First Full Hands On Experience with Canon EOS R7 

While my first hands on experience with the Canon EOS R7 was at the Canon Singapore media launch event, the period was too short a session for a full hands on experience with the Canon EOS R7. Nevertheless, my initial impressions at that time were good, I had a good vibe on the EOS R7, the potential and capabilities of Canon EOS R mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. 

My first full hands on experience with the Canon EOS R7 was a bird photography outing at Jurong Bird Park whereby we had the opportunity to put the Canon EOS R7 to the test on bird/wildlife photography. You can read more about my bird photography experiences with the Canon EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park here.

In a quick summary, wildlife (and sports) photographers would be enticed and interested in this new Canon EOS R7 camera.

TGH Photography x Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series Production

Over the years reviewing Canon DSLR cameras (APS-C and full-frame), Canon mirrorless (full-frame, APS-C EOS M series) and now EOS R APS-C mirrorless cameras, I had been producing  different visual stories as I brought out the Canon cameras that I was reviewing. Through the years and accumulation of my review stories, I created my very own TGH Photography x Canon (camera brand model that I am reviewing) explorer series production, exploring and testing out the Canon cameras that I am reviewing, leading up to the Canon camera review article.

Likewise for this Canon EOS R7 camera, I had a very interesting and diversified visual story telling experience in both technology, leisure, lifestyle and of course, my various photography genres, in my TGH Photography x Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series Production.

TGH Technology and Business

I brought the Canon EOS R7 out at technology media events, the Nothing (1) Phone launch and the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked August 2022 media event. In my personal Happy 57th Birthday Singapore! article, I curated the photos shot with Canon EOS R7 for this special article.

TGH Photography and Travel

Visual story telling has been my choice of photography and story telling that I developed over the years, through my own unique ways of story telling style with my photos. From heritage, cultural and arts events, Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2022 and Singapore Night Festival 2022, to wishing a Happy SG57 Birthday to Singapore! 

The more photography focused articles were my Happy World Photography Day 2022 and exploration of Old Jurong Line Nature Trail with Canon EOS R7.

Thoughts and Views on Canon EOS R7

Having shot approximately 3.1k of photos with the Canon EOS R7 review unit, as well as a number of video footages for my short explorer cinematic film. My overall experience with the Canon EOS R7 was really good, that motivated me to shoot that many photos during the short review period. Here are my thoughts and views on the Canon EOS R7

Pros

• It has a fast, accurate and intelligent AF tracking and recognition, inherited from Canon EOS R3 (I also reviewed the EOS R3 earlier this year), with People Priority, Animal Priority, Vehicle Priority capabilities that would help the photographer greatly when applied correctly.
• You can shoot up to 30 fps high-speed continuous shooting with the silent electronic shutter or 15 fps with the mechanical shutter. Depending on your photography requirements, needs and situations, the Canon EOS R7 can take on most photography genres. With a 30 fps burst speed, wildlife and sports photographers would want this in their line-up.
• This is an APS-C camera, it’s not full-frame, therefore there is a 1.6x Crop factor, that would also mean an extended focal length, very beneficial for wildlife and sports photography.
• Equipped with a new approximately 32.5 megapixel CMOS sensor, combined with DIGIC X image processor, it’s not just high resolution, the output is is of high quality too. The ISO range is from 100 to 32,000 (that can be expandable to 51,200). On high ISO levels, I personally find it useable up to 25,600 (personal tolerance/preference).
• Panorama in SCN Mode: In my humble personal opinion, this is one of EOS R7 best features, probably very underrated. This is very handy and useful, you can shoot a panorama, just like using your smartphone to shoot a panorama. You can shoot from Left to Right, Right to Left, Down to Up or Up to Down. I shot a number of photos in Panorama in SCN Mode and I really like this function.
• 5-axis in-body image stabiliser (IS) a.k.a IBIS: You want it, now Canon gives it to you, inside the Canon EOS R7. This allows you to achieve up to 8 stops of image stabilisation via its coordinate control IS when paired with a compatible lens. With this IBIS capability, whether you are shooting stills photography or videos, it’s helping you to get your shots without the fanfare and recognition that it deserves. 

