 Does the 7D beat full frame cameras? |
| Review Date: October 13, 2009 |
| Assessor: Abdulrahman Aljabri, Jeddah |
No, but it's so excellent that one starts to contemplate this question, which was never the case before the 7D was introduced. Both systems, crop and full frame, have their pros and cons and place in shooting. But before I get into that let me say I have not been as excited about a camera since the initiation of the 5D MK I four years ago. That's because the 7D raises the crop camera bar to the point where crop users will not feel at a drawback to full frame camera users, especially if coupled with awesome ef-s lenses such as the 17-55 f2.8.
How so? The 7D sets a new ordinary in four major ways.
1. It produces monstrous 18MP pictures, which are just 3MP shy of the current top of the line full frame Canon cameras. Just few years ago most pros were producing stellar results using the 1Ds MKII 16MP camera. Now you have more MPs in a crop sensor, that's a major achievement. This achievement translates into larger prints and, I don't know more much, cropping power. Out shooting wildlife with a 300mm instead of 400mm? You can crop the 7D files down to 50% of their original file size and still obtain sharp pictures. It's just not that simple with the 1D MK III 10MP files.
2. Many worried that extra MPs in small crop sensors would translate into nosier pictures, but the incredible thing is that this camera produces images with what seems to be less noise than the 1Ds MKII. The noise level is very excellent. At ISO 1600 I still prefer pictures coming from my 5D MKII, but below ISO1600 they are very close. Frankly, I can go with either camera because most of my well shot portraits and manufactured goods pictures are shot at ISO100. At ISO100 both produce very clean files and are practically indistinguishable.
3. Focus is the one area that was lacking on the previous 1.6 crop Canon cameras and this camera changes that. It's not a 1D in focus speed and correctness, but it's the next best thing compared to them. It's quicker than the Canon 5D MKII, which is known to be slightly quicker or around the focus performance range of the 50D and 40D.
4. The drive chain is quick, so quick it's beyond anything I needed in my professional work in likeness, commercial, and manufactured goods shooting. Going through pictures taken at 8fps produces very small variation from frame to frame. One probably has to shoot a very quick moving subject/object to see the benefit of such quick drive system.
There are observably many other things that I have not covered in this review. But based on the above, all I can say is that this camera has really raised the bar for all cameras and made it much more affordable to obtain a professional level camera for all types of shooting. If you were considering buying the 5D MKII as an upgrade give this camera a test because it might be all you need.
As for the advantages of crop cameras I always find it odd that casual users who shoot many things but focus on landscape reckon they need a full frame to realize their the makings. Crop cameras such as the 7D and 50D are fine for most users and offer many advantages including:
1. greater depth of field at lower aperture for landscape shooting
2. greater tilt and shift effect because of sensor size relative to effect (8mm in shift is greater in effect relative to a 22mm sensor compared to a 35mm sensor)
3. greater enlargement with micro lenses and extension tubes because of less vital sensor (1:1 in full frame equals 35mm, 1:1 in crop equals 22mm)
4. less vital lighter lenses with wider aperture that achieve greater reach (such as the 17-55 2.8 vs the 24-70 2.8 akin reach but much lighter and less vital)
Traditionally the three areas full frame cameras outshine crop cameras are a larger brighter viewfinder, shallower depth of field for likeness shooting, and better ISO performance, which on the last point the 7D has proven not be an issue any longer.
And for the second point really, most gorgeous low depth of field portraits are done around f2.8-2.0 in full frame (going wider will make depth of field too narrow to place two eyes in focus). Hence, if one is using a wide prime, a crop sensor will produce the same depth of field at 2.0-1.4. Considering an affordable 50mm f1.4 lens on crop has the same field of view as 85mm lens on full frame there is really no reason to money off a crop camera any more as the 7D levels the playing field.
