Canon makes digital SLRs in both the APS-C and full-frame formats. The EOS 7D is the latest top-of-the-range APS-C model, but it's more than just a midway point between amateur and pro gear. With its 18-megapixel sensor, 8-frames-per-second continuous shooting and 1080p movie mode, it's a professional camera in its own right.
You can buy the body only for around £1,500, or you can buy it with Canon's new 18-135mm kit lens for about £1,800.
Built like a tank
If you've used one of Canon's amateur cameras, like the EOS 1000D or EOS 500D, you may be surprised by how different the 7D is. These cameras may share sensors of the same size, but, otherwise, it's like comparing a Ford Fiesta with a Challenger battle tank. The 7D is built to survive the rigours of professional work, with a metal chassis, aluminium-alloy body panels and a shutter mechanism that has a 150,000-shot life. The latter's just as well given the camera's staggering 8fps continuous shooting. It can capture up to 126 JPEGs without stopping, using the latest UDMA (fast) memory cards. That's about 16 seconds' worth of snaps.
But don't get the idea that carrying the 7D around is going to be like toting a miniature ordnance factory. It's actually very cleanly designed. It's both tough and elegant at the same time.
High-speed shooting and professional build quality aren't all you get. There's also an 18-megapixel sensor -- the highest resolution yet outside of a full-frame camera. That could be something of a worry -- what about noise at high ISOs? It's actually not a problem. The 7D is slightly dodgy at its ISO 6,400 maximum, but, otherwise, it's a match for Nikon's 12-megapixel D300S, previously the standard-setter in this area.
Then there's the movie mode. It records at a 'Full HD', 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution; you get full manual control over shutter speed, aperture and ISO; and you can even switch frame rates, according to the final output you need.
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User reviews4
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charlesharley 5 March 2012
Good: Picture quality
Bad: Price
Comment: Love that camera!!!
RyanKelly 18 March 2011
Good: Great picture and video quality, Build Quality is superb, Autofocusing, Great low-light performance at high ISO, Battery Life
Bad: No dual CF slots, No 1D-level weather sealing, Incandescent WB preset still not close enough
Comment: I've had this camera for a month now after having the 30D for the past 3 years and using a 5DMk2 for a few months. This camera is a perfect blend of the x0D series and xD series of cameras. If it were a full frame camera, it would definitely be a pro grade camera.
It is easy to use, the buttons are in the right places and you can customize most of the buttons to suit your working style.
The 8 frames per second is amazing and the picture and video quality are top notch.
The biggest concern on putting 18 megapixels in an APS-C sized sensor is noise, as has happened in the 50D camera. However, rest assured that the new sensor provide great images up to ISO 800, some noise (which can be further reduced in post-production) up to 1600, then above 1600 you have to be careful about quality loss.
They have only continued 2 features that I find annoying in their cameras:
1) the location of the depth-of-field preview button at the base of the lens is hard to reach since my hand is generally holding the lens, not the base of the camera, and
2) the 6 second timeout on seeing the displayed information inside the viewfinder after you press a button. I wish it were longer.
A third thing I could add is for auto-focus during video shooting.
The bottom line is that Canon has produced a camera which is a joy to shoot with. It feels great in the hand, the features are rich, and the interface is clean (especially when you configure the 'My Menu' to show the 5 most important menu items that you regularly use). Most importantly, the photo quality is superb.
*** P.S. If you will buy this camera I suggest at: amazon.co.uk/dp/B002LSI1LO/?tag=reviews.cnet.co.uk-21
Silvester Drole 21 January 2011
Good: Very good cam
Bad: Nothing
Comment: Very good cam for sport.
See all 4 user reviews