Canon EOS 7D Review

Performance

Canon EOS 7D review - Performance

Though it may not have the vast 51-point AF system of the Nikon D300s, the 7D's 19-point AF array is pretty impressive and covers the main areas well. Though all sensors are the cross type, only the central point features an f/2.8 sensor, as the rest are f/5.6 based. This means that the centre point still has increased sensitivity when used with lenses with f/2.8 apertures or brighter. Focusing was difficult to fault though, and the additional sensors really helped for tracking subjects - something that can be further customised for your needs.

The metering system demonstrated flawless performance, managing to retain highlight and shadow detail in almost all instances, only occasionally helped from a more specific metering mode or 1/3 EV compensation and still producing punchy images in low light too.

The high-speed burst mode on the 7D is a standout feature, offering a blistering eight frames per second. Using a Lexar 300x UDMA CompactFlash card this fired out 18 Raw files effortlessly, around seven Raw+JPEG files, and rather than the stated 126 JPEG files, managed an earth-shattering 358 shots before slowing. Individual write times are 1sec for a JPEG, 1.5sec for a Raw, and 2secs for a Raw+JPEG but have little effect when there's no hold up in the buffer for at least seven shots.

Battery life is listed at around 800 shots - pretty impressive, if 50 shots less than the 5D Mk II. Though expect less when using live view or shooting movies. It also features intelligent monitoring, providing percentage capacity, shutter count and recharge performance in the menu. Finally, the rear LCD is a joy to use; it's large, bright and almost reflection-free, making it ideal for outdoor use, and with the high resolution, makes checking focus really easy. Buy this camera now !

Canon EOS 7D Review sample image - click for full size image.

Using the centre AF point allows increased accuracy with a lens of f/2.8 or brighter, and means you can quickly pull subjects out of busy backgrounds. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8, 200mm, f/2.8, 1/200sec, ISO 500

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Latest comments

November 18 12:44

Michael

One issue that has been raised by a number of users and non-commercial/enthusiast reviews of the EOS 7D is of image sharpness - with some suggestions that even RAW images are very soft. To my eye, all of the sample images in this review do appear soft (admittedly viewed on a non-colour balanced monitor). What is What Digital Camera's opinion on this question? Or other users'?

November 18 16:32

Mat Gallagher

Raw images often appear soft when compared to JPEG images as they contain no sharpening and the Raw images outputted for this test have not had any sharpening added. Slight image softness is fairly common - particularly as you reach mid to advanced models - as it allows you to control your own levels of sharpening and often leads to a better result. However, the JPEG images from this camera are pin sharp - even at higher ISO values.

November 28 08:19

colin davis

Yet another stunning piece of equipment from one of the big boys. Is this inclusion of video going to become a standard in all top middle to top end products? I am considering an upgrade from another platform to get into the canon system but am reluctant to pay for video which is something I wouldn't use.Can't these camera's be offered in 2 flavours, 1 with video and one without?

December 08 11:16

Ezine

Here's a review from an extremely seasoned & competent photographer, all his tests are right "out of the box" (7D, D300s, etc), no processing. The results are softness in every 7D shots, but not found on the other cameras, including much cheaper cameras! Canon has been making cameras long enough not to let such a product out of their factory, and they have harmed themselves with the megapixel war. http://darwinwiggett.wordpress.com/2009/11/11/the-canon-7d/

December 17 05:06

Richard

Before Canon Release 7D, the web was flooded with a large number of samples pictures shot with the 7DBeta...since then nobody shot sharp picture with 7D....so those original pictures was shot on the same camera? or perhaps Beta was better. Where I can buy 7D Beta ?

January 10 15:50

Adam

Wanting full-frame, I was on the point of buying a 5D II but the 7D's arrival shows how much is missing from the 5D II. Top of my wishlist would be the 7D's AF system, though the improved movie functionality / controls would be nice. I doubt the next 5D will get the 7D's 8fps speed, since that would make the 1D almost pointless. All the same, I'll wait for the 5D III - the 5D II already looks deficient in so many ways.

January 14 06:40

Kevin

Obviously ones idea of a sharp image will be different than anothers. I for one can see the soft appearance of the sample photo of the girl. View the larger version and it becomes even more apparent. Now Im not saying its not a good capture but definitely not what I consider sharp.

January 21 17:55

JoelKhaw

Excellent camera with great features. http://www.joelkhaw.tumblr.com

August 29 09:26

Jetinder Sira

I use a Canon EOS 3 35mm film camera and I really adore it. But if they stop making film the 7D is the camera I would buy as (from this review) its good value for money. Apart from lack of full frame and 45 AF points, the 7D has all the features of the much more expensive 1D IV but at half the price.

October 17 17:35

Garrick Maguire

The 7D does not target genuine 5D MK II users, who need or just want clean very large photos. the low light performance and all round quality of the 5D MK II, for e.g. coupled with a 135 f/2, is surely on a par with medium format. Meanwhile the 7D is going to give fabulous results up to a lower ISO threshold but do it all a bit faster. If fps is the killer need then there is no discussion, otherwise quality simply underlines the 5D MK II. But in then end, who's going to know if the photo is well done? Regards, Garrick, Rome

January 02 20:58

Rawan

I have a canon eos 1000D I bought it almost 4 years ago but I was looking at the sample photographs for the eos 7D and The pictures that I take on my old camera look better and of a better quality!! I wan a camera that has a crispy and sharp effect, Would you recommend one?

April 26 22:50

Nigel Hunter

I have been using a Canon 7d for a while now and I have to say it is brilliant. I upgraded from a Canon 400d and wanted a camera that would take the lenses I already had with the 400d. The 7d fitted the bill and doesn't dissapoint. The controls are easy to use and the picture quality is excellent. I take a lot of landsacpe photos so it compliments my Canon 10-22 USM lens perfectly. I would definitely recomend this.