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Canon EOS 7D
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| Review Date: October 14, 2009 |
| Assessor: Richard, Alhambra, CA |
Well after much deliberation linking this and a 5d Mark II i chose to opt for the 7D and spend the extra I save on some nice wide angle lenses. First of all for anyone who is expecting a 1.6 crop camera's image quality to be better than the 5d mark ii you can forget it. The 5D mark ii is a full frame sensor camera and the 7D is a crop, different cameras for different purposes. I know three people who own a 5d mark II, wedding photographer, cinematographer and a landscape photographer. As you can tell, they all need wide angle and excellent low light performance. The 5D Mark II/other full frame cameras are embattled towards users with wide angle needs. So if you find yourself in a crowded room with small light during a wedding the EOS 7D may not be for you, less you place on a 10-22mm EFS lens which is the widest lens for a APS-C camera.
Image Quality from this camera is incredible, I'll place up some pictures once it stops raining where I live. Detail is very excellent, and the 28-135 lens accommodates this cameras skill very nicely, but, starting off at 28mm will probably be too long for most people in everyday situations such as those for street photographers. Alternative up a 17-55 2.8 lens will probably be highly not compulsory by many.
Build Quality is superb. This "tank" of a camera is no light weight and one of the first things you notice when you pick up the camera is the hefty feel you get. Very ergonomic grip and a robust feel all around. Don't expect to have it lynching around your next too long though. Weather seals are improved and you can notice that the area above the viewfinder is much larger thanks to a 100% coverage pentaprism.
Autofocusing, now I've read some issues about the 7D's new focusing system such as softness from auto zone focusing and I am also being paid some mixed results with that as well, some images ranging from very soft to some being as sharp as single AF select. I will update later as I take it out for more situations. But, with that being said, the camera's autofocusing with the 28-135mm lens is very silent, very quick and accurate for the most part especially with using the cameras single AF select mode.
Array Life: still on the first charge off the box, taken about 500 test shots and a few seconds of 720p recording, array life is about middle.
ISO performance. Now here is where many have a bone to pick. I am not worried to use high ISO as my prints rarely go beyond 11x14. More than often I found myself using nothing higher than ISO 1600 on my girlfriend's 500D/T1i. With the 7D I feel very comfortable using 3200 with about ISO 4000 being my cut off point, that's where the trade offs linking detail and noise will become apparent and start to bother me.
Overall this camera is a very impressive and I'd give it a rating of about 90/100. It has alot to offer being a HD video DSLR. It'll grant many rebel users enough room to learn and grow. But, I cant stress enough that if you find yourself needing wide angle capabilities and low light performance, saving up for a full frame, it will beyond doubt be worth the wait in the long run. In fact a few 5D Mark I cameras are available for cheaper than the 7D. Without a doubt this is one of the top crop cameras of the market right now. You won't regret buying this camera.
*Update* First of all, I've been using the wireless flash with a 430ex II for some likeness shooting, it works fine and comes in very handy. Secondly, I've finally had a chance to make to order all the settings of my camera, READ THE MANUAL! It's about 250 pages but you'll need to in order to make the most of your camera. Most of it is the usual, but because this camera offers so many different options, reading the latter pages is a must.
Firmware release 1.0.9 is out so dont forget to update if you still have 1.0.7.
For those of you still wondering if the 7D is worth the upgrade or worth buying over a full frame, keep in mind that Canon just release rebates for some EF and EF-S lenses including the 10-22 and 17-55 2.8; as well as some very well loved L lenses. So for those of you debating linking a 7D and Mark II, being paid a kit and using the money saved for a wide angle will pretty much cover all the focal lengths you will really need.
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Should I Buy This Camera?
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| Review Date: October 15, 2009 |
| Assessor: Gatorowl, Florida, USA |
I reckon this question is one that most of us question ourselves when considering a hold of this magnitude. The question is not an simple one, and I'm not sure I made the assess pronouncement in purchasing this marvelous piece of equipment. Let me place it in perspective; I am a prosumer camera user. I like shooting and take a variety of photographs including family pictures, sports shooting (see photos at smugmug for gatorowl), and casual street shooting. I have owned lots of cameras including film, digital P&S and DSLRs. The 7D is my sixth DSLR (including a DReb XSI that I sold after two weeks). Before the 7D, my main camera was a 40D, which I found to be satisfactory especially the image quality (IQ). The negatives of the 40D are lack of weather sealing, 6.5 frames per second (fps) repeat rate, 1600 ISO max (can be pushed higher) and some focusing issues especially in sports shooting. Of course, when comparing with the the DReb series, these "negatives" at once become positives. The 40D has better construction, much quicker repeat rate, and much better focussing (the T1i has, arguably better high ISO capabilities). The 40D compares well with the Nikon D90. Both cameras are very close. The D90 has video, better high ISO performance, and is a small more compact. But, it is a small slower in repeat rate, and I found selecting D90 focus points a bit on the clumsy side. Anyway, because of lens choices, I chose to go Canon. The 50D held no allure mainly because it was an incremental improvement. So, I thought my kit was set for at least a couple of years.
