screens. If you don’t want to be more confused, I think you should go for Nikon D7100.