Canon EOS 7D In Depth Review
Introduction
Since its announcement at the beginning of September, the Canon EOS 7D seems to have created a good deal of buzz for itself, and I think it’s fair to say it has in many ways overshadowed the also recently introduced Nikon D300s. This marks a distinct turn of events for the two camera lines, as this was previously held territory for the D300s’ predecessor, the D300. The reason for all the buzz is Canon’s concerted effort to decidedly regain the throne of the semi-pro/professional cropped sensor camera market, the result of which is the EOS 7D.
To accomplish this, a simple refresh of the EOS 50D’s specifications wouldn’t do, so instead the EOS 7D features a number of substantial improvements. First, the EOS 7D gets an all new sensor, this time with 18 megapixels on board. According to Canon, by combining advancements made with the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II’s sensors (gapless microlens design and reducing distance between sensor and microlenses), along with improvements in each pixel (photodiode) by way of circuitry and construction improvements, the EOS 7D is capable of high resolution imagery while improving signal to noise ratios and dynamic range. The bump in resolution doesn’t mean a decrease in continuous shooting speed either. Instead the EOS 7D offers 8 fps, besting the D300s by 1 fps. Doing this requires the use of dual DIGIC IV processors, and even more notable, these are 14-bit RAW files, not the 12-bit files that the Nikon D300s is shooting continuously at 7fps. Other improvements include the excellent 100% view, 1.0x magnification viewfinder, a new 19 point cross-type AF system, new 63 zone metering system, dual axis electronic level (viewable on LCD or in viewfinder), and last but not least, extensive HD movie recording options that include selectable frame rates, and further helped by a dedicated “Start” (recording) button on the back of the camera.
All of these enhancements (and quite a few more not mentioned yet) have made the EOS 7D the object of a good deal of attention since it’s announcement. By seemingly going one step better than its nearest competitor at almost every step, and doing so for the same price, the Canon has made the EOS 7D hard to resist.
Availability
The Canon EOS 7D is now in stock at B&H Photo. They offer the best selection, prices, and service, and by making your camera related purchases at B&H through our links, you also help support our site.
Canon EOS 7D SLR Digital Camera at B&H Photo Get your Canon EOS 7D and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the following links at B&H Photo Video. They offer the best selection and service, and your purchases there help us continue to provide you with more and more great content. Camera Body (only) |
Competition
Amongst the latest cameras available, the Canon EOS 7D has one clear rival, the Nikon D300s. Both target similar markets, offer similar spec’s, and check in at roughly the same price. Extend the criteria a little further, and the Pentax K-7 offers competitive performance and features, is smaller in size, and costs considerably less.
| Camera | Nikon D300s | Canon EOS 7D | Pentax K-7 |
| Price (street est.) | $1799 | $1699 | $1150 |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.3 megapixels | 18 megapixels | 14.6 megapixels |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 | 100-12,800 | 100-6400 |
| AF | 51 points, 15 cross-type | 19 points, 19 cross-type | 11 points, 9 cross-type |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LCD | 3 inch, 920K | 3 inch, 920K | 3 inch, 921K |
| Continuous Shooting | 7 fps (8 with grip) | 8 fps | 5.2 fps |
| HD Movie | 720p HD video at 24 fps, connector for external microphone | 720p HD video at 50fps/60fps, 1080p HD video at 30fps/25fps/24fps, connector for external microphone | 1536 x 1024 at 30fps, 720p HD video at 30fps, connector for external microphone |
| Viewfinder | 100%, .94x magnification | 100%, 1x magnification | 100% coverage, .92x magnification |
| Dimensions | 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in) | 148 x 111 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.3 x 2.8 in) | 131 x 97 x 73 mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9 in) |
| Weight | 840 g (1.14 lb) | No battery: 820 g (1.8 lb) | No battery: 670 g (1.4 lb) |
Highlights
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There are a number of new and improved features found on the Canon EOS 7D, a number of which have never been seen on an EOS model before. Here’s a look at some of the highlights to be found on the EOS 7D.
Continue Reading This Review:
- Introduction
- Specifications
- Camera Design
- Camera Interface
- Performance
- Image Quality
- Playback and Video Options
- Verdict
- Image Samples
Continue the Discussion
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Hi,
Just read this review. Great info! What really intrigued me though were the photos of the horse track (toteboard, etc.). Where were these photos taken? They’re awesome!
Too be quite honest the pics published (and the originals downloaded) here do zero for the 7D with regards its pedigree & wouldn’t even hold up to my workhorse, a Pentax K10D even at ISO 640
I’m sure you would admit that the shadow noise in the “sun” landscape is simply ghastly for ISO 200.
What gives?
The review was great but the pics presented here certainly did not make me want to rush off and by the 7D