Aesthetics 

• If you are an existing Canon camera user, the design and layout of the Canon EOS R7 would be give you a sense of familiarity. 
• This camera has an all-new Quick Control Dial, a hybrid of key Canon camera controls, the Multi-Controller with its multi-directional joystick and tactile dial. Even for regular Canon users, this all-new Quick Control Dial might take a while for you to get used to it.
• You would also notice that the EOS R7 has a bigger electronic view finder (EVF), it’s a new EVF with an OVF simulation view assist to recreate a view that is comparable to the optical viewfinder, that some photographers might prefer the OVF over the EVF.
• Dual Card Slot is great and most welcomed by photographers, the versatility to record stills and movies in different cards, as well as having a backup card slot.
• The EOS R7 is a solid built, reliable and lightweight camera body, made of durable magnesium alloy body, dust and drip resistant.  
• There is also a shutter curtain to protect the sensor when the camera is switched off, preventing dust from entering the camera body and sensor.

Cons

• The APS-C 1.6x Crop Factor is both a pro and con, it would not be that wide as compared to a full-frame sensor. For the landscape photographers and those that need to shoot full wide on a full-frame, the EOS R7 APS-C sensor is going to be a bit of a headache for you when composing and framing. However, all you need is time to get used to both APS-C and full-frame cameras, thus allowing you to switch easily when you need to.  
• During the course of my review, I observed that in between pressing the shutter button, releasing and pressing it again, the EOS R7 lost the AF tracking and there is a lag to get the AF refocus accurately again. 

RF-S18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Review

The RF-S18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, is one of the first two RF-S lenses launched by Canon together with the EOS R7 and EOS R10, the other lens is RF-S18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens.

Having used the first EF-S lens with the EOS 300D, testing and reviewing other Canon kit lenses over the years, and owning Canon professional series L lenses, I don’t have too high expectations for Canon kit lenses (probably my bar/standard for lenses is a lot higher). 

However, I have to highlight that the RF-S18-150mm is a very decent entry level kit lens. I have seen the improvements from the EF-M lenses that I previously reviewed, and I can see the quality and standards being passed on to the RF-S series.

The RF-S18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens is an all rounder (wide to mid-telephoto zoom), good starter lens for photographers starting out. The output quality is pretty good, however it’s not the sharpest lens (decently sharp), it’s not a fast lens and it can be a bit soft at f/6.3.

After reading about the Canon EOS R7, the photos quality output, and you are keen to get the Canon EOS R7, you would need to wait a bit of time for Canon to announce and launch more new RF-S lenses to their line-up, if you are planning to build up your setup with RF-S lenses. 

However, you have many more lens choices to choose from, you have the RF mount, as well as EF and EF-S mount (you would need an adaptor) for you to choose from. Not having many RF-S lenses at this juncture should not be of too much of a worry to you, if you are planning to get the Canon EOS R7.  

Videography

Shooting videos with the Canon EOS R7 is easy, just by flipping the button switch (located together with the on/off button) on the top panel. Just take note that with the APS-C sensor, you would get a 1.6x crop factor, your scenes would not be that wide that you would like, you also get a telephoto effect too. With the In-Body Image Stabilisation (IS), this plays an important function for you when shooting videos.

Although I didn’t spend as much time on videography as I am mainly a stills photographer, I have been shooting videos too, adding on to my portfolio of content creation work on both personal and professional basis. The 4K UHD Fine quality video of the Canon EOS R7 comes from its 7K RGB data, that can been seen in the output produced by the video. 

I am still finding my way, style, workflow and direction on how to write up on my camera videography review experiences better. What I have been doing is converting some of my explorer series production stories and photos workflow into videos, with storyboarding and planning. 

I am very thankful and grateful that had the support of filmmaking friends who were able to assist me in shoots as director of photography and editing the video clips into a short cinematic film, thus allowing me to work on my stories, script, locations and creative planning. 

For the Canon EOS R7 video review, I collaborated with HongPeng, founder of Hpility SG and Easy Travel Recipes, also a fellow blogger, content creator, filmmaker friend that I knew for some time.

GH: Thank you HongPeng for helping me with the filming and editing with my TGH Photography Explorer short film shot with the Canon EOS R7. How was your experience like handling and using the Canon EOS R7 for filmmaking/videography?

HP: Personally, I like the lightweight and size of the Canon EOS R7. It is a handy full-frame mirrorless camera which came with a built-in 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor and it allows me to shoot up to 60p. The camera image stabilisation was amazing for videographers to shoot in any ambient conditions. 

