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
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18MP image sensor
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Two DIGIC 4 image processors for faster image processing and better low-light performance
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ISO expandable to 12,800
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100% viewfinder coverage
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19-point autofocus
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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
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8 fps burst shooting (up to 126 large JPEG or up to 15 RAW; requires Ultra DMA Compact Flash Card)
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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
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New toggleable LCD overlay for better framing and focusing even in total darkness
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New Spot AF mode for focusing on tiny areas of a scene
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AF Point expansion (borrowed from the EOS 1D series) automatically shifts to adjacent focus points if the selected manual focus point loses focus
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Improved automatic AF point selection and Zone AF
Stronger - The EOS 7D is designed to stand up to protracted use:
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Magnesium body with dust and weather resistant features
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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.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR Review
Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR - the new flagship camera features a 21.1MP full frame CMOS sensor, ISO upto 25600, Full HD (1080, 30fps) movie recording, 3″ VGA LCD with Live View, 3.9fps JPEG shooting, 9-point AF + 6 Assist AF points, and Magnesium alloy body. The Canon 5D Mark II is available from Amazon UK:
“The long awaited replacement to the Well respected EOS Digital 5D is finally here. Canon’s new EOS Digital 5D Mark II builds off of all the features that made the 5D such a remarkable camera, adding the latest in technology that has been perfected over the past 3 years. With superb image quality and performance, the new 5DMk2 can confidently continue to fill the gap between Canon’s entry/consumer-level and all out pro dSLR models.”
Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR Reviews: The Digital Picture, Cameratown, Cameralabs, Ken Rockwell, ArtbyPhil, Photography BLOG, Digital Journalist, Previews: DPReview
Canon EOS 50D Digtial SLR Review
DPExpert have reviewed the new Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR - an update to the 40D - it features a new 15.1 megapixel sensor, 6.3fps shooting, Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processor, ISO upto 12800, 3″ screen with live view, sensor cleaning, 9 point AF, and face detection. Body only is available for £858:
“Some reviewers have been harsh in their criticism of the 50D, generally concluding that its image quality is not as good as the 40D. We tried extreme pixel peeping and there does seem to be some fall-off in sharpness and contrast but we doubt that it will be a problem in the realm of real photography. We certainly wouldn’t recommend that anyone rush out to replace their 40D with the new camera because the difference is not that great.”
Read more Canon EOS 50D Reviews: Digital Photography School, Steves Digicams, Bob Atkins, Imaging Resource, LetsGoDigital, DPReview, Digital Camera Info, CameraLabs, Photography BLOG, Roland Lim, Previews: Canon EOS 50D at Photokina.