Canon EOS 7D - Top of the Class

Canon EOS 7D - Top of the Class

The Canon EOS 7D is by far one of the most anticipated cameras of the year. Ever since the 5D Mark II was launched August last year, there were talks that Canon may just announce another camera of the same caliber as the 5D Mark II which has full frame goodness, excellent noise control at higher ISO values and lower price to attract potential camera buffs to upgrade from their cropped sensor based cameras.

There are some people who are keen to see the dissolution and abandonment of cropped sensors, predicting that the future is in full frame sensors and beyond. If model names were anything to go by, the new 7D would have been a dumbed-down version of the 5D Mark II.

Contrary to Canon's naming convention, however, the 7D uses a cropped sensor and instead reinforces the fact that cropped sensors are here to stay. In other areas, the 7D actually has more features as compared to the 5D Mark II. If we were to classify the 7D with the other cameras, the 7D would be more of a hybrid that lies in between the speedy 1D series and the 5D Mark II, albeit with a 1.6x cropped sensor.

But before we delve further into the camera's build and capabilities, let us first have a look at just what makes the 7D special. An 18MP APS-C (1.6x crop) CMOS sensor along with a 100% field of view and 1x magnification viewfinder, a first for Canon. ISO settings range from 100 to 6400, and are expandable to 12800 (at the H setting), while dual DIGIC 4 processors, similar to the 1D series, is exceptionally important considering the shooting speed and file size of the images taken. You also get 8fps continuous shooting speed, which is on par with the older 1D Mark II N, which can also be seen as a response to the Nikon D700's capabilities. Canon throws in 19 cross-type AF points for better focusing accuracy and spot focusing. Last but not least, you also get 1080p video recording with variable frame rates (30, 25, or 24fps), and 720p recording with variable frame rates (59.94fps or 50fps).

Handling the Class

Comparing it to its nearest cousin, the 50D, we realize that there are certainly some significant changes to the button layout.

For starters, the On/Off switch has moved to the top of the camera. While this is certainly no biggie, the 7D does remind Olympus users of its layout; the Olympus DSLRs have the On/Off switch located under the mode dial, similar to the 7D.

The row of buttons at the bottom of the screen has also moved back to its original location by the left of the rear LCD screen. There are also new additions to the layout, including a one-touch button to activate RAW + JPEG file recording (one shot only). Other differences include a M-Fn button location just above the front scroll wheel, similar to the 1D series, where the flash exposure lock (FEL) button is found; as well as a Start/Stop button, integrated with a Live View and Movie shooting switch, above the 8-way joystick.

New Class, New Features

Besides the minute changes in its layout, the EOS 7D is also equipped with a few upgrades to its features and hardware. Some of it, such as its 1080p video recording, has already become a staple in its recent DSLR entries. Others, like its upgraded viewfinder, make a world of difference when it comes to photography.

Upgraded Viewfinder

The 100% field of view coverage and 1x magnification viewfinder on the 7D is definitely something that most Canon users have been looking for. Up till now, Canon has always been steadfastly sticking to their guns, preferring to offer 100% coverage but only 0.71x to 0.76x magnification. This new development will no doubt set the standards for other new cameras henceforth, which is an excellent piece of news for all.

Transparent Liquid Crystal Focusing Screen

Even the focusing screen on the 7D has undergone a revamp. Focusing screens were previously sold separately, and you had to go down to Canon Service Centres to get it switched. The 7D has the ability to display a variety of information. Want a grid to help you with your framing? No problem, just enable it under 8th menu tab (4th from the right), and voila, instant grid! This is only possible with Canon's new focusing screen, using a transparent liquid crystal panel to display the information you require. Perhaps, in the near future, we can probably customize whatever information we want to see. A customizable HUD, please, Canon?

Video Capabilities

The successes of the 5D Mark II's video capabilities are clearly evident in the 7D. Before the camera was even launched, several professional cinematographers test-drove the 7D's video abilities. A simple search on Google will show a handful for you to have a look. Here's a great example that shows what the 7D is capable of.

