Image Quality

Images are well exposed and the metering delivers even the most extreme lighting with little trouble. In widely contrasting scenes the camera can lose some highlight detail to maintain a balanced scene. However, the use of the Auto Lighting Optimiser does help.

The auto white balance copes well in most conditions though appears slightly on the cool side under studio lights. Colours in the JPEGs appear to be punchier than older Canon models, and more like those from the 7D. This makes the images usable straight from the camera. /p>

Noise levels are well controlled though above ISO 800 the noise reduction does become quite noticeable in JPEG images and from 3200 ISO starts to degrade detail. The extended high setting, equivalent to 12,800 ISO, is best avoided for critical work.

Even at 200% it is nearly impossible to tell the JPEG and Raw files apart. Using default settings the JPEGs tended to be slightly darker and noise reduction can be seen in place of colour noise on high ISO files but detail levels are more or less identical.

The advantage of the Raw is the ability to bring back detail, add sharpness and alter white balance without degrading the image.

The 18MP sensor allows an impressive level of detail to be captured. The 17-85mm kit lens does show some signs of fringing around the edges but using a prime lens, shows just how good this camera can be.