Canon EOS 7D In Depth Review

Playback Options

The EOS 7D provides the basic playback options for analyzing and viewing images (and video) but lacks the more extensive in-camera image editing found on the Nikon D300s. I don’t expect this will be a major loss for most consumers, but the D300s does have a distinct edge here.

As it stands though, the EOS 7D offers varying degrees of information to be displayed (or not) with your images, including camera settings and histograms. There’s also the ability to scroll through smaller thumbnails for easier access to an image and using the main dial will click you through 10 images at time. Of course just as in Live View, you can zoom into your image to ascertain focus.

In image playback you can view image minus excessive information.	Image with some relevant camera settings.
Image with extended information and histogram.	Image now with RGB histograms included.

Video Options

The EOS 7D includes the most robust HD recording specs yet on a DSLR camera. First, movie recording is easier than ever with a dedicated switch for recording movies, and near “instant on” recording with the press of a (start/stop) button. Second, the EOS 7D now includes selectable frame rates, a clear point of distinction, for now, between it and the EOS 5D Mark II. At 1920×1080 the EOS 7D can record at 30P or 24P, and these are actually industry standards, so 30P is actually 29.97 fps and 24P is actually 23.976 fps. At 720P and 480P you can choose from 50 fps (PAL) or 60 fps (NTSC). Like the EOS 5D Mark II a stereo microphone can be attached to the EOS 7D, though a mono microphone is included in the camera. As with Live View shooting, you can opt for different grid views and even use the dual-axis electronic level.

Video quality is very impressive, looking very similar to the EOS 5D Mark II’s footage, perhaps with a slight improvement in the jello effect of moving objects or panning camera movements. As with the EOS 5D Mark II, footage shown on an HDTV looks very good.

The little scissors icon allows you to trim your recorded video clips.	Position the slide points to trim the start and end of the clip.

Editing video from the EOS 7D can be time consuming, largely because the H.264 format the files are saved in is truly a challenge for even fairly up to date computers. A typical (but more advanced) video workflow involves changing over to a more manageable file format, and that of course involves more time. Still, the video quality will likely be worth the effort for most would be directors.

Our video sample features clips shot in various conditions, a good many of which were shot at ISO 3200 and even ISO 6400.
[Video sample should be available shortly]

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

Continue Reading This Review:

1. Introduction
2. Specifications
3. Camera Design
4. Camera Interface
5. Performance
6. Image Quality
7. Playback and Video Options
8. Verdict
9. Image Samples

Continue the Discussion

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1. 

   Eric says:

   February 22, 2010 at 12:20 am

   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!

   reply
2. 

   dylan salt says:

   March 10, 2010 at 7:11 am

   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

   reply