Field Report Card

Aside from that one 'flaw' - the cropped sensor (at least from our point of view) - the 7D also performs remarkably well in any lighting situation. With a cropped sensor, the focal length is effectively 1.6 times longer than what is stated on the lens, giving us that extra reach.

We were lucky enough to receive the camera two days before a close friend's wedding - a good opportunity in field-testing this newcomer. With a cropped sensor, our focal length is effectively 1.6 times longer than what is stated on the lens, giving us that extra reach. For this particular wedding, we shot the images using only a 50mm f/1.4 lens.

ISO and Noise Control

Despite having a similar ISO range than its 50D cousin, the 7D offers better noise control. We could safely shoot at ISO2000 or ISO2500 and present the images with confidence. If needed, we can even raise the exposure in the post-production stage by another two-thirds of a stop, stopping short at one full stop in extreme circumstances.

This, however, does not mean that pictures taken at ISO3200 and above are not worth using; it's just an option that we choose not to exercise unless the situation calls for it.

Auto Focus

With the 7D, there's also major improvement in focusing. With 19 cross-type AF points, the 7D is one level short of attaining the revered focusing status of the 1D. Focusing felt faster and was also more accurate in many situations; at times we felt that it was on par with the 1D Mark III, which says a lot about the 7D's focusing abilities.

The AF area selection modes and their activation were something else that we had to get used to. For the first time in a long while, we actually had to refer to the accompanying manual to figure out how to switch between the different types of AF points (which, by the way, you have to press the M-Fn to switch between Single point, Spot, AF Point Expansion and Zone). It's also interesting to note that Canon has changed the look and feel of the AF points themselves, adopting the same design as the 1D series; you can say goodbye to the nine tiny squares now.

To give the 7D its highest accolade, we can almost claim that the out-of-camera images are certainly on par, if not (heaven forbid) better than the 5D Mark II. While we would certainly like to make the above claim, the sheer fact that the 7D comes equipped with a cropped sensor is a letdown. With faster lenses, the 5D Mark II will most certainly produce better bokeh as compared to a cropped sensor, hence better image control.

However, that does not, in any way, mean that current owners of EF-S lenses should start ditching their current collection to acquire the more expensive and optically superior L range. The 7D is still formidable when compared to its nearest competitor, the Nikon D300s. While we've yet to review the D300s, we do believe the 7D will come up strong with its wonderful noise control, faster AF and excellent video. Throw in a few L-quality EF-S lenses like the EF-S 17-55mm IS and the EF-S 10-22mm, and the 7D can just about take on most of its consumer competitors.

Sample Images from the Canon EOS 7D

Conclusion

The 7D is a camera that many Canon DSLR users will want, but as camera based on a cropped sensor design, it would appeal more to the consumer crowd than it would for the professionals. As mentioned earlier, we very much consider the 7D to be a hybrid of the 1D and the 5D Mark II - exceptionally fast shooting speed, great AF speed and producing excellent photos. At its current price point of S$2699 for the body, it seems poised to win over those who have been tempted by its capabilities.

Fact is, the EOS 7D has a load of feature upgrades, and what you'll need to consider if the following features that are of significance to this DSLR:

• 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• 100% field of view
• 1x magnification viewfinder
• ISO100 to 64000, ISO12800 at H setting
• Dual DIGIC 4 processors
• 8fps continuous shooting speed
• 19 cross-type AF points
• 1080p (30, 25, 24fps) and 720p (59.94, 50fps) video recording

So the crux of it all is this - should you upgrade? Without a shadow of a doubt, we would recommend that whoever owns an xxD series to upgrade, because this is as good as it gets for a 1.6x crop camera. You can either choose to get current technology and enjoy it while you can, or you can wait a year to see what else Canon can deliver. In short, go get the 7D. You won't regret it.

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