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Canon EOS 7D In Depth Review

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Posted by Patrick on Nov 12, 2009 in Cameras, Featured Content, Reviews

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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)
Camera Body with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens

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

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.


The EOS 7D has a magnesium alloy body, with similar environmental sealing as the EOS 5D II.	Improvements in sensor technology, means the EOS 7D boasts improved resolution and noise attributes vs. the EOS 50D.

Faster image throughput, noise processing, and HD movie recording are all all aided by dual DIGIC IV processors.	An all new iFCL 63 zone dual layer metering sensor analyzes focus, color, and luminance when determining exposure settings.

The all new AF sensor provides 19 cross-type AF points.	The 19 points as shown in the viewfinder, a nice improvement over the EOS 50D and even EOS 5D Mark II.

To achieve 8fps, Canon retooled the dual motor shutter of the EOS 50D and improved the electrical system, making it now compatible with the LP-E6 battery from the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.	The EOS 7D pentaprism. The EOS 7D uses a transmissive LCD screen which allows for viewfinder illumination and several different overlays while looking through the 100% view, 1.0x magnification viewfinder

The EOS 7D offers 5+/- stops of exposure compensation, plus 3+/- stops of exposure bracketing.	The dual axis electronic level shows pitch and roll in both the viewfinder and the LCD.

Selectable frame rates are available when recording HD movies.	The internal flash can be used as a master to control multiple speedlight slaves.