If you’re in the market for a new high-quality camera, you’ve probably come across the Canon 90D and R7 models. Packed with advanced features and cutting-edge technology, both cameras offer incredible performance for photographers and videographers. But which one is right for you? In this article, we will compare the Canon 90D and the R7 to help you make an informed decision about which camera best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiastic hobbyist, stay tuned to discover the differences between these two impressive cameras and find out which one reigns supreme.
Design
Build Quality
When it comes to the build quality of a camera, both the Canon 90D and R7 are top-notch. Canon is known for its durable and reliable cameras, and these two models are no exception. The bodies are made of high-quality materials, ensuring that they can withstand the rigors of frequent use. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, you can trust that these cameras will hold up well over time.
Dimensions and Weight
Considering the dimensions and weight of a camera is crucial, especially if you plan on carrying it around for extended periods. The Canon 90D and R7 have slightly different dimensions, with the 90D being a bit larger. However, the difference is minimal, and both cameras are still relatively compact and lightweight. This makes them ideal for photographers who need to be on the move, whether it’s for travel photography or capturing action-packed moments.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics play a significant role in providing a comfortable shooting experience. Both the Canon 90D and R7 have been designed with ergonomics in mind, allowing for easy handling and control. The grip on both cameras is well-designed, providing a secure and comfortable hold, even during long shooting sessions. The placement of buttons and dials is logical and intuitive, allowing for quick and easy access to essential settings. With these cameras, you won’t have to worry about discomfort or struggling to adjust settings while shooting.
Image Quality
Sensor Resolution
The sensor resolution of a camera determines the amount of detail that can be captured in an image. The Canon 90D features a 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the R7 boasts a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor. Both sensors are highly capable and produce stunning image quality. The higher resolution of the R7’s full-frame sensor may give it a slight edge in terms of fine detail and overall image clarity, especially when it comes to large prints or cropping images.
Image Processor
The image processor is responsible for processing the data captured by the camera’s sensor and translating it into a final image. Both the Canon 90D and R7 are equipped with powerful DIGIC processors, ensuring fast and efficient processing. However, the R7 features a newer generation processor, which may result in slightly better overall image quality and faster performance in certain shooting situations. If image processing speed is a priority for you, the R7 is the way to go.
ISO Range
The ISO range determines the camera’s sensitivity to light. Both the Canon 90D and R7 offer a wide ISO range, allowing for shooting in various lighting conditions. The 90D has a range of 100-25600, which can be expanded to 51200, while the R7 has a range of 100-32000, expandable to 102400. The higher ISO range of the R7 provides more flexibility in low-light situations, allowing for better image quality with reduced noise. If you frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions, the R7’s higher ISO range may be beneficial.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic range refers to the camera’s ability to capture a wide range of tones, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. Both the Canon 90D and R7 offer excellent dynamic range capabilities. The 90D’s APS-C sensor and the R7’s full-frame sensor allow for impressive tonal range and detail in both shadow and highlight areas. Whether you’re shooting landscapes with dramatic lighting or portraits with subtle nuances, both cameras will deliver stunning results.
Autofocus System
Number of AF Points
The number of autofocus (AF) points determines the camera’s ability to track and focus on subjects accurately. The Canon 90D boasts an impressive 45-point all cross-type AF system, offering precise and reliable autofocus across the frame. On the other hand, the R7 takes autofocus to the next level with its 100% vertical and horizontal coverage, thanks to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system. This means that the R7 has an astonishing 5940 selectable AF points, making it a fantastic choice for subjects that require precise tracking, such as fast-moving sports or wildlife.
AF Sensitivity
The autofocus sensitivity of a camera plays a crucial role in challenging lighting conditions or when focusing on subjects with low contrast. Both the Canon 90D and R7 excel in this aspect. They are equipped with advanced AF systems that can focus accurately even in low-light situations. The R7, in particular, benefits from its improved AF sensitivity and low-light performance, thanks to its advanced imaging technology. Whether you’re shooting indoors, in dim lighting, or in challenging outdoor conditions, these cameras will ensure that your focus is spot on.
Tracking Performance
When it comes to tracking moving subjects, both the Canon 90D and R7 shine. The 90D’s 45-point all cross-type AF system provides reliable and precise subject tracking, making it suitable for capturing action shots. However, the R7 takes tracking performance to another level with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system. The R7’s extensive AF coverage and increased AF points enable highly accurate subject tracking, even in complex and fast-paced situations. If you regularly shoot sports, wildlife, or any other fast-moving subjects, the R7’s tracking performance will impress you.