Notice that in the above conversation, I never talk about IQ. Of all the 10MP or better DSLRs that I have used, there is no noticeable variation in IQ. But, after the 7D announcement and some of the preliminary reviews, I was convinced that the 7D was a quantum improvement over the 40D in every respect. I panicked, sold my 40D and bought a 7D.
So, what did I find? The 7D is a fantastic camera and is a clear improvement over the 40D. In some respects, it is substantially better than a 40D, but IQ isn't one of those major improvements. If you look at your files at 100%-300%, you will see more detail in a 7D shot. I have a ordinary photo that I take in my office when I get a new lens. I had to blow the photos up to 300% before I could detect differences. There was more feel detail in the 7D and the draw a distinction and saturation were better. But, to be honest, it's not clear how much of this variation is attributable to the camera or the lenses (I shot the 40D with a Sigma 70-300mm and the 7D with a Canon 70-300mm IS lens). Frankly, I'm not bowled over. DSLRs are so excellent right now, differences in IQ at low ISO are marginal. But, I do feel confident that I can shoot at 1600 ISO or 2000 ISO with the 7D without a significant reduction in quality. While I can control noise at 3200 ISO, color saturation and draw a distinction decline more than I like. With the 40D 800 ISO was as far as I wanted to go, but I would push it to 1000 when desperate. The 7D provides is a major ISO gain.
I really like the 7D focus system. I don't know if it is as excellent as the Canon 1D series, but it is so, so much better than the 40D. By focusing on the exact point in a field, I feel like my creative options are substantially prolonged. I was frequently frustrated by having the incorrect part of my picture in focus. This need never happen with the 7D.
The 8fps repeat rate is a nice bonus. It just raises the probability that the exact frame you want will be captured.
So, the question is should you upgrade? You have to choose whether you can afford it; so my advice assume that you can afford the camera, but are looking for the camera that best matches how you shoot.
If this is your first SLR (film or digital):
I'd urge starting with a Canon T1i or Nikon 90D. The 7D is an exceptionally complex camera that will take many hours to learn and dozen of hours shooting to master. Unless you have the time to invest in such a camera it will just be a source of frustration. Unlike nearly every other camera I've owned, the user will obtain disappointing or terrible results unless s/he truly understands this gear. By draw a distinction, you can take other DSLRs and just start shooting. Unlike the other cameras, the 7D has no scene modes. With other DSLRs you can take your time and gradually learn the more refined capabilities. Most much, the quality of your pictures will be just as excellent.
If you are moving up from an entry level DSLR:
You need to question yourself why you are moving up? If you are dissatisfied with the IQ, then the 7D is not your answer. Using the 7D, it will take a lot more work (at the start) to become proficient. But, if you need a quicker framerate, better high ISO performance (even if the T1i and D90 are very excellent for high ISO), long for a better focussing system, or shoot in the rain or the beach, then the 7D might make sense.
If you are moving up from a mid-level XXD or Nikon D300:
As before, you're being paid very small IQ improvement (wildlife photographers claim they can use the extra cropping capability, but I'm not convinced it's significant). Buy the 7D because the facial appearance grant you with value. Also, I would seriously deject anyone from switching from a Nikon D300 to a 7D. There has to be an resolution must-have 7D figure for you to make that leap.
As for me, I don't regret this hold. I'll never say never, but I'm hoping that the 7D will be my last crop-sensor camera. I like the flexibility and extension of creative options that the new facial appearance allow me. It's a fantastic camera. I'm looking forward to spending many hours apt warmly acquainted with its capabilities. |
Best Canon APS-C DSLR Yet
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| Review Date: October 28, 2009 |
| Assessor: Garrett Lowenthal, San Francisco, CA |
By any measure, the new Canon EOS 7D is a worthy successor to the EOS line of APS-C sensor DSLRs. I believe it finally levels the playing field for many Canon shooters envious of Nikon DXXX shooters.
I am an advanced amateur photographer who has owned the 20D for the last 5 years and will use it as a backup body now. With each Canon announcement of a successor to the XXD line of DSLRs, I was tempted to upgrade but resisted each time up until now. This was partly due to budgetary constraints, but I felt mostly that each new model was only an evolutionary modification rather than a revolutionary one. If there's one thing to keep in mind in this quick-moving world of DSLR shooting, then it is that DSLR bodies come and go (and depreciate quickly in value, like most electronic goods) but brilliant glass will nearly always be sound investments (high-quality lenses maintained in excellent shape up may appreciate in value).
The 7D appears to be a game-changer for many Canon photo enthusiasts like myself who prefer or can only afford to shoot with an APS-C sensor body. Nikon shooters have had an brilliant choice of a crop sensor body in the D100/D200/D300 (now D300s), but for Canon shooters, the top-of-the-line equivalent was trailing in the figure set department. Now most of the facial appearance that were absent in the Canon XXD body as compared with their main rival are present in the 7D.
Notable facial appearance:
- 18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Dual DIGIC 4 processors (a first for a prosumer Canon DSLR)
- Maximum 8 fps frame rate
- Maximum ISO 12,800
- VF with 100% coverage and 1.0x enlargement (a first for a Canon DSLR)
- 19-pt AF (all cross-type with f/5.6 or quicker lenses)
- 63-zone metering system (measures focus, color, and luminance)
- On-demand grid lines in VF (a first for any Canon DSLR)
- Built-in electronic leveler in 2 planes (a first for any Canon DSLR)
- Built-in wireless flash trigger (a first for any Canon DSLR)
- HD video in 1080p (30/25/24 fps) and 720p (60/50 fps)
I have had the camera for over a week now. My early impressions are mostly positive thus far. Additional view in the form of updates will be in the offing once I get an opportunity to capture more images under various situation (indoors/low light, out-of-doors, action, etc.) and get my act together to type it up. So far, I believe that the IQ, VF, LCD monitor, and handling are all vast improvements over the 20D. Taking photos at high ISOs and achieving low noise captures is all the rage these days. I feel that random photos I've taken at ISO settings up to 1600 are completely usuable. In the past, I felt comfortable shooting with my 20D mostly south of ISO 400/800. I shall pixel peep some more and shoot at even higher ISOs to see where the pleased medium for me shooting with the 7D lies. Tolerance for noise, I feel, is very subjective.
Limitations:
There is a steep learning curve with this camera. The 7D is packed with new facial appearance that I have yet to make the most of to my benefit. Coming from a 20D rather than a more recent line of XXD body makes things even more challenging. A careful read of the user's manual is critical.
If ultimately low noise captures at high ISOs is most vital to you, then a FF sensor body is the way to go rather than an APS-C sensor body. A larger pixel pitch that captures more light (at the expense of lower resolution) will help maintain low noise levels at very high ISOs. This is a key reason why the small-body FFs, such as the Nikon D700, Canon 5D/5DMkII, and Sony A900/A850, are so revered. Any of those cameras will likely outperform the 7D at high ISOs in terms of low noise captures. Moreover, they grant less DoF than APS-Cs at equivalent fields of view. But, the obvious downsides are their cost and need for huge, heavy, and expensive glass.
The 7D should not be viewed as an HD camcorder substitution. Even if useful to have and with slightly more shooting options as compared with the version now existing in the 5DMkII, video capture in the 7D still suffers from lack of continuous AF. Unfortunately, the jello phenomenon (from rolling close) and monoaural sound (external stereo mic input is available, though) make for a less than sweet wrap.
*** Please be aware that some information about the makings harms with the early batch of 7D bodies has surfaced on shooting forums and elsewhere (including here on Amazon). They include difficulties with the new AF system (above all in AI servo mode, though some users have had vex in any AF mode) resulting in OOF photos, as well as ghosting (residual preceding images captured in later images) under certain shooting situation. Canon is aware of the latter and will issue a firmware update in the near future. Meanwhile, a firmware update (1.0.9) has by now been issued that fixes harms with suboptimal AF in Live View, among other bugs. Of note, my copy has no troubles with AF that I have encountered at this point. ***
Overall Impression:
The Canon EOS 7D is probably the best overall Canon APS-C sensor DSLR now available. As far as figure set, it fares exceptionally well with its slightly more expensive main rival, the Nikon D300s. In its favor, the D300s has a larger, 51-pt AF system and dual CF/SD card slots. A scientific shoot-out from a sound shooting website or magazine is sorely needed to help resolve the issue of which has better IQ at high ISOs. I believe the current lack of Adobe software help for 7D RAW images is the rate-limiting step.
With my top secret use of the 7D thus far, I have found the camera to be a sheer pleasure to shoot with. It is a worthy upgrade for 10D/20D users, and probably for 30D users as well. Shooters of the 40D/50D will need to set up whether the new facial appearance are worth dishing out $1700 USD for, above all during these challenging economic times. Mostly subjective evidence exists so far that suggests there may be a slight improvement in IQ from the 7D as compared with the 40D/50D. Nikon and other brand photo enthusiasts should weigh the benefits and risks of switching systems.
Once Canon publicly addresses any the makings harms with the AF system encountered by some users, then I can offer the 7D my highest recommendation.
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I upgraded, should you?
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| Review Date: October 26, 2009 |
| Assessor: Vijay Raghavendiran, San Diego CA |
It depends! If you are looking for a comparison linking the 5D and the 7D, or if I would have a recommendation of one over the other, this is not for you. This is written from the perspective of someone who upgraded from the xxD series to the 7D. Before I go into a detailed review about the 7D and whether you should upgrade or not, a small social class about me to help you guys compare it to your situation. I'm an amateur photographer who does the occasional paid gig, more because I delight in it rather than for the money. I have been taking pictures for 4 years now, went through 35mm learning curve and then switched to 20D in Mar 06. I have shot with the 40D, but never owned the 30/40/50D. Current lenses include 17-40mm f/4L, 24-70mm f/2.8L, Tamron 28-75 f/2.8, 70-200mm f/4L IS, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8, 135mm f/2L & 100mm f/2.8macro. I still have my 35mm EOS 3 which I like and use rarely.
Am I pleased I upgraded from the 20D?
You bet! I believe that one should invest in lenses first and keep the camera for the last (unless of course, if you are a pro). It has been a real upgrade from the 20D. The 7D feels like a slightly larger and beyond doubt heavier camera than the 20D and I am still being paid used to moving it (this is a review after 24 hrs of the hold). When I place the 24-70 2.8L on to it, it balanced just perfectly, yes, both are heavy, but they just perfectly balance each other. I could carry the 20D with array grip in one hand. But, the 7D+24-70L is beyond doubt a two handed camera, even without the array grip. If you are a petite lady or a guy with small hands reading this, you could get some do lifting 5lbs dumb bells. No, I am not joking...add the 580EX on top of this, and you will know that I am serious. I like the way it feels in my hand and the way the camera rests firmly on my left palm while I hold it. So much for ergonomics and body feel. The neck strap has 7D written on it, which plainly is meant for immodest rights.
The IQ is the largest jump from the 20D (duh!) Every clickgasm results in a gorgeous image, especially when you bring together it with a excellent repertoire of lenses. Yes, I said clickgasm, because every click is just so much sweeter like a 1000 bag pipers playing in the distant, but just for 1/60th of a second. Like it.
I also like the sensor cleaning functionality, a touch that was missing in the 20D, which was more prevalent in the 40D & 50D. It provides confidence and reassurance that this is a excellent thing for the camera.
Oh and talk about the LCD. A real leap for me, may be less so from the 50D, but I like how the menu functionality is methodical. The resolution of the LCD is outstanding and nearly zero glare. I constantly had that conundrum with the 20D, but this is a huge improvement and am very pleased. In the 20D, you could'nt tell if an image was OOF, but in this, it is very obvious if there is a shake or OOF. And the color and draw a distinction visible in the LCD itself is outstanding. Reckon of the jump linking monochrome computer monitors to the color flat screens...that is what it is for me. In addendum, I also like how the Quick Setting is methodical, which displays about all the image settings from exposure scale, white balance, ISO, aperture, close speed, metering and all the pleased stuff. The menu is different from the Quick Setting, and that goes into the additional details such as FEB, AEB, ISO extension, custom functions, Highlight Tone Priority etc. Very well done Canon, I like it so far.
The 8fps is really cool, but I used to have 5 fps in the 20D with the array grip and used it only while shooting sports, the 8 will come in handy on the rare occasion that I use it for pro sports. And you get that without any additional array pack, which is excellent.
ISO extension and noise reduction looks very excellent at the first glance. The pictures from the 20D were sub par at 800 and unusable at 1600 and above. I took a couple of pictures at 3200 with the 7D and am very impressed with the improvement in IQ. There is a significant improvement despite the higher MP in the sensor, so very pleased with it. For the thrill of it, I shot a pic at 12800 (posted it in the gallery, the canon 77mm lens cap) and compared it with the same pic at 3200. I would give a 5 star to canon on this one too.
OMG, the 19pt focus, I absolutely like it. Reckon of it this way, I learnt advanced shooting in the Canon EOS 3 (35mm), which has 45 point focus. when I bought the 20D, I felt like it was a huge downgrade in focusing skill. It was not cool to loose the ECF figure of the 3 either. But I like going back to the 19point focus figure...I dont know, a touch about it is just cooler. It is most helpful in taking macro shots, which I do a lot of, and I dont have to go the focus and then go the camera ( I know, I know, pathetic way of taking macro shots). Again, glad that finally Canon is bringing this figure in.
Two facial appearance I am yet to use and will add it to a later review after use are the wireless flash and the HD video.
Should you upgrade from the 30/40/50D?
I have shot with a 40D and I have to say that the improvement in IQ from 20D to 40D was significant and a larger leap than the 40D to the 7D (I have not used the 50D). If you have $1900 extra and want to splurge on this, by all means. The only time I would fervently advise against buying the 7D is if you spent much of your time with your previous DSLR in the basic mode and never in the P, Av, Tv, M modes. This camera doesnt have any of those modes and is not meant for someone appealing in learning shooting, it is meant for someone who knows what they are doing.
If you are really attracted in shooting HD video in one camera and want to make use of a excellent collection of lenses for the video, absolutely go for it. This provides a slightly cheaper option compared to the 5D. I never even considered the 5D as I knew it was not for me. I dont know that I will gain value for the additional $800. So cant help you if you are trying to choose linking the 5d and the 7d.
The four largest reasons I can see you going for an upgrade are
1. HD video
2. Wireless flash
3. 19 pt focus
4. Weather and Dust sealing that is a part of the xD series.
If you are considering an upgrade for the sake of IQ, you may be in for a disappointment. Dont get me incorrect, there is an improvement (my POV is from 40D), but just that the 40D itself is so excellent that there is small room for Canon to improve. There are a lot more reasons to upgrade if you are using the 20D or the 30D as I have mentioned earlier in my review.
Any complaints with the camera so far?
None so far, Im very pleased. Of course, the price could be cheaper, but oh well. I also wish real estate in California was cheaper, but lets be realistic, Canon is in this business to make money. I noticed that one assessor had focusing harms, I have had none and am very pleased with the camera so far.
I will continue posting pictures and additional review points...pleased clickgasm!
UPDATE AFTER 7 DAYS OF USING THE CAMERA.
So far, I have been exceptionally pleased. If there is a touch that has consistently wowed me, it is the LCD, incredible resolution, color and clarity in that. Portraits coming out of this camera are lovely, more so on the 85/1.8 makes it a fantastic combo. ISO1600 is usable, I took one or two in ISO12800, which was better in quality compared to my 20Ds 3200. Not fantastic, but useful to maintain memories. May not suit professional expectations of quality. I uploaded some of my first pictures, not sure why Amazon is not showing them (nothing obscene in the pictures). Beyond doubt pleased with my hold and would highly urge!
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