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Canon EOS 7D Review
[Abstract]
Canon EOS 7D - Top of the ClassThe Canon EOS 7D is by far one of the most anticipated cameras of the year. Ever since the 5D Mark II was launched August last year, there were talks that Canon m...
[Content] PCDigitalMobileGame
Field Report Card
Aside from that one 'flaw' - the cropped sensor (at least from our point of view) - the 7D also performs remarkably well in any lighting situation. With a cropped sensor, the focal length is effectively 1.6 times longer than what is stated on the lens, giving us that extra reach.
We were lucky enough to receive the camera two days before a close friend's wedding - a good opportunity in field-testing this newcomer. With a cropped sensor, our focal length is effectively 1.6 times longer than what is stated on the lens, giving us that extra reach. For this particular wedding, we shot the images using only a 50mm f/1.4 lens.
ISO and Noise Control
Despite having a similar ISO range than its 50D cousin, the 7D offers better noise control. We could safely shoot at ISO2000 or ISO2500 and present the images with confidence. If needed, we can even raise the exposure in the post-production stage by another two-thirds of a stop, stopping short at one full stop in extreme circumstances.
This, however, does not mean that pictures taken at ISO3200 and above are not worth using; it's just an option that we choose not to exercise unless the situation calls for it.
The EOS 7D is pretty capable of handling noise at high ISO levels. But we erred on the safe side with this shot taken at ISO1600. With a faster shutter speed involved, we could have pushed the ISO values to compensate for the darker hue in this image. Click on the image for the full resolution. |
At the similar ISO1600 range, you can see how the EOS 7D manages to keep noise at the bare minimum. Click on the image for the full resolution. |
Low light performance was very good, with presentable shots possible all the way up to ISO 2500, and in some cases, ISO 3200. Click on the image for the full resolution. |
Auto Focus
With the 7D, there's also major improvement in focusing. With 19 cross-type AF points, the 7D is one level short of attaining the revered focusing status of the 1D. Focusing felt faster and was also more accurate in many situations; at times we felt that it was on par with the 1D Mark III, which says a lot about the 7D's focusing abilities.
The AF area selection modes and their activation were something else that we had to get used to. For the first time in a long while, we actually had to refer to the accompanying manual to figure out how to switch between the different types of AF points (which, by the way, you have to press the M-Fn to switch between Single point, Spot, AF Point Expansion and Zone). It's also interesting to note that Canon has changed the look and feel of the AF points themselves, adopting the same design as the 1D series; you can say goodbye to the nine tiny squares now.
Lots of detail all around; the 19 cross-type AF points certainly helped to get faster and more accurate focusing when shooting. Click on the image for the full resolution. |
To give the 7D its highest accolade, we can almost claim that the out-of-camera images are certainly on par, if not (heaven forbid) better than the 5D Mark II. While we would certainly like to make the above claim, the sheer fact that the 7D comes equipped with a cropped sensor is a letdown. With faster lenses, the 5D Mark II will most certainly produce better bokeh as compared to a cropped sensor, hence better image control.
Getting the bokeh effect that could be on par with the EOS 5D MKII is possible with the EOS 7D , but you'll need a fast lens to complement the body. Click on the image for the full resolution. |
However, that does not, in any way, mean that current owners of EF-S lenses should start ditching their current collection to acquire the more expensive and optically superior L range. The 7D is still formidable when compared to its nearest competitor, the Nikon D300s. While we've yet to review the D300s, we do believe the 7D will come up strong with its wonderful noise control, faster AF and excellent video. Throw in a few L-quality EF-S lenses like the EF-S 17-55mm IS and the EF-S 10-22mm, and the 7D can just about take on most of its consumer competitors.
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