Canon EOS 7D Review

A guest Review of the Canon EOS 7D by Patrick Dean from NeutralDay.com.

The 18 megapixel Canon EOS 7D is a significant leap forward for the prosumer line of EOS DSLR cameras.

It offers increased resolution, high ISO capabilities, a new AF system, improved handling and functionality, and rapid-fire continuous shooting.

Intended for enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers, the EOS 7D competes directly with the Nikon D300s and does so with impressive specifications.

Highlights

The EOS 7D sensor, shutter unit, and dual DIGIC IV processors (image credit: Canon USA)

18.0 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor: Provides increased resolution and cropping options. Improvements in sensor and manufacturing technology have had a hand in improving high ISO performance as well.

Dual DIGIC IV processors: Allows the EOS 7D to power through its larger files and use more advanced algorithms for in-camera functions like noise reduction.

ISO 100-6400: Expandable to 12,800, the EOS 7D performs better than the EOS 50D at high ISO settings, and arguably better than the Nikon D300s.

19-point all cross-type AF: All 19 points are manually selectable with 5 ways of selecting points, including “Single Point”, “Spot AF” which concentrates a point, “AF Point Expansion” which expands a point to surrounding points if need be, “Zone AF”, and an auto mode using all 19 points.

8 fps continuous shooting speed: 14-bit files for a claimed 15 consecutive RAW files or 126 consecutive JPEGs.

iFCL metering system: With 63 zone dual layer metering sensor. Analyzes focus, color, and luminosity to determine proper exposure

“Intelligent” viewfinder: Features 100% coverage and 1.0x magnification. Transmissive LCD screen allows for multiple internal views like optional grid lines, various AF modes, and even a dual axis electronic level.

Advanced movie mode: Full manual mode is available, as well as selectable frame rates. For 1929 x 1080 this means 30p, 24p, and 25p. For 1280 x 720p the options are 60p and 50p.

Magnesium alloy body: Resistant to water and dust, the EOS 7D also has a shutter rated for 150,000 cycles.
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