Canon EOS 7D In Depth Review

Verdict

To sum it up, the Canon EOS 7D offers a substantial upgrade for consumers looking to move up to a pro level APS-C DSLR. It provides class leading resolution, arguably the best ISO capability, amazing HD video, all packed in a professional level camera body. Before we give our final opinion let’s take a look at the positives and negatives, but I’ll warn you, I had a hard time finding any notable negatives, the EOS 7D is just that good.

Positives

• Terrific ergonomics, thanks in large part to recrafted grip, but larger buttons and improved layout also contribute.
• Very good viewfinder, equal to that of the Nikon D300s.
• 8 fps continuous shooting, and that’s 14 bit files.
• Near infinite JPEG shooting (assuming good quality CF card).
• New 19 point AF system a nice improvement over the 9 point system on the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II.
• Latest generation LCD screen provides excellent viewing angles.
• Camera build is very good (but not as good as Nikon D300s).
• Clean, detailed images from high resolution sensor.
• Capable of high ISO photography equal or better to any other APS-C DSLR camera.
• Excellent video quality with selectable frame rates.
• Built in flash works as master to slave Speedlites.
• Battery holds up surprisingly long time and is compatible with the EOS 5D Mark II.
• Quick Control screens provides interactive access to camera settings.
• Dual axis electronic level works well (but can consume time!).
• Easy to use and visually pleasing camera interface.
• Near Instant startup times.
• In-camera peripheral illumination (vignette) control.

Negatives

• WB in indoor light not remotely accurate.
• Shutter sound a bit too “designed” for my tastes.
• Included EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM kit lens doesn’t match build quality of EOS 7D. (But an above average performer)
• Live View focusing slightly improved, but still too slow.

Conclusion

The EOS 7D is a superb handling DSLR camera with a much improved overall grip and nice enhancements to camera layout, including larger buttons and the new Live View/movie recording switch. It’s a well built camera too, with impressive heft and a sense of professionalism, but at the same time it has a slightly more refined exterior than the EOS 5D Mark II. The viewfinder, image quality, and high ISO capabilities are all as good as it gets for an APS-C DSLR camera right now.

Then there’s the aspects to the EOS 7D that frankly make me, as an EOS 5D Mark II owner, a little bit envious. There’s that camera grip again, the ability to control Speedlites with the internal flash, the selectable frame rates, the improved AF system, and of course the 8 fps continuous shooting. In fact during my time with the EOS 7D there was very little I didn’t like, other than going through memory cards faster than I normally do with the constant rapid fire bursts. The EOS 7D isn’t great in AWB in indoor lighting, and I never did get used to the shutter sound, it just isn’t “mechanical” enough for my tastes. But these few negatives did absolutely nothing to spoil our time with the EOS 7D. With all it has going for it on the spec sheet, its real world performance, its image and video quality, and its price point, I think the EOS 7D easily offers the best value in its class, and doing any better would mean spending much more money on a full frame camera. Because of this, I can’t recommend the EOS 7D enough to would-be consumers looking for a top-of-the-line APS-C DSLR camera. Therefore, I’m giving the EOS 7D a rare “Essential” rating. It’s simply as good as it gets for a crop sensor camera.

Build Quality: 8.5/10
Features: 10/10
Functionality: 9/10
Image Quality: 8.5/10
Overall Value: 9.5/10

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