Aiming for Canon EOS 7D

I am currently a Canon EOS 30D user, it had been my workhorse DSLR for my travel, events, wedding and sports photography. Even going through 3 rounds of servicing at the Canon Service Centre, there wasn’t a time whereby I thought of selling it off. Nevertheless, as my level of photography advances and greater demands, I was always looking at the Canon EOS 1D Mk 2 or Mk 3 as my next DSLR, due to my preference for sports and events photography.

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Photo Source : Digital Photography Review

The price of the Canon EOS 1D Mk 3 cost quite a lot and when Canon announce a new DSLR known as the Canon EOS 7D, it got me interested and I researched more deeply into it. In my personal opinion, the Canon EOS 7D is a value for money DSLR with the specs (almost all) of Canon EOS 1D Mk 3 and ONE-THIRD of the price, a hybrid between Canon EOS 50D & EOS 5D Mk 2. Fellow Canon photoblogger Tetanus summed it very well in his blog post, do check it too !

DPReview wrote a preview of the Canon EOS 7D and it was an excellent analysis and write up, do check out their post here ! Canon Singapore also allows us to do a comparison of various Canon DSLRs and I used it to compare between Canon EOS 7D, 5D Mk 2 and 50D, even though it might not be a fair comparison between these 3 models, the Canon EOS 7D is by itself a hybrid and new range of DSLR series (in my humble opinion).

Table of Comparisons of Canon DSLRs via Canon Singapore

Specification
Model EOS 7D EOS 5D Mark II EOS 50D
Recommended Retail Price
* Street price varies
SGD 2,699.00 Promo SGD 4,299.00 SGD 1,899.00 Promo
Effective Pixels Approx. 18.00 megapixels Approx. 21.10 megapixels Approx. 15.10M
Total Pixels Approx. 19.00 megapixels Approx. 15.5M
Startup Time Approx. 0.1sec. (Based on CIPA testing standards) Approx. 0.1 sec. (Based on CIPA testing standards)
Max. Resolution (still images) 5184 x 3456 5616 x 3744 4752 x 3168
Effective ISO Automatically set: ISO 100 – 6400; High Tone Priority settable: ISO 200 – 6400 Full Auto, Creative Auto: ISO 100 – 3200 set automatically P, Tv, Av, M, B:ISO 100 – 6400 (in 1/3-stop increments) settable, Auto, or expandable to ISO 50(L), ISO 12800(H1), or ISO 25600(H2) Automatically set, ISO 100 – 3200 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments), Basic Zone modes: ISO 100 – 1600 set automatically, Extension settable (with C.Fn.I-3-1): ISO 6400, ISO 12800, High Tone Priority settable: ISO 200 – 3200
JPEG Compression Mode (Still Image)
Movie Mode MOV, Recording size: 1920×1080 (Full HD), 640×480 (SD) MOV (Video: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM), Recording size: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD), 640 x 480 (SD), Continuous movie shooting time: Full HD approx. 12 min.
Focal Length (35mm Equivalent)
Optical Zoom / Digital Zoom
Closest Focus Distance
Recording Capacity (no. of images)

