Canon 7dMk II U/W

[jcclink 8]

Has anyone used the 7d mk ii underwater yet? Pros & cons? Housing?

Edited December 18, 2014 by jcclink

[meltdownman 2]

Besides costs,

 

If you are going to use the TTL function of a Canon camera for a 5D MII (which I have) you need to purchase a converter ($$$) whereas a 7D you can use the pop up flash on the camera inside the housing and use fiber optics. There is less chance of flooding the additional electronics of the converter and cable and the optics seem pretty reliable from everyone that I have seen using them on various cameras out there.

 

If you use a 7D with its pop up flash your battery life will not be as long - just set the output to minimum however and your battery life will be fine.

 

I have used by 5D MII with an Aquatica Housing and have been able to shoot for several days without removing the camera from the housing because I don't have a flash going and I shoot mostly manual now that I have more experience. The TTL comes in handy when you need to get off a quick shot.

 

The housings for a 7D are smaller, lighter and with no TTL converter there is more room in your bag with less chance of exceeding weight limits on airlines. The 5D is a bit better for low light conditions over the 7D but I still find that I need focusing lights to help with the focus with the 5D MII. This includes those days that are overcast vice bright sunny days.

 

This is from my personal experience with my 5D MII. I have not taken my 7D underwater but have discussed this and read up on the 7D before my purchase of the 5D MII for underwater use.

 

Both the 7D and the 5D MII use the same lenses so the quality is there for both.

 

 

Hope that helps.

 

The Meltdownman

 

 

Edited December 18, 2014 by meltdownman

[scuba-s 0]

i have just gone from the 7D to to 7Dmk2 and waiting for an ikelite housing to arrive the control button layout is nearly the same as the 7D the camera is slightly larger and the buttons allocated different functions,looking forward to getting it in the water (inside the housing that is )

Edited December 20, 2014 by scuba-s

[scuba-s 0]

Can give you an idea of what the camera is like above water, the auto focus is very fast and tracks the subject brilliantly in servo mode as well, the low light performance is great ,the ISO performance leaves the 7D for dead, useable pics up to 3200 and even 6400 in a pinch which is a major plus but will see how good it is when I get it underwater

Edited December 20, 2014 by scuba-s

[Gudge 58]

Received my Nauticam 7D Mk II housing today and off to Ambon in a couple of days. I'll report back in early in the new year on how it all goes.

[Scuba_SI 39]

We've got a couple here. So far the controls on the Nauticam 7dmk2 feel super slick. AF is great. Just getting used to the new layout of buttons. I particularily like the position of the mn.fn on the thumb.

[ghnouer 0]

I d like to know more about this camera UW and housing too.

 

Maybe a full review article ?

[megtooth 4]

I second that request. My plan this year is to upgrade to FF body (already got the glass) but I'd love to hear about your high ISO and focus experiences with the Mark II. I could change my mind based on real world UW performance experience. We UW photographers have a slightly different cost slant in that the housing is generally the most expensive item, not the camera. Thanks for your experiences and observations ( and anyone else's !)

[ghnouer 0]

An interesting review:

 

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_7D_Mark_II/verdict.shtml

[Gudge 58]

I've just got back from a trip to Ambon, Indonesia and used the 7D Mk II in a Nauticam housing for 30 dives during the trip. Having used the original 7D in a Nauticam housing for nearly 5 years the most notable improvement with the 7D Mk II is the autofocus, it is very fast, accurate and performs well in low light conditions that would have required a focus light with the original 7D. The Nauticam 7D Mk II housing is also excellent, by far the best housing I have ever used (it is the 8th housing I've owned). I am preparing a full review of both and will be posting it on Wetpixel in the near future.

[ghnouer 0]

Thank you Gudge!!!!! I really want to read your review, and see your pictures.

[megtooth 4]

I second that, Gudge! Looking forward to your experience, particularly how the camera handles higher ISOs and the "taming" of the resultant noise. Especially if you were able to have some "available light" only experience. And of course, comments on the nuances of the focus system (settings you found most appropriate) will be appreciated. Yes - the Nauticam housing looks like a work of industrial art - can't wait to get your take on ergonomics and ease of control. Thanks again for you efforts and hope you had a great time!

[Gudge 58]

My review of the 7D MkII and Nauticam NA-7DMKII is done:

 

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=54948

Edited January 30, 2015 by Gudge