You can view the YouTube video here (link would be updated when the video is edited and uploaded to my YouTube channel)

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Finally, my final thoughts and views on the Canon EOS R7, is this the Canon mirrorless camera for you? 

Before the Canon EOS R7 was officially announced and launched worldwide, and the opportunities to review the EOS R7. I had read about rumours from other photography websites on the impending Canon APS-C mirrorless cameras announcement. I was curious, excited and also thoughtful on how they would turn out and fit in into the EOS R family.

From my experiences owning/using (APS-C (300D, 30D & 70D) to APS-H (1D Mk III) to full-frame (1D X Mark I, 1D X Mark II and RP) and testing/reviewing Canon EOS DSLR cameras, I have seen and experienced how EF and EF-S mount lenses co-existed and expanded together over the years. This also dawned upon me that Canon has the experiences over the years to produce the RF and RF-S lenses for the EOS R mirrorless camera bodies, and making it even better.

After giving the Canon EOS R7 a good test and workout during the review period, my findings and thoughts are as follows:

• This is an excellent backup camera for professional photographers (if they don’t need a full-frame as a backup camera)
• A mid-tiered camera that can cater to entry level, serious enthusiasts and professional photographers
• An ideal camera for advanced photography enthusiasts moving up the cameras ladder 
• A great camera for sports and wildlife photographers (whether as a main camera or as a backup camera)
• Although it’s not a full-frame camera, you just have to adapt and adjust to the APS-C 1.6x crop factor, and it can be done after shooting with it on a regular basis
• Although there are not many RF-S lenses available yet, there are many other lenses options available from the RF, EF and EF-S lenses
• The cost of the EOS R7 might seem pricy, now that you know the features and capabilities, it’s quite a value for money camera

If you don’t need a full-frame camera, the Canon EOS R7 APS-C camera might be a good fit for you to enjoy on a personal basis or even professional basis.

Would the new EOS R camera bodies of EOS R3 (that I reviewed earlier this year) and this EOS R7 pave the way for me to upgrade and replace my current setup of EOS 1D X Mark II and EOS RP?

To view more photographs shot with the Canon EOS R7, please visit this Flickr album – Canon EOS R7 Review. 

* I would like to thank Canon Singapore for the opportunity to review the Canon EOS R7. *

The post Canon EOS R7 Review appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Having followed, supported, photographed and documented SGNightFest since her birth in 2008, it felt really good to see the rebirth of SGNightFest in 2022, making a comeback from the global pandemic situation that disrupted and turned our daily living, social and communal life, upside down.

There is an extensive and diverse line-up of programmes, activities, performances for visitors to SGNightFest 2022 that they can enjoy and have fun, with their family and friends. From Projection Mapping to Night Lights (two of my favourites at SGNightFest), to performances, experiential programmes and many other interesting events, there is something for you to participate, visit and involve with at SGNightFest. Of course, how can we forget F&B to relax, unwind and refuel after a night out at SGNightFest? 

There is a 2 years gap in between our 12th and 13th edition. Therefore before you make a return to SGNightFest 2022, let me share with you some handy tips on visiting SGNightFest 2022, a good refresher for all of us, eagerly wanting to return back to our fun and exciting festivals again. 

Handy (Refresher) Tips on Visiting SGNightFest 2022

1. Research and plan in advance on how you want to walk and explore the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct, which artworks/performances to visit first.
2. It’s alright to split your SGNightFest visits over a few nights.
3. Get a physical printed copy of the SGNightFest map or you can also view it from your smartphone/tablet from the SGNightFest website.
4. Night Lights / Project Mapping – you can visit on weekday nights too, don’t need to rush catching it on the weekends!
5. Performances – They are held on the weekends, you might need not be able to attend and watch all of the performances, that’s where you have to decide and choose.
6. Wear comfortable attire and shoes – You are going to walk a lot in our typical Singapore humid weather.
7. Stay hydrated – Bring your water bottle, drink up regularly and stay hydrated while walking around.
8. Stay safe – We are not totally out of the woods yet in our battle against this ongoing global pandemic. Stay safe, be mindful and be careful! 
9. End your SGNightFest with food and drinks at After Dark @ Dhoby Ghaut Green and GR.iD 
10. Last but not least, enjoy and have fun at SGNightFest 2022! Share and hashtag #SGNightFest and #SNG2022 on your social media channels!