The data is measured under Canon’s testing standard AND may vary depending ON the scene, subjects OR camera settings
Memory Card TYPE CF Card Type I and II Type I or II CF card, UDMA-compatible CF Card Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CF cards, Recording to USB external media via Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E3)
Shooting Modes Live View shooting, Remote Live View shooting (with a personal computer installed with EOS Utility) Still photo shooting and movie shooting Live View shooting, Remote Live View shooting (with a personal computer installed with EOS Utility)
Photo Effects
Shutter Speed Range 1/8000 to 1/60sec., X-sync at 1/250sec. 1/8000 to 30sec., bulb 1/8000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb(Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.), X-sync at 1/200 sec. 1/8000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/250 sec., 1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode)
Metering 63-zone TTL full-aperture metering – Evaluative metering (linkable to any AF point), Partial metering (approx. 9.4% of viewfinder at center), Spot metering (approx. 2.3% of viewfinder at center), Center-weighted average metering 35-zone TTL full-apperture metering, Evaluative metering (linkable to any AF point), Partial metering (approx. 8% of viewfinder at center), Spot metering (approx. 3.5% of viewfinder at center), Center-weighted average metering 35-zone TTL full-aperture metering, Evaluative metering (linkable to all AF point), Partial metering (approx. 9% of viewfinder at center), Spot metering (approx. 3.8% of viewfinder at center), Center-weighted average metering
Metering Range EV 1 – 20 (at 73°F/23°C with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100) EV 1-20 (at 23°C/73°F with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100) EV -0.5 – 18 (at 73°F/23°C, ISO 100)
Continuous Shooting Speed High-speed: Max: 8 shots/sec; Low-speed: Max: 3 shots/sec Max. approx. 3.9 shots/sec. High-speed: Max. 6.3 shots/sec., Low-speed: Max. 3 shots/sec.
Viewfinder TYPE Eye-level pentaprism Eye-level pentaprism Eye-level pentaprism
LCD Monitor 3.0in. TFT colour, liquid-crystal monitor 3 inch. TFT color liquid-crystal monitor 3.0 inch., TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor
Coverage Vertical/ Horizontal approx. 100% approx. 98% approx. 95%
Eyepoint Approx. 22mm (from eyepiece lens center) Approx. 21mm (From eyepiece lens center at -1m-1) Approx. 22mm (from eyepiece lens center)
Dioptre Correction -3.0 to +1.0m-1 -3.0 – +1.0 m-1dpt -3.0 to +1.0m-1 (diopter)
Mirror Quick-return half mirror (transmission: reflectance ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with EF600mm f/4L IS USM or shorter lenses) Quick-return type Quick-return half mirror (transmission: reflectance ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with EF600mm f/4L IS USM or shorter lenses)
Viewfinder Information AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), Exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle, exposure warning), Flash information (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, High-speed sync, FE lock, Red-eye reduction light), Image information (Highlight tone priority, monochrome shooting, maximum burst, white balance correction, CF card information) AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), Exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle), Flash information (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, High-speed sync, FE lock, Red-eye reduction light), Image information (Highlight tone priority, monochrome shooting, maximum burst, white balance correction, CF card information)
Coverage approx. 100% Approx. 100% Approx.100% (viewing angle: approx. 160°)
Brightness Auto: Brightness adjusted automatically by light sensor; Manual: 7 levels provided Auto (Darker/Standard/Brighter), Manual (7 levels) 7 levels provided
Flash Modes Retractable, auto pop-up flash E-TTL II autoflash E-TTL II autoflash
Hotshoe PC Terminal Provided
X-sync 1/250sec. 1/200 sec 1/250 sec.
Playback Zoom approx.1.5x-10x Approx. 1.5x – 10x approx.1.5x-10x
CONNECTION TO Computer USB 2.0 Hi-Speed For personal computer communication and direct printing (Hi-Speed USB) For personal computer communication and direct printing (USB 2.0 Hi-Speed)
Direct printing without a computer Yes (PictBridge-compatible printers) Yes (PictBridge-compatible printers) Yes (PictBridge-compatible printers)
Optional CASE
Dimensions (W x H x D) Excl. Protrusions Approx. 5.8 x 4.3 x 2.9in./148.2 x 110.7 x 73.5mm 152 x 113.5 x 75 mm / 6.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 in. 145.5 x 107.8 x 73.5mm
Weight (Body ONLY) Approx. 28.9 oz./820g (body only) Approx. 810g / 28.6oz. (body only) Approx. 730g
Standard Power Supply One Battery Pack LP-E6 Battery Pack LP-E6 One Battery Pack BP-511A
Optional Power AC Adapter Kit ACK-E6 (with optional Battery Grip BG-E7N or BGM-E6 attached, AA-size batteries can be used) AC Adapter Kit ACK-E6, with Battery Grip BG-E6 attached, size-AA/LR6 batteries can be used AC Adapter Kit ACK-E2, AA-size batteries with Battery Grip BG-E2N or BG-E2 attached
Cartridges
Low pass filter Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor
Colour filter TYPE RGB primary colour filter RGB primary color filter
Processor TYPE DIGIC 4 Digic 4
AF System Points 19 (Cross-type) f/2.8 at centre: Dual Cross Sensor 9 plus 6 Assist AF points 9 (Cross-type)
AF modes Auto, One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF) One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing Auto, One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF)