Shooting Speed
Burst Mode
Burst mode refers to the camera’s ability to capture a high number of consecutive shots in a short amount of time. The Canon 90D offers an impressive 10 frames per second (fps) burst rate, which is ideal for capturing fast-action moments with multiple frames to choose from. On the other hand, the R7 takes it a step further with an astonishing 20 fps burst rate in electronic shutter mode and 12 fps burst rate in mechanical shutter mode. This makes the R7 a fantastic choice for photographers who need to capture fast-paced action, such as sports or wildlife photography.
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed determines the duration for which the camera’s shutter remains open, allowing light to reach the sensor. Both the Canon 90D and R7 offer a wide range of shutter speeds, allowing you to freeze fast-moving subjects or create long-exposure effects. The maximum shutter speed of the 90D is 1/8000th of a second, while the R7 can go up to 1/8000th of a second as well. When it comes to freezing action, both cameras perform exceptionally well, ensuring that you never miss a decisive moment.
Buffer Capacity
Buffer capacity refers to the camera’s ability to store images temporarily before writing them to the memory card. A larger buffer capacity allows you to capture more consecutive shots in burst mode without experiencing buffer overflow or slowdown. The Canon 90D has a decent buffer capacity, allowing you to capture up to 25 RAW images or 58 JPEG images in a single burst. The R7, on the other hand, offers an impressive buffer capacity, allowing you to capture up to 1000 RAW images or 5800 JPEG images in a single burst. If you frequently shoot in burst mode or need extended continuous shooting, the R7’s generous buffer capacity will be a significant advantage.
Video Capabilities
Resolution and Frame Rates
Both the Canon 90D and R7 are capable of recording high-quality videos. The 90D offers 4K recording at up to 30 frames per second (fps) and 1080p recording at up to 120 fps. On the other hand, the R7 takes it a step further with 8K recording at up to 30 fps, 4K recording at up to 60 fps, and 1080p recording at up to 120 fps.
Video Autofocus
Autofocus is critical when recording videos, as it ensures that your subject remains in focus throughout the footage. Both the Canon 90D and R7 excel in this aspect. They feature advanced autofocus systems that provide smooth and accurate autofocus during video recording. The R7, with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, offers even more precise and reliable autofocus performance, allowing for seamless focus transitions and subject tracking in videos.
Video Compression
Video compression determines the quality and file size of a video. Both the Canon 90D and R7 offer efficient video compression options, allowing you to record high-quality videos without excessive file sizes. The 90D supports both IPB and ALL-I compression, while the R7 offers IPB compression. The R7’s IPB compression strikes an excellent balance between video quality and file size, making it a great choice for videographers who require high-quality footage without sacrificing storage space.
Viewfinder
Type
The type of viewfinder can significantly impact your shooting experience. The Canon 90D features an optical viewfinder, which provides a clear and direct view of the scene, with no lag or image delay. On the other hand, the R7 features an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which provides a live view of the scene through a digital display. The advantage of an EVF is that it offers a real-time preview of exposure and white balance settings, making it easier to visualize the final image before capturing it.
Coverage
Viewfinder coverage refers to the percentage of the frame that is visible through the viewfinder. Both the Canon 90D and R7 offer excellent viewfinder coverage. The 90D provides approximately 100% frame coverage, ensuring that what you see through the viewfinder matches what you’ll capture in the final image. Similarly, the R7 offers exceptional 100% horizontal and vertical frame coverage, providing an accurate representation of the scene.
Magnification
Viewfinder magnification relates to the size of the image that you see through the viewfinder. The Canon 90D and R7 both offer impressive magnification ratios. The 90D has a magnification of approximately 0.95x, while the R7 boasts an even larger magnification of approximately 0.76x. This means that when you look through the viewfinder, the image appears larger and more detailed, allowing for precise composition and focus.
LCD Screen
Size and Resolution
The Canon 90D and R7 are equipped with high-quality LCD screens for image playback and menu navigation. The 90D features a 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of approximately 1.04 million dots, providing sharp and clear image previews. On the other hand, the R7 boasts a larger 3.15-inch LCD screen with a higher resolution of approximately 2.1 million dots. The R7’s larger and higher-resolution LCD screen offers more detailed image previews, making it easier to examine image quality and composition.
Touchscreen Capability
Both the Canon 90D and R7 feature touchscreen LCD screens, allowing for intuitive navigation and controls. The touchscreen capability enables you to quickly and easily navigate through menus, adjust settings, and even select the autofocus point by simply tapping on the screen. This feature adds an extra level of convenience and makes the cameras more user-friendly, especially for those who are accustomed to using smartphones or other touchscreen devices.