Projection Mapping

Projection mapping artworks on facades of various buildings have always been a strong attraction and eye opener for visitors to SGNightFest. I would share with you selected photos of those artworks projection mapping, inviting you to visit in person, getting a feel of the projections, learning and understanding more about the stories and inspirations behind the artists artworks projection mapping.

Stories from Forbidden Hill by Maxin10sity @ National Museum of Singapore

Glitches of You by Amanda Tan | The Melting Pot by Adeline Tan and Benedict Teo | Madeleine by Lueur

Stamford Clock Tower

Midnight Show at the Capitol by MOJOKO @ National Archives Singapore

Night Lights

Night Lights intrigues, welcomes and attracts me in its own unique artistic and colourful ways, how we can interact and be a part of those Night Lights artworks. I would also share with you selected photos of those Night Lights artworks, inviting you to visit in person, getting a feel of the projections, learning and understanding more about the stories and inspirations behind the artists Night Lights artworks.

The Night Lights are placed at different sectors of Bras Basah.Bugis precinct, take your time to walk and explore!

National Museum of Singapore

#SGNIGHTGEST by Pan-United @ National Museum of Singapore

We Can No Longer Be Strangers After This by Perception3 @ National Museum of Singapore

Steps (2022) by Victoria Hertel @ National Museum of Singapore

Fecundus by Twardzik Ching Chor Leng @ SMU Green

Fort Canning Hill

tobyato bird pitstop by tobyato @ Canning Rise

Tunnel Graffiti by Lynette Quek @ Fort Canning Tree Tunnel

Under My Tree Rood by Chloe Manasseh @ Fort Canning Tree Tunnel

Stamford Road / Raffles City 

Paddy Fields by FARM @ Stamford Walkway

An Ocean Without The Anchor by Speak Cryptic @ Raffles City Shopping Centre

PALIMPSEST by William Chan and Brandon Tay @ Armenian Street

laten (BBB edition) by Chok Yi Xuan @ Armenian Church 

Bras Basah / Queen Street / Waterloo Street

Celebration of Life+Style by Justin Lee @ Stamford Arts Centre

Terrarium by Aux Media Group, Binary Style, PAPERSYNTHESIS and SERIAL CO_ @ National Design Centre

NOCTURNE: Conversations with Waterloo by Nhawfal Juma’at @ Waterloo Complex

City of Books by Fish Jaafar @ Bras Basah Complex

Performances

A good and diverse mix of performances are scheduled for the two weekends of SGNightFest.  Here are some of the performances that are taking place, do check out SGNightFest website for the full list of performances, locations and timings!

Discoloo Centre by P7:1SMA

Armenian Street Party by various artists 

“A Date with Tradition” 

During the media preview of SGNightFest, we were at Stamford Arts Centre to check out some exciting programmes. There is a festival, “A Date with Tradition”, held in conjunction with the Singapore Night Festival, organised by Arts House Limited.

Here is a glimpse of some of the exciting programmes that are going to be held at Stamford Arts Centre! 

The Art of Sulam

Open Studio: Head, Hand & Heart – The Everyday Art of Traditional Crafts

Singapore Rhapsodies

Many many more exciting activities at SGNightFest 2022!

Relax and Unwind with SGNightFest F&B

After an exciting and fun night of walking, exploring and engaging with the various artworks and performances, it’s time to relax and unwind over food and drinks with family and friends. You can check out SGNightFest F&B – After Dark @ Dhoby Ghaut Green & GR.iD.

Many many more!

There are many many more activities, events and performances that I would not be able to cover in just one article and over the first weekend. Do visit the SGNightFest website to check out more information and details on which ones that you would like to visit and check out!

Information and Updates on SGNightFest 2022

Dates: 19th to 27th August 2022

Hours: 7:30pm to 12:00am

Venue: Bras Basah.Bugis

For more information and updates on SGNightFest 2022, you can check out and follow them on their social media platforms 

• Singapore Night Festival website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Wishing all visitors returning to the rebirth of Singapore Night Festival 2022 a happy and fun time! Take more photos and videos, share around and enjoy yourselves, immersing into Singapore’s very own uniquely contemporary and vibrant arts, cultural and heritage #SGNightFest.

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series Production *

The post Singapore Night Festival 2022 is back! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.