Finally, Canon's new 18-135mm lens is pretty tasty in itself, offering a 7.5x zoom range and optical image stabilisation.
What's in a name?
Here's the thing, though. Previously, Canon used double-digit numbers for its high-end, APS-C-format dSLRs, like the EOS 50D, and single digits for its full-frame models, like the EOS 5D and EOS-1Ds. Canon can call its cameras what it likes, but some photographers are confused over the choice between the 7D and the 5D, given that there's not much difference in price. Others are even slightly miffed that Canon's sneaked an APS-C model into the single-digit range.
But there's got to be more to complain about than just the name, right? Well, yes, there are a couple of things. The 18-135mm kit lens is alright but ever so slightly prone to chromatic aberration, and not hugely sharp. If you really want to get the most from the 18-megapixel sensor, you're probably going to have to invest in better lenses, shoot raw files, or both.
Also, Canon's fancy new iFCL light-metering system seems to freak out now and again, producing hideous over-exposure with some backlit subjects. It doesn't happen every time, but it occurs often enough to make you wonder whether Canon has got this quite right yet.
Conclusion
The Canon EOS 7D has its faults, but it's a great camera overall. Look at what you're getting -- a metal-bodied, professional camera that can shoot at speeds barely bettered by cameras of two or three times the price, plus class-leading resolution and HD movies too. Nikon and the rest of the pack have their work cut out to top this.
Edited by Charles Kloet
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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.
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