Articulating
An articulating LCD screen can be a significant advantage, especially for photographers who frequently shoot from various angles or need to capture shots from unconventional positions. Unfortunately, neither the Canon 90D nor the R7 has an articulating LCD screen. While this may be a drawback for those who require maximum flexibility in their shooting, the fixed LCD screens on both cameras are still highly capable and provide a clear view of the scene.
Connectivity
Wireless
Both the Canon 90D and R7 offer wireless connectivity options, allowing for easy transfer of images and remote control functionality. With built-in Wi-Fi, you can quickly and wirelessly transfer images from your camera to your smartphone or tablet for instant sharing on social media or backup. Additionally, the cameras can connect to compatible devices for remote shooting, giving you the flexibility to set up shots or shoot from a distance.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth connectivity is available in both the Canon 90D and R7, allowing for seamless and low-energy communication between the camera and other devices. Bluetooth enables easy and automatic pairing with compatible smartphones or tablets, enabling you to transfer images or remotely control the camera without the need for a direct Wi-Fi connection. This feature is particularly useful for quickly transferring images or maintaining a connection for extended periods without draining the camera’s battery.
HDMI
The HDMI port on a camera allows for high-quality image and video output to external displays or recorders. Both the Canon 90D and R7 are equipped with an HDMI port, providing the flexibility to connect the camera to a compatible monitor or television for larger image previews or video playback. This feature is particularly useful for professional photographers or videographers who require detailed analysis or accurate representation of their work on larger screens.
Battery Life
Number of Shots per Charge
Battery life is an essential consideration for photographers, especially when shooting in remote locations or for extended periods. The Canon 90D and R7 both feature robust battery performance, ensuring that you won’t run out of power in the middle of a shoot. The 90D offers an impressive battery life of approximately 1300 shots per charge, while the R7 provides an even more substantial battery life of approximately 1100 shots per charge. With either camera, you can confidently shoot all day without worrying about running out of battery.
Battery Type
Both the Canon 90D and R7 use Canon’s LP-E6N battery, a widely used battery type among Canon cameras. The LP-E6N is known for its reliability and longevity, making it a popular choice for photographers. Canon also offers a range of accessories, such as external battery grips, for extended battery life or convenient charging options. The use of a universal and readily available battery type ensures that you’ll have no trouble finding spare batteries or replacements when needed.
Price
Body Only
The Canon 90D and R7 are both high-quality cameras with advanced features, and as such, they come at different price points. The 90D is generally more affordable, making it an excellent option for enthusiasts or photographers on a tighter budget. If you’re looking for a camera with excellent image quality, fast performance, and a versatile feature set, the 90D offers an excellent value for its price.
On the other hand, the R7 is a flagship camera that provides enhanced capabilities and performance. It offers professional-level features and image quality, making it well-suited for serious enthusiasts, professional photographers, or those who require the utmost in image quality. While the R7 undoubtedly comes at a higher price point, its advanced features and exceptional image quality make it a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best.
With Kit Lens
When purchasing a camera, you have the option to buy it with a kit lens, which is a lens that is bundled with the camera body. The kit lens is typically a versatile lens that covers a range of focal lengths, making it suitable for a variety of shooting situations. Both the Canon 90D and R7 are available as body-only options or with a kit lens.
The kit lens that comes with the Canon 90D is the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. This lens provides a useful focal range for everyday shooting, from wide-angle to short telephoto. It’s a lightweight and compact lens that offers image stabilization, ensuring sharp and steady images even in challenging conditions.
The R7, on the other hand, is available with the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens as a kit option. This lens is part of Canon’s high-end L-series lens lineup, known for its exceptional image quality and build quality. The 24-105mm focal range is versatile and well-suited for a wide range of genres, from landscapes to portraits. With image stabilization and a constant maximum aperture of f/4, this lens delivers outstanding performance and image quality.
Opting for the kit lens is an excellent choice, especially for beginners or those looking for a well-rounded setup straight out of the box. The kit lens provides a solid starting point and allows you to explore various genres of photography without having to invest in additional lenses right away.
In conclusion, both the Canon 90D and R7 are remarkable cameras with their own strengths and advantages. The 90D offers excellent image quality, fast performance, and a versatile feature set at a more affordable price point, making it a fantastic choice for enthusiasts and budget-conscious photographers. On the other hand, the R7 takes it to the next level with its professional-grade image quality, advanced features, and impeccable performance, making it a top choice for serious enthusiasts and professionals. Regardless of which camera you choose, you can’t go wrong with either option, as they both represent Canon’s commitment to delivering outstanding quality and performance.