AF point selection Automatic selection, manual selection (single point AF, Spot AF, Zone AF, AF point expansion, Zone AF) Automatic selection, manual selection
Selected AF point Display Indicated by transmissive LCD display in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD panel
Predictive AF
AF lock
AF assist beam Small series of flashes fired by built-in flash Emitted by the EOS-dedicated external Speedlite Small series of flashes fired by built-in flash
Manual Focus Yes Yes
AE Lock Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved
Manual: By AE lock button
Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved
Manual: By AE lock button
Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved, Manual: By AE lock button
Exposure Compensation Manual: ±5 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments Manual and AEB (Settable in combination with manual exposure compensation) Manual: +/-3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (can be combined with AEB)
AEB ±3 stops
Shutter Vertical-travel, mechanical, electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter Vertical-travel, mechanical, electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter
Speed 1/8000 to 1/60sec., X-sync at 1/250sec. 1/8000 to 30sec., bulb 1/8000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb(Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.), X-sync at 1/200 sec. 1/8000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/250 sec., 1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode)
Shutter Release Soft-touch electromagnetic release Soft-touch electromagnetic release
White Balance TYPE Auto white balance with the image sensor Auto white balance with the image sensor
White Balance Settings Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Colour Temperature setting Auto, Preset (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, White fluorescent light, Flash), Custom, Color temperature setting (2500-10000K) White balance correction and white balance bracketing features provided Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Colour Temperature setting
WB Bracketing ±3 stops in full-stop increments (Blue/amber direction or magenta/green direction possible) ±3 stops in full-stop increments
Red Eye Reduction Yes
Flash Exposure Compensation ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments +12 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments Up to ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
Flash Exposure Bracketing
SECOND Curtain Synchronisation
Built IN flash range
Guide NUMBER ISO 100 metres 12/39 (ISO 100, in meters/feet) 13/43
Continuous Shooting High-speed: Max: 8 shots/sec Low-speed: Max: 3 shots/sec Max. approx. 3.9 shots/sec. High-speed: Max. 6.3 shots/sec.
Low-speed: Max. 3 shots/sec.
Intervalometer
Image SIZE Large/Fine: Approx. 6.6MB (5184 x 3456 pixels); Large/Normal: Approx. 3.3MB (5184 x 3456 pixels); Medium/Fine: Approx. 3.5MB (3456 x 2304 pixels); Medium/Normal: Approx. 1.8MB (3456 x 2304 pixels); Small/Fine: Approx. 2.2MB (2592 x 1728 pixels); Small/Normal: Approx. 1.1MB (2592 x 1728 pixels); RAW: Approx. 25.1MB (5184 x 3456 pixels); RAW+Large/Fine: Approx. 25.1+6.6MB (5184 x 3456 pixels); M RAW: Approx. 17.1MB (3888 x 2592 pixels); M RAW 1+Large/Fine: Approx. 17.1+6.6MB (3888 x 2592 pixels); S RAW: Approx. 11.4MB (2592 x 1728 pixels); S RAW +Large/Fine: Approx. 11.4+6.6MB (2592 x 1728 pixels) (L) 5616 x 3744, (M) 4080 x 2720, (S) 2784 x 1856, RAW (5616 x 3744), sRAW1 (3861 x 2574), sRAW2 (2784 x 1856) Large/Fine: Approx. 5.0MB (4752 x 3168 pixels), Large/Nomal: Approx. 2.5MB (4752 x 3168 pixels), Medium/Fine: Approx. 3.0MB (3456 x 2304 pixels), Medium/Normal: Approx. 1.6MB (3456 x 2304 pixels), Small/Fine: Approx. 1.7MB (2352 x 1568 pixels), Small/Normal: Approx. 0.9MB (2352 x 1568 pixels), RAW: Approx. 20.2MB (4752 x 3168 pixels), RAW+Large/Fine: Approx. 20.2+5.0MB (4752 x 3168 pixels), sRAW 1: Approx. 12.6MB (3267 x 2178 pixels), sRAW 1+Large/Fine: Approx. 12.6+5.0MB (3267 x 2178 pixels), sRAW 2: Approx. 9.2MB (2376 x 1584 pixels), sRAW 2+Large/Fine: Approx. 9.2+5.0MB (2376 x 1584 pixels)
Movies Yes Yes
Movie LENGTH Full HD approx. 12 min., SD approx. 24 min.
Still Image Format JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), M RAW, S RAW, RAW+JPEG JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original), JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), sRAW, RAW+JPEG
RAW compression/ JPEG compression simultaneous recording Provided Yes Provided
File Numbering Consecutive numbering, auto reset, manual reset Consecutive numbering, auto reset, manual reset. Possible to create new folders and select folders in the CF card to store captured images.
Processing Parameters
Sound Files
Custom Functions Total 27 Total 25 Total 25
Personal Functions

Source: Canon Singapore

The Canon EOS 7D is probably a hot topic in the current Canon DSLR users, with the various forum discussions and photographers upgrading or changing to the new Canon EOS 7D. I am also busy researching into it, deciding whether to purchase the Canon EOS 7D eventually, with its specs close to the EOS 1D Mk 3 that is excellent for sports and event usage at an affordable cost.

Whether I am getting the Canon EOS 7D, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

6 Comments

  1. Author

    Hi Mei Teng

    It’s not a full frame, it’s APS-C a.k.a 1.6x crop, as explained by Tetanus.

  2. Author

    Hi Tetanus

    Thanks for helping with the comments box enquiry ! Hope to hear news of your new Canon DSLR soon !

  3. Author

    Hmm

    Jayce, I am also tempted …. thinking, analysing 🙂

    Stay tune ! 😛

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