T3i vs. 7D Compare Image Quality at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon EOS Crop Sensor for HD

Canon EOS Crop Sensor for HD
APS-C sensor cameras including the 80D, 70D, 7D Mk. II, 7D, EOS M and Rebel models for HD video recording.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old October 21st, 2011, 06:50 PM   #1
Trustee
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Bristol, CT (Home of EPSN)
Posts: 1,192
T3i vs. 7D Compare Image Quality

I'm thinking of picking up a T3i, either as a backup to my 7D, or as a replacement. What would I miss from the 7D?

Thanks
__________________
Paul Cascio
www.pictureframingschool.com
Paul Cascio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 21st, 2011, 08:53 PM   #2
Major Player
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 579
Re: T3i vs. 7D Compare Image Quality

strictly in terms of IQ, the noise is more stormy/violent at higher isos on the t3i than on the 7d. but this is at very high iso values which one really shouldn't be up at anyway.
So at the correct settings the iq of any of the canon crops are so similar you wouldnt know which it was shot with by looking at the footage only.
The same cannot be said though for dynamic range of RAW stills. The 7d is slightly better with this on paper, and in practise/my experience much better.

All that being said, if you bring magic lantern on the t3i into the equation it basically beats the crap out of the 7d. So many good useable features. Auto restart, magic zoom (an enlargement of the lcd in a little box to aid with focus)etc.
The newest and greatest feature for me now is setting the lcd to turn off automatically when not recording after 3 seconds of being idle. Its a lifesaver that all video cameras should have. It eliminates the chance of thinking you are recording when you arent. When the screen goes in powersave after 3 seconds , its clear you arent recording. The nearest to that with the 7d is auto turn off after 30 seconds.

In terms of video, I really cant see you missing anything from the 7d
Ger Griffin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 22nd, 2011, 05:46 PM   #3
New Boot
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Peculiar, MO
Posts: 24
Re: T3i vs. 7D Compare Image Quality

I echo Ger Griffin's comments. I bought a 7d to replace my T2i and thought I'd sell the T2i - before I loaded Magic Lantern onto it. Boy, what a difference that made! I can guarantee that you'll relegate your 7d to stills only, once you see the added features Magic Lantern "magically" adds to the T2i.
Jon Onstot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 23rd, 2011, 03:59 AM   #4
Major Player
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Chelmsford England
Posts: 287
Re: T3i vs. 7D Compare Image Quality

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon Onstot View Post
I echo Ger Griffin's comments. I bought a 7d to replace my T2i and thought I'd sell the T2i - before I loaded Magic Lantern onto it. Boy, what a difference that made! I can guarantee that you'll relegate your 7d to stills only, once you see the added features Magic Lantern "magically" adds to the T2i.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ger Griffin View Post
strictly in terms of IQ, the noise is more stormy/violent at higher isos on the t3i than on the 7d. but this is at very high iso values which one really shouldn't be up at anyway.
So at the correct settings the iq of any of the canon crops are so similar you wouldnt know which it was shot with by looking at the footage only.
The same cannot be said though for dynamic range of RAW stills. The 7d is slightly better with this on paper, and in practise/my experience much better.

All that being said, if you bring magic lantern on the t3i into the equation it basically beats the crap out of the 7d. So many good useable features. Auto restart, magic zoom (an enlargement of the lcd in a little box to aid with focus)etc.
The newest and greatest feature for me now is setting the lcd to turn off automatically when not recording after 3 seconds of being idle. Its a lifesaver that all video cameras should have. It eliminates the chance of thinking you are recording when you arent. When the screen goes in powersave after 3 seconds , its clear you arent recording. The nearest to that with the 7d is auto turn off after 30 seconds.

In terms of video, I really cant see you missing anything from the 7d
A quick check of test results at DxOMark seems to correlate with your statements:

DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side

What I don't understand is, what are the factors involved? Don't these (and the 550d) cameras have the same sensor and DIGIC? I know the 7d has two DIGICs, but I don't see how that would impact sensor performance.
James Donnelly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 23rd, 2011, 06:47 PM   #5
Major Player
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Ottawa, ON
Posts: 385
Re: T3i vs. 7D Compare Image Quality

I wonder if the high-iso noise might be due to the T3i having different noise-reduction, sharpening and colour saturation defaults. The Rebel series has always had different default settings from the xxD/prosumer models, to reflect the intended audience.
Kin Lau is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 23rd, 2011, 08:38 PM   #6
Major Player
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 579
Re: T3i vs. 7D Compare Image Quality

I honestly dont know why. Maybe you are right Kin but to me it doesnt seem to be anything related to settings, but much more deep rooted in the sensor quality. I do know what I know from using both cameras on a regular basis. I often wondered how and why there is such a difference, particularly with dynamic range on RAW stills. And its strange because it has never really been used as a selling point for the 7d over the others.

The assumption is that they are all the same & those higher figures on dynamic range may seem slight, but I can honestly say they are very noticeable when translated to real world use.
Ger Griffin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 23rd, 2011, 08:45 PM   #7
Major Player
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 579
Re: T3i vs. 7D Compare Image Quality

double post
Ger Griffin is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon EOS Crop Sensor for HD

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:44 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network