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.
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.
This is a full frame camera?
No, it’s APS-C; 1.6x FOV crop.
Hi Mei Teng
It’s not a full frame, it’s APS-C a.k.a 1.6x crop, as explained by Tetanus.
Hi Tetanus
Thanks for helping with the comments box enquiry ! Hope to hear news of your new Canon DSLR soon !
Go for 1D mark IV. 🙂
Hmm
Jayce, I am also tempted …. thinking, analysing 🙂
Stay tune ! 😛