• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Canon 7D advantages over Nikon D6

  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Nikon D6 advantages over Canon 7D

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 4.30 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 19
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    5 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.8 vs 18.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    153 vs 19
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    327680 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Canon 7D
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm lens
All 7D Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D6

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent 18-megapixel sensor with impressively low noise and superb detail; Very good high ISO performance, especially for 18-megapixel subframe sensor; Rugged construction with magnesium body and weather sealing; Fast autofocus and fast burst rate of 8 fps; Full HD (1920x1080) movies at 30/25/24p, 60/50p at 1280x720.

  • No dedicated AF-assist lamp (flash is used), and AF-assist adjustment is buried in the Flash Settings menu; Kit lens (28-135mm) isn't quite up to the resolving power of the 18-megapixel sensor, odd focal length for subframe DSLR; No continuous autofocus in Movie mode.

  • Read our Canon 7D Full Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Canon 7D
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Less shutter lag
  • $1597
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Canon 7D vs Canon 7D Mark II

Nikon D6
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1597
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 7D Mark II

Compared to Canon 60D

Canon 7D
Canon 60D
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • More cross-type AF points
  • Less shutter lag
  • $889
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Canon 7D vs Canon 60D

Nikon D6
Canon 60D
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $889
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Internal flash

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 60D

Compared to Nikon D7000

Canon 7D
Nikon D7000
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 7D vs Nikon D7000

Nikon D6
Nikon D7000
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D7000

Compared to Sony A77

Canon 7D
Sony A77
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Canon 7D vs Sony A77

Nikon D6
Sony A77
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D6 vs Sony A77

Compared to Nikon D5

Canon 7D
Nikon D5
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon 7D vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Compare Other Cameras?