Canon EOS 7D

The first thing that strikes me about the 7D is the little extra bulge at the top. We have waited far too long for a 100% VF in an APS-C camera from Canon. I think a big and bright viewfinder is one of the most underrated features of a camera. I give top marks to the VF on the 7D.

The ergonomics of the camera are slightly different than any previous EOS camera. You’ll notice they finally moved the on/off switch to a better spot, this should be a lot less confusing for consumers. The lock button remains at the bottom. They have added a toggle switch around a stop/stop button for video and stills liveview. This is the best implementation so far on an EOS camera. It’s easy to get to and use. The “Q” button gets you to the on screen control menu where you can quickly navigate with the joystick. Another great implementation.

New Features

Electronic Level
The electronic level is a good addition to the camera. I mapped it to the M-fn button near the shutter button. It’s easy to see and may be useful. I’m still not sure if I’ll use it. The electronic level in live view mode is good as well, although I find it distracting and would need to continuously activate and deactivate it. That being said, it’s a lot better than using a flash shoe level.

Flash Master
I will never use it, so I didn’t try it out. I’ll leave it to the strobists!

1080p in 24p and 30p
The 24p mode is fantastic and I love the look of it. 5D2 users are probably jealous as heck right now. Hopefully Canon will add the feature to the 5D2 soon.

There’s nothing of note I find different from the  5D2 movie mode. Great quality, a little bit cumbersome to use for the beginner videographer type.

Image Quality
This can be beaten to death by everyone and anyone. I am the wrong person to ask about this. I add noise to images sometimes. I’ll run around a wedding at ISO 3200 when I could be at 400. I love my 10mp cameras and have gotten 4′ x 6′ prints that look great. That’s right… 4 feet by 6 feet!

I respect that people want low noise, high ISO images. I’m just not that guy.

I will say that this camera is a lot noisier at ISO 400 than the 1D Mark III. It’s not even close. I didn’t see any difference between the 7D and 50D as far as noise goes in print. The “noise pattern” was a little more appealing in the 7D. However, if you’re looking for a clean high ISO performing camera, get a 5D Mark II or wait a while for new EOS-1’s.

• Image quality is very good. Images are full of detail.
• The viewfinder. It’s big and bright.
• 8fps is never a bad thing to have.
• Flash master finally built in.
• 19 AF Points. This to me is the perfect amount. Having 40+ selectable AF points is crazy!
• 30p and 24p at 1080p
• Video quality is amazing, wish I knew what I was doing with it.
• The Liveview and VF leveling tool is a nice touch.
• Compact Flash. No SD slot is fine by me, I never want CF to die.
• Lots of button mapping options, more than any other EOS.
• Menu System. They are easy to navigate. I especially like Custom Function IV Menu 1. The graphical display of what button you’re mapping is great.
• The toggle switch for movies and stills is the best yet for EOS.
• “Q” Button, accessing & navigating the Quick Control screen is a breeze.
• No “Scene Modes”. I like that folks will have to be forced to learn a little bit about photography. Auto & Creative still there, but we’re progressing!
• The on/off switch is idiot proof now. (canonrumors.com)

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