Canon’s New EOS 7D: Bigger, Faster, Smarter, Stronger
Canon fired the latest salvo in the hotter-than-ever digital SLR wars this week, introducing its new EOS 7D. The $1699 (body-only) EOS 7D includes some now-familiar features, such as APS-C image sensor size (1.6x crop factor), 3-inch LCD with Live View, and Full HD Video.
The $1699 (body-only) EOS 7D includes some now-familiar features, such as the APS-C image sensor size (1.6x crop factor), 3-inch LCD with Live View, and Full HD Video. Here’s what’s new and different.
Bigger - The EOS 7D cranks up the size of several subsystems, including
-
18MP image sensor
-
Two DIGIC 4 image processors for faster image processing and better low-light performance
-
ISO expandable to 12,800
-
100% viewfinder coverage
-
19-point autofocus
-
63 zone dual-layer metering that uses AF and color information for better exposure and image quality
Faster - Shoot faster with the EOS 7D, thanks to
-
8 fps burst shooting (up to 126 large JPEG or up to 15 RAW; requires Ultra DMA Compact Flash Card)
-
1080HD video mode now offers frame rates up to 30 fps and includes adjustable frame rates for all supported video resolutions
Smarter - The EOS 7D provides a smarter viewfinder and AF system for better information and composition
-
New toggleable LCD overlay for better framing and focusing even in total darkness
-
New Spot AF mode for focusing on tiny areas of a scene
-
AF Point expansion (borrowed from the EOS 1D series) automatically shifts to adjacent focus points if the selected manual focus point loses focus
-
Improved automatic AF point selection and Zone AF
Stronger - The EOS 7D is designed to stand up to protracted use:
-
Magnesium body with dust and weather resistant features
-
Shutter rated for up to 150,000 cycles
Lens Options, Accessories and More Information
The EOS 7D will also be bundled with Canon’s 28-135mm EF IS lens, which provides framing comparable to a 45-215mm lens on a full-frame 35mm camera. The kit will sell for an estimated $1,899.
Wide-angle fans will want to consider Canon’s new 15-85mm EF-S IS (24-135 35mm equivalent) and 18-135mm EF-S IS (28-215mm 35mm equivalent) lenses.
Canon’s new optional WFT-E5A Wireless File Transmitter ($699.99) provides a variety of storage and backup options for the EOS 7D, including the ability to record to a USB external hard disk and an Ultra DMA Compact Flash card inside the camera at the same time, and it also supports geotagging through Bluetooth. Learn more about the EOS 7D and WFT-E5A here.
Learn more about the EOS 7D’s new AF features here.
Are you excited about the new features in the 7D? Wishing it had a different mix of goodies? Click Comment and sound off.
Photo courtesy Canon USA.
Fuji FinePix F50fd
The Fuji FinePix F50fd comes with a bargin price tag which is a considerable amount cheaper than its rivals for example the Canon lxus 970IS is a whooping £111 more expensive. Again with any so called bargin digital camera bargin you have to watch out for a catch, in this case the catch is ‘quality’. Although for for an average camera user its fine only the professional photographer may find it lacking that cutting edge
The Fuji FinePix comes with a 12 mega pixel sensor which allows for 20% more detailed images than many of its 10 mega pixel rivals. Don’t let this fool you though many of the pictures we took using the camera came out fuzzy and full of noise (its not our camera taking ability we a sure you!). However colour output was of a decent standard and we were able to produce some good vibrant shots although the quality was not as good as the lxus 970 digital camera
Our favorite feature of this camera is a natural and flash feature which takes two pictures at once one using the flash one with out. This a great little feature and real gem when you are not decided what the shot will look like without the flash etc. As with most compact digital cameras the manual controls are basic but has everything you would expect from a compact camera including aperture control.
Pros - great price for people on a budget, innovative functions
Cons - fuzzy, noisy output, terrible anti shake system
Nikon D40c Digital Slr Camera Review
With the release of the Nikon D4Oc, Nikon are trying to compete with the Canon EOS 400D and the Sony Alpha 100, as this camera comes with a 10mp resultion APS-C size sensor, along with a decent price tag.
A great feature of this camera is its ISO settings the minimum setting is of the ISO is 100 ideal for controling depth in bright light conditions. As with other Nikon cameras in the same range the D40x maintains the required and useable ISO of 3200. Another Handy little feature is the cameras continous shooting rate of 2.5 to 3 frame per seconds, perfect for camera shoots that require quick and numerous photos.
Some of the features we really liked about Nikon D40c was the peerless viewfinder image, two per cent spot-metering, coupled with the innovative sensitivity priority ISO auto option makes this a great cameras. As with all SLR digital cameras the main focus on design lies within the functionality of the camera before the ergonmics. However don’t let this fool you the ergonmics of this camera are brilliant careful thought has been taken over every little detail.
Score out of 10 - 10/9
Pros - Durable build, large lcd screen, ISO maximum 3200
Cons - auto focus limited AF-S or AF-I lenses. Menu dependant opertaion. No built in sensor cleaning
Canon Digital Lxus 970 IS - Review
The Canon lxus range is well known for its styling above anything else, the 970 IS’s has both substance along with its great design. Although the camera looks great along with all the cameras in the Lxus range, the ergonomics of the camera are second rate. It’s a real pity because the camera has the ability to take some amazing high quality images.
The camera is finished in a metalic blus-ish silver and has curves that Beyonce would be proud of, however the curved right hand side of the camera makes it difficult to grip whilst taking photos. Most features on the camera are fiddly and hard to operate for example the zoom control knob is tiny and hard to get the right level of zoom quickly that you require.
The manual controls for the camera are located on the rear of the camera, the main downfall with the camera controls is that is a delay when changing settings and anything happening - making it difficult to get the correct settings for your photos
Once you have mastered the awkward camera controls on the canon digital Lxus 970IS you will generally find you can get some great photos. The shots we took were of high quality with clean and vibrant colours, again the camera performs well in low light conditions. The camera also benefits from a great 5x zoom which is a higher than the rest of Lxus range which all feature 3x zoom’s.
Over all the camera is a decent buy the main downfall is mastering the controls that can take time but overall output is of good quality
Overall star rating 7/10
Interested in similar cameras why not view this great camera
Canon PowerShot S200 2MP Digital ELPH Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom
