The Canon EOS 7D is the first model of a new camera line under the vendor’s new naming system. Under this naming scheme, the first clue as to where the 7D fits in Canon’s line-up is in the model number itself.
According to Canon, the naming of the camera determines whether it is an entry level or top of the range model. In other words, the fewer the digits in front of the, the higher the camera line. Once a single digit is reached, the lower the number, the higher the camera line. Canon’s 1D-Series line is the highest available.
Anyway that’s that about explanations on how Canon names its DSLR camera range. Now with regards to the EOS 7D, the camera for me is poised as the ultimate step up camera for serious photographers or a second camera for professionals in the field of photography. While it may be a second camera for many professionals, because of the features-to-price ratio, I think it suits well in the mid-range category.
What Canon has done with the EOS 7D is that the features alone are refreshing.
Another factor that I found interesting about this camera is that select features found in lower end Canon DSLR camera lines can top those found in the best lines. And that is clearly the case with the 7D compared to the other currently available lines including the 1-Series bodies. Here is a quick summary of the new and advanced features found in this DSLR:
· New 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor
· New 19-point auto focus (AF) system with new AF area selection modes including spot and zone AF mode
· Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors with 14-bit A/D data conversion driving 8 fps capture
· New 63-zone iFCL (intelligent focus, colour, luminance) Metering System
· New Intelligent Viewfinder with liquid crystal overlay and near 100% coverage
· ISO speed settings from 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800)
· New buttons including the Quick Control Button and a dedicated Live view/video recording button
· New three inch solid structure clear view II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution
· New integrated Speedlite transmitter for control of multiple off-camera EOS Speedlites
· Weather sealing and solid build
· With the new WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter, new wireless connectivity features
Though it is similar to a higher end model, the Canon EOS 7D is most similar in size and function to the most double digit EOS D models, like the Canon EOS 50D.
Having done a course in photo-journalism, I preferred to use manual exposure settings when possible, but there were times when auto exposure proved to be the better option – such as when shooting under changing light conditions. An upgraded 7D feature that utilises the iFCL Metering System is Auto ISO which I found to be handy.
The fact that the camera lets you to dial in the M mode fixed aperture and shutter speeds and lets AE determine the ISO setting needed is in itself a great attribute for the 7D. A user can set the shutter speed they need and the aperture, something that is ideal for sports photographers.
The product is definitely recommended and resellers that specialise in this space are better off to target the EOS 7D SLR at any shooter that’s looking to make the jump from entry level DSLR or film SLR to a pro model digital camera. This is definitely a pro’s camera.
The Canon EOS 7D is without question, one of the best APS-C sensor-sized DSLR, the camera manufacturer has ever produced. However, “best” is a vague and subjective word. Let me begin by clarifying what I